Chapter 9:
Welcome readers, to the final chapter! Melitta and Gannicus leave, Batiatus and Lucretia plot and Oenomaus finds out what happened to his wife (in a fashion!)
Disclaimer: The characters belong to their creators. All I own is the horse cart driver mentioned below, and he smells
The clink of coins as the pouch was tossed onto the desk caused Batiatus to look up from his work. Gannicus stood before him, looking self-assured and impatient.
"The required amount." He nodded towards the pouch. Batiatus gestured to Ashur, and the former gladiator limped forward and counted the coins quickly. He nodded to his Dominus that the amount was indeed accurate.
"So, you leave the villa to go on glorious adventures, eh? Are you sure we cannot persuade you to stay and fight on?" Batiatus asked faux-cheerfully.
Gannicus shook his head, inwardly amused at his former master's desperation. Batiatus was far too transparent at times, though he was quickly learning the ways of cunning and guile. A necessity in these circumstances, Gannicus guessed.
"This part of my life has ended. Free Melitta today, so we may leave these ways and begin our lives anew."
His former Dominus dropped the façade, moving to attack. "You leave a life filled with glory to toil in piss and shit?"
"I leave a life in which death beckons at every corner. I leave a life where the roar of the bloodthirsty crowd would decide my fate. Do not seek to persuade me. All of Capua knows that fight was my last. Free Melitta and we shall be on our way, never to trouble your musings."
Batiatus grit his teeth, frustration evident in every gesture as he motioned for Ashur to fetch Melitta. The former gladiator bowed and hobbled away. Gannicus watched him as he left.
"He shows more aptitude outside the arena that within. Crixus injuring him might have been the best for all involved. Ashur would have fallen sooner rather than later had he continued to fight."
"The man is a snake, dancing to my tune." Batiatus agreed. The quiet in the room was broken with his next statement.
"I shall tell Oenomaus what transpired here today. Unless you were of the mind to do so?"
Gannicus shook his head. "I do not wish to taint our parting with such news. Despite everything I consider the man my brother…I would not hurt him before I leave."
"Yet you would have me thrust sword in breast?" Batiatus asked incredulously.
"I do not have the strength to do so." Was the calm reply.
A quiet tinkling heralded the new arrivals. Melitta entered the room, adorned in the clothing of a free woman, Lucretia alongside. Naevia and Mira followed, faces drawn with sadness. Batiatus observed as Gannicus's face lit up at the sight, and his brilliant smile was answered in kind by Melitta as she moved to his side.
Faced with their expectant looks, Batiatus admitted defeat.
He took out a parchment from his desk and gestured to it.
"This is the contract stating that Gannicus bought your freedom. Show it to any who ask about your brand, to prove that you are now free. The sum has been paid, and you may leave whenever you wish." The last part was said ungraciously, but neither Melitta nor Gannicus paid it mind. Their attention was on the document. Melitta picked it up, trembling, smoothing over the parchment that showed the beginnings of her hopes and dreams. She wiped her tears before they could smudge the ink and turned to give Gannicus a trembling smile. He caught her lips in a desperate kiss and everyone in the room turned away from the intimate moment.
"It would be best if you departed separately. It would cause an undue scene if Oenomaus saw you both leaving. I would not have it so." Lucretia finally stated.
Gannicus and Melitta looked at each other for a few moments before reaching a silent agreement. Nodding they turned to Lucretia.
"What would you suggest?" Gannicus asked.
Lucretia smiled, pleased. "Finally, words reach ears! Melitta shall be escorted by Ashur outside the gates. We shall say it is for an urgent errand. Then you shall leave, in full view of all. She will meet you on the road outside the villa. You can walk the distance?"
"There will be no difficulties in that quarter. We have enough coin left over to make provisions. Please ease mind in that regard, Domina." Melitta piped up.
"You are free Melitta. I am your Domina no longer."
Melitta only flushed in reply. "Apologies. The tongue has yet to appreciate what the mind now knows."
Lucretia waved away the apology, turning to her husband. "We must make preparations immediately. What is Oenomaus to be told?"
"The truth." Batiatus replied, eyes gleaming.
His wife blinked, then nodded slowly. "And other preparations?"
"Are already done. We made provisions for their leaving last night after Gannicus's victory. They may depart now." Batiatus replied, leftover irritation leaking into his voice.
"Apologies. Might I speak with Mira and Naevia before we depart? I would have final words." Melitta spoke hesitantly.
Lucretia nodded, and the three women stepped away to a corner.
Gannicus turned to Batiatus and his wife, words quiet in the room.
"You will tell Oenomaus that this was not what I wanted? That heart took over mind? I do not expect his forgiveness, but I want him to understand my actions."
"Ease mind Gannicus. We shall tell Oenomaus about his wife's unexpected departure, and your role in it." Batiatus reassured his former champion. Unseen by Gannicus, Lucretia smiled slyly, clever mind already spinning several yarns that would benefit the House.
In the corner, Melitta hugged both Naevia and Mira, bestowing a warm kiss on both brows.
"Remember all that I have taught you. Become one with the shadows so your mistress does not pay you mind. Shun attention. I fear what this House is becoming, and I would have you both as unharmed as possible. Above all else take care of each other. Be the pillar of strength when the burden becomes too much to bear." Melitta said tearfully. Naevia smiled, tears sliding down her cheeks, and Mira nodded, stoic but for the telltale glistening in her eyes.
Melitta paused, taking a look across the room to where Lucretia and Batiatus were deep in talk with Gannicus. She then continued in a whisper "Obey order, but if there comes a chance for happiness, take it. It is a pitiful lot to be a slave. We must grasp the few joys we have, to better weather the sorrows."
All three women clasped each other's hands, quiet sobs permeating the room. Melitta smiled shakily through her tears, squeezing the hands in her grip one more time before taking a step back. Naevia impulsively grasped her hand again.
"I pray we shall see each other again…in happier circumstances."
Melitta nodded, clasping to hand to her chest, pressing a kiss to the trembling appendage before letting go. Gannicus stood at the entrance of the office with Ashur, and Melitta made her way towards them.
The former gladiator led them to the back door, Batiatus and Lucretia watching them go. Lucretia turned to her husband, frowning.
"You do realize we cannot tell Oenomaus the truth. He shall realize we knew of Melitta and Gannicus's trysts. What loyalty will he left to bear us then? Knowing we helped them keep him in the dark?"
Batiatus sighed. "Truth shall see all ties severed, but no ready lie springs to tongue."
"The let me whisper it to your ears." Lucretia suggested.
Batiatus turned to his wife, smiling maliciously "I await your guidance dear wife."
"This is what we shall tell him…"
XXXXXXX
"I suppose we both disappoint expectations, eh? I on the sands, and you...it is good to know even the mighty Gannicus is not perfect. Brother." Ashur stressed the affectionate term, a sneer twisting his lips as he limped alongside Gannicus and Melitta.
Gannicus frowned at him. "The others Ashur…they are influenced by those above them. Doctore declared you initiation shit and Auctus's memory was much beloved. Your treatment of Dagan did not aid your endeavors."
"I acted as I was acted against Gannicus! No one, not even your precious Oenomaus lifted a hand in welcome. You were the only one who did not jeer or mock. For that I thank you. I pay in kind." Ashur replied.
Gannicus paused, wanting to ask what Dagan's offense had been to be repaid so severely, the tale having circulated throughout the ludus, but let it go. If Ashur needed to cling to his delusions to survive, it was not Gannicus's place to dissuade him. Soon he and Melitta would wash their hands of the stink of the ludus, and he did not feel like arguing just as they were about to leave.
"As you say." He said dismissively as they reached the back doors. Melitta gave him a quick kiss, whispering "I shall see you soon, beloved."
Gannicus lifted a hand in farewell then grabbed Ashur as Melitta slipped out the door.
"That woman is my life. See to it that she remains unharmed, or I shall bring upon you a most painful death." He hissed.
Ashur squirmed in his hold. "I swear she will be safe!"
Gannicus nodded, then released him. Ashur frowned, then slid out the door as well. Gannicus made his way to his room, to collect his belongings. As he stepped out of the villa, he saw his brothers waiting for him, cheering, then chanting his name. Gannicus smiled softly, moving into the throng, accepting each man's congratulations, embracing his brothers for the last time.
"I shall join you one day, you mad fuck." Barca said, smiling widely.
"Of that there is no doubt." Gannicus replied cheerfully. He made his way to Crixus, who had his arms crossed.
"We have not had proper contest." The new gladiator observed wryly.
Gannicus grasped his arm in farewell. "Win you own freedom, then seek me out. But I warn you, I shall likely be out of practice!"
He made his way to the gates, where Oenomaus was waiting, before pausing and turning back to Crixus. Gannicus removed the necklace that had been given to him, a lifetime ago it seemed.
"Crixus." The man turned. "This was given to me when I became the champion of this house. Wear it with more honor that I have."
Wearing that necklace I have fought and killed countless men, fucked innumerable whores, and betrayed the only man I ever considered brother. I do not want to be the man who wore that necklace any more. With Melitta, I shall become a better man, one who is worthy of her love, of what she has given up for me. I cannot wear that necklace anymore, but I pray it goes to a better man that I was. Gannicus thought.
Crixus took the necklace, looking stunned and humbled all at once. His gaze promised what his lips did not say. Gannicus knew Crixus would bear the necklace with honor. Oenomaus would teach the man well.
He turned to see the man in question, holding the rudis which represented Gannicus's freedom.
Oenomaus held out the wooden dagger. "You have earned the rudis, proof that you are no longer a slave."
"A lifetime of blood." Gannicus murmured, examining the dagger which held the names of all he had killed during his time on the sands.
"And victory." Oenomaus admonished. He waited until Gannicus looked up at him, and then continued.
"It lifts troubled heart to see my brother freed. A pity Melitta is not here, she was detained by errands for Domina. But I know she will be proud."
At mention of her name, Gannicus's smile faltered. "Oenomaus…" he trailed off. What was there to say? Forgive me because I am about to part heart from chest? Forgive me that I could not be a better man? A better brother? In the end, he smiled sadly.
"Forgive me all the disappointments I have bestowed upon you. Despite everything, you have always been my best friend, my brother. Apologies, that I did not prove to be worthy of your consideration."
"Gannicus…" Oenomaus frowned, puzzled as Gannicus reached up to embrace him.
"Farewell, Brother."
Oenomaus led Gannicus to the open gates, heart swelling in joy for his brother. Gannicus moved through the gates, throwing Oenomaus one last sad smile, before making his way down the paths.
Oenomaus moved back into the ludus, ready to begin training with the men. He did not notice his Dominus and Domina watching him, gleams in both their eyes.
XXXXXX
Late in the night, Oenomaus waited for Melitta. He wanted to let her know that Gannicus had left, and spend the night reminiscing about his brother. He also hoped to bridge the distance that had grown between them, the cause of which he could not ascertain. It was Oenomaus's hope that after a long talk, they could resume their normal lives, absence weight of secrets.
He heard heavy footsteps instead of the soft footfalls he was expecting, and stood to see a panicked guard.
"Oenomaus! Come above, calamity has befallen!"
Shocked at the tone and the content of the words, Oenomaus hurried to the villa, the guard escorting him.
Stepping into his master's balcony, his heart chilled. Domina looked devastated, and Dominus's eyes held great sadness. Ashur stood on the side, blood staining his clothing. The man was beaten bloody, face swollen and littered with bruises.
"What has happened?" Oenomaus asked, dread filling his heart.
Batiatus shook his head. "It is Melitta. I am sure it was Solonius's thugs that accosted her and Ashur in the marketplace. Fool that I was, I thought she would be safe since she was a slave. But that treacherous fuck sunk to the pits to send a message."
"Dominus…where is she? What has Solonius done?" Oenomaus demanded.
Batiatus paused, lowering his eyes in sorrow. Ashur grimaced. Oenomaus rounded on the man.
"Where is she?" he did not yell, thought his voice rose.
"After beating me and saying that hurting a crippled gladiator would not send the proper message, the men slit her throat. I saw them carrying her body to the cisterns…we will not find her now."
Oenomaus's mind blanked, and when he came back to himself, his hands were around Ashur's neck, choking the man. Guards pulled him away, and he could feel tears running down his cheeks. His beautiful wife…! She would not even receive a proper funeral…Oenomaus would not see her in the afterlife. Damn Solonius!
"Oenomaus." Batiatus's voice seemed far away. "I know you hurt. I know heart is parted from chest. But I need you now. To beat Solonius, we must take away his power, which lies in the arena. Help me train the greatest gladiators in the republic, and see his House fall and your wife avenged."
With great effort, Oenomaus mastered himself. I will take vengeance for you. He promised Melitta. Locking glances with his dominus, and not noticing the small smile that lurked around his domina's mouth, he nodded.
Vengeance and honor would be what he lived for now.
XXXXXXX
"The farm is quite far from the city." Gannicus remarked to the guide that had been sent for them.
The man nodded. "It is a small parcel of land that my master has wanted to relinquish for some time now. Fortune see's it in your hands, and the granting of it has increased my master's standing among the plebs."
"Everyone wins." Melitta murmured. Except Oenomaus. Batiatus must have told him everything by now. Forgive me, husband, that I could not follow my duty. I pray you can thrust me out of mind and find true happiness with another.
Gannicus had met Melitta near the entrance of the city, where Ashur and the guards had been waiting for them. The two had then been introduced to the guide that would be taking them to the farm that had been gifted to Gannicus during his last fight in the arena. Both Gannicus and Melitta had wanted to leave Capua behind quickly, and after their farewell's to the crippled gladiator had made haste to get out of the city.
Now they were on the roads outside Capua, on their way to the small farm. Melitta knew nothing about farming, and Gannicus even less. However, they did have even money to buy farm slaves when they got settled, and had made plans to do so. Both were determined to make good of the life they had been given, absent regrets that would drive them mad.
The cart they were in lurched as the roads became less paved and Melitta fell onto Gannicus. He laughed and put his hand around her waist, hauling her to his side. She shook her head at his gaiety, then tucked her face into his neck, closing her eyes and inhaling his scent. He dropped a kiss on her hair, and both remained silent as the cart continued on its path and the sun slowly set.
"This is the farm up ahead, far from where bandits roam. I would advise you to find able bodied men quickly, though, in case the scum come." Their guide remarked as the dwelling came in sight.
"Gratitude, for your advice. But should they dare, they will find their ends on my sword."
The man nodded, and Gannicus and Melitta disembarked. Their guide unhooked one of the horses and led it to the stables on the side of the house.
"Another gift from my master, though this comes at the request of his wife. You made quite an impression upon her."
"He makes quite an impression on most women." Melitta remarked archly, and Gannicus grinned, ducking his head in a show of false modesty.
"Yet I am a reformed rouge, with heart and soul ready to serve." The jesting tone was at odds with the seriousness in his eyes.
Melitta turned away from the intense gaze and nodded at their guide.
"Gratitude for bringing us here. Would you like to stay the night? I have heard these roads are treacherous after the sun sets."
The man shook his head. "Much as I wish to, my master bid me to return absent delay. Ease mind, I ride quickly."
Gannicus moved forward and grasped his arm. "Let me add my gratitude to…to my wife's." Melitta turned to look at him, shocked, but his gaze remained on the man in front. "Without your aid, we would still be wandering outside Capua, lost."
The man waved away the thanks, moving to the cart. "I bid you the best in your new venture, Champion!"
"That is no longer who I am!" Gannicus yelled as the man rode away.
When the dust from the cart had faded, he turned to Melitta, who was looking at him with an arched eyebrow.
Gannicus smiled, chagrined. "It seemed better to let everyone know we were married?"
"Yet you did not ask, Gannicus."
"Would you have said no?"
Melitta huffed, secretly amused. The thrill that had gone through her when Gannicus had said wife could not be denied. She blinked as Gannicus took her hands in his, stroking the delicate skin tenderly.
"I never spoke words of love to any woman I was with. I never felt anything but fleeting pleasures until you entered sight. You made me long for a better life, one not filled with blood, sand and the roar of the crowd. You made me wish for more than those fleeting moments of glory."
He paused, swallowed. Melitta gazed at him, captivated.
"I am not a man worthy of you…but I want to be. I will work hard to become such a man. Honor me by consenting to be my wife."
"There is only one answer my tongue can give." Melitta whispered.
"Then let it speak." Gannicus moved closer, eyes locked on her lips.
"You honor me by asking this…yes, of course I will marry you!" she flew into his arms, and he spun her around, laughing merrily.
"This life…the gods have given us a chance for happiness. In this I am their humble servant, content to bask in their glory by worshipping what they have bestowed upon me." Gannicus muttered kissing her over and over, lips wandering to her neck.
"Let us get inside the house! I have no desire to rut like animals on the sands." Melitta gasped, pushing him away. They parted, breathing heavily, then made their way to the small dwelling.
Gannicus gazed at the entrance pensively, thinking. Melitta tugged at his arm, and he turned to her, solemn.
"Despite the fact that our steps take us away from the ludus, it feels as if Oenomaus and I shall meet again, and have true reckoning."
"If that is the case, let us cherish what we have now. I wish to remember each day, each moment, replay them again and again so they burn into my memory. Then when death beckons and my gods ask who it was I live and died for I can answer truthfully."
"And what shall you say?" he asked playfully, pulling her closer.
She put her arms around his neck and her whisper washed over his lips.
"You, you, always you."
He took her lips in a kiss, then picked her up and carried her into their home.
It was a new dawn, and their life was just beginning.
The end.
End chapter notes: First of, a great big thank you to all my reviewers! It's been a blast and I hope you have enjoyed the ride as much as I did! I have several oneshots and AU's the works, as well as a sequel to this fic, so hopefully we shall see more of each other. With regards to the sequel, I shall be needing five original gladiators, and four roman noblewoman. Please come forth with your ideas- you can leave them in a review or PM me. If I find your character compelling enough, they go into the fic and you get credit. Please participate and see you guys soon!