Spartacus

by Robert Southworth

  Four more of the enemy fell beneath the swords of Cassian's men though, in truth, the determination for a fight had left them as soon as Androcles had fallen. The rest scrabbled fleeing from the building. The skirmish was already over but they would not be pursued for Cassian would not lose men down the foreign streets of Caralis where the enemy had the advantage. Trabus entered the building.

  ‘By the Gods Cassian you have stirred up a hornet's nest now. Apelios will want your balls,’ he said, shaking his head in disbelief. Cassian turned towards Spartacus.

  ‘You know, since I have met you people seem awfully keen on removing parts of my anatomy.’ He smiled as he spoke.

  ‘Trust me it is something you grow accustomed to,’ Spartacus replied. Cassian turned back to Trabus.

  ‘How long do we have?’

  ‘Apelios will need to gather men and he is not the sort to charge in here. He will want to know what he faces first. Vicious and deceitful the man is, but he's no fool.’

  ‘Then we have some time to prepare,’ Spartacus interrupted, ‘we best make use of it.’

  The wagons were brought in and orders given. Men scampered this way and that while Cassian, Spartacus, Trabus and Aegis made plans. Every now and then one of them would rise and walk around the preparations that had been made, order alterations if any were needed or instruct on new plans. Trabus gave the group all the information he could on Apelios, discussing at length the man's strengths and weaknesses, and information on his headquarters and the type of men he commanded. Aegis and Spartacus gave most instruction on what needed to be done for the defence of the warehouse, while Cassian told the group where they needed to be to keep to his plan for the mission to succeed. The problem was that defending the warehouse, although keeping the wagons and hopefully the men safe, left little room for them to continue their journey to the villa of Albus and the opportunity to train for their mission. In the end they called a halt to the meeting. They needed to spend time with the men, for they knew this would be one of the most dangerous stages of the mission. They were in a foreign place where they had little room for manoeuvre, where they faced a local enemy used to this type of fighting and was doing so in his own territory. It made for a bleak outlook.

  Plinius had settled himself on some old crates away from the rest of the men and seemed in deep thought. Even Bull had tried to cheer him without success. Spartacus had observed this and wondered what disturbed the young man. He knew it could not be the upcoming fight, for Plinius had faced all the mission had thrown at him without so much as a flinch. No, this was something more. Spartacus acquired two goblets of wine and joined Plinius. At first nothing was said, both drank from their goblets and an unusual calm settled between the two of them. Spartacus knew that Plinius wanted to say something but an invisible force seemed to hold the boy's tongue still. It would need a statement of trust to come from Spartacus to loosen the boy's will to remain quiet. He would need to know he could trust Spartacus and so Spartacus must share a part of his soul if he was to try and soothe that of Plinius. Then hopefully the boy would be able to concentrate on the present dangers.

  ‘What do you know of me Plinius?’ Spartacus asked.

  ‘What do you mean?’ The boy answered, a confused look upon his face.

  ‘I mean, what have you heard and what do you make of the things I have done since you have known me?’

  ‘When I joined the legion I heard stories of how the beast from Thracia broke from his chains in Capua, slaughtered the good honourable Batiatus and raised an army which put thousands of Roman citizens to death.’ Plinius blushed as Spartacus eyed him. ‘And then you killed the centurion, a man I loathed. You trained me so that I might stay alive, and you seem to have forgiven Cassian for an act which I never could.’ As Plinius made the last statement he could not look at Spartacus but fixed his gaze firmly to the ground.

  ‘Now let me tell you the truth as I see it. Capua erupted in violence, I did not start the rebellion as many seem to believe. I did not even lead any of the men, the trouble is, under Roman law, if one slave rebels then all the slaves under that household are put to death.’ He paused for a second, wanting to get each word correct in his mind. ‘So rebel I did and, I admit, it was my sword which took the life of Batiatus. I sort of grew into one of the leaders because of my military background. Roman towns were attacked and terrible things happened. It was survival and we did what we needed to, and then it ended in blood and defeat.’

  Spartacus gulped back the grief which suddenly overwhelmed him. ‘Then as you know my son was murdered and, as hard as it is to look at Cassian sometimes and to deal with the burning hatred that sometimes ignites within me, I have to remember that although he gave the order it was not his will to kill my son. Revenge is a luxury that men of our standing can ill afford to carry around like a banner. We need to fold it away and place it in a safe place where we can use it when required.’ He paused for a moment letting his words register with Plinius. ‘What I am saying is although it is not easy, the death of our loved ones cannot be the reason to throw away our own lives for who will remember them? When the chance for revenge comes take it, if you must, but do not expect it to take away the pain.’

  ‘I killed the optio, I thought …’ Plinius’ words trailed away.

  ‘You thought it would lessen the weight you felt inside. The weight of loss cannot be removed by revenge. For a while the anger we build up seeking revenge lessens the feeling of loss and so we cling to it, stoke its fires and feed it, but in the end it is the loss we must deal with.’ Spartacus felt his own pain churning his insides.

  ‘Have you dealt with the loss of your son and do you not seek revenge?’ Plinius’ eyes now sought a kind of answer to it all from Spartacus.

  ‘No not yet, my son's loss still weighs me down, and as for revenge -1 will have a reckoning with the man who made the order but I will not let the yearning for such a meeting rule both my head and my heart. You are a good soldier Plinius and a fine man. Look to the future not the past, your brother protected you and lost his life doing so, do not allow that sacrifice to be in vain. He would have wanted you to live and not be forever veiled in a blanket of grief.’

  Tears were in the boy's eyes now and he turned away not wanting to be seen. Spartacus knew the conversation was at an end and he walked away holding back his own grief with every step. Spartacus thought of the conversation he had just endured with Plinius, the content of his words nearly provoking laughter. For it was revenge that acted as food for his own spirit, the hatred cradled deep inside. He had known little but anger for what seemed a lifetime, long before his child was murdered before him, but he hoped to make clear to Plinius that to live with the hatred burning like the fires of Mount Vesuvius was only possible if you learned to harness them, for to let them burn freely would consume and destroy.

  Chapter 11

  Time passed and Spartacus wondered if there would ever be an attack. He was glad to see Plinius had snapped out of his melancholy and was taking an active part in the defensive work. He glanced at Trabus who was showing signs of anxiety, time and time again checking the same part of the defences.

  ‘What's up old man? We are not done for yet.’ He tried to be enthusiastic.

  ‘Less of the old, there's plenty of life left in me yet. I worry more for my household rather than myself,’ he replied, the concern still on his face. The words he uttered though seemed to spark the beginnings of an idea deep within the thoughts of Spartacus’ mind. He called for Cassian and with Trabus they huddled in a corner.

  ‘What do you think?’ Spartacus quizzed the two.

  ‘It's madness,’ said Trabus, ‘but I do not see what other choice we have.’

  ‘How many men will you need Trabus to complete both tasks?’ Cassian asked.

  ‘Six should be enough, two to go to my home and the others to make the surprise for Apelios,’ he replied.

  ‘So now it is more about timing. It's probably best if you and the men were to sneak
out now in case we get surrounded, besides the sooner your household are removed the safer it will be for them,’ Spartacus informed.

  For the first time Trabus looked at Spartacus without suspicion in his eyes. No words were spoken but, from that moment, all mistrust was gone from him. If he would put the household of a stranger above his own safety, which keeping as many men close as possible would do, then Trabus would consider him a friend. Cassian spoke.

  ‘The second phase should take place just before the sun rises. It's important that it been seen.’

  ‘Oh, it will be,’ Trabus replied, and for the first time the look of confidence was evident upon his face. The men were chosen and the six of them and Trabus, hooded cloaks in place, slipped from the warehouse and the hopes of all the men rested squarely with them. Watching them go gave Spartacus mixed emotions. He knew they had to go for the good of all, but they would have no way of knowing what degree of success they had achieved until the morning, and by then it may be too late.

  It was not long before the lookout called out. The main road approaching the warehouse was teaming with men, armed with an assortment of odd weapons none of which filled the heart with joy. Cassian and Spartacus watched the procession, Spartacus cursing.

  ‘Bloody Trabus! Can the man not count? There must be at least seventy of the bastards.’ He shook his head.

  ‘It matters not Spartacus, we are trained men they are just men with weapons.’ Cassian tried to sound upbeat.

  ‘You say this to me, may I remind you of a slave army who bested a number of your Roman legions.’

  ‘You forget one thing my friend,’ Cassian smiled, ‘this time you're on our side.’

  Spartacus simply blew out his cheeks.

  ‘You know the most annoying thing in the world Cassian?’

  ‘What's that my friend?’ Said Cassian, still smiling broadly.

  ‘Bloody endless optimism, it drives normal men to despair.’

  ‘Very well then Spartacus I will refrain from happiness while we go speak to this bastard. Oh, by the way, if you get the chance gut the pig.’ Cassian winked as he walked to the door.

  Spartacus joined Cassian at the door. A figure had moved away from the main crowd and approached within a spears throw and casually leant against a post.

  ‘Cocky bastard isn't he?’ Spartacus observed.

  ‘Ah, he feels on firm footing. His prey is cornered, he has numerical and time advantage, he believes he is in complete control of the situation,’ Cassian suggested.

  ‘Well he bloody well is!’

  ‘It would be proper if we just gave him a little to think about.’ As he spoke Cassian sauntered out to speak to Apelios. If he had nerves they did not show and Spartacus had to admit this was one rich Roman with balls.

  Apelios observed the young, arrogant Roman emerge from the warehouse. He had, of course, heard of Cassian and the special duties he carried out for the rich and powerful back in Rome. This though was Caralis and here there was only one law, and that law was written by Apelios and no jumped up fuck from Rome would change that. If he let the insult of Cassian taking back his warehouse and killing his men go, then his power would slip and Apelios was no fool. He knew once it started to slip then momentum would gather and soon another would stand in his place. This Roman must be firmly put in his place. He looked past the Roman to the heavy doorway. Standing in full view was a man whose body looked as if carved from rock, an involuntary shiver ran down his back for the man was looking straight at him, and the eyes of the man seemed to speak and they spoke of death. He quickly dragged himself from that moment, it did not do to dwell on such matters. He decided he would deal with this Roman quickly, lay down the law and the snivelling little shit would run back to Rome with his tail firmly between his legs like the arrogant young pup he was.

  ‘You have travelled far young Cassian,’ Apelios spoke quietly but there was no mistaking the malice he issued.

  ‘Yes, and I would travel further if you would be so kind as to remove yourself from my property, then my men could rest properly before we continue that journey.’ Cassian's words stung Apelios. He was tempted to order the attack at once, but bit back his anger at being dismissed in such a way.

  "Very well. Plain speaking it is. You will leave this place I have need of that warehouse for the use of my men. You will forfeit your wagons, their cargo and, of course, your weapons.’ Apelios gave Cassian his most intimidating stare as he spoke, but Cassian brushed it away like swatting a fly.

  ‘Apelios, you seem to be under the illusion that I give a fuck what you want. If you come into that warehouse your men will die. You will lose the hold you have on this port and, if you attempt to delay me further, you will lose your life.’ Cassian now returned the stare and it was ice cold. The sudden change from firm but pleasant manner to downright aggressive had thrown Apelios, this is not the way it was suppose to happen.

  ‘You… you… cannot win!’ He blurted out the words, gone was the cool, calculating animal many in the port knew.

  ‘I already have. These are just formalities.’ Cassian turned and walked away as he spoke, leaving Apelios hanging there, completely aghast at what had just happened. It took a few moments to regain his composure, then he turned and stormed back to his men.

  Cassian returned to the warehouse where he and Spartacus observed Apelios screaming and shouting at his men. It was obvious Cassian had succeeded in making Apelios extremely angry and both knew angry men made poor decisions. They both waited and hoped for him to make the mistakes. It was not long before it came. Apelios was so eager to smash away the defences and chase out the arrogant Cassian he ordered around fifty men to make a direct assault against the main entrance. It was a blundering attempt, the fifty charged towards the door and all seemed to believe they would simply be able to roll over those guarding it. Suddenly missiles from the second floor started to land within the ranks. Men fell, when the slingshot and javelin rained in, they in turn brought down others who could not avoid them.

  When they reached the main entrance it was blocked by a heavy upturned cart and they would have to clamber over it. They faced a major problem; the defenders were there in force and they were not wearing the light tunics of the attackers. The defenders had adorned their full gladiatorial armour. This had two effects, firstly it gave the defenders confidence – protected against many of the blows which came their way, and then it sapped the confidence of the enemy because they suddenly realised they were not fighting the usual street scum that they were used to.

  Apelios pulled his men back to safety. Eleven dead men and two so badly injured they would take no further part in the day's activities made him check his anger. He realised he would need more than just brute force to win this day. Spartacus’ men had done well, they breathed heavily as the enemy retreated. They had lost just one man, although all who had fought at the entrance were covered in cuts and scrapes.

  Trabus and his men picked their way through the dark and grimy streets, sticking to the backstreets where possible. The inhabitants seemed to possess a sixth sense where trouble was concerned. Trabus thought they were like the animals that sense a dark cloud and scamper for cover long before the storm hits. Few of the locals could be observed on the streets and he thought it best to split the men to avoid unwanted attention. He pulled his men in close. He gave instruction to four of the men, who huddled in close for his words.

  ‘Right you know what to do, do not fail for you know what Apelios will do if we do not succeed.’ The men didn't reply but merely nodded in agreement and slipped away melting into the darkness.

  Trabus and the other two men carried on to his household. As silently as he could, he gathered the entire household trying, where possible, to calm the panic which was so close to erupting. He snapped out orders, making them concentrate on the task in hand, rather than the possibilities that could lay ahead. As they moved away to complete those tasks, Trabus and his wife were left alone in the hall to his villa. He looked int
o his wife's eyes.

  ‘Forgive me my love, I fear I have placed you in great danger.’

  ‘What has happened my love?’

  Trabus told her of all that had happened and again asked for her forgiveness. She held his hand tightly and moved closer to him.

  ‘My love, I was just a girl when we decided to make our lives together. I have, in that time, been blessed with a husband who has provided for his family but also tried to always be an honourable man in all his dealings.

  ‘But… ‘ She held a hand to his lips, preventing his words.

  ‘I have seen what Caralis has become and how that has affected the man that I love. I know you would have moved long ago to prevent Apelios if it was not for your love for your family. We will face what the Gods bestow upon us.’ She ended by holding the man the years had not diminished in her eyes. He held her too, and gently kissed her cheek fearing that this would be the last time he would do so.

  The wagon was stacked with all Trabus could load into it, and it pulled away as quietly as it could. It carried all he held dear. He looked upon the face of his wife and could not stop himself being amazed that so many years had never diminished her beauty and, for a moment, he was lost in her eyes. The wagon passed from view, and the last of his men were sent to guard its way. He returned to his home and sifted through a few documents, ensuring nothing of importance had been left behind. There was a small, almost undetectable sound which came from behind him. He smiled the smile of resignation.

  The men inside the warehouse watched as Apelios gave his orders. Men separated from the main group and disappeared from view. Within a short time they returned carrying ladders.