In A Grain of Sand

Chapter 1

Thema POV
I appear at the edge of a lake in an empty clearing. Getting to my feet hastily, I begin to search my surroundings.
"Hello! Is anyone there? Hello!" I am alone, though. So I start to wander, through forests, and valleys, hills and meadows, I wander for days. I bite my lip, and walk to the coast between France and Britain I apparate across the channel, making my way across Europe. I transfigure my sneakers permanently into a good pair of sandals. Then, I transfigure my clothes to match those I see on the road. This continues for a few days, finally, I manage to find a ship that will take me to someplace called Capua. It's better than nothing, so I take the chance. The gold works, and I'm on my way to a Roman city. A few weeks later, and we have arrived at Capua. I make my way through the marketplace, guarding my coin purse as this is the perfect place for theives. I spot a slave market not far away, and sigh. Sometimes, humans are the worst things on the planet. I roll my shoulders, feeling eyes on me. I glance back to see it's a woman, she gives me a smile. I nod to her in greeting, before continuing on my way. Eventually, I am swept up in the crowd on their way to the arena. I let myself be swept along keeping my coin purse firmly in my hand. I end up on one of the lower rungs. I look down at the arena, wondering what will happen. Soon, two gladiators come out onto the sand. Watching them slash and stab at each other, I keep my eyes fixed on the sand in front of them, watching their shadows. One wins, and I put on a mask of amusement. The crowd around me bays for blood like wild dogs. By the volume of their next shout, someone has given the signal to kill. I stare at the crowd's reaction to the ensuing murder, in horror. As I stare, my eyes lock with the victor. He tilts his head in confusion, as if shocked that someone is not enjoying the match. I head down during the break between matches. During my time on board the ship, I had used my training as a Healer to help those around me for a small amount of coin. I head down to where the medicus are settled. I show them my healer's insignia, and they allow me to work with them. With four medicus, we manage to heal the victorious gladiators quickly. Soon, the final fight begins, the primus. It is two against one, people named Spartacus and Crixus against Theokoles, the Shadow of Death, a thought unbeatable opponent. It is a brutal, vicious fight, but Crixus and Spartacus triumph in the end. Crixus though, is badly wounded. I help move him inside, but the other medicus are almost certain he won't live.
"Leave him to me, I'll do my best." The head medicus nods, and leaves me a healing kit. I grin at the ingredients I find inside. More than enough for a potent healing salve. First though, I clean the wounds, the one to his stomach is the most concerning. I pour my magic into the salve, making it glow subtly. I then smear it on a clean bandage and wrap the wound. I feel my magic healing the wound swiftly. Crixus is rapidly regaining colour. I carefully roll him over, dressing his wound after I have wiped my bloody hand on a rag. I turn to the third wound, the shallowest. I carefully bandage it, rubbing in more of the salve.
"How is he?" The head medicus asks from behind me.
"Stable for now, his wounds will heal with time."
"Good. Inform his Dominus, Quintus Batiatus, that his gladiator will heal." I nod, heading up the highest levels of the arena. There, the woman from the marketplace comes up to me.
"What are you doing here?"
"I was sent to inform Quintus Batiatus the state of his gladiator, Crixus, I believe." A man hurries over, coming to stand beside the woman.
"How is he?!" He demands.
"Crixus will heal. He is in stable condition, a month before he is ready for a match in the arena. Certainly not a primus, but a match nonetheless. " The man, who I assume is Quintus claps his hands.
"Excellent! Though, the medicus who initially reported did not seem hopeful. He said the injuries were heinous."
"They are, Batiatus. But, I am skilled at my chosen profession." With that, I turn and walk back beneath the arena. I find where the gladiators of House Batiatus are sitting, waiting to return to the ludus. The Doctore stands up, a confused look on his face.
"Crixus will have to stay the night. However, he will recover fully within a month."
"Did you heal him personally?" A gladiator asks.
"Yes, I did. I have already informed your Dominus, but I felt you lot should know as well."
"Gratitude." The Doctore says, and I nod, heading back to Crixus.
"There's one Roman who's not a complete shit." One of the gladiators mutters. I roll my eyes and huff. Reaching Crixus, I carefully scan my magic out while physically checking his wounds. They are healing at a rapid rate, but I don't care. The door slams open and a few Roman guards enter.
"You!" One of them shouts, pointing at me.
"Quintus Batiatus wants a word."
"Keep. Your voice. Down. These people are healing." I respond, placing down the rag I was using and walking up to him. I gesture for him to lead the way. He scowls, fist clenching, but does so. It's not as long a walk as before, Quintus is by the arena entrance instead of up in the stands. The Doctore is standing beside him.
"Good you came, my offer is this. Come work for my ludus, I need a capable medicus to look after Crixus during his recovery. You, are the best in this arena."
"What will the food and pay be like?"
"The food will be your choice, whether standard fare or the more lavish meals in my villa. The pay, will be 50,000 sesterces a year." I weigh it over in my head and nod.
"That is agreeable, Quintus. Is there anything else or may I return to my patient?"
"This is Oenomaus. You will go with him to the ludus tomorrow."
"Ah, and where will he spend the night?"
"In the slave quarters of course." I nod, then turn back inside to return to Crixus. Arriving at his bedside, I gently take one of his hands. He groans softly, and I smooth his hair back.
"Shh, Crixus. You're alive at least." His eyes crack open, and he looks at me in confusion.
"Are you a Reaper?"
"I'm a medicus, Thema. You were seriously wounded." He glances down at his injuries.
"How long have I been unconscious?"
"Less than a day. Rest now, or would you like a drink of water?"
"Water." I fetch a cup and support him carefully. He finishes it in big gulps, and relaxes against the mattress.
"Gratitude, medicus."
"Thema." He gives me a half smile.
"Thema then." His eyes slip closed and he falls asleep. The lead medicus comes up to me, looks at Crixus' wounds and gives a nod.
"Well done màgos." He says with a slight smile. I nod back to him, and return my attention to Crixus, laying a blanket over him to ward off the chill of the room. Then I get my own rest. The next morning, I help Crixus to his feet. I support him to the cart where his hands are chained. He seems annoyed to have to rely on me, but I don't know what to do to help him. He can't walk on his own just yet. Maybe having another gladiator help him? Yes, that sounds like a good idea. Once we reach the ludus, I call one of the gladiators over.
"Help Crixus to the medicus rooms, I need to make sure everything is in order there." The man nods, carefully slinging one of Crixus' arms over his shoulders.
"You look a lot better than I thought you would."
"Thema is a good medicus."
"Thema?" I enter the medicus rooms and freeze. The rooms are filthy, as is the medicus. I stare at him for a moment, looking about.
"You are only here to take care of Crixus! I am the medicus here!"
"Your skills must be extraordinary, if can heal anyone in this squalor." The medicus grimaces.
"The guards are lazy, and no slaves from the villa are allowed in the ludus. Pietros is only one boy, with other duties."
"I'll clean it, you prepare that bed for Crixus." I focus a good portion of my magic, then snap my fingers. Soap bubbles literally fly as the walls, floor, tables and beds are left spotless.
"I would appreciate you not mentioning this to anyone."
"I'll keep my silence." Crixus and the other gladiator then enter the room.
"Sit him on that bed there, I want to examine the wound on his back." I gesture to the bed the other medicus had prepared. I gently rub a damp cloth against the wound, checking carefully for any infection. The wound is clean however, so I check the stitches I had made. They would be able to come out in two weeks time, as would the others. I look up at the gladiator who brought Crixus.
"What's your name?"
"Donar."
"You may return to your training Donar, gratitude for the help." He stares at me in surprise, then leaves. I spend the next few days watching over Crixus, letting him sit out on the training sands to watch his fellow gladiators. I sit out with him, keeping an on his injuries, and watching for new ones. A young slave who I assume to be Pietros comes with a cup of water.
"Gratitude, Pietros? Was it?"
"Yes."
"The other medicus mentioned you. You may return to your work." Pietros nods and moves on to his other duties. One of the other gladiators hits his opponent hard, causing a long thin, but deep cut.
"Medicus!" Oenomaus calls out. I get to my feet and walk over. I carefully examine the cut without touching it. I pour a bit of water on the wound, then dry and wrap it with bandages, pushing in a little magic.
"You can remove the bandage tonight, the wound will not take long to heal." I then turn on my heel, and return to Crixus, casually laying a hand on his forehead.
"Stop mother henning!" He demands.
"Oh quit being a child! It's not horrible!" He scowls at me, and I give him the rest of my water.
"I don't want you getting overheated out here."
"Gratitude." He grumbles a bit petulantly. I just give him a smile, before looking over the ludus again. Over the next few weeks, I grow to care for these gladiators. So much so that I prepare spaces for those who go off to games and wait anxiously for their return. Usually this is when I spend the most time with the other medicus, we become good friends, through he doesn't seem to understand my care for the gladiators as people. Apparently slaves aren't supposed to matter to those who are free. Then again, I was born in a time without this version of slavery. When the injured gladiators are brought in, they always seem a bit surprised about something. Maybe it's the cleanliness of the room. Still, I ignore it. Spartacus throws a party one evening to celebrate that his wife will soon arrive. I do not take part, sitting down with Crixus. I check his injuries and grin.
"Come Crixus, if you wish to sit with your brothers you may. Tomorrow you can restart training. But only against the palus. I don't want you pushing yourself too hard. Come on." We walk up to the party and I freeze. It is decending into an orgey. I whirl to face Crixus.
"Right! I'll go inform Quintus of your return to training." I must have been very obvious with my discomfort, as Crixus tilts his head.
"What has you so tense?" I feel a blush creep up as the prostitute closest to me moans obscenely.
"I'm not used to settings like this is all. Have fun Crixus." I pass by Pietros, who seems to be drunk, as he's dancing to music only he can hear. I head up to the villa, passing by the guards without a word. I hear shouting from inside, and rush up the stairs. Ashur has stabbed Barca through the shoulder.
"ASHUR!" He stumbles away in surprise, as I have never shouted before. I walk over to Barca swiftly, examining his wound.
"Thema?! What are you doing here?! I am punishing this wretch for his betrayal!"
"What betrayal Quintus? Your gladiators are loyal."
"He asks for freedom!"
"Barca is old for a gladiator. Why should he not ask? Every slave dreams of freedom, it is normal to do so. Besides, seeing one of their brothers freed will inspire the rest to do better. To follow in his footsteps. Is there any other reason that you think he has betrayed you?"
"I killed the boy, Dominus. I swear to you." Barca tells Quintus.
"Not according to Pietros!" Ashur puts in.
"Barca, are you and Pietros lovers?"
"Yes medicus."
"So you lied to him."
"I did." I summon up all the callousness that I can.
"Well, there is an easy way to solve this, if I may suggest it Quintus?" He nods.
"Barca will stay on the balcony. If they bring the boy alive to your ludus, push Barca off to his death. If the boy is dead. The dead cannot testify and Barca will live." Quintus rubs his chin.
"Yes, yes that is a good idea. Barca! Onto the balcony." I go with him, leaning against the side of the house.
"Did you ask for freedom for Pietros as well?"
"Yes medicus."
"Good. The boy will not survive without you." The people come, but the boy is truly dead. I shoo Barca off to Pietros, and turn to Quintus.
"As to why I arrived in the first place, Crixus will begin training tomorrow." Quintus claps his hands in glee.
"Joyous news to lighten heavy heart! Now, go down to the ludus and enjoy what is left of the festivities." I grimace at that, not wanting to go anywhere near that place. Barca goes down ahead of me, nodding to me in gratitude. I turn the corner into the party and freeze. Yes, definitely an orgey. I make my way swiftly through the party, hoping to reach my room without being spotted. I bump into Crixus on my way to the door.
"Apologies Crixus, have fun!" He stares after me in confusion. The next day, he has made his glorious return to the training sands. I have him going through the basics, to make sure he is fully healed. After the noon meal, I allow him to start sparring against his brothers again. I watch the ensuing battles with raised eyebrows. Spartacus is on cloud nine as his wife is joining him today. Quintus also comes out onto the balcony to watch. I watch with a slight smile as the gladiators train with smiles and laughs. Quintus has decided to free Barca and Pietros after the next games against Pompeii. The men are inspired by that, and continue to fight well. In fact, they are fighting better than ever. I have just wandered off to get some extra bandages, when I hear a commotion on the training sands. I sprint up onto them. Spartacus, in his new armour, is clutching a bloodied woman wearing an iron slave collar, close.
"MOVE! NOW!" I command, and pull out the bandages, kneeling beside Spartacus. I examine her carefully, a grimace appearing on my face. The woman had been slashed at, opening her from hip to hip and belly to chest.
"I will do what I can, but it may only buy you time." Spartacus nods brokenly. I set on the horizontal slash first, but she is bleeding too heavily. I pour my power into her, but all it does is buy time.
"Husband," the woman whispers.
"I'm sorry Sura, so sorry." Spartacus whispers to her.
"I love, love you." She manages to say with difficulty.
"Donar! Get me one of the bottles I keep on the shelves near the beds. Hurry!" He sprints off, and I wrap the woman in my magic, not noticing that Spartacus can feel it as well. Finally, one of the wounds begins to close. Donar comes racing forwards, handing me the bottle. I smear the salve on her, feeling the burn of magical exhaustion setting in, but, she is stable. I sit back panting, and nod to Spartacus.
"She is stable." He wraps her in his arms.
"Driver, driver did-" she passes out. I sigh in relief, looking down at my shaking hands perturbed.
"Huh." Spartacus then wraps me in a hug. I just pat him on the back, unsure of what to do. Dominus calls me up to the villa, and has me there all night, treating the house slaves of minor injuries. By the time the sun is up, Sura is dead and the other medicus unconscious. Clearly, this was a murder. After her death, Spartacus burns her body on a pyre as we stand watching. I treat the other medicus, Caeso's, head injury. Spartacus blames niether of us for the death of his wife, luckily. But, I feel that my absence from the healing room was not a coincidence. Crixus is carving a happy swathe through his brothers. Right now he is sparring with Donar. I have just turned to watch Spartacus and Litaviccus when I hear Crixus shout.
"THEMA!" I turn, and am flattened upon the sands by Donar. I had unknowingly strengthened Crixus' muscles more than he was used to. As such, he had sent Donar flying through the air.
"I am well!" Donar shouts.
"Get off me." I groan.
"Who speaks! The ground is talking!" At this point I bite him hard on the upper shoulder.
"Gah!" He jumps up and I get to my feet.
"Oh that hurt."
"I land- oh." I look over at Donar. Then at Crixus. Then my blank mask breaks and I walk away cackling. They all stare at me as if I've lost my mind. Donar hurries after me.
"I am fine Donar. No need to concern yourself." He nods, and heads back to training. A few of the gladiators are snickering. I was not the only one to find this amusing. One day, we get the news that a batch of new recruits are arriving in the afternoon. I stand outside of the medicus rooms to watch them arrive. The gladiators are gathered on the training sands, talking quietly amongst themselves. Then, the doors open, and the gladiators start jeering and taunting the six new recruits. I just watch with a neutral expression. Oenomaus begins to instruct them. I watch the proceedings with interest, but when the newest recruits are asked to remove their loincloths for inspection, I duck back inside the rooms. Still, I keep a careful watch for injuries when they are training. One of the younger new recruits asks Oenomaus who I am.
"That is Thema, one of the two medicus of this ludus. Now back to training!" The gladiators still chuckle as I pointedly avoid walking behind the gladiator sparring Crixus. I merely roll my eyes at them. A few weeks later, Crixus saves Spartacus from being strangled by Segovax, a new recruit. The punishment for attempting to murder a gladiator, especially as Segovax does not have the mark, is crucifixion. I watch the proceedings with wide eyes. I winced as he was emasculated, and feel myself pale. I keep busy by checking the state of Spartacus' bruises. They are healing rapidly, but as I turn to face the horrid sight again, the cross is lifted vertically, and blood sprays from Segovax. I swallow down the bile in my throat. Crixus looks over at me.
"How old are you? I never asked."
"I am fifteen."
"You're doing well."
"I have seen worse injuries. It is, well, I've never seen a crucifixion." When the other gladiators start hitting Segovax like a living, bloody pinata, is when I call it quits.
"And I have salves to make. Lots of salves. And bandage counting, we're getting low." I make it to my rooms before I puke my guts out. The act was diabolical, but for me it is the reactions of the onlookers that truly turns my stomach. I return to the medicus rooms and begin making salves almost nonstop. Caeso, sends me off to bed after a few hours. I lay on my bed, trying to sleep. But I can't. It takes three days for Segovax to die, and he is left to rot for another two. Finally, his body is tossed off the cliff like a piece of rubbish. All those five days, I cannot look at the wall. I still can't and not shudder in revulsion. Of the six recruits, only Agron and Duro, two Germans survive the tests and become brothers. The branding is hard to watch, and I clench my hand in a fist behind my back. Still, things go by with ease. Three days later, Oenomaus calls them all over. I come over as well, leaning against the wall in the shade. Apparently a small games has been called by the magistrate Calavius, or whatever. I assume he's the owner of the arena. Spartacus will fight in the primus match, chained together with Varro against seven opponents. Barca will be facing two solo. I run the information over in my head. Barca can handle two solo. And Spartacus and Varro should be fine. That settled, training resumes. The games are scheduled for next week. The week passes in a whirl of training, with me treating injuries every so often. They return from the games without a scratch, though Barca has quite a large bruise. The day after it is announced that we shall host a party for a boy's coming of age. After the party he shall become a man. No idea what's going on but oh well. The group of about 50 or so, arrive towards the end of the afternoon. I watch Quintus and Oenomaus greet them, before Spartacus is instructed to give the boy a tour. A few hours later, I go up to the villa. Spartacus and Varro are sparring for the enjoyment of the guests. I see Spartacus win and hurry over assessing for injuries. Spartacus has a wound on his shoulder from Varro's sword.
"Wonderful, you are done. Spartacus, come here, let me see that. If I may, Quintus." He nods distractedly.
"Hey!" I turn to face the 15 year old boy, holding his hand out, thumb down.
"What are you doing?" Pin. Drop. Silence. He blinks at me in shock.
"What do you mean?"
"You're standing there with your thumb down, did you not like the match?"
"You, don't know the symbol for kill in a match, Thema?"
"Oh that's what you're doing. Wait, Quintus, this is not sine missione why is he calling for Varro's death?"
"How do you not know this symbol?!" The little shit demands.
"I am a medicus. I don't like the games at all." Another moment of utter silence. Even the gladiators are staring at me. The little shit is standing slack-jawed. The other guests blinking in confusion.
"Also, what are you doing here Varro? The match was set against Crixus. Oh well, up you get."
"I made my decision."
"And I don't care. Have you been declared a man yet?" He shakes his head.
"Then your opinion means nothing to me. Get up Varro, I need to assess for injuries." He gets off the floor, staring at me in awe. Spartacus has his hand clenched tight on his sword hilt, clearly furious with what almost happened. Quintus looks at me with confusion.
"Why do their lives matter so much?"
"Why would they not? My job is to heal. If that is all Quintus, I will take my leave. Varro, Spartacus, come with me." The little shit stands there in stunned silence.
"Is he free?" The Magistrate asks.
"Yes. Thema is free." A trickle of ice runs down my back at that exchange. I breathe a sigh of relief when we reach the healing rooms, then turn and hug Varro tightly.
"I was so worried! I don't want any of you to die when I can prevent it!" He looks at me in surprise.
"I did not think anyone still free could care so much."
"Of course I do. I hate the games, I hate that people are made to fight like animals for the pleasure of perverted fucks!" Spartacus and Varro exchange a look. I glance up at Varro.
"You became a slave to pay off your debts correct?"
"Yes medicus." I heave out my pay and gold. Gold coins that make Varro's and Spartacus' eyes widen.
"I will pay Quintus so you can go free. He will not want to offend the Magistrate. They will want recompense for my actions. How much do you still owe?" Varro picks up and counts the money.
"This much." He takes a quarter. I nod, then tend to Spartacus, wrapping his wound in a bandage. When we return to where the others are in the villa, Ashur is standing beside Quintus. The Magistrate looks me over, and I pause for a moment.
"Quintus?" He sighs, running a hand through his hair.
"Your opinions Thema," he starts.
"If I may Quintus, my opinions are based on my choice of occupation. I do not like to see blood needlessly spilled. It sickens me, why do you think I protect the men of this ludus so? I care about them." One of the female guests glares at me.
"To insult the Magistrate-"
"I apologize if I did, it was not my intention to offend, only prevent a meaningless death." I respond smoothly. Her face reddens, cold eyes narrowing. The group turns to Quintus, expectant looks on their faces.
"Thema you did not insult the Magistrate, your words here were civil. However, what you said in those rooms in the ludus, that you hate the games-"
"My village does not have an arena. And where I studied? I had no time for the games, so I never went whether an arena was available or not. My first viewing of the games was here. And ... for someone who has never seen them. The matches are disturbing, I watched one before I went to work with the other medicus below."
"It was not the gladiators that sickened you."
"I did not wish to offend your guests, Quintus, but if they want full and complete opinion, please say so. I do not wish for any offense to be taken, as I did not watch the game in the upper seats."
"You watched among the commoners." Quintus says, nodding slowly.
"I see, such an opinion as yours would be gathered from company like that." Then, we are free to leave. All of us. Barca and Pietros are freed and they leave for Carthage. I hope that I can save Varro as well from the arena. After all, he only needs to pay off his debts. The money I gave him helps much. However, the next day a woman named Ilithyia comes to my rooms. She attempts to convince not to treat Spartacus as well as my other patients through seduction. I glare at her, ordering her to get out of my rooms.
"Some diseases are passed through sex, dear lady. I would not want to risk catching one." With that, I close the door. The games against Pompeii go by, with Crixus and Spartacus winning their respective matches. A few days later Varro has paid off his debts, leaving the ludus behind. A good thing too, as the next day, the gladiators are called up to the villa. I go with them, wanting to see why they've been summoned. A Roman stands there, and apparently he and Spartacus do not like each other. The Roman orders a demonstration of Spartacus' skills. After Spartacus defeats the first man, he sends in two more. I give Spartacus energy, fueling him with my magic. I don't notice that Crixus is staring at me, watching my eyes glow silver. Spartacus gets kicked into a water tub and I numb the pain from his injuries. He emerges with his energy restored.
"Behold, his skills are proven." Batiatus announces, though the Roman looks furious. I walk back down the medicus rooms. After the demonstration, new guards are assigned to the ludus. They have no respect for the gladiators. I have some ability to ease the suffering they inflict on the gladiators, but not much. Things come to a head when they decide to beat Tychos unconscious for an imagined slight.
"Step away from him." I command, voice calm and confident. The leader leers at me.
"Let us have tonight." I sneer at him.
"No." They scowl, advancing to circle me.
"Well medicus it seems I have something for you to fix." One of the more stupid ones says, gesturing to his crotch.
"Well, that seems like a rather advanced infection. I'll have to cut it off." I hear the gladiators chuckle from behind me. The leader swings a punch at my face, which I avoid. I gather my magic in my limbs. I will have to hit him hard to get them to leave me alone. I lash out, drop kicking him in the chest and flipping back onto my feet. The man goes flying, landing hard on the sand twenty cubits away, gasping for breath. I swing Tychos on to my shoulders. He weighs at least 182 kilos. Then, I walk back to Caeso, magic rolling off me in waves. I place him gently on one of the beds, before waiting for him to wake up. Once he has, I check for a concussion, which he luckily does not have. After that, I appeal to Batiatus, but he has no power over the guards either, only Glaber does.
"They will not be in complete control for long Thema, just wait it out." I scowl unhappily, but return to my room. In two days there will be a showing of Crixus vs. Spartacus. It will be sine missione or, without mercy. In other words, one of the gladiators whom it is my job to heal will die. I place my head on my hands and focus on calming down. I knew eventually that one of them would die. I had saved Barca from pure happenstance, Varro just barely. The two days pass swiftly, with me keeping a constant eye on the gladiators, making sure they are safe from the guards during mealtimes and at night. I notice that they all seem very tense. The day of the match things seem to be at a boiling point. I notice that the guards have recieved the food to give Crixus from elsewhere, and I snatch it before he can eat it. I inhale carefully, before stirring the barley mix to check, there, an odd yellowish powder, poison!
"Poison." His eyes widen, clearly someone tried to rig the game in Spartacus' favour. Spartacus comes hurrying over, one of the slaves had told him that the food was poisoned.
"Thema found it. He already suspected." After that I leave, not hearing the rest of the conversation. I stay in my rooms until I hear screaming from the balcony and villa.
"What on earth?" I open the doors and walk out, the gladiators have revolted.
"Oh right, the slave rebellion." I mutter, one of the guards comes running up. He's attacking every slave in sight. He lunges at me and I dodge, before stabbing him through the throat with a knife. I stumble backwards, covered in the guard's blood. I turn to the slaves.
"Get all the food and supplies you can carry! There will be no mercy for any slave in this household! Go!" They all sprint off. I run out onto the sands, staring at the carnage being wrought all around me. However, when Duro is targeted, I launch the attacking guard off the edge of the cliff with a surge of magic. The battle pauses for a moment.
"Are you alright?" I ask Duro, who stares at me with a bit of fear.
"How did you? The guards-"
"Magic. Now I'm off to make sure the house slaves aren't used as meat shields." I am outside the ludus by the time the battle is over. The slaves with me are holding food, training weapons, and spare clothing. A few also have gathered up jewelry and money.
"You have to make sure to be able to feed your army Spartacus. We've got a lot of money, but I don't know if it will last. Caeso, go with them." Sand begins to drift around me.
"Thema!" Crixus shouts.
"It's alright, my time here is over. Give those bastards hell." With that, I vanish before their eyes.