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.
*8*
A/N: Apologies for the delay in posting this chapter. I have been through a difficult week. My dog, Sadie (who I have had for 10 years) was diagnosed with pyometra on Tuesday. This is where the uterus fills up with fluid due to infection. Because Sadie is spayed, the vets missed it when I brought her in last Friday due to lethargy and acting out of sorts. She just got worse. When I returned on Tuesday, her uterus was swollen with fluid, ready to burst, which would have killed her rather quickly! She had emergency surgery and I picked her up from the vets yesterday. I do not care what people say, my dogs are members of my family, so my main concern this last week was ensuring Sadie was alright. I am certain all of you will understand that. :) I would, however, be most appreciative if all my friends here would keep my little Sadie in your thoughts…she is an older gal, so surgery is always a dangerous thing at that stage. We are still keeping a close eye on her to make sure she does not develop post-surgery complications, but I wanted to get this posted to all of you. I am so appreciative of the support this story is getting. Thank you. All you loyal readers who always leave comments and feedback or send me pms just to see how I am…you make my day! Gratitude.
TJ
*8* Warning: This chapter contains a scene of graphic violence and non-consensual sex in it. It is in the first part of the chapter. If that offends, you might want to skip the first scene.
Chapter 45: clarere audere gaudere: [be] bright, daring, joyful
Capua: Nester's Shop
Vettius entered the butcher shop through the rear alley entrance. The shop was dank, and the smell of blood permeated the air within the establishment. He maneuvered his way past the animal carcasses that hung in rows throughout the shop, following the sound of the lash and the screams until he reached the large room where the slaughtering was done. The stench of rotting meat assailed the senses and blood covered the floor and every available table surface in the room. Vettius pushed through the curtain and paused at the sight before him. Tullius had a male slave hanging from shackled wrists on one of the meat hooks attached to the ceiling. The poor wretch was dangling above the floor with what appeared to be a giant cock protruding from his arse while Tullius wielded a brutal looking cat o' nine tails whip.
The slave was an attractive fellow, muscular with long blonde hair, and for a one wild moment, Vettius' heart seized, and he believed Tullius had somehow managed to achieve his goals and Capua's champion was finally in chains before him. The bound slave bore a striking resemblance to Gannicus from behind in form and hair color; however, when the man began to beg, his accent bespoke his Germania heritage.
The swish of leather sounded again as Tullius swung the whip, and the snapping 'crack' of it connecting to skin was followed by a gut-wrenching cry from the slave. Vettius remained silent. He had learned the hard way, when Tullius was in a mood, best let him work off the anger before making presence known.
"You fucking fuck! Fucking Batiatus! Fucking shit eating Celt!" For every curse Tullius muttered he vigorously lashed the slave's back, shredding muscle and tearing skin from bone with each strike until the man's back was a gory mess of mutilated flesh.
Panting, Tullius cast the bloodied whip aside, and with a muttered curse the merchant shoved the bronze cock deeper into the slave, causing him to howl madly. Tullius repeated the maneuver several times, before he finally yanked the large phallus from the slave's rectum and tossed it aside, chuckling cruelly as the man groaned his relief.
"Do not feel blessed yet, you fucking shit eater," he growled in the slave's face. "I am far from through with you."
Vettius grimaced as the metal cock bounced across the stone floor and landed near his foot. It was covered in blood and feces. He took several steps away from the foul object, distancing himself from misused sex toy.
The merchant walked around the shackled form of the slave, running his palm along the man's side to his flank. "Call me Dominus in a properly subdued manner and this will all be over slave."
The German snarled at Tullius, struggling to avoid the merchant's hand as it moved along the firm curve of the man's buttocks.
Tullius grabbed the slave's shaggy blonde hair in one hand and tugged the man's head back. "After this, you will know who your Master is!"
He gave a heartless grin as he released the slave's head, throwing it away from him. "Cleanse his arse," Tullius bit out to one of his henchmen.
The man came forward with a contraption filled with water that when squeezed forced water out of the nozzle atached. He inserted the nozzle up the slave's rectum and forced the water inside, cleansing the man. The slave shouted curses in German, near mad in his rage at being treated in such a manner.
When his man was finished,Tullius moved into position behind the chained man and lifted his tunic, exposing his hard cock. Using the slave's own blood as lubrication, he lined himself up and slammed his hips forward, brutally violating the man once again. Vettius chuckled as the German screamed, a raw, visceral sound ripped from his throat that got quieter with each thrust from Tullius, until the broken slave finally succumbed and fainted from the ordeal with a pathetic grunt.
When Tullius was finished, he instructed his men to unchain the unconscious man. "Have him treated by a medicus and brought to my villa," the merchant said taking a rag and washing his cock before pouring himself a cup of wine. "I might find use for him again."
The slave was unhooked and lowered to the ground. Vettius winced at the sight of his back, it was ripped to shreds. The scales had been balanced. With the brutal humbling of a slave Tullius' power restored. Vettius had no doubts the merchant had imagined another during the savage encounter; and it was not the mutilated German being carried out by two of Tullius' lackeys. Obviously, the merchant was still enraged his plan to kill the gladiator had failed and was taking that anger out on any slave who resembled Gannicus, the one Tullius' temper was truly aimed at. In fact, it would not surprise the apprentice if Tullius had another slave somewhere that looked like Batiatus as well!
"Feel better?" Vettius asked causally, pouring himself a glass of wine after Tullius set the decanter down.
The merchant ignored the question. "I must leave for Rome and quickly," Tullius said as he gathered his wine and headed towards the front of the shop, trailed closely by his brawny body slave. He did not look behind to see if Vettius followed, obviously the apprentice would and did.
"Is that wise?" Vettius asked, a step behind Tullius as the merchant went through the curtain separating the back of the establishment from the front. "You will be placing yourself within striking distance of Octavia and her husband."
Tullius snorted as he dipped his hands into a water bowl to wash the blood from his hands. "The man is a fucking consul of Rome, Vettius. The entire Republic is within striking distance for the man. It is imperative I try and repair the damage my failed attempt will cause," he said, drying his hands on a fresh towel handed to him by his body slave.
"She is going to suspect you," Vettius said.
Tullius nodded. "Yes. She will," he agreed. "However, she will know it was me if I do not arrive in Rome."
"What are you planning?"
"I am hoping to convince Octavia I had naught to do with Gannicus' betrayal."
"If you cannot?"
Tullius smiled. "I still have friends who owe me a debt in the capital. Dangerous friends who run the Aventine," he said. "Enough coin can persuade a man to do anything…perhaps even kill a noble and her pet gladiator!"
*8*
The Ludus:
Batiatus stood and waved Gannicus into his tablinum. "My champion requests audience." Knowing his champion's enjoyment for drink, Quintus poured Gannicus a goblet of wine. "What is it you desire, Gannicus. Speak and see it considered," he said, offering the gladiator the wine.
"Gratitude," he said, accepting the goblet and taking a sip before continuing. Gannicus decided to offer words of flattery before making his point, knowing Batiatus as he did, the man enjoyed having his ego stroked. Gannicus would do so if it meant achieving his own ends. "I know you are busy and appreciate you granting me audience absent wait. I spoke with Melitta a moment ago and she suggested I seek your counsel regarding a matter of a personal nature."
Batiatus' brow shot up at his words. "This does not relate to your relationship with her, does it? I spoke of providing help, but solution to dilemma is absent control presently."
Gannicus shook his head. "No, my query has naught to do with Melitta, but it is as dear to heart," he admitted. He took a deep breath and explained. "I have recently discovered I have a child here in the ludus. I would see his existence improved, if I may, by providing him with extra blankets and such from my own items."
Batiatus could see the yearning in his gladiator's gaze. Encouraging a bond between Gannicus and the boy would further tie Gannicus to the ludus. "Is that all you seek, Gannicus? To better his lot in life? Do you not wish to spend time with the boy?"
Gannicus recalled Melitta's words from earlier and recognized Batiatus was subtly probing him for information on his feelings for Kleos.
"I would, although I am uncertain how I feel having the mantle of father thrust upon me in such an abrupt fashion."
"I'm glad you have come to me with this." Quintus took a seat at the table where the latrunculi game was set up. He waved a hand at the chair opposite him. "Sit. We have not had chance for match in days. Let us play and discuss how I can help you get to know your son."
The two men had enjoyed several games together since the first, and Gannicus was getting better each time they played.
The gladiator took his usual seat with the white pieces as his own. "Gratitude," Gannicus said, setting his wine aside as he began lining up his men in front of him to be placed strategically as the game was played.
"None required," Quintus answered, gathering his ebony pieces in a like manner as Gannicus. "The boy is Aurelia's child, is he not?"
"He is," Gannicus said with a nod. "His name is Kleos."
"And, what troubles you regarding being a father?"
"Put me in the arena, Dominus, and I am firm of purpose. Yet, set me before this child and I feel absent skills needed to have simple conversation." Gannicus shrugged. "It is not a circumstance I ever thought to find myself in and I'm uncertain how to proceed."
"What's to think about?" Batiatus queried. "He is a child. Conversation cannot be that difficult."
"But I have no idea how to act with a child—my own especially."
"Fuck Gannicus! It is not as if you will be forced to care for the child in your cell!" Batiatus snorted. "All that is required is breaking words to get to know the boy. If you'd like, I can arrange for you to spend some of your day with him. Is he a fan of the games?"
Gannicus smiled broadly. "He has desire to stand as gladiator one day."
Batiatus chuckled, finishing off his wine. "Of course, he does. He is the son of the Mighty Gannicus!"
"Perhaps he could watch me train and I could even work with the boy."
To Gannicus' frustration, instead of answering, Batiatus responded with his own question. "How is it you have only recently discovered he resides here in the ludus?" Batiatus asked, placing his men in position to surround and capture one of Gannicus' pieces.
The gladiator deftly avoided Batiatus' move and counter attacked, threatening Batiatus' dux. "I believed the child died with Aurelia."
Batiatus' eyes widened at the bold move as well as Gannicus' reply. "Why the fuck did you think that?" he queried, countering Gannicus' offensive and protecting his dux.
Gannicus hesitated. If he told Batiatus the truth regarding the witch's evil deeds, he had no doubts Seraphina would be punished, but he did not want to be responsible for doing such a thing to Kleos' grandmother, despite the woman's unpleasant nature.
"Well?" Batiatus prompted, refilling both his glass and Gannicus' with more wine.
Gannicus chose his reply wisely, deciding on the truth, but not one filled with his rage. "Seraphina was angry with me due to losing her daughter. She held me responsible and told me the boy died with Aurelia."
"A harsh judgement," Batiatus said, leaning back in his chair and studying Gannicus for a moment. "You are not angered by this?"
He sighed and took a drink from his glass before answering. "I understand why she blamed me, Dominus. As well as why she did not wish for me to know him. It was not until I recognized my own features in the boy that it dawned on me who he was."
"And now you wish to get to know him better?"
Gannicus nodded, moving one of his pieces into perfect position to (again) take Batiatus' Dux next move. He smiled as he realized he had Batiatus trapped. "I would like to work with the boy…give him instruction if you would agree, Dominus?"
Quintus shook his head as he observed the board and realized could not escape the trap his gladiator had laid for him. He was bested. "You curry favor while bending me over the latrunculi board and ramming me up the ass!"
Gannicus' eyes shot to Batiatus thinking the man was angry, however, Quintus was grinning, obviously not upset; the gladiator relaxed. "I would never do that to you, Dominus," Gannicus said, smiling. "I would at least compliment you first." His smile turned into a grin. "You are obviously a superb teacher, which is why I have found victory."
Batiatus chuckled at his gladiator's cheeky reply. "Ah, now you flatter," he said. "That should have come before the ramming!" Gannicus laughed softly and Quintus brought the topic back to the boy. "I will arrange for you to have an hour each day to work with the boy—Kleos, right?" Gannicus nodded. "He can watch you train and you can offer him instruction with practice swords." Batiatus grinned.
"Gratitude," Gannicus said. "Your favor in this is much appreciated."
"It is not simple favor," Quintus admitted. "Who knows…perhaps Kleos will one day be champion of this house as well!"
After Gannicus had returned to the barracks, Quintus gave deeper thought to the newest boon to land in lap. Gannicus' son. He was of a mind to add the boy to his arsenal of tools to be used as leverage to gain Gannicus' continued devotion to the House of Batiatus. To further cause, Quintus decided to take an interest in the child himself. He left his tablinum and headed for the kitchens…a place he never visited.
*8*
Unfortunately for Ashur, when Gannicus returned to the yard, Oenomaus was in the middle of chastising him for dropping his shield when he attacked. This caused the blonde gladiator to recall he was irritated with the Syrian for running to Batiatus with news of Kleos without breaking words with Gannicus regarding the matter first.
Gannicus chuckled wickedly as he was gifted with the means to punish Ashur for speaking his business to Batiatus without alerting the man to the fact that Gannicus knew what he had done; which could place Melitta in difficult position for having told him.
"Doctore," he called out as Pietros handed him his dual swords. When Oenomaus turned, Gannicus strode over to where Oenomaus stood. "Ashur's lack of strong defense while attacking causes him to be especially vulnerable to a dimachaeri such as myself," he pointed out as he observed the Syrian spar with Dagan. "Perhaps I can be of some assistance in schooling my brother."
Oenomaus nodded. "He refuses to heed words and raise shield when advancing attack," the Doctore said with obvious frustration.
Gannicus smirked. "He will after he suffers from my blade enough times."
Chuckling softly, Oenomaus agreed. "Ashur," he said, "pair with Gannicus. And try to remember to raise your shield. Unlike Dagan, your champion wields two blades. It would behoove you to remember that."
"But it will be more enjoyable for me if you do not," Gannicus said with a cheeky grin as he took to the sand, twirling his blade as he waited for Ashur to face him.
Ashur took note of the smirk Gannicus wore. The smile did not reach the blonde gladiator's eyes, causing Ashur's anxiety to rise. "Have I somehow offended you again?" The Syrian asked as he took up position opposite the champion.
"That is a question to ask yourself. Is it not?" Gannicus replied mysteriously, his demeanor making Ashur even more nervous. "Have you done something recently I would find offensive?"
Ashur swallowed. "I cannot think of it. I have offered apologies regarding wagering on your personal business…"
"You have," Gannicus agreed. "But is that the extent of your interference in my affairs?" The blonde gladiator did not give Ashur a chance to respond, instead he went on. "Set mind to considering answer and I shall ask you again after instruction." He waved Ashur on. "Come. Attack me and let us see if you can keep that shield high enough to protect you from my blade."
Ashur charged, raising his shield, but Gannicus chose to attack his sword arm instead and brought his blade down on Ashur's forearm hard enough to disarm the Syrian. "You just lost your sword as well as your arm," Gannicus smirked. He then smashed both his swords against the other man's shield, knocking Ashur backwards across the yard, until the Syrian tripped over his own feet and ended up flat on his back. Gannicus put his feet on either side of the downed gladiator and crossed his swords over his neck. "And now you are dead," he chided.
Gannicus did not bother to help Ashur to his feet, he simply got back into position. "Get up and let us try again."
And so, it went. Ashur attacking and Gannicus using his far superior skill to disarm and embarrass the other gladiator by making the man lose both shield and sword over and again until Ashur started to grasp the idea that his attack must be defensive and offensive simultaneously. Once he learned that, Gannicus was not so easily able to disarm him.
When Ashur was able to block Gannicus' attack and mount one of his own without being robbed of either weapon or shield, Oenomaus commented. "Finally, words find way through thick skull."
"Do you not mean swords find way through thick skull, clearing path for instruction," Gannicus corrected with a grin.
Oenomaus laughed softly. "You make valid point."
Gannicus went to the water barrel for a drink. Ashur followed him.
"Gratitude for instruction," Ashur said as he retrieved a water ladle next to the barrel. "I have given thought to my question earlier."
Finishing off his water, Gannicus set the ladle aside. "You have, have you?" he asked, brow raised. "And what meaningful conclusion have you arrived upon?"
The sarcasm was obvious, another indicator Gannicus was not happy with Ashur. "Obviously I have indeed managed to offend once again." Gannicus did not confirm or deny Ashur's words and the Syrian hastened to apologize. "Allow me to offer apologies—"
"I could give two shits for your apologies, Ashur," Gannicus snapped, interrupting the false words of platitude. "I will say this only once more. Keep me and my business far from your ledgers and lips or find yourself on the wrong end of my swords." The blonde gladiator picked up his practice weapons. "If your ears prove deaf and you refuse to heed this warning…" Gannicus pointed one of his swords at Ashur, directly under the man's throat. "I can promise my next instruction will not end so pleasantly for you."
And with that final warning, Gannicus walked away from the viperous gladiator before he lost his temper and confronted the Syrian with the proof of his interference.
Ashur watched the champion as he swaggered off, a scowl on his bearded face at being humiliated by the Celt once again.
*8*
Later that day, as Gannicus entered the dining hall for mid-day meal, he was nervous. He had told Kleos the boy could ask him five questions. However, knowing how his son always seemed to ask the most awkward of questions, Gannicus was decidedly wary of what the boy would unearth with his inquiry, especially if it related to himself and Melitta. Once again, he had strong urge to hunt Seraphina down and do bodily harm to the woman!
After receiving his rations, he took a seat alone at a different table than the one he usually sat at, hoping he could avoid witnesses to his conversation, but Duratius was not having that and followed him to the new table.
As the big Egyptian took a seat opposite him, Gannicus arched a brow at his brother. "I see subtlety is lost on you. I took this seat to eat alone, brother."
Duratius grinned. "A fact well known, however, set mind to how clever wit seems to absent itself when you get around the boy and rethink decision. What will you do without helpful brothers to rescue you when you sit and stare like fucking mute!?"
"Duratius has point," Barca added as he took up a seat at the table. "Considering it was my intervention that salvaged pride when you wanted to bolt like frightened rabbit the last time you broke words with Kleos…" He winked at Gannicus. "Is it not a wiser decision to have us present when next you speak with him?"
As much as Gannicus wanted to avoid having them present, he had to admit, his brothers had valid argument. Hopefully, Kleos would not bring to light any topic too off putting. He had no time to worry over the matter further as Kleos appeared in the barracks, absent his normal tray of food, and immediately began to search the tables. When the boy's gaze landed upon Gannicus, he headed for the gladiator's table with firm purpose.
The closer the boy got the more apprehensive Gannicus became. He wiped suddenly clammy hands on the thick fasciae covering leg. What if the boy asked him was Melitta his favored cunt of the week? Gannicus felt light headed at the mere thought.
Barca, noticing the expression on his brother's face, elbowed Duratius and pointed it out to the Egyptian as well. "Like frightened rabbit, he wants to run. Good thing we are here to keep him in place."
Gannicus did not reply. Kleos was upon him. The boy smiled. "You promised to have words at mid-day meal," he reminded. "May we have them now?"
"You are absent duties?" Gannicus commented sending a quick prayer to Gods he did not believe in to spare him from another painful inquisition.
Kleos nodded and his little chest puffed out. "Dominus personally came to see me today and relieved me of my duties, so I could sit with you."
Gannicus' eyes widened at his words. Batiatus had not mentioned such a plan earlier, however, Gannicus was not averse to the idea. "Sit," he said, nodding to the seat next to him. When the boy had taken up position at the table, Gannicus asked, "Have you eaten?"
Kleos, looking very small sitting at the gladiator's table, shook his head. "I usually eat after the men," he explained.
"Not today," Gannicus said. "Today, you eat as gladiator."
Kleos' eyes went wide. "Truly?"
"Truly," Gannicus confirmed with a grin, relaxing a bit. If Batiatus was going to extend privilege, Gannicus would see the boy enjoy it fully. "I shall be right back." With that, he got to his feet and went back to the line where the men were getting their meals. Within moments, he had another tray of food and brought it back to the table. He set the bowl of meat and vegetable soup and a slice of bread before Kleos. "Now you are one of the men," he said with a grin and a wink.
The boy's smile stretched wide. "Gratitude…Gannicus." Kleos picked up his spoon and dug into his meal with gusto, much to the amusement of the three gladiators sitting with him.
As they ate their meal, Gannicus asked. "What else did Dominus say to you when he made visit?"
Kleos shrugged. "He gave permission for me to watch you train."
"I would also give instruction on working with your swords, Kleos," Gannicus told the boy. "Would you favor such an arrangement?"
Kleos' brown eyes sparkled. "Very much so."
Gannicus nodded. "Then we shall begin after we eat."
After a moment Kleos reminded his father of his earlier promise. "You said I could ask five questions."
Gannicus' stomach tightened but he nodded just the same. He had given his word to the boy. He would not disappoint. "I did. Have you decided which five you desire to have answered?"
The boy hesitated and then said, "I have only one for now."
Surprised but relieved Gannicus waved him on. "Speak it and I will do my best to answer."
"What did you call your father?"
Gannicus swallowed. "Tad, when I was a boy, but as a man, I called him my chieftain."
"Tahd…" Kleos repeated the strange word before he turned to Gannicus. "I have thought on what I should call you…" the boy said. He hemmed and hawed for a moment, playing with his food as if working up his courage.
"And…" Gannicus prompted, although after the child's question, he suspected he already knew what was coming. "What name am I to go by?" He flashed teasing grin at Kleos to ease the boy's nerves.
"I know you said we were not ready yet, but I was hoping…" His words almost ran together he spoke so fast. Kleos finally stopped and took a deep breath before continuing at a slower pace. "Would it be acceptable if I called you tad as well?" he finally asked.
Gannicus had not realized he was holding his breath until Kleos asked if he could call him father in his native tongue. He exhaled, his chest tightening almost painfully. The question was coming sooner than anticipated, but Gannicus had no intention of telling the boy no.
"If that is what you wish, then I do not mind, Kleos."
"I wish it very much," the boy said, flushing as he noticed many of the men staring at him.
Gannicus too realized they were the center of attention in the dining area. A glare in the general direction of the rest of the men watching had them looking away. They stood as brothers, yes, but he hadn't much interaction with the majority of them and felt no desire to have many of them witness this moment between himself and his son. His eyes sought out Ashur, taking note the man was still in the dining hall and had not taken flight with yet another tale to whisper into Batiatus' ear.
Bringing his attention back to Kleos, Gannicus nodded his head to the boy. "Then that is how it shall be." The gladiator resumed eating. "Finish your meal and then we shall train."
"Yes tad," Kleos said, dutifully returning to his soup.
Gannicus did a double take at the ease with which the boy called him father—the words gave him a shock hearing them. He noticed Barca and Duratius were amazingly silent during the whole exchange. "What? No teasing words or jests at my expense?" It was said to both gladiators.
Barca shook his head. "I am well pleased for you, brother."
Duratius chuckled. "Proof that baseless clay can become something of worth." He got to his feet and patted Gannicus on the shoulder. "Enjoy the rest of your meal, brother."
"Do not forget we are to have proper contest later," Gannicus reminded Duratius.
Duratius turned back to Gannicus, a teasing grin on his face. "Are you sure you wish such a thing? I would not want to embarrass you in front of your boy, brother!"
Gannicus started to reply, but Kleos' loud snort to Duratius' comment gave him pause. He turned to the boy. "You do not think he can best me?" the blonde gladiator asked, curious as to how his child viewed him.
"His hammer is mighty weapon, but I have seen you put him to ground on several occasions. You will do so again today," the boy stated with a firm nod of his head.
Duratius' open mouthed shock at a small child calling him out was comical and Gannicus threw back his head in laughter.
"The boy's tongue finds truth and brings it to light," Barca said, smirking.
"It does," Gannicus agreed. The gladiator leaned down so he was eye to eye with his son. "Would you like to watch me take him again?"
The boy's eyes lit up. "I would." He pointed to a spot by near the door that led to the kitchens. "I am usually forced to hide over there when watching the men train."
"Today you shall have proper view and afterwards you will show me what you observed during contest." He brought his bowl to mouth and finished off the last of his soup. "Agreed?" he asked when he set the bowl down.
"Agreed," Kleos said and then proceeded to imitate Gannicus by drinking his soup directly from the bowl as well.
Gannicus rubbed his chest, surprised how seeing the boy mimic him could cause aching sensation and leave him a bit breathless. It was an odd feeling.
*8*
Who does not love little Kleos? Thanks again for the amazing support this story is getting. I will be updating this again on Monday. Have a great weekend and click that little button nd let me know what you think. :)
