In Veritas Memento
Rating: NC 17
Disclaimer: I own nothing. All aspects of Spartacus: Gods of the Arena are owned by Steven De Knight and Starz. This is for pure entertainment value alone.
This story takes place after the episode Missio, yet it veers completely into an A/U after the events of that episode. I am a huge fan of the series Spartacus; however, my favorite character is Gannicus. This is his story.
Warnings: M for a reason. This story is much like the show. It contains bad words and smut! If that is not your cup of tea, turn back now. Although, if cussing and nude scenes offend, are you sure you're a fan of Spartacus?! ;) Hehehe. Kidding. Anyhow, you've been warned.
Pairings: There are multiple pairings, and Gannicus has more than one partner in this story, however, Gannicus/Melitta is endgame. If reading Gannicus with multiple pairings offends you, again, turn back now.
Chapter 20: viam sapientiae monstrabo tibi: I will show you the way of wisdom.
Titus respected Oenomaus. He had watched the man go from wild animal after he rescued from the hell of the pits, to a man worthy of mantle of Champion, as well as being gifted with the beautiful Melita as his wife. He loved him as dearly as if he were own son, but he believed Oenomaus was biased where Gannicus was concerned. "The crowd is a fickle bitch, Oenomaus. You know this. They love him today, but tomorrow…?" He shrugged. "They may cheer with more enthusiasm for another man."
The big man paused, leveling his gaze on the old man. "I agree, the public's interest is a fleeting thing, but Gannicus has a way of connecting with them that is unlike anything I have ever witnessed." Titus snorted, but Oenomaus went on undeterred. "As champion, I was popular, and the crowds cheered for me, but no matter how many victories I achieved, I could never have the entirety of the audience behind me. Gannicus can and does. He ignites them, inspires them, and they truly love the man. Once he makes his debut in Rome, the entire Republic will know his name and he will bring triumphant glory to you and to this ludus."
Titus sighed. "Or he will be awarded the rudis and leave this house with nothing, not even the opportunity for matches here in Capua because my son has angered Tullius to such a degree."
"I understand your concern," the Doctore admitted with a sigh. "In truth, his ability to ignite the crowd has given me pause to wonder if he will receive his freedom sooner rather than later, as well."
"Now, you see my position on the issue. If we sell Gannicus to Tullius, we lose the man and any future glory from his fame, yet we will have future matches with the other men of this ludus. If we do not sell Gannicus to Tullius, yet lose the man to an adoring Roman public, we will have nothing, Oenomaus. No prospects, no future matches here in Capua. Nothing."
Oenomaus took a deep breath before replying. "It is a daunting task to make such a decision. But," he said, his purpose clear, "with great reward, comes great risk, Dominus."
Titus nodded. "You truly believe Gannicus a Champion worthy of being replicated in stone for the halls of this House?"
Oenomaus nodded, "I do. A statement not spoken as friend, rather as Doctore."
Titus seemed to weigh Oenomaus's words for a long moment before he finally nodded. "I trust your words on this, Oenomaus, but why do we not let the Gods decide?"
"The Gods?" Oenomaus frowned, not seeing his Dominus's meaning.
"Yes. Gannicus is set to depart for The Apolloinares in Quintillis. From now until he returns from Rome, you work with Crixus. Train the man as if he was to be given mantle of Champion. After Gannicus has honored commitments for Severus, and, if" he stressed the word, "he returns from Rome, still a slave to this House, we will have contest. Gannicus versus Crixus. The Gaul shows real promise. If he does not fall to Gannicus, then we will sell Gannicus to Tullius—see wounds healed, remove this house from base impropriety and have valued position returned. If Crixus fails, then I will refuse sale and Gannicus will remain as Champion, and I will honor him in every manner deserved." Oenomaus started to smile, but Titus was not finished yet. "However, if I do so, we will be forced to seek contests for every man but Gannicus in the lesser venues such as Nola or Neapolis. That would mean you will be traveling with the men to these venues." Titus stared hard at his Doctore. "Are you certain you are agreeable to such consequence?"
"I am," Oenomaus said with a smile.
Titus again nodded, before he started to cough again and nearly fell. "Dominus!" Oenomaus shouted, catching him and wrapping a shoulder around him before he could hit stone.
He patted Oenomaus on the shoulder. "I am dying, Oenomaus not deaf," he said with a chortle.
Two guards rushed over and Oenomaus had them escort them back to Titus's rooms and to alert Batiatus. "And call the medicus," Oenomaus said to one of the guards as he helped Titus back to his rooms.
After Titus was settled and Batiatus in attendance, Melitta and Oenomaus were dismissed with gratitude for assisting Titus in his time of need.
As Melitta walked with her husband back towards the ludus, her mind refused to abandon thought of Gannicus being sold or winning freedom in Rome. If either of those things happened, she would never again see that charming grin, hear that boisterous laughter, nor feel his longing, heated glances that stole breath and made her heart pound. At least, if he won his freedom, he would be free. She could live with that, gladly, but if he were sold to Tullius… Quick and sudden tears filled her eyes, blurring her vision and she turned away.
"Apologies," she said to her husband, unable to meet his gaze as she made an excuse to absent herself from his presence. "Domina is not feeling well. I should attend to her and ensure she has everything she needs."
In truth, Lucretia was asleep and in no need of Melitta, but she simply had to escape before Oenomaus bore witness to her mounting distress. He barely had time to say his farewell before Melitta was hurrying away, ridiculous sobs choking her as she imagined life without the blonde gladiator who now resided in her heart as much as honorable husband.
*8*
Gannicus' last day spent with Octavia passed in relative pleasantness. He had seen Seppukus twice more and had the soothing medicinal salve reapplied to his wounds. Gannicus had been shocked at how little swelling there was around the injuries. Obviously, whatever was in Seppukus' salve was helping with his recovery in dramatic fashion. With his strength somewhat returned, he had set his mind to keeping Octavia occupied with giving and receiving pleasure, leaving her with little time for jealous tantrums. He did not bring up Tullius again. However, Octavia had warned that to continue to lie to Titus would arouse more suspicion. He believed her to be correct in that assessment. Much like Oenomaus, Titus had to be convinced there was nothing to find amiss in his dealings with Octavia, only then would he release issue from between clenched jaws.
After his first visit to Seppukus, she had given him a tour of her villa, presenting more of her gladiatorial tapestries for him and explaining what epic battle each piece of art represented. She even had one that regaled Oenomaus' surviving Theocoles. He had been enthusiastic and desired to share the news with his brother until he remembered they barely spoke any longer. It saddened him, but Octavia distracted with a feast for morning meal, hand feeding him succulent pears and eggs that had been scrambled with cheese in them. He had never tasted eggs prepared in such a manner and was an instant fan. After they had broken their fast, she taught him to play latrunculi, a strategic military style game where one opponent tries to capture the other's pieces. She was a cunning player and bested him more times than not, however, towards the last few games he did manage to win a few. It had been an enjoyable time.
During their mid-day meal, she mentioned how she had been attending gladiatorial muneras since she was a small girl. He had been surprised and pleased to discover she was a true student of the games with a vast knowledge of the various fighting styles, famous gladiators and other aspects of gladiator life. They had spent several hours discussing her experiences in Rome, what the Circus Maximus was like, which gladiators she preferred versus his choices; of course, he was both of their favorite! She had even explained the process of awarding the rudis sword and how often she had witnessed the feat herself; more than he had expected. It had been one of the most pleasurable and entertaining days spent with her, without being inside her body, yet it was shadowed by the reminder of how easily delightful could turn into disturbing. Gannicus could not forget the first morning he awoke to her ugly wrath, and his guard remained up, despite the satisfaction he felt in her bed, as well as her company.
.
Of course, another large part of his day consisted of swimming and fucking in her outdoor pool, lounging and fucking in her huge opulent bed, while drinking Falernian wine and feeding each other from the platters of food her slaves provided. At one point, after their evening meal, she had laid herself out as a nude banquet for his viewing and dining pleasure. He had never seen such a thing, although she insisted it was quite common in Rome. Gannicus had agreed to the offering with enthusiasm and had been well rewarded for his efforts. Eating succulent fruits and delicious morsels of sweets pastries directly from her body had been an arousing and sensual experience, one he would not soon forget; the interlude had ended in a vigorous round of carnal pleasure that had left him drenched in sweat and gasping for breath it had been so explosive in its passion.
Shortly before sunrise, they had finally fallen asleep. It was just past mid-morning when Octavia shook him awake, took him by the hand and led him down to the caldarium for one last intoxicating soak in the invigorating waters found there; which culminated in (of course) a final hot and sweaty session of fucking within the bubbling heat of the baths. Overall, by the time he departed, Gannicus had learned quite a bit about Octavia. Information he would use to keep an equal measure between them. He had not enjoyed her rage that morning and detested her having power over him; he would see the scales remained balanced by allowing the woman to believe he cared. What Gannicus found ironic is he could care for her if she did not lose mind without notice or thought to her actions and who she hurt. She was ugly to him in those moments, but he kept that to himself of course.
As Gannicus traveled back to the ludus, he relaxed against the wooden wall of the wagon and closed his eyes. He was tired, and sleep sounded fucking heavenly. Now that he was free of Octavia, he could drop his guard and allow his mind and body to unwind. After waking up to her temper yesterday, he had been nervous when lying beside her. He was vulnerable to his dreams and had no desire to have a repeat performance of the day prior, so he had slept restlessly the night before. He had just drifted into a deep sleep this morning when she had awoken him for their trip to the bath.
'She is a paradox,' he thought. 'A scary one.'
It was as if she were two people in one body. She could be so gentle, even kind and loving, and yet, in an instant she could do an about face and act the irate and spurned lover—as if it were he victimizing her?! He could not reason with her logic. He was the party absent choice in this "relationship". Was she forgetting that? Possibly. He had momentarily, but he would not make that mistake again. That first night…she had been so adventurous, playful and sensually pleasing that he had become entranced with her and had very nearly forgiven what a mad bitch she had been when he first met her. No more. Despite enjoying his second day with her immensely, he had never completely relaxed again after she had turned her attention towards Melitta. It was a fatal error on her part, one that would not be forgotten nor forgiven. Her fucking tantrum was burned upon brain and Gannicus would never again see her as anything more than a shield against men like Tullius, and a pleasing, but temporary, obligation he needed to satisfy before he could have Rome, and possibly, his freedom.
With that thought resounding within his brain, the swaying motion of the wagon soon had him drifting off for some much-needed rest. And it was there, in his dreams, that he had the woman he loved by his side. His subconscious mind took him there…to a place where Melitta was his, and they lived, they loved (vigorously and often), and they fought (Melitta would always challenge him to be a better man) but he was happier and more content than he had ever been in his life. He no longer needed the love of the crowds to satisfy, Melitta's love warmed heart far greater than any he had found previously, including the arena.
And in that dismal, dark wagon with its barred windows that kept him a slave, in his sleep, Gannicus smiled…
*8*
Later, as the wagon carrying Gannicus pulled into the yard, the men training broke formation to make way for it as it came through the large wooden gates. When Gannicus climbed out of the back, free of restraints, the men cheered his arrival and surrounded him, clapping him on the back and congratulating him for his record breaking victory over Negrimus. He accepted his brothers' good wishes with a huge smile and the usual cocky assuredness.
When the din had finally quieted a bit, Gannicus made the announcement to his brothers' regarding the deal he had struck with Batiatus. "Dominus rewards me with a feast of food, wine and women…" He paused, and a large grin spread across his face. "And I would share it with my brothers!" he announced, and the men cheered. When the men had quieted, Gannicus went on. "We shall celebrate, and honor fallen brothers…" He glanced to Barca and a silent message of gratitude passed between them. Gannicus nodded slightly, before his eyes went to Crixus and even the Syrians, Ashur and Dagan. They bore the brand, so Gannicus was including them too. "And welcome new ones to our ranks," he told them, giving each man a nod. "I will speak to Dominus and arrange the day." He flashed another charming grin. "Train hard and rest well, brothers, because soon we will eat, fuck and tip drink!"
The men raised their arms in appreciation, calling out his name. Several patted Gannicus on the back or clasped his hand in salute, laughing and bantering about the upcoming celebration and how much they were looking forward to it.
Gannicus laughed along with them, happy to feel the bonds of brotherhood once again.
Oenomaus allowed the good natured early celebration to go on for a bit, before he stepped in and ordered the men to continue training. "The feast will be later—not presently, back to training," he told them, assigning the men in pairs to train, before he walked over to Gannicus.
"You did not return to the ludus after your contest. Batiatus told me the woman wanted you to be attended by her medicus."
"The man is a wonder, Oenomaus," Gannicus replied. He reached into the wagon and grabbed the jar of salve. "He makes this himself. It is a medicinal salve that instantly removes pain from injury and…" Gannicus could not remember everything Seppukus said the balm did, "many other things I cannot fucking recall presently," he joked. "But it works like magic and does not make a man want to gag like Horatio's foul paste does!"
Oenomaus took the jar, examined it for a moment before opening it and smelling the contents. His eyes widened. "A vast improvement there. You save him coin once again. Dominus will be pleased," Oenomaus said, handing the jar back to Gannicus.
"As will any man who uses it. Trust words."
Always direct, Oenomaus did not reply to Gannicus' statement, instead he asked a question of his own. One that had bothered since he'd had words with Titus two days ago. "Why do you lie to Titus if there is no shame in your arrangement with this woman?"
Gannicus looked away, his smile slowly fading. "Oenomaus," he sighed. "You are like dog with bone worrying over issue that does not concern."
"Gannicus!" the bigger man hissed. "Your words fluctuate with your audience. Just days past, you spoke falsely to your Dominus when asked direct question, and deny involvement with the woman, yet I know that to be untrue. Your actions placed me in difficult position when Dominus summoned me and asked for truth."
Fuck! Gannicus had worried over this exact thing when Titus had instructed Oenomaus to come see him. He was unsure how to proceed. He could not have Oenomaus and Titus snooping into his affairs. Secrets Gannicus would prefer never to come to light, could very well be exposed, devastating not only his own existence, but Melitta's as well. And that is the one thing Gannicus would do just about anything to avoid.
When Gannicus did not reply, Oenomaus prompted him for an answer. "Well? Have you nothing to say for yourself? I believe you owe explanation for not breaking words of truth regarding the level of your involvement with the Roman woman.
"I did not give false tongue to the man, Oenomaus. He asked me if Octavia had demanded sex for the Apolloinares, quid pro quo. Since that is not the case, I did not consider it a lie when I denied accusation. It was your words that gave me clear path to acceptance, or do you not recall telling me I did not receive contest through my pretty face. I am assuming sentiment extended to my cock as well."
Oenomaus could not argue against his reasoning. It was the very same he had offered to Titus just days earlier. "It did and does. Yet you did not give full disclosure of facts, Gannicus, and you know this."
"No," Gannicus admitted. "I did not, reason being is fucking Tullius! He is the one who sent Dominus to my cell to have words with me."
Oenomaus's eyes widened at that information. Titus had failed to mention it. "Tullius? What does that fucking coward have to do with the matter?"
"The man is fucking obsessed to have me in his stable and will use any means necessary to see it so," Gannicus replied, with a scowl. "It was by his hand that Dominus now believes I am forced to service Octavia for position in the Apolloinares."
Oenomaus remembered Melitta's words from weeks ago regarding Batiatus having no honor. "Are you?"
"Am I what, Oenomaus?"
"Being pressed into intimacy with this woman to further Batiatus' dreams of glory?" Gannicus rolled his eyes, but before he could reply, Oenomaus added, "Speak truth and see solution revealed. Lie and face bitter consequence, brother."
He could not speak truth. To do so would be the ruination of them all. He hated to lie to Oenomaus, but he did not see another option. He had to offer sufficient tale to make both men stop questioning him lest circumstance with Melitta be pulled from shadow and brought to painful light. He thought of the first night with Octavia, when she played the role of slave and seduced him with gentle embrace. He had utterly enjoyed her that night. How had even started to believe he could forgive Octavia and enjoy his arrangement with her. He kept those feelings firmly upon mind as he sought to finally answer Oenomaus' questions with necessary falsehood.
"I am not being coerced into fucking her," Gannicus said, meeting Oenomaus' eyes without flinching. He repeated to himself he did this for all of them; for himself, for Melitta, even Oenomaus, he was certain the man would not want to know Gannicus had been inside his wife!
"Have you seen the woman?" he asked, shaking his head as if confused. "She is fucking Goddess. Why would I not desire to lay between those moistened thighs?" He paused before adding softly, "And, she loves me, Oenomaus. I have never had such a gift before that did not include lies or manipulation." The truth of his words made his stomach tighten. He had never wanted a woman's love either. Not until Melitta. And she would never love him the way she loved the man standing before him.
Something in his expression must have been convincing because Oenomaus looked surprised and then relieved. "You are truly satisfied with your situation?"
Gannicus gave a short nod. "Very well satisfied," he said.
Oenomaus held his gaze for a long moment and it took everything Gannicus had in him not to squirm under those knowing dark eyes.
Finally, the older man nodded. "I will speak to Dominus and explain Tullius' innuendo is nothing but attempt at creating discord to further press sale."
"Gratitude, bother," Gannicus said and Oenomaus turned to walk away, but Gannicus stopped him. "Oenomaus…" The Doctore swiveled about and raised a brow in question. "Apologies for allowing my burdens to fall upon your shoulders. It was not my intent to cause discord between you and Titus."
Gannicus felt he had betrayed Oenomaus enough—he did not want to be the cause of the man having difficulties with the Dominus or sleepless nights worrying.
Oenomaus came back to stand before the younger gladiator. He clasped Gannicus arm and pulled him forward until their chests touched, almost hugging, yet not. "There is no balance between us, brother. I am pleased you are content and rejoice that you have found joy in this world of shit we live in."
Gannicus's smile was forced. "I have and am well rewarded for my efforts."
Desperate to get off the topic of Octavia, Gannicus quickly changed the subject. "Speaking of well rewarded, you will be attending the celebration, will you not? I know as Doctore—"
"Auctus was my brother, too," Oenomaus interjected quietly. "I would celebrate and honor his life as well. That is…" He smiled ruefully and looked at the other gladiators in the yard before turning back to Gannicus. "If the men will welcome their Doctore to such an event?"
Gannicus chuckled and then teased, "As long as you leave the whip in your cell, I think all will be fine."
Oenomaus joined in on the laughter. "Agreed," he said, and they clasped arms again, before going their separate ways.
Oenomaus went back to the yard and training the men, and as Gannicus watched him resume his role as Doctore…proud and strong, he knew he had done the right thing. Melitta spoke truth—Oenomaus must never know what happened between them. It would break the man and Gannicus would never forgive himself. He gathered his armor from the back of the wagon and deposited it into his cell before seeking an audience with Batiatus to discuss scheduling the upcoming feast for the men.
*8*
To Gannicus's surprise, when he arrived at the villa, Batiatus had already begun preparation for the celebration. "It is scheduled for two nights hence and I have ordered a special feast prepared and all the wine the men can drink." He smirked. "Of course, it is not going to be the Falernian that you have grown accustomed to. If you want them indulged, you will have to part with some of you own."
Gannicus chuckled. "An acceptable deal." He paused, studying his Dominus for a moment. The man had truly started going out of his way to show him great kindness and reward. Perhaps he had misjudged Batiatus. However, the man's moods changed like Octavia's, and she had, once again, proven her true colors. He would wait to pass judgement on Batiatus' motives until the man's purpose became known one way or the other. "Gratitude, Dominus. This will strengthen the bonds of brotherhood between the men."
"A promise kept," Batiatus said. "I would see you and the men well satisfied."
"As would I," Gannicus said.
Batiatus looked over his champion. "You are healing well?"
Gannicus nodded. "Octavia's man, Seppukus, did a fine job with the stitching and the healing salve he placed upon wounds is a fucking wonder. Within moments, the pain from my injury had faded to near nothingness and the swelling is gone," he said, pointing to some of his visible injuries. "It boggles mind. And, best part being," he added, "it does not cause a man to smell like he just crawled from the hole like that shit Horatio uses! Octavia has made promise to have some delivered to the ludus for future use."
"An offer happily received. She was well satisfied then?"
"Very well, as was I," he said with a smirk.
Quintus chuckled softly even as he rolled his eyes at his cheeky gladiator. "Did you have opportunity to broach subject relating to Tullius and his attempt to manipulate my father into agreeing to your purchase?"
Gannicus nodded. "I did."
"And what were her thoughts on the matter?"
"She likened the man to rabid dog and is set to purpose on shortening his leash."
Quintus nearly jumped for joy. "Jupiter's cock! That is good news."
A wicked grin curved Gannicus' lips. "If the Gods do not shrivel the man's cock, Dominus. Octavia will."
Batiatus laughed boisterously. "The Gods reward," he said with a smile, "and our fortunes rise along with your cock!" The gladiator arched a brow at that as Batiatus continued with a gleeful enthusiasm. "Your storied battle with Negrimus has spread your name far and wide across the Republic! The men admire you while their women moisten at the very thought of the Mighty Gannicus, God of the Arena!" He picked up a piece of parchment laying upon his desk and held it up. "Just today, I receive request from the Magistrate of Pompei requesting your services in the Primus of the Ludi Lupercalia."
Gannicus' eyes widened. That was another widely attended festival, much like the Apolloinares, except instead of Apollo, the Lupercalia honored the Goddess Venus. "That is one of the largest festivals in the Republic. A true honor to be invited to participate."
"It is a most esteemed invitation. Can you fucking believe it?" Batiatus asked, laying both hands on Gannicus' shoulders, his excitement overflowing. "Our time is upon us. I will build a fucking empire of blood and glory upon your name, Gannicus! But we must choose the proper matches to best achieve desired goal. I am not certain accepting invitation from Pompei is the wisest decision presently when we may receive similar invitation from Rome after the Apolloinares."
Despite his reservations regarding Batiatus' honesty, the man's words excited and thrilled the gladiator in him. "I bow to your wisdom in such matters," he said, allowing a smile to stretch across his handsome face. "You choose the event and I will do my part and fucking win."
Batiatus could not have been happier with his gladiator's response. "I would expect nothing less from the God of the Arena."
Suddenly tired, Gannicus stifled a yawn as he was reminded he had not had much sleep the night prior. "If it pleases you, Dominus, I would leave off training for the day and fall to my bed. Negrimus was a beast and, although Octavia took exceptional care of me, I am weary."
"Of course, see yourself well rested. I cannot have my champion expiring from exhaustion." Batiatus waved a guard over. "See him back to the ludus."
Gannicus nodded his head to Batiatus. "Dominus," he said and exited the tablinum.