The master spy or Puss in the boot adventures

Lady Lucretia Part 29

In the days that followed, Mer-mer and Shadow-cat threw themselves into their training with renewed intensity. They pushed their bodies to the limits, honing their skills with sword, shield, and claw. 

All the while, they kept watchful eyes out for any opportunity to further their escape plans.They were careful to guard their words, never speaking openly of the Time Compass or their true intentions. 

During a midday break, as Mer-mer gulped water from the well, Latina approached him furtively. 

"I've heard whispers of the escape plan," she murmured. "A group plans to make a break for it during the mass combat spectacle at the festival. They say a guard has been bribed to leave a gate unlocked."

Mer-mer's heart raced, but he kept his expression neutral, aware of potential prying eyes and ears. 

"Interesting. And risky. How do they plan to get weapons?"

"That I don't know," Latina admitted. "But Brutus and his cohorts seem confident. I thought you should be aware, given Spartacus' warning."

Mer-mer nodded grimly. "Thank you, Latina. Shadow-cat and I will be cautious."As she slipped away, Mer-mer's mind churned. Was this the trap Spartacus had feared? Or a genuine opportunity? He needed to consult with Shadow-cat.

That night, huddled in the corner of their cell, they held a whispered conference. 

"It could be a setup," Shadow-cat mused. "An attempt to flush us out. But if it's real, it might be our best chance."

"Agreed," Mer-mer said. "We'll have to play it by ear, be ready to act either way. But our priority remains the Time Compass. We can't leave this time without it."

"Then it's settled," Shadow-cat said resolutely. "We watch, we wait, and when the moment comes, we act. One way or another, we're getting out of this ludus - and one step closer to home."

As the first rays of dawn crept over the ludus walls, Mer-mer and Shadow-cat emerged from their cell, exhausted but determined. The revelations of the night before weighed heavily on their minds, but they knew they could not afford to let their guard down.

In the training yard, they threw themselves into the day's drills with renewed intensity. Every thrust of the sword, every parry and dodge, brought them one step closer to their goal - freedom, and a chance to unravel the mystery that had ensnared them.

During a brief moment of respite, Mer-mer caught Shadow-cat's eye. "We need a plan," he murmured, keeping his voice low to avoid being overheard. "A way to escape during the emperor's games."

Shadow-cat nodded subtly. "I've been thinking about that. The increased security will make it harder...but it may also provide the distraction we need. With so much attention on the festivities, there may be gaps we can exploit."

"And once we're out?" Mer-mer asked. "Where do we even begin looking for the pieces of the Time Compass?"

"One step at a time," Shadow-cat replied. "First, we need more information. I'll try to get close to Batiatus or Medicus, see if I can overhear anything useful."

Mer-mer's whiskers twitched with unease. "Be careful. We can't afford to raise their suspicions any further."

As the day of the Emperor's festival drew nearer, the entire ludus buzzed with anticipation. Doctor and the guards seemed preoccupied with preparations, giving the gladiators a bit more leeway in their routines.

Suddenly, a commotion near the ludus gates drew everyone's attention. A richly adorned palanquin was brought into the yard, surrounded by armed guards. Batiatus himself hurried forward to greet the visitor.

"Esteemed Lady Lucretia!" the lanista exclaimed, bowing deeply. "You honor us with your presence. To what do we owe this pleasure?"

A beautiful woman emerged from the litter, her gown shimmering in the sunlight. 

"I come bearing an invitation from my husband, the Senator," she said, her voice smooth as honey. "He has heard tales of your marvelous beasts - the cats who fell from the stars. He wishes to see them for himself, at a private showing before the emperor's games."

Batiatus's eyes gleamed with greed. "But of course, my lady. It would be our honor to entertain the Senator. I assure you, these creatures will be please to meet you privately. 

Lady Lucretia , turned to Batiatus , I hear thou hast had ... financial difficulties ... Rumour has it that pirates do not carry cheap slaves as before, and besides you've lost quite a few of your gladiators to mutiny and disease...

But please Lady Lucretia, these are lies. For the Emperor's birthday I have prepared something very special...

You know my husband, Senator Marc Antony, is a very rich man. I can solve your financial problems...

The eyes of the owner of the gladiator school  shone. If only he had more money... to expand the school, buy more gladiators, good teachers...

Of course, Lady Lucretia... I will grant your every wish...