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 foul language and smut! If that is not your cup of tea, turn back now.
Pairings: There is multiple pairing in this story. Gannicus has more than one partner in this story. However, Gannicus/Melitta is my end game. If you are offended by multiple pairings of the characters, then this story is NOT for you.
If you are like me and just want Gannicus naked as often as possible, then read on. LOL
2024 Update: First, I would like to apologize to any and all fans of this story for just leaving it hanging the way I did... I had a traumatic event happen in my life that has *literally* taken me years to get over. I lost my husband in a car accident. And, if any of you have been reading this, you will know my inspiration was me and Shane's own private story. It has been a very difficult time for me, but I have finally come to a place where I feel I can give Gannicus and Melitta the ending they deserve. I have been writing on this for a while and have many chapters finished, so I feel it is safe to post this one and (at least) end the freaking cliff hanger I left everyone with! *ugh* again, apologies.
Thank you for all the love and suport people have shown for this story. It truly warmed my heart when I read the reviews a few months back. In fact, it got me off my ass and made me determined to live again. Thank you.
Chapter 57: Acta non verba: Actions not words.
Palatine Hill: Aurelius City Domus: Triclinium
"Since you have already had the champion's cock, perhaps you would prefer another," Severus said, as his gaze perused the rugged forms of the gladiators before him. He pointed to Duratius. "How about this one? He appears a strapping lad. Let her fuck him."
And with those words, Gannicus' insides twisted so violently he felt the urge to vomit, and the grotesque imagery of Duratius on top of Melitta nearly brought him to his knees.
With attention diverted, the two slaves performing for Roman amusement quickly escaped, moving from the rug center of the room, off to the side and away from the nobles reclining on golden couches. They began to dress, heads bowed as they hastened to be removed from Roman sight.
The silence that followed Lucius Severus' words was deafening and, as meaning sunk in, they left path of destruction in their wake.
Gannicus turned away from Barca and Duratius, but he had not missed the stunned expressions on their faces when the pig had so bluntly revealed that Melitta had known Gannicus' cock previously. Fuck the Gods! It was disastrous turn of events, yet he could not set mind to words of explanation he would break with brothers later. They would have to be broken, that was a certainty, but he was far too concerned with what the Roman dog was suggesting presently to pay much heed to future conversation. His gaze flew to Melitta, and their eyes met and held briefly. Her lustrous dark eyes were glistening with unshed tears, and Gannicus could see his own riotous emotions mirrored there; it sickened him. If he could, he would wrap hands around Severus' throat and squeeze until breath left body. Gannicus turned to Octavia, hoping to find help there, but she was not returning his gaze. Instead, her eyes were fixated on her brother, and for a moment, the blond gladiator thought he saw intense hatred flash upon her face, but it was gone so quickly, he was unsure if it had been real or imagined.
You could have heard a pin drop within the room. There were stunned expression all around, except one. Rather than looking uncomfortable, the gleam in Lucious Severus' green eyes said he was enjoying the thick tension his filthy suggestion was producing.
"Well," he said, reclining on one elbow. "I have heard rumors of the delicacies you offer, Batiatus." He took a sip of wine, eyes narrowing on the Capuan lanista. "Am I to be the only one not afforded the opportunity to see such pleasures in the flesh?"
Quintus immediately sought to placate the Imperator. "I would not see it so," he hurried to say. "I would be honored..."
Octavia cut off whatever Batiatus was about to offer. "Come now Lucius, surely you have been satisfied?" she commented, taking note of the anxiety upon her lover's face. "Hector and Iliana have put forth quite the display. I am certain you have already cum in great geysers. Mayhap we can find a better use of time."
Octavia was aware Gannicus held the pretty brunette slave in high regard. Melitta. His pained expression, once again, aroused suspicions regarding his feelings for the woman, but now was not the time for those words to be broken. She feared if she could not redirect Lucius' desires, Gannicus might take action to keep the woman from being used for Roman pleasure again. That could not happen. Octavia would do anything to keep Gannicus safe from harm and minimize inspection from beastly brother.
Lucretia immediately warmed to Octavia's direction. Anything to see Melitta free of this wretched idea! "Perhaps you should give tour of loving husband's gift?"
Octavia clapped her hands. "What a splendid idea, Lucretia," the blonde Roman said. "Let us progress outside. Lucius, you simply must see the arena Claudius has built for me." She turned to Quintus and added. "Perhaps Batiatus might even allow demonstration from his gladiators."
"Ah, but I have already laid gaze on the marvel. Cecilia and I received tour when we first arrived," he informed her, plucking a grape from a nearby platter and popping it into his mouth.
Surprised, Octavia was momentarily distracted from intent to deter Lucius' purpose. "Cecilia is back?" she asked. Her niece had arrived earlier in the week but had departed without word of explanation. The blonde frowned. "After she left day after her arrival, I was not expecting to see her return so quickly."
"She was not supposed to quit your domus at all," he bit out, jaw tightening in manner Octavia was all too familiar with. "She does have issue with following command."
"Where is she?" Octavia asked, masking her concern for the young woman as idle curiosity.
"She has retired to the gardens," he said. "As a flower yet untouched, it would not do to expose her to gladiators in all their glory at such a tender age." He smirked at Octavia; lips twisted cruelly. "Imagine the horror should she become infatuated with one of these beasts." His jade green eyes were icy, ruthless even as they met Octavia's near identical gaze. "I would be forced to end her," he finished coldly.
His words, obviously a veiled threat to his sister, were chilling and added further unease to an already tense situation.
After a long moment of dread filled silence, Severus threw back his head and laughed. "Juno's cunt! What seizes brain to speak of such a thing?" He looked about the room. "A thousand apologies. My mood darkens without cause." He glanced to Quintus. "Perhaps you can lend hand to lighten it, Batiatus."
"Speak and see it done," Quintus replied eagerly.
"It would please me greatly to watch that slave..." He pointed to Duratius, "fuck that slave," he said, pointing to Melitta. He chuckled wickedly. "What say you, Batiatus, is your gladiator up for such displays of physical prowess?"
And they were back to where they had started. Only this time, in the wake of menacing words from her brother, Octavia did not speak up to halt situation. Fear held tongue.
Quintus too was at a loss for words. On one hand he desperately wanted to procure Lucius Severus' favor, he was an incredibly important man in Rome, but on the other, if he ordered this, all his well laid plans for Gannicus could be lost. The trust he had built with the gladiator would be broken. Batiatus knew this instinctively. He paused to choose his words carefully.
Luckily, he did not have to proceed further, for in that moment, the curtains to the triclinium were pulled back and Claudius appeared. Gannicus, and in truth, Batiatus, Octavia as well, all nearly wilted with relief at his timely interruption.
Claudius' smile for beloved wife faded when he took note of her expression. "Tavia?" He began only to stop when he laid eyes on his brother in-law; reason behind Octavia's marred countenance revealed itself. Lucius was within his domus. He sighed. "Severus, you arrive early I see."
Lucius was quiet a moment. As a Roman Imperator, he was a powerful man, but Claudius was a Consul, there was no higher office than that; moreover, his brother in-law shit gold. With a sigh of defeat, Severus gave way and presented the younger man with smile, as if happy to see him. "Aurelius. Just in time to see mood fade."
Unsure of meaning behind words, Claudius entered the triclinium and took a seat next to Octavia. His intelligent gaze took note of the room and its occupants. Batiatus' gladiators were standing in attendance in the middle of the triclinium, oiled and scented, and dressed only in their subligarias. Normally, Claudius would take time to enjoy their hard muscled bodies glistening so exquisitely, but there was a tension in the room that was palpable, and Claudius suspected he had disrupted some sort of display of debauchery; Lucius' underlying context became clear as glass.
He continued to survey the room, noticing Lucretia's beautiful body slave was present as well, and when his eyes met the slave's briefly, the manner with which her face reflected an emotion akin to joy at seeing him was further proof of troubling events his appearance had averted. Off to the other side of the room, his occasional lover, Hector, and the kitchen girl, Iliana, were also present, huddled together, heads bowed, the tragic expression on Iliana's face spoke volumes.
Claudius had to grit teeth to keep curse behind them. Perhaps he had not prevented disaster after all. Certain the trauma he sensed from his slaves could be traced directly back to his brother in-law; Claudius made note to break words with Hector subsequently.
He turned to his wife. "Tavia, what goes on here?"
Tremendously pleased that her husband had arrived and derailed Lucius' scheming, Octavia's face brightened immediately. "Lucius was asking Batiatus for a presentation of his gladiator's prowess and I was suggesting we adjourn to my new arena for proper showing," she explained, speaking truth, yet evading truer context. Her smile widened further as her brother's visage darkened. "I am pleased you will not miss it."
"As am I." He took his wife's hand in his and placed a kiss on her soft skin. "However, demonstration must be kept brief." He turned to Octavia. "We have more guests to arrive to discuss preparation for opening day tomorrow. I am certain it did not absent itself from memory, my love." His gaze teasing.
"Juno's cunt!" she gasped, stunned she could have forgotten such an important event. Claudius had invited both patrician class Carule Aediles to share vesperna to discuss the festival at length. "Apologies my love. What seized brain?" She gave an embarrassed shrug. "I know not. Thank the Gods I gave instruction to Calia earlier today to prepare a more substantial Vesperna, else Belicius and Verenius would have naught but light faire of cheese, porridge, fruit and olives to dine on."
"Perhaps we should postpone demonstration," Lucretia suggested.
Batiatus shot his wife an annoyed glance. Lucius Severus wanted to see his gladiators in exhibition, which could lead to acquiring Gannicus for the Romani and she was asking for a postponement!
"Nonsense," Aurelius said, before Quintus had a chance to offer words. He got to his feet, a smile on his lips. "We have time. Let us make way to the arena." He helped Octavia to rise, and in the doing, he leaned down to whisper quietly in her ear. "Do not think I have forgotten when I arrived, you appeared fearful." She started to reply, but he paused words with a finger to her lips. "No. Truth is not to be had within his presence. This I know." He placed a tender kiss to her mouth. "We will put it from thought presently, but I will hear truth of the matter later, Tavia."
She nodded. Claudius was no fool. It was unsurprising he saw through her lie. "Later," she agreed, her eyes pleading to let it go for the moment.
Ever the loving husband, Claudius could deny her nothing. "Very well. Shall we pause and give our thanks to the Gods by way of Batiatus' gladiators?"
"I would desire it so," Octavia said to him, her green eyes sparkling.
Lucius turned away from the nauseating display between his sister and Aurelius. "Sister, will you prepare rooms for Cecilia? I fear our family domus has fallen beneath civilized standards due to my absence. It shall take a moment to bring it back to glory. I'm used to sleeping in a tent, so I will not be overly burdened, but Cecilia would not fare so well."
"Cecilia?" Claudius queried, with a raised a brow. His surprise evident since it was well known Cecilia was ridiculously jealous of Octavia and was loathe to spend much time with her. In fact, the girl had removed herself from their domus just days past absent word or explanation. "She has returned then?"
"She was not given permission to leave," Lucius replied.
"Are you certain she wishes to remain within our domus?" Claudius asked with a grin. Well aware of Cecilia's past with his wife. Claudius wanted no discord. The mind of a teenage girl was a riddle he had no desire to solve.
The Roman commander shrugged. "It matters not. Shé is my ward; therefore, my desires are hers."
Octavia made a face at his words and Claudius took his wife's hand again. "Anya," Octavia said, calling forth her body slave. "Please let Calia know to prepare the western red cubiculum, near the garden for Cecilia and her slave Livia."
Anya bowed her head. "Yes Domina."
"Gratitude," Severus said. "I am of the mind it is past time she placed petty jealousies aside regarding my sister." His smile did not quite reach his cold green eyes. "Would you not agree, Aurelius?"
"I would," Claudius responded, forcing himself to be amenable to Lucius' presence. However, he could not resist pointing out, "As I am certain you will agree having Octavia's guidance in procuring suitable match for the girl will be vital boon as well."
Severus chuckled softly. "You speak true. I would be eternally grateful to my sister's patronage in such a matter of course."
"Of course," Claudius said as he turned to his guests. "Come," he waved his guests ahead of him to the atrium, "let us see these magnificent men of the arena take to the sand as they will in The Apollinaire's to honor the Gods and House Aurelius in glorious fashion."
Since more pleasurable pursuits were no longer to be had, Lucius resigned himself to enjoying a different form of entertainment. He did appreciate a good gladiatorial match and there were other ways to torment dear sister. He was quite certain all paths to that end could be found in the gladiator, Gannicus. His dark green eyes watched the man as he was led from the room by Aurelias' guards. He was a handsome beast. Lucius determined to pay close attention to Octavia whenever the blonde gladiator was in proximity. It would not do for his sister to be spreading thighs for a slave. If she wanted to play the whore, she could do so for him first, like she had before she married Aurelius.
Severus gave a sinister smirk. "Cock hardens at thought," he said, as if replying to Claudius, however, Octavia noticed the lustful gaze he gave her and shuddered in disgust.
"Let us hurry my love," she said and looped her arm through her husband's, practically dragging him from the room in her haste to be away from the hungry gaze of her brother.
"You may run little sister, you always have, but you will never hide from me," Severus said under his breath, an ugly sneer to his lips as he watched his sister take flight as if Pluto himself was to rise from the Underworld to drag her back with him.
Gladiator's Lodging:
The door to their temporary lodgings had barely closed before both Barca and Duratius began to grill Gannicus for information regarding him and Melitta.
"What did that Roman pig mean when he said Melitta already had your cock?" Duratius asked. "Tell me the man lies brother."
Simultaneously, Barca growled. "Break fucking words regarding you and Doctore's wife, Gannicus." The Beast of Carthage looked ready to bring spear to purpose. "You have no fucking shortage of cunt! Tell me you have not done such a thing, brother," he added, his dark eyes boring into Gannicus' gaze, seeking the truth.
Gannicus ran a weary hand through his hair. He had known this was coming as soon as Severus let it be known he had been with Melitta. Once again, stomach twisted as if in knots. Besides Oenomaus, Barca and Duratius were closest to him, and he valued them truly. He did not wish to lie to them, but he could not tell entire truth either, so he did his best to break honest words regarding what had transpired between Melitta and himself.
"It happened when Varis came to choose men for his games," Gannicus began, telling the tale as the men readied themselves for impromptu demonstration. He told them how he had been summoned after he and Crixus had given exhibition bout, telling them about the entire ordeal, up to and including what Batiatus had said to him about "sucking Varis' cock dry if that is what the man wished."
"You fucking jest!" Duratius bit out, his distaste obvious.
Gannicus shook his head. "If only," he sighed. "The man fondled cock as if it belonged to him," he growled, grimacing at the reminder.
"And Dominus allowed this?" Barca asked.
Gannicus' brow shot up. "Barca, did you see Dominus refuse request earlier?" Barca shook his head. "Exactly," Gannicus said. "If Aurelius had not arrived, Duratius would have been forced to..." He shook his head, unable to finish thought. He made a face of disgust. "He is so eager for Roman favor he would sell his own father into slavery if it would see him toward desired result."
Duratius was studying Gannicus, a sympathetic expression on his face. "I am aggrieved to hear this brother. I had no idea Batiatus had forced you into such position...and with a man!" The big Egyptian made a face and clapped a supportive hand on Gannicus' shoulder. They had been cell mates and Duratius was aware Gannicus had no desire for men. "It is beyond all reason."
Gannicus nodded his head in agreement. "It would have been if the man had demanded to use me in such a way." He sat down to pull on his fasciae. "In truth, if the man had insisted, I would not be here today. I would be upon the shores of the afterlife because there was no fucking way I was to allow that pig of a Roman use me as woman!" he snarled.
Duratius and Barca shared a glance as they pulled on their gear in preparation for demonstration. It was a shock to both gladiators as they realized how close they had come to losing their brother, and not in the way they all preferred, an honorable death upon the sands.
"What was Batiatus thinking to offer you up as prize like that?" Barca asked, fastening the buckle on his one-armed galerus.
Gannicus shrugged as he finished tying the fastenings of his fasciae to his legs and stood. "As I said, he is desperate for favor and used me to achieve goal."
"And instead of trying to fuck you for sport..." Barca started.
"The man demanded I fuck Melitta," Gannicus finished softly, the memory and shame he had felt still stirred, despite having come to terms with it.
Barca and Duratius cursed long and loudly.
"Fucking Roman dogs!" Barca snarled. "As if our lives were not filled with enough shit as is, they heap more upon weary shoulders and ask brother to betray brother. For what? Position in the games!"
"They stand fucking vermin," Duratius added in agreement with Barca's assessment.
"It has changed me," the blonde gladiator whispered hoarsely. "In days past I have found myself-;"
Just then a guard shouted at the gladiators from the entrance of the domus, interrupting Gannicus' confession. "Gladiators, come. Your Dominus awaits you."
Barca rolled his eyes. "In other words, best make haste."
Realizing the guard had saved him from making things even worse, Gannicus bit back words of admission. "I would ask that this conversation remain in dust and shadows brothers," he said as they made their way towards the entryway. "Melitta has suffered enough. If Oenomaus ever discovered..." His voice trailed off and both Barca and Duratius quickly assured Gannicus they had no desire to see the blood bath that would ensue should that particular secret ever be brought to light.
"As you said, Gannicus," Duratius added, "If your Roman's husband had not arrived, I would be mired in similar shit storm. I have no desire to be the man that tells Oenomaus how Dominus has treated loving wife."
Barca seconded that sentiment. "He might just as well kill messenger," he added.
"Gratitude," Gannicus said, ignoring the guilt he felt at how much he was not telling them.
Aurelius Domus:
Melitta watched as the three gladiators were escorted to the Roman woman's arena. She quietly admired Gannicus' bronze beauty while studiously avoiding looking upon the big Egyptian beside him. Duratius. Her stomach still churned at how close she had come to being forced into fucking him. Her knees weakened at the memory. Even the first time with Gannicus had not inspired such terror. She thanked the Gods for Claudius Aurelius. If he had not fortuitously arrived when he had, Melitta shuddered to think on what might have happened. It boggled mind and she quickly turned it from thought lest she give in to the urge to curl into a ball and sob.
Aurelius treated his slaves so kindly, Melitta had not realized the possibility of danger until it was too late. Her gaze surreptitiously went to the Roman filth who had orchestrated the near event. Lucius Severus frightened her as no other had before him. He was a handsome man, but there was something evil about him. It negated looks and in her eyes, he stood as monster. How she desperately longed to stay far from his gaze for the rest of this trip. If only that were possible. Melitta knew it was not.
"Ah, they arrive," Batiatus declared, upon seeing his gladiators entering the small arena. "What say you Severus, who shall give contest first, the Mighty Gannicus versus Barca, the Beast of Carthage? Or would you prefer to see Duratius, the Egyptian Executioner take on my Champion?"
He shrugged. "Let my sister decide, after all it is by her design your champion is here in Rome is it not?"
All eyes turned to Octavia. "Gannicus, step forward." Barca and Duratius shared a smirk between them. As if there was any doubt as to who she would choose. The champion did as commanded, bowing his head towards the nobles seated upon the pulvinus. Octavia laid a well-manicured finger upon her lush bottom lip as she pondered who to choose as Gannicus' opponent. After a moment she made her choice. "You there, Barca, step forward."
"Are they to have contest using wood instead of steel?" Lucius interjected. "Surely your gladiators are men, Batiatus, not children."
Before Quintus could reply, Claudius interrupted with a roll of his eyes at his brother in-law's suggestion. "And surely you recall Gannicus is to be in my primus for the Ludi Appolinares, Severus." Aurelius ignored the tightening of Lucius' features and continued. "Shall I take a chance to see wound in simple exhibition make appearance in my games impossible? Leaving the Gods and public alike unappeased." He shook his head and answered his own question. "I think not." He waved a hand towards Quintus signaling his desire to resume proceedings. "Let it remain wood over steel, Batiatus."
Lucretia and Gaia exchanged glances. It was obvious to even the casual observer that Aurelius and Severus did not much care for one another. Lucretia raised questioning brow to her friend, as if to ask what story lay behind animosity, but Gaia gave a small shake of her head and mouthed "later."
In the arena, Gannicus assumed a fighting stance. He flashed Barca a grin and muttered, "Come brother, bring spear to purpose and I will try not to injure you too badly."
In reply, Barca gave Gannicus a two-finger salute. "Ha!" He grabbed his crotch. "I have spear for you right here," the Beast taunted.
Gannicus rolled his eyes. "Words fall from mouth like shit from ass." He waved Barca forward. "Let us see if you can back up boastful jest."
"No jest," Barca said and launched himself at Gannicus, spear forward. "Rrrhhaaa!"
Gannicus deflected his charge easily, knocking aside Barca's weapon and adeptly spinning out of the way of his opponent. With a roar of his own he landed a painful blow to the Beast's back with the flat of his gladius as the bigger man sailed past the blonde gladiator.
"You rush attack like rabid goat absent brain," Gannicus crowed, laughing as he advanced upon his brother.
Barca's lip curled. "Rabid goat?" He exclaimed. He aimed his spear and taunted, "the only thing rabid here, brother, is your hubris."
"It is not hubris when it is true, brother," Gannicus replied with a wink.
And, with that, Gannicus went on a feverish attack, wielding his dual swords with deadly speed, and accuracy, and while Barca was an incredibly talented hoplomachus, he was not truly a match for Gannicus. The Champion of Capua used his acrobatic skills to scale the arena wall and flip over the bigger gladiator to land behind him. With lightning speed, he used one of his swords to sweep Barca's legs out from under him, bringing him down. Once he had the Beast on his back, he planted his feet on either side of the big man, both swords held at his brother's throat.
The battle, while entertaining, was not overly long.
"Do you yield, brother," Gannicus asked with a cocky grin. Instead of the two fingered missio, Barca gave Gannicus another finger gesture, causing the blonde gladiator to chuckle softly before turning gaze to the pulvinus and the nobles seated there.
A round of applause was given by all except Severus. Not surprisingly, he still appeared angered over his exchange with Aurelius.
Octavia stood. "Well done," she said, her green eyes roaming the enticing face and form of her lover.
Batiatus grinned. "Have you ever seen the like? He is of a form my champion. Is he not?" he asked to the audience in general.
"Your man swings cock to rival Jupiter himself," Gaia interjected, licking her lush lips, while admiring said form.
Batiatus laughed. "Gannicus stands God of the Arena."
Claudius gave a short laugh at Gaia's comment. "Yes, he does," he agreed, still smiling, obviously pleased with the gladiators showing. "Batiatus, both your men fought well, but Gannicus..." Like Gaia, and his wife, Claudius' gaze admired the Champion's physique, "he is quite the marvel. I have no doubt your men shall honor both Apollo and my house when they take the sand in the Apollinare's."
A young handsome Nubian slave approached Claudius. "Apologies Dominus," he said, bowing his dark head, "you have a visitor at the gate."
"Gratitude Ademi. Show them to my tablinum and I will be there presently," Aurelius replied.
"Yes Dominus," the slave replied, turning on heel, his long, athletic legs carried him back towards the gate in quick strides.
Claudius sighed, recalling for a moment Vorsutius' visit of recent past. His eyes swung to Severus. Now would be a disastrous time for a visit from one of his acquaintances from Aventine Hill. "A thousand apologies," Claudius said, "a consul's work is never done." He flashed a charming smile. "Please, excuse my absence, however..." He turned to Octavia, "I doubt I will be missed as I shall be leaving you in the most beauteous and capable hands of loving wife." He leaned down to kiss Octavia sweetly. "I shall return before you notice me absent my love."
Octavia accepted his kiss with a smile. "Impossible. You are already missed," she said, before continuing with their guests toward the domus.
Palatine Hill: Aurelius' City Domus: Tablinum:
Claudius was surprised to see Lettivius Bachus waiting for him. The older man was dressed in the toga picta, his robes were of a rich blue and gold, with vibrant purple sash; all colors that signified wealth and prominence. The man had designs to impress, obviously.
"Bachus," Aurelius, said, opening his arms in welcome. "To what do I owe the pleasure of your presence?"
Bachus, who had been admiring the beautifully woven tapestries depicting storied gladiator battles upon the wall, turned at the sound of Claudius' voice. His grey eyes were weary. "Aurelius," he replied, "I have come across information regarding Tullius that I felt must be delivered personally."
Intrigued, Claudius took a seat behind his desk and motioned for Bachus to have a seat as well. Calia, the old woman house slave who cared for Claudius since he was a child, began to pour wine. "Tullius, you say?" Aurelius took offered cup. "Gratitude Calia," he said, turning again to Bachus, as the man accepted offered cup from Calia with neither thanks nor acknowledgement. Claudius bit tongue to halt reprimand. "I had words with the man just this morn regarding the despicable and cowardly attack on Batiatus' champion, Gannicus."
Surprise flitted across Bachus' withered face. "Then you are aware he is in Rome."
It was not said as a question, but Claudius replied just the same. "I am." He took a sip of his wine, enjoying the fine Falernian bouquet. His blue eyes went to the older man's grey ones and held gaze. "I must say," he said, setting aside his wine. "I am surprised you are here speaking of good Tullius. I was of the belief that after you warned the man of my interest, words between us would dry up and evaporate like dewy rain under desert sun."
Lettivius winced at Aurelius' knowledge regarding actions towards Tullius. "Apologies Consul Aurelius," he said, wringing hands. "He is old friend and business partner. Admittedly, I had words with the man regarding future trading upon silk road, but I did not give voice to your name, nor expound upon conversations of past. Of this, I swear."
Claudius remained silent letting the man squirm.
And squirm he did, shifting in his seat and adjusting his robes uncomfortably. "I fret I have injured you, Aurelius, and I would not have it. Please, allow me chance to mend rift. One torn foolishly by my own hands." Bachus was practically begging. "I would not see friendship ended over misunderstanding."
Finally, Claudius gave a short nod. "Nor would I," he said, perusing the merchant for a moment. Finally, he gave a slight nod as if coming to an internal decision. "There is a way for you to mend rift. If you are of a serious note to do so."
"Ask and see it done," the older man replied immediately.
Claudius' smile was slow and cunning. He was a good man, but he was no fool. Nor did he forgive or forget easily if betrayed. Bachus had betrayed trust when he spoke out of turn to Tullius. And Tullius betrayed beloved wife when he tried to have Gannicus murdered in simple exhibition match; Claudius would see the man pay for it.
"Tullius spoke to me of his man Vettius, laying blame for the attack on Gannicus at his feet," Aurelius said, taking a sip from his wine. "I would have you strengthen bond with the man and discern truth of the matter, as well as any further plan of betrayal he may yet have."
Lettivius took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. "I know not regarding attack on the gladiator, but I have it on good authority he has already set path to added betrayal."
When Bachus paused in his tale, Claudius leaned forward, waving the man on to continue "Speak and see discerning mind assess weight of information given."
Lettivius Bachus had done all he could for Tullius when he warned the man to stand down. Tullius had ignored warning. Bachus decided now was time to see to his own survival. "He has met with a man from Aventine Hill in effort to unmask you as a patron to forward-thinking plebian policy."
"Jupiter's cock!" Claudius snarled, slamming his hand down on his desk in an uncharacteristic show of temper, startling his guest. "I give the man my patronage and this is how he repays me? With attempt to destroy me and mine!"
The rage displayed by Claudius put a worried frown on Bachus' weathered face, and he hastened to separate himself from Tullius' fate. "Apologies Consul Aurelius. Tullius has been longtime partner, but I can no longer support his actions. I fear he has lost mind," the man admitted. "He is so aggrieved at the loss of the gladiator Gannicus, that he acts without thought or reason."
"That he would fucking dare..." Aurelius shook his head, disbelief at the Capuan merchant's deceit plain on his handsome face. "He acts as rabid dog, biting the hand that has fed him well."
Bachus nodded. "Disappointment has set the man to path he cannot return from."
Claudius rarely lost temper, but Tullius' treachery did not only endanger him. It put Octavia at risk as well. In fact, if believed, duplicitous words could bring down his very house. "The lengths he would go to see Gannicus within his own stable or dead boggles mind! I cannot have it."
A handful of kitchen slaves made their way past the tablinum towards the triclinium carrying platters of food. Seeing this, Nepos got Claudius' attention and inclined his head towards the doorway. "Apologies Dominus, but your vesperna is being served presently. Domina will be expecting you to join her and your guests," he reminded softly.
Claudius nodded. "Gratitude Nepos. My wife would have head separated from shoulders if I do not attend this meal." He stood and signaled for the merchant to follow. Tullius was a viper, and Claudius was of a mind to see head and fangs removed; Lettivius Bachus was in ideal position to see wish bear deadly fruit. "Come Bachus, Aedile Belicius and Aedile Verinius will be in attendance. Stand as guest and perhaps we shall find way to balance scales between us."
** Okay, guys here is the first chapter written in years! Hope people enjoy it. Not sure if anyone is still reading this, but...if not, I think I need to finish this for me. My own love story with my husband started very similar to G&M. We betrayed people we loved when we fell for each other, but I would not have missed one single moment of our story. Shane will always be the love of my life, even if he was not the *first* love I felt. In my mind, Melitta and Gannicus are much the same. They did not intend it to fall in love, it just happened. Thank you agai8nfor all the love and support.
TJ
