Chapter Eighteen: Escape
Sitting between Varro's legs, our family sat around a small fire, attempting to keep warm. The slope had grown quiet. We were hungry and cold, our rations on the verge of running out. Days had already gone by and we were no closer to finding a way to escape then when we were first forced upon mountain path.
Shifting, my shoulder started to throb again, the scabs cracking. Frowning, I put my hand over it, feeling Varro's cover it. "Are you still in pain?"
"Yes." I told him, putting my hand against his bandaged side. "Though not as much as you."
"I am all right." He told me.
"You won't be if we don't get off of this fucking mountain." I replied angrily.
"There is no festering." He said running fingers through my hair.
"Not yet. But I don't have enough herbs to keep you that way if infection should set in." I replied, fatigue in my voice.
"Sleep." He told me, wrapping his arms around me.
"I'm not tired." I replied even though I relaxed into him.
"You haven't slept more than a few hours since we were forced up here." Crixus stated. I didn't respond to him. "Lea." He said making me meet his eyes. "Rest."
Sighing, I looked around at my family. They were all looking at me as if I were going to fall apart at any moment. Yes, I would admit that I was more at risk of it than anyone. I had just recovered from my last loss. Now that we had lost almost half our numbers and were starving atop a mountain ledge, it wasn't farfetched to think that I might slip in my recovery. I had been helping the wounded without pause since we were forced here. Since Camila had been killed while we were retreating, it left very few who knew what they were doing to tend to the wounded. It had taken nearly a day to simply mend everyone and even longer to tend to those who had more than cuts, scrapes, or bruises. I had spent ample time tending to Varro's burned side. It wasn't as bad as I had initially thought but I was still obsessed with keeping it cool and clean. My shoulder was worse than his and yet I couldn't think past him or about anything else for that matter. He consumed me as very few had ever experienced. I truly was blessed by the Gods to feel the love it did, knowing that it was reciprocated.
Finally nodding at them, I turned onto my side, curling myself in a ball, resting my head against Varro's thigh. He trailed his fingers through my hair with one hand while the other lay against my hip. Taking his hand from my hip, I held it against my chest, feeling his lips against my temple before sleep took me.
When I woke, I found myself unmoved, my family still where they had been before. Gripping Varro's thigh, his hand ran across my hair before his lips found my temple once more. Slowly sitting up, I leaned against Varro's chest, sighing as I rubbed the sleep from my face. Swallowing several times to wet my dry mouth, my body felt stiff as if I had been laying there for hours. The sun had been up when I had fallen asleep and it was still in the sky now.
"How long did I sleep?" I asked.
"Long enough for everyone else to take to bed and return to their seats come morning." Gannicus replied.
Frowning, I folded my arms across Varro's as he wrapped them around me. "Why didn't you wake me?" I asked him. "Have you been sitting here all night?"
"I couldn't wake you." He told me with his beautiful half smile. "I enjoy watching you sleep."
"Did you sleep at all?" I asked as I leaned away from him, turning to meet his eyes as I draped my legs over his. He simply smiled at me. "You scold me and yet you are the one losing sleep."
"I love you." He smiled and kissed me.
"I hate when you do that." I frowned at him.
"Why?" He grinned.
"Because I can't be angry with you when you smile at me like that." I replied but melted into him when he pulled me back against his chest. Running my hand down the side of his face, I trailed my thumb across his bottom lip. His eyes held mine before he shut them, pressing his lips against my thumb. Smiling, I leaned forward and pressed my lips against his forehead, letting them linger there.
"You make me sick." Gannicus' voice reached us.
"You're just jealous." I smirked at him.
"I've known love. Mine was simply done in secret." He retorted.
"Mine as well." I told him. "Only freedom has allowed us to act upon every feeling we have."
"Too much love makes me sick." He said and looked away from me.
Sighing at him, I slowly got up from Varro's lap, hiding a smile at the glare on my love's face as he looked at the old arena champion. Looking around at the Rebels that surrounded us, I smiled as Spartacus walked up to me, taking my head in his hands as he placed a kiss against my cheek.
"I am fine." I told him.
"I know." He smiled putting his hand against my cheek.
"Are you?"
"Yes."
"I've been meaning to ask you something." I told him with a hint of nervousness.
"Ask." He told me.
"Walk with me." I told him, slipping my hand into his.
He frowned but followed me, leaning against my side as we walked out of earshot of others. "Break words and tell me what weighs mind."
"It's not my mind that I'm worried about." I told him.
"Speak plainly." He frowned harder.
"What are you doing, Spartacus?" I frowned back at him. "To Mira." He bowed his head, avoiding my eyes. "She is in love with you. I know you love her. It may not be nearly as powerful as the love you feel for Sura but she is here in the flesh before you. She would do anything for you and yet you shun her. Why, brother?"
"I cannot forgive so easily how quickly she would take a woman's life that is heavy with child." He replied, his tone hard.
"She did it for you." I told him with the same tone. "Everything she does, she does for you. She wants to spare you pain and bring you all the happiness she can. How do you not see this?" He just looked at me. Taking his head in my hands, I met his eyes. "Please reconsider your thoughts on the matter. You both deserve to be happy and I believe that she can make you happy. You already make her happy."
Taking my hands from his head, he held them, nodding gently. "I will think on it. We have spoken with sentiment as of late. I see you and Varro persevering all odds and I too wish to feel a measure of that again. Mira does make me happy. But I fear no love will be able to touch you and Varro. Not even Sura and I."
"I appreciate that." I smirked at him.
"Even in the darkest of times you manage to smile and show affection for each other."
"So do Naevia and Crixus."
"It's not the same." He smiled. "I am grateful to have known you."
Smiling, my brows furrowed but I nodded at him, about to speak when Crixus' voice interrupted us, rushing to where we were standing. Fear encompassed me as I watched him approach. Feeling Spartacus' hand on my back, I could sense his tension.
"Spartacus! Nemetes and a clutch of fools have taken afoot." Our brother told us.
"Towards what purpose?" Spartacus asked.
"Spartacus." I said softly as I looked up at him.
"What's happened?" Mira asked rushing up to us.
"They attempt to breach the Romans at the foot of the path." Gannicus told us.
Rushing to my things, I gripped my bow and quiver before moving to follow Spartacus, Mira and the others. But before I could take more than a few steps, my arm was gripped tightly and I turned to see the angry face of Varro.
"Varro." I said with a slight frown.
"Not this time." He said before gripping his sword and rushing down the path.
"Varro." I repeated as I watched him disappear.
"Lea." Naevia said sadly as he put her arm around me.
"I should go to them." I said and moved to take a step forward only to have Naevia grip my arm.
"No." She told me. "Just wait. They'll return."
Pacing, I gently bit my thumbnail as I stared at the edge of the path. Varro hadn't been as involved with the fighting that had occurred as the others. He had been on few raids and the majority of his time was spent with me. My stomach was turning, feeling that if anything happened to him it would be my fault. He had trained hard. I knew he could handle himself, and yet I thought of his wounded side. I thought of him making the slightest of mistakes and him being killed because of it.
"Naevia." I said as I paced.
"He will be all right." She told me. "Yours isn't the only man of worth down there."
Stopping, I looked at her, my face softening as I saw the fear in her eyes that mirrored my own. "Apologies." I said softly. "I'm simply used to following them wherever they go."
"You follow Spartacus." She told me. "You follow him while Varro is the one who stays behind with worry. Your roles are opposite from where they should be. Now you know what he feels whenever you are out of sight."
"Are you telling me that you would not follow Crixus if you could?" I frowned at her. "That is doesn't turn stomach to have him out of arms reach?"
She frowned at me, "I am not ready to fight at his side."
Nodding at her, anger filled my veins, "I am ready." She frowned at me. "I am ready, Naevia, and now I am here when I should be helping them."
"Enough." Felix said stepping in between us. "Now is not the time."
Naevia and I frowned at each other, before my anger melted and I swiftly went to her. "Apologies."
"It is no secret that you have become a formidable fighter." She told me. "Some of us haven't had the time to train as much as you."
"You have done well. I did not mean any disrespect." I frowned at her.
"You are stronger than me. You've always been stronger than me. But do not think that I will linger in your shadow. I too will become something that the Roman's fear."
"I am not feared." I told her.
"Look around you." She frowned at me. "There are those among us who only see the hardness that you have shown. The soft Lea is of the past. You are a warrior now."
Hearing her words confused me and I couldn't place why. There was something in the tone of her voice. Something that was far from the Naevia I grew up with. I didn't know when it happened, but the woman I called sister had faded in her. She was becoming someone else and I wasn't sure if I cared for her as much as the other. Wanting to respond to her, there was commotion from the path and soon our people appeared, only Spartacus was carrying someone. My heart sank before I rushed forward, gripping Mira's hand as she lay limp in Spartacus' arms. It was cold…
"Mira!" I exclaimed, running my hand down her hair as I fell in step next to Spartacus.
"We must seal her would. Nasir? Heat your sword in the fire. Quickly!" Spartacus called as he laid her on the ground.
"Mira." I said looking at her, still gripping her hand as I continuously ran my hand along her hair.
"Spartacus." Naevia said with a sad tone.
"Mira?" I said with a broken voice, tears blurring my vision. Spartacus and I shared a look before shaking took me over and I bowed my head as sobs poured from my throat, rocking back and forth as the grief took hold.
"Was it worth it?" Spartacus shot at Nemetes. "Was it worth her life to make attempt to save your own?!" He yelled, attacking him, beating him. "She is gone from this world 'cause of you!" He screamed at the German.
"You were the mad fuck that led us to our deaths!" Nemetes retorted angrily. "At least she claimed hers as a warrior, not starving and robbed of strength, as the rest of us are doomed."
"You are right. We will all perish…if we do not stand together."
"It will make no fucking difference."
"Seize tongue, and open fucking ears." Crixus shot at him.
"The cliffs of Vesuvius are impassable." Spartacus told him. "The southern path holds the only promise of making purchase. We hold the higher ground and, with it, advantage over superior numbers."
"Only if Glaber is foolish enough to attack before we are too weak from hunger to fight." Nemetes stated.
Oenomaus appeared, gracing us with his wisdom, "A man is never too weak or too wounded to fight…if the cause is greater than his own life."
"Glaber and his army will come. And when they do…Vesuvius will be forever stained with the blood of vengeance." Spartacus told them.
Dropping to his knees at Mira's side, I looked at him with wet eyes, reaching out and taking his hand. He looked at me with a glisten in his eyes. He had loved her. More than either of them knew. All she wanted was his love and now she was forever stricken from this world. It was then that hands found me and I looked up into Varro's eyes. My cries intensified as he kneeled next to me, pulling me into his chest. I still gripped Mira's hand, feeling the last remnants of warmth drain from it.
"I am so sorry." Varro told me as he held me tightly.
When my cries had stopped, both Spartacus and I simply sat, holding Mira's hands in ours. Taking my eyes from her, they fell on Spartacus' hands. They were still coated in blood. Getting to my feet, I walked to my things, pulling out a rag, using a small amount of water to dampen it before returning to my brother.
"Spartacus." I said gently as I took Mira's hand from his, taking both of his in mine. Gently wiping the blood from his hands, I held my breath to try and keep myself from breaking down again.
"Gratitude." He said softly.
When I was done, I lifted his hand up, placing a kiss against each palm. "Apologies." I told him, more air then sound, forcing the words through my tight throat.
"I am the one who should apologize." He told me. "I should have embraced her while she was still living."
"This is not your fault." I said shaking my head. "You meant the world to her. She would not want you to wallow in grief."
"Wouldn't she?" He frowned at me, looking back at her body. "I denied her the affection she so craved and now she is no longer of this world."
Letting a tear slide down my cheek, I ran my hand down the back of his head, gently gripping his neck as I placed a kiss against his temple. "I love you." I whispered in his ear before I stood and rushed away from him, taking deep breaths to try and keep myself in control.
There was no escape from the prying eyes of the rebels. Their leaders were falling apart. More than ever I was grateful that I had not retaken my people. They were still under the supervision of Spartacus and Crixus, Otho's ever-watchful eyes upon them. Pacing the farthest ledge I could find with the least amount of eyes on me, tears blurred my vision and my cheeks were so heated I thought I might burst into flame at any moment.
Hearing steps, I turned to see Varro moving toward me. He looked cautious. Suddenly furious with him, I rushed to him, shoving him as hard as I could. He fumbled backward, but his expression remained the same. Attempting to shove him again, he was prepared, barely budging. Giving up, I simply started to beat his chest with the sides of my fists. Yelling out each time, he simply stood there and took it until my muscles were shaking from the effort. Finally stopping, I covered my face, falling against his chest. His arms swiftly moved around me as I sobbed into him. All this death, what was its purpose? What were we to gain from losing all the people we cared about? Mira was as sister and now she was dead and we weren't in a position to lay her body to rest properly. She would simply lay apart from the living, out where all could see her. It wasn't supposed to be like this. Something good had to come from all this pain and suffering. Something. Anything.
Standing in front of my husband, I felt drained. "Apologies." I told him.
"You just lost someone you loved as sister. It is understandable."
"You loved her too." I replied with a nod. "How injured are you?"
"I'm fine." He said with a shake of his head. "Worry about more important things."
Frowning, I slapped him, anger once again filling my veins. Tears ran from my eyes as I stared up at him. "I never want to hear such words from you again." I told him angrily.
"What words offended?" He frowned as he gently rubbed his reddened cheek.
My face contorted with agony, I ran my hands across my hair as I stepped up to him, taking his head in my hands. "Nothing is more important to me than you are." He frowned at me, leaning into my touch as his hand found my face. "I loved Mira. I love Spartacus. As well as Crixus and Naevia and many others. I wish to lose none of them but – but how many times do I have to say that I cannot lose you. Nothing can happen to you. So tell me how badly you are injured."
"Now you know what it's like when you disappear from my sight." He said with a slight frown.
"Apologies." I repeated as I attempted to control my tears.
"Since we've been reunited I fear as if roles have been reversed." He told me. "You are so set on protecting me that I am the one left behind to wait with worry. It is I who should be the protector. Not you."
"I've gotten so used to being the protector. I find it difficult to let anyone take care of me after what happened to me. No one was there to make sure I survived. I had to do it on my own. When Caius rescued me, I made a vow to myself that nothing like that would ever happen to me again. Even if you are the one trying to protect me."
"Let me in." He frowned hard at me.
"I'm trying." I replied. "I am so sorry, my love."
"I will not linger in the shadows any longer."
"I understand." I nodded.
He placed a kiss against my forehead. "Then never ask me to again."
"Then please don't leave my side. If there is a fight we will join side by side." He nodded and kissed me deeply. Wrapping my arms around him, I buried my face in his neck. Our love would be our downfall. A blessing and a curse.
Lying in Varro's arms by the fire, he gently ran his fingers up and down my arm. My eyes were still red and sore from crying. I was cold and hungry, too stubborn to keep any food from those who followed us. I was at a loss. I didn't know what to do next. There was nothing to do but wait. Wait for the elements to take us or the Romans to kill us.
Saying little, we heard the footsteps, looking up to see Caius. "Here," He said handing Varro a wrapped cloth. "She needs to eat something."
There was a long pause before Varro took it replying, "Gratitude."
"She won't take care of herself. You have to take care of her." He stated.
Furrowing my brows, I shut my eyes, gripping Varro's arm against me tighter as I felt him tense. "I know." Varro told him with an edge of defensiveness.
"Please don't argue." I said softly, my voice raspy from my sobs, as I slowly sat up.
"Apologies." Varro said gently, handing me the cloth.
"Gratitude, Caius." I told him as I attempted to hand the cloth back. "But there are others that need this more than I."
"I refuse to take it." Caius stated taking a step back.
Sighing, I rested my hands in my lap, too tired to argue with him. "Gratitude." I told him again.
"Eat." Varro told me before placing his lips against my hair. Leaning into him, Caius smiled and turned away. "Caius." He turned and looked at my love. "Gratitude."
It was the first time he'd spoken a kind word to the man. Smiling at them, I opened the cloth to see asparagus, a few potatoes, and a small amount of wild boar. Feeling slightly better at the peaceful way they spoke to each other, I started to eat, making Varro share with me otherwise I'd let it all go to waste. Eating the spears to the asparagus, he handed me the heads, making me smile at him. It was the simplest of gestures and yet it meant the world to me.
"Gratitude." I smiled at him, running my finger from cheek to cheek.
"For what?" He asked with his boyish smirk on his face.
"For being you." I replied as my smile broadened.
He leaned in and kissed me deeply. "Can I admit something to you?" He asked gently.
"Of course." I told him, putting my hand on his thigh. His smile disappeared and he averted his eyes from mine as he once again wrapped his arm around me. Leaning into him, I put one hand against his chest, looking at him reassuringly. "What is it, my love?" I asked leaning in and kissing him sweetly.
"I cannot deny that I'm grateful it wasn't you." He replied with a pained expression. My smile disappeared and I frowned at him. "I cannot imagine anything more happening to you." He said putting his hand on my face. "If I could protect you from everything in this world I would. When Mira was hit with that axe…" He said and paused.
"Varro." I frowned at him, slightly shaking my head.
"When she was hit with the axe the only thought I had was 'Thank the gods that Lea hadn't followed.' I thought it for just one moment before guilt took me. But I cannot deny that I am pleased that you are safe." He confided.
Nodding at him, a tear slid down my cheek before I was kissing him. "I love you." I told him. "And I will never be from your side. Nor will I leave this world without you."
Laughing lightly, he took my head in his hands and kissed me passionately. We were still kissing when there was commotion and we turned to see Ashur stepping up on the plateau. Quickly getting to our feet we moved toward the monster we had grown to hate more than the Romans.
"What the hell does he want?" Varro asked aloud.
"A death sentence." I replied tensely.
He spoke with fear in his voice. Something that he was right to feel. "I come bearing a message from Glaber."
The crowd dispersed as Spartacus appeared. "Speak it."
"He has grown weary of this conflict and would return home to see his child born in Rome."
"A thing of no interest." Spartacus stated. Varro and I moved closer to his side, being close to each other brought peace.
"Perhaps the lives of your people hold more. He offers terms of surrender. Lay down your arms, you'll be allowed to live."
Spartacus frowned at him, "As slaves? Beneath the hell of the Republic?"
"Yes, as slaves. Yet you will have your lives! Refuse, and Glaber has sworn torturous death upon the cross for all that survive the taking of the mountain."
Oenomaus spoke up from the crowd, "And what of Spartacus' life?"
"The cost of the bargain."
"You bastard!" I exclaimed, making to rush forward only to have Varro grip me around my waist.
Nemetes spoke next, "I for one do not wish to die this day…yet if it is to be fucking so, I shall do it as a free man!"
Our people broke out with cheers and insults were thrown at the dog that stood before us. He knew Spartacus would never surrender. Nor would his people let him. He must have known that he was walking to his death. None of us would let him leave this mountain alive.
Spartacus simply smirked at him, "You have your answer."
"Very well. I shall deliver it to waiting ears." He replied, slowly turning and starting to walk away.
"I would not have us part so quickly." Crixus told him, his tone making me smile.
"Glaber awaits." Ashur told him. "I must return with a reply."
"Your head would serve equal purpose."
"Spartacus?" The Syrian said turning to our leader.
"I find no fault with his reasoning." Spartacus smiled, making laughter fill the air.
"The mighty Crixus, forever intoning of the honor of a gladiator." Ashur smiled at him. "Where stands such now in the cutting down of a defenseless man?"
"Give him a sword." Crixus ordered, Spartacus obliging him. "You once dreamt of honor upon the sand. Make this your final arena."
"You stand a champion…and I gravely wounded. There is yet no honor in such contest." Ashur replied trying to save his hide.
"To shit with honor."
"No!" Naevia yelled, appearing from the crowd. "I will not have you soil name to gain vengeance in mine."
"Naevia." Crixus replied with affection.
"I shall take it myself." She stated. "No one has been more wronged by Ashur…and no one has greater claim on his fucking life. I will see him fall…and with him, memories that haunt darkest nights."
"See it done." Her love told her, handing her his sword.
Rushing to Crixus' side, I gripped his arm, "Are you mad?"
"She can do it." He told me.
"Crixus." I said feeling like I was going to have a panic attack. "We lost her once, we cannot lose her again."
He wrapped his arm around me, pressing a kiss against my hair, "Just watch."
Watching was all I could do as Naevia stepped toward her first rapist.
"Are you certain of this?" Spartacus asked, stepping up to him.
"I am far removed." He replied.
"Then stop this." I told him.
"No." He replied, his eyes had yet to ever leave Naevia.
Ashur looked at Naevia. It was clear that he thought of her as no threat. "Very well. If Ashur must die today, at least he will see Crixus' bitch to the afterlife before him."
Naevia was the one to make the first move, charging the former gladiator. She was also the first to bleed, crying out as her flesh was cut. Turning, I reached behind me to feel Varro. He was always within reach. The only place I ever wanted him. He pressed himself against my back, making relief fill me.
Watching, Naevia was quickly overcome by Ashur, being forced to his knees. His sword arm around her neck. Crixus made move to go to her, only to have her cry out to him. "Stay back! I will have his life for what he did to me. Or die in the attempt."
"Do you recall this, my body pressed against yours? You trembling helpless, as you tremble now?" Ashur goaded her on.
"Naevia." I said taking a step forward.
"Wait." Varro said, pulling me back against him.
"Varro." I whispered gripping his hand, my eyes transfixed upon my sister.
For a moment I thought this was the end for her. But then she elbowed him in the groin, cutting him there, making him fall to his knees as she got to her feet, putting the sword against his neck. All those who thought her helpless couldn't make such a claim anymore. She had proven herself capable. Even if it was against a man of no worth.
"I am far from helpless." Naevia told him with disdain.
"You think this makes a difference? My death…will not heal the scars you bear. Nor erase memory of my cock inside of her…or all those who followed."
"No…It will not." She replied with anger. "But it is a fucking start." With that she let out a cry, slashing the side of his neck with the sword. It took several tries but his head finally fell from his body.
"Donar. Lydon. See Ashur's head upon the path in reply to Glaber." Spartacus commanded.
Gannicus stepped next to him, "You send a clear one."
"It will be nail and cross for those who live." Lugo stated.
"Glaber would have seen us all to such fate, regardless of answer carried." Spartacus replied.
"So we are dead either way." Nemetes stated. "Pity there are not enough vines for all our corpses."
My head shot to him at his words before moving to where Spartacus had laid Mira, her body wrapped in his cape and vines.
"Close fucking mouth." Agron shot at him.
"No. Nemetes is right." Spartacus said, an idea clear in his eyes. "There are not enough vines for us all. But perhaps there's enough for a few."
"Your words carry no meaning." Gannicus frowned.
Looking at the vines and then at Spartacus, I understood, "Yes they do." I smiled at my brother.
"Glaber expects us to defend the higher ground, as any reasonable leader would." Spartacus explained. "Yet perhaps there is another course, a bold one, that the Romans will never see coming."
"Then let's get to work." Varro smiled.
Moving to the edges, we gathered every vine within reach. Pulling them up and giving them to Spartacus and the others as they braided them together so they were strong enough to hold the weight of a man.
"You should let me go." I told Spartacus. "You could use an archer."
"No." He said putting his hands on my arms. "You need to stay here and keep everyone else safe."
"Keep everyone out of trouble." Varro said kissing my cheek before he picked up a vine.
"No." I frowned at him. "What happened to us staying together? Fighting at each other's side?"
He sighed, gently pulling me out of earshot. "I must do this."
"You must do nothing." I frowned at him. "You feel as if I've emasculated you and I apologize for that. But you do not need to go with them. You could just wait here for them to give word."
"Lea." Spartacus said stepping up to us. "I know you're worried. As you should be. But I trust no one as much as I trust Varro. I need him at my side." Tears filled and fell from my eyes. Biting my lip, I nodded at him. Mira's death made it clear that any of us could die. We were not as immune to death as we'd like to think. "Do not do that." He said taking my head in his hands. "I know this is hard. I know that we've all been through more than we should. But you need to stay here and take care of yourself above all others. Take a moment to breathe. You've earned it."
"No." I told him, a small cry following the word.
"Stop." He said putting his forehead against mine. "I will bring him back to you. You have my word that I will."
Nodding, I put my hands on his shoulders, "Bring you back to me as well."
He smiled, placing a kiss against my forehead before he took a step back. Varro moved in front of me, taking me in his arms. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I buried my face there, heating his skin with the heat of mine and the tears that fell. I didn't want to be apart from him. It was only a matter of time before something happened and I didn't want anything to happen to him without me there to be with him. If he were to fall I wanted to hold him until the time came. I wanted to protect him.
"I will protect you as you have protected me." He said with emotion.
"Please return to me." I whispered.
"You have my word." He whispered back.
Releasing him, I met his eyes, drowning in the blue of them. "I love you."
He smirked at me, making me smile back at him, "I love you as well."
Lowering his face toward mine, I shut my eyes, feeling his lips gently brush mine before he kissed me passionately. I kissed him for as long as he would allow, not wanting to part with them. I could kiss him all day and never grow tired of it. He leaned away only to have me pull him to me again, kissing him deeply.
"Do nothing foolish." I told him when I finally let him go.
"Yes, my love." He smiled, kissing me lightly before he turned back to our brother.
Spartacus, Varro, Crixus, Agron, and Gannicus were all prepared to scale the mountain side. Many eyes were upon them, making Spartacus once again address his people. "I know fear wells within your breast, and it does so with great cause. The Romans hold numbers far outweighing our own, yet they have revealed time and again fatal flaw, that they believe the Roman way is the only one…just as they believe that there is only one way to leave this mountain. We shall teach them that we forge our own paths and nothing in this world is impossible when heart and mind are put towards it. Brace rope. Let us begin a lesson forever remembered." The sound of thunder in the distance.
"The sound will mask descent. The gods bless us with good fortune." Agron stated.
"Free men create their own. We are all gods this night and the Romans shall feel our wrath." Spartacus told him.
They started down the side of the mountain. Standing at the edge of the cliff, I watched as they descended. Keeping an eye on the vines for any wear, making sure my men were safe. Every one of them meant something to me and it was torture to have them moving away from me. I had made sure I was ever present and now I was being left behind. Watching until they were at the bottom, they moved from sight and now it was a waiting game.
"Prepare yourselves." Oenomaus told us. "When signal comes, death shall quickly follow."
Pacing, I held my sword in my hand, the tip dragging across the ground. My eyes were scouring the direction of the temple, waiting for the signal. The longer it took to happen the more I thought something had gone wrong. Something had gone wrong and Varro needed me. He needed me there and I couldn't handle being apart from him.
"Still yourself." Oenomaus told me as he appeared at my side.
"Varro." I said softly.
"He is safe."
"It's taking too long."
"They are being thorough."
"I should be there."
"May I be honest with you?" He asked.
"You're asking?" I frowned at him. "You're my mentor and father figure. If you start asking for permission then we are in trouble."
He smiled and put his arm around me. "You are too present in this rebellion." He said gently, making me frown harder at him. "Varro is a man. He's a gladiator. He is a protector. You are what matters most to him. His main purpose is to protect you. You need to let him."
"And become a weak woman who needs a man to protect her?" I frowned. "I have worked hard to be able to protect myself and those that I love."
"Yes, but he needs to feel like you need him. Not just as a lover."
"I need him alive." I frowned at him.
"It's not about him or you living or dying." He stated though he sounded like he was becoming annoyed with me, taking his arm back.
"Then what is it about?" I asked.
"It's about him being a man." He frowned at me.
Looking at him a moment, I burst with laughter, shaking my head at him. "I'm well aware that he is a man."
He frowned harder at me. "Men need to feel like their women need them at all times. For protection. For love. For support. For stability. To provide everything she needs."
"He does provide everything I need." I smiled at him.
"Except when things start to happen you force him to fall back while you put yourself in jeopardy." Seeing his point, repeating Varro's words, I nodded at him. "You need to stop putting yourself in the position to be harmed. He is a good man. He is strong and capable. He's a gladiator. Let him be one."
Sighing, I nodded at him. "All right. I understand."
"Gratitude." He said and sighed, holding himself as if he won something.
Smiling, I hooked my arm through his, resting my head against his shoulder. Varro had told me the same words but it took them coming from someone else for them to sink in. Not just anyone but the man who was as father to me. He was my mentor and one of my closest friends. I was so grateful that he was here. I couldn't do this without him.
Standing there, feeling calm, we immediately stood alert when there were flames in the sky. "The signal!" Nasir yelled. Looking up at Oenomaus, we nodded at each other, our former Doctore leading the way down the mountain path, ready for anything that we came upon.
The bottom of the path held but a few soldiers, easily dispatched while their attention was drawn to the temple. With sword in hand, I stayed at Oenomaus' side, gripping a soldier's shoulder, thrusting my sword upward through his body from behind. Shoving him from my blade, I ran forward, eager to reunite with my husband.
When they came into sight, Glaber's forces were already moving toward them. Though Spartacus and the others held their ground, knowing that his people were coming to give aid. With cries, we exploded from the woods to the side of them, rushing toward the soldiers. My eyes locked on Varro, swiftly moving to his side, not slowing as I ran past him. He fell in step next to me, both of us rushing against the soldiers, our swords running through all who entered our path. Yelling as I sliced open a soldier's throat with the tip of my sword, I felt pain against my back, my knees giving out from the pain. Turning, I swung my sword, finding purchase in the side of the soldier's knee, making him fall to his knees. Pulling my dagger from my waist, I thrust it up the bottom of his chin, blood flowing onto my hand as I glared at him with all the anger I had in me.
Getting to my feet, I was hit across my cheekbone, once against meeting the ground. My hair was grabbed and I felt the tip of a sword against my back. Fear encompassed me before there was a yell and I turned to see the soldier fall to the side, revealing Varro behind him. He held his hand out to me. Taking it, he pulled me to my feet, wrapping his arm around me as we took in the scene.
"Stay at my side." He demanded, meeting my eyes.
Smiling, I nodded, "I'll never leave it."
Together we once against fought the soldiers'. Many fell, including some of our own. Though soon they started to retreat. It appeared as if victory was in our grasp. We had beaten them back, all we needed was Glaber and we could end this. Running after the soldiers', I paused, gripping Varro's arm as my eyes fell upon Oenomaus and Gannicus fighting the feral gladiator that had taken Oenomaus' eye.
"Varro." I said rushing to aid them. My husband followed as we ran to help them. We were too late, watching in horror as Oenomaus was run through. "NO!" I screamed, stumbling forward before getting my footing again, rushing to Oenomaus' side as Varro rushed to help Gannicus fight the gladiator. "Oenomaus." I said gripping his hand with my other against his face.
"Apologies." He told me.
"You're going to be all right. You're going to be fine. I'm going to take care of you." I told him as tears filled my eyes, looking at his wound. I knew there was no saving him. "You're going to be all right." I repeated.
"You need to know." He told me.
Shaking my head, I met his eyes, "You can tell me when you make it through this."
"Your mother asked me to watch over you. To keep you safe." I told me. "Apologies for not being able to do that."
"I am safe." I told him. "You protected me my entire life."
"And also whipped you." He stated.
"That wasn't your fault." I frowned. "You were a slave just as I was. But we're free now. You're free."
He reached his hand up, resting it against my face, "Your mother would be so proud of you." A sob broke from me as I covered his hand with mine.
"Oenomaus." Gannicus said skidding to his side.
"Lea." Varro said kneeling at my side.
Turning, I wrapped my arms around him, burying my face in his shoulder as I cried. I was once again losing one I loved. Looking back, Oenomaus was gone. Gannicus' expression that of grief and anger. Exclaiming my sadness, I gripped Oenomaus, wanting him back. Too many had been lost. First Mira and now Oenomaus. We knew that not all would survive but they were not the ones I was willing to lose.
"Come." Gannicus said putting his hand against my cheek. "He must be avenged."
Nodding, I took a deep breath before getting to my feet. Varro placed a kiss in my hair, making me shut my eyes to savor the feeling. Then we were on the move again, rushing to the temple where the sounds of fighting were coming from. Killing all soldiers within reach, we moved to aid our brothers and sisters. Their numbers were dwindling. We would win this. My eyes moved to find Spartacus, seeing him with Glaber. Soon he would have his revenge. A grin crossed my face as Glaber fell to his knees, Spartacus ending his life, putting his sword through his mouth. Soon yells of victory filled the air. We had beaten them back. We had succeeded.
"Let Rome send their legions." Spartacus yelled over us. "We will face them and see all follow Glaber in death."
More yells of excitement followed as we all chanted his name. Rome would tremble before us. She was no match for our will. They couldn't touch us. We would slaughter all who came for us. Letting Rome know that we would not go quietly. If they wished to pursue us then they would face the consequences. Nothing was going to stop us now.
Looking up at Varro, he smiled, running his hand down my face as his arm snaked around my waist, pulling me against him. No words needed to be said. Kissing me deeply, we joined the others in yelling our brother's name. As long as we were all together, we could defeat anything that came for us. Looking around the courtyard, I saw Crixus and Naevia. Agron and Nasir. Gannicus. Caius and Antonia. Felix. Appius. Otho and Lucius. Despite the grief that was felt at the loss of Oenomaus, everyone else I cared about was here. We had survived. We would continue to survive.
THE END
And there we have it. The completion of Part 2 of 3. However there will be an undecided gap between this one and the final chapter of my Spartacus trilogy. I hope you have enjoyed it! Much more excitement is still ahead! LOVE AND THANKS TO ALL WHO HAVE BEEN READING! MUCH MUCH LOVE TO MY FAITHFUL REVIEWERS! I ENJOYED EACH AND EVERY ONE OF THEM AND DON'T KNOW HOW I'LL SURVIVE WITHOUT THEM EVERY WEEK! 3