The master spy or Puss in the boot adventures

Free for... all, Part 38

The day of the Emperor's games dawned hot and bright, the air thick with anticipation. The city was abuzz with excitement, crowds thronging the streets as they made their way to the grand arena. Noblemen and commoners alike jostled for the best seats, eager to witness the spectacle of blood and glory.

In the bowels of the ludus, the gladiators prepared themselves for battle. They anointed their bodies with sacred oils, murmuring prayers to the gods of the arena. Weapons were honed to a keen edge, armor strapped tight. For many, this would be their last day among the living.

Mer-Mer and Shadow-Cat stood side by side, their expressions grim and determined. They had trained hard for this moment, pushing their skills to the utmost. Now, everything hinged on the next few hours.

"Remember the plan," Shadow-Cat murmured as the guards came to escort them to the arena. "We fight hard, make it to the final bout. When the Emperor presents the rudis, that's our chance to strike and slip away in the confusion."

Mer-Mer nodded tersely, his paw tightening on the hilt of his sword. "And if we can help Latina take her revenge on the general, all the better. We owe her that much at least."

As they marched out into the blinding sunlight of the arena, the roar of the crowd washed over them like a physical force. Thousands of spectators screamed and cheered, baying for blood. In the imperial box, the Emperor lounged on a gilded throne, surrounded by his courtiers and sycophants. General Marcus Aurelius stood at his right hand, resplendent in his military finery.

The preliminary bouts passed in a blur of sand and sweat and coppery blood. Mer-Mer and Shadow-Cat fought as a seamless unit, their movements fluid and precise. Spartacus and Ragnar were in rare form as well, cutting down opponents left and right. Latina was a whirlwind of death, her eyes blazing with a terrible purpose.

By the time the final match was announced, their team was bruised and bloodied but still standing. They would face Batiatus's hand-picked champions - fearsome warriors all, determined to win their dominus the laurels of victory.

"Remember the plan," Spartacus murmured as they caught their breath. "Eastern gate, amid the victory celebration. May the gods favor us all."

"Wait!"

Unexpectedly, the Emperor rose from his box, magnificent in his crimson robe.

The gladiators were silent in ill foreboding.

"Let's make the games a little more fun and interesting!" said the Emperor and raised his hand . " Bring out the wild beasts !"

Suddenly, the grating on the far side of the Colosseum lifted and several iron carts with covered lids rolled into the arena . A few guards raised the metal bars and hurried away.

"This is going to be fun!" said the Emperor, rubbing his sparse beard.

"The beasts will tear them apart, " frowned the general. " There's no fun in that!"

The Emperor started to say something, but pursed his lips and just narrowed his eyes.

"I may be young and inexperienced , but I am the emperor. And this dog contradicts me... but he will find his place soon.."

Instead the Emperor smiled crookedly and added , " The crowd wants spectacles, Marcus Aurelius..."

The Emperor stood up and the crowd that had been roaring with delight was suddenly silenced.

"Let's make the games even more interesting!" added the Emperor. General Marius Aurilius has just told me that he wants to join the arena and fight the barbarians.

The general tried to  stand up, but unexpectedly felt the Imperial Guard's blade in his rib.

" You dare to do anything foolish and you will die right here, said the Emperor. " Come down to the arena and die a hero... Unless you win, barbarians and beasts..."

The Emperor smiled and added, " I have chosen you four recruits from the Imperial Guard on purpose. The most flawed and incapable... Good luck , my general!"

The general made his way to the arena , followed by four guardsmen.

He looked at them and saw the fear in their eyes.

" Fight like lions die for the glory of Rome , the general said to his teammates and faced the emperor , raising his sword :

" Those who are ready to die salute you my Emperor !"

The 4 guards and  gladiators repeated after him. The arena fell silent and suddenly filled with shouts...

"Long live General Marius Aurelius!"

"Glory to Rome!"

"That certainly makes our task much easier," Shadow- Cat said and smiled. " We are lucky that the general is not the Emperor's favorite!"

At the same time, a mad betting started among the crowd.

"The general will win!" some cried.

" The general is old and hasn't fought in years, he has no chance..."

" The beasts will tear everyone apart!" said another.

"The gladiators on the cat team will win!"

" Silence!" shouted the emperor, and signaled to let the beasts go. The guards pulled the long chains the iron cage doors fell. The arena suddenly fell silent as the wild beasts began to come out one by one... From fierce, to fiercer...

"This is the end," Spartacus growled as they faced their enemies. "Fight with everything you have. Show them the true power of those who seek freedom!"...

" Dont forget out true goal!" cried out Latina, who never took her eyes off the general.

"At last! Odin bless me and help me find my revenge. And if you must, take my soul. My family awaits me!", she said to herself and kissed her sword. ..