Arcade tucked himself away in a corner as Caesar sat upon his throne and saw to legion matters.
"Caesar, the prime decanus and legionary have arrived.", The praetorian at the entrance said.
"Well, they seem early", Caesar mused, "let them in."
Arcade was shocked when Starved dog and Titas came forward. They looked exhausted and half dead. They both fell to their knees before Caesar. The bowed their heads and waited silently for Caesar to speak.
"So you two are the ones who requested to rescue a captured legionary", Caesar didn't sound like he was actually asking.
"Yes Caesar", Starved dog said.
"How did you get here so fast? We weren't expecting you for a few more days?", Caesar asked.
"We did not stop to rest. We traveled day and night", Starved dog said
Caesar said nothing in response to that. "Why should I waste men and resources going after some coward?"
"He was no coward. He was taken only after being severely wounded. He is one of if not the most loyal and devout legionaries to Mars.", Starved dog said.
"Who saw him get captured?", Caesar asked.
"Prime legionary Julius", Titas said, "he told me himself with his final breaths."
"So you have proof accept for the account of a dead man?", Caesar said, "I should probably punish for wasting such valuable time on this pointless task."
'Here it comes', thought Arcade. He'd seen this happen again and again over the past weeks. When Caesar threatened them they would turn on each other like wolves. And the saddest part was it usually didn't matter, in the end Caesar would probably crucify them both anyway.
"Yes Caesar", Starved dog said, "if you wish to punish us than let it only be me. Titas had nothing to do with this besides being the witness to Julius's death. He was simply following orders."
Arcade was shocked by this. Titas tried to hide his surprise but it was obvious to Arcade. Caesar just sat there stone faced.
"Escort legionary Titas outside please", Caesar ordered a praetorian.
Titas was practically dragged outside as he was frozen with shock.
"Vulpes Inculta has told me about you.", Caesar said.
"Yes Caesar.", Starved dog agreed.
"He seems to think you have great promise", Caesar said, "I will grant you permission for your mission, but only under two conditions..."
...
Siri almost didn't believe her eyes as she watched Titas walk towards her. He looked terrible.
"What happened?", Siri asked him as she ran up to him.
"Julius is dead... Burning ant is captured... Starved dog is trying to get permission from Caesar to save him.", He barely managed to say as he held back tears.
Siri knew that couldn't be the whole story, but that could wait. No matter how much he hid it from others, Titas always showed her his emotional side. He needed support now.
Part of her told it was because she needed him healthy and well for the escape attempt. She tried to ignore the other reason inside.
"Look at me", Siri said as she held his face in her hands, "it will be okay."
Both turned as they heard loud cheering from by Caesar's tent. Titas grabbed her by the hand and they rushed over together.
A crowd had form from Caesar's tent to the arena tent. Men started to file into the seats that surrounded the arena.
Titas found a open spot that he practically collapsed as Siri sat down next to him. His tears were now replaced with pure fatigue.
Siri wondered who was fighting to cause such a crowd. Than she saw him... Caesar sat high atop his own seat to watch the battle. That was likely the real reason so many men had come to watch. Even then it still asked the questions of 'who was fighting and is Caesar watching?'.
The first to step into the arena was a woman. Siri had heard of her. Everybody at the fort had heard of her. The woman who killed legionary's after legionary's with her bare hands, she even killed a centurion. Siri silently hoped she would when.
Then the other fighter walked in. Titas immediately jumped to his feet at the sight of Starved dog in gladiator armor and a machete in his hand.
...
Ranger Stella couldn't believe this. This is who she was going to fight? The man looked like he might collapse at any second from exhaustion. She could plainly see large bags under his eyes like he had not slept for days.
He looked at her for only a second before they both began circling each other. They mirrored each other step for step. She began to wonder about her apponent.
How many women has he raped?
How many people has he butchered?
How many towns had he burned?
He began to tighten his grip on his machete. Stella expected him to attack or to start gloating like the rest had
Intead he cut the palm of his empty hand. As blood purred from the open wound she could just barely here him muttering under his breath.
"Mars, I know I am not the most pious of men, but I ask for your help. One of your most loyal followers was taken. Please grant me the strength I need to save him."
He suddenly leapt at her! She managed to dodge out of the way and land a solid punch on his back. He turned back around. This time he charged low in an attempt at a tackle. She moved effortlessly out of the way and kicked him in the ribs when he landed.
He got up again.
She learned the best to fight legionaries was to use their aggressive nature against them.
Every attack he tried she would dodge and attack him when he was exposed.
In the ribs. In the jaw. In the back. In the testicles. She punched, kicked, and elbowed him again and again.
Everytime he'd get up again. He was limping now. He looked like he might topple over any second.
She knocked him down again. He lossed grip of his machete.
Know was her chance.
She ran toward him intent on ending it with a quick head stomp.
Just as she raised her leg he turned and grabbed her leg. He used the angle to force her to the ground with him.
As the wrestled he managed to end up on top of her. He raised his arm. There was something in it.
Not the machete, but a rock he'd managed to grabbed in the grappling.
The last thing she saw was the rock coming down straight toward her head.