Spartacus picked his way through the snow, he knew where Cassian would be. As tricky and hard to pin down in his business dealings, Cassian was always predictable in his home life. Cassian was leaning against a tree surveying his property. Spartacus trudged the small incline to where his friend stood, deep in contemplation.
‘Tell me, what is it that troubles you?’ Spartacus asked, a look upon his face which announced he would not be easily persuaded away from his question.
‘It's the silence.’
‘I have told you before Cassian, I'm a fighter, don't speak in riddles.’
‘I have men out there, trying to find out what Crassus is up to, but nothing seems to be coming back, not even whispers.’
‘But surely that's a good thing?’ Spartacus replied, confused by Cassian's concerns.
‘There are always whispers Spartacus, unless…’ Cassian stopped mid sentence, as though to utter the words would make his terrible thoughts become real. ‘There's a man in the employ of Crassus who is so feared no agents would risk angering him, for his methods are cruel and the man has never failed.’
‘Then we just kill the man. He is just a man!’ Spartacus replied, his bravado always came to the front when danger reared.
Cassian just shrugged, ‘You don't just kill Titus Flabinus. He kills you, your family, your friends even your bloody dog.’
Spartacus stared at Cassian, he had never seen his friend like this, so defeated and seemingly without a plan. He always had a plan.
‘Listen, if this man has been set upon us then we need to know, and we need to find a way of besting him.’ The words brought no response from Cassian, and his silence brought burning anger to Spartacus. ‘Cassian! If you want to sit around and be slaughtered like swine that's up to you, but your family and mine deserve a chance, an opportunity to be free of this man's attention,’ Spartacus paused to add weight to his words, and to try and calm the anger which had risen within him. ‘I suggest we call the men together and speak with them, they must know of the dangers we all face.’
‘Of course, forgive me.’ Cassian's mind suddenly snapped back into reality, he realised all the camp must prepare if the worst of his nightmares were to come true.
He asked Spartacus to walk with him and, as they ambled around the snow covered fields, he went through all that he knew of Flabinus. He talked of the rumours and of whole families which had been removed from the face of the world by the man. He recounted the tale of Demotrates, a rising star in the world of trading, who succeeding in agreeing trading terms with the Gaul tribes where so many had failed.
‘He was brilliant. Such intelligence, his love for making a deal only eclipsed by his love for his family.’
‘What happened?’ Spartacus replied, almost fearing the answer.
‘The man returned to his home after a prosperous endeavour to find his family butchered.’
‘Is that so unusual in these times?’ Spartacus had heard stories like this before.
‘You don't understand. Not just his wife and child, but his entire family. The slaves who tended his household, even the animals that grazed upon his land, all torn apart. When he returned to his warehouses to gather men for retribution, all his men had also been dispatched to the next world.’
‘By the Gods!’ Spartacus was aghast at the words Cassian had spoken.
‘In just a few hours Demotrates lost his family, his home and his life's work.’
‘And the man himself?’
‘He would not give Crassus the lasting victory. Before Flabinus’ men could get to him he lay in the ruins of his home, next to his beloved, and opened a vein. He would meet his family on his terms and not at the order of Crassus.’
‘A small victory, but a victory nonetheless,’ Spartacus replied thoughtfully.
As the two walked the perimeter they became aware they were not alone. A figure held close to the cover afforded to him by the tree line at the edge of the land. Spartacus cursed himself for not wearing his sword, a luxury he had finally felt comfortable in affording himself these last few days.
‘We should retire to safety behind the walls of the villa,’ but, as Spartacus spoke, Cassian was already striding purposely towards the uninvited guest, having spotted him as well.
‘Stay your aggression Cassian, for I mean no malice.’ The figure spoke when Cassian was but a few feet away from him.
‘Druro!’ Cassian exclaimed, ‘what would one of Crassus’ eyes be doing on my lands?’
‘I bring you a warning. The wolf has been unleashed. Come the melting of the snows he will come.’
‘Why would you give this information freely?’ Cassian replied, observing the man and searching for trickery.
‘Let me say the information I gather has caused too many innocents to die. I care not for the methods of Flabinus. It was on my information that Demotrates and many like him have suffered. I have been asked to gather such information on you Cassian, and you have little time before I must hand over all that I have learnt.’
‘And who does this information concern?’
‘You must safeguard the household of Crannicus too, but you have very little time. He comes for you and will not stop.’ The figure turned and trudged back through the snow to a waiting horse, he nodded once and was gone.
The fire roared and all were seated around the substantial table. At the head sat Cassian and he patiently waited for the talk to stop. As usual Epionne was the last to notice she was holding up proceedings. She glanced at her husband, expecting a look to reprimand but he just smiled, lingering a while upon her gaze. Cassian began slowly, talking of the events of the previous mission and how that mission had brought his family to the notice of Crassus.
‘I had hoped that the protection of our patron would dissuade Crassus from retribution but I fear I was mistaken.’ Cassian clasped his hands to his head, fearing to tell those he loved of the terrible position he had placed them in. Epionne rose and moved quickly to his side to comfort him.
‘What is it my love?’
Spartacus now began to speak. ‘Crassus has given orders that Cassian be made an example. His family, his friends and his home will all be forfeit. Nothing will remain.’
‘Not while I still stand!’ said Bull, raising himself from the table, ‘you have my sword Cassian.’
The statement was echoed by each and everyone at the table. Cassian looked at his friends, who so readily faced death and was humbled by the display. Spartacus then quietened the mood, dragging his friends back from the joyous deviance.
‘It is settled then, we will stand side by side. Cassian, we will need information on this wolf Crassus has set upon us. Also will we stay here or attempt to leave these lands?’
Epionne gasped.
‘Cassian! What about Flora?’
‘They travel here as I speak. Even before I had confirmation who had been sent against us, I made it clear to Crannicus that he should join us. Despite his complaints, he finally relented and will be here by the morn.’
The city of Utica was transformed. Legal traders came from all over the known world. As the city grew from strength to strength so did a young warrior. Plinius had finished his morning exercise, he no longer felt tired to the point of collapse after even a mild exertion. Each day he became stronger and also more frustrated at being caged up. Plinius would forever be in debt to Stoiclese but the young man needed to be upon his way. He had need to see his friends and, more importantly, Chia. He imagined their faces when they set eyes upon him and he smiled. Chia's face visited him constantly and he hoped she had not found another, for that would be more difficult to heal than any wound made by a sword thrust. The sudden thought of it made him seek out Stoiclese, for the time had come to say goodbye to Utica. He entered a small room. Charts and documents covered every available space and there, studying one such document, was Stoiclese. The man never seemed to sleep. Before Plinius could speak, the hunched figure stood and smiled.
‘So the time has come you
ng Plinius.’
‘I can never thank you enough, only I would seek one more favour,’ the young man looked sheepish as he spoke.
‘Your friend Aegis has supplied funds for your travel, and much more to aid you on your journey,’ replied Stoiclese, guessing at Plinius’ concerns. The relief showed clearly on the young man's face and this made Stoiclese smile. ‘You don't think I would nurse you back to health only to see you starve upon the way?’
The sun shone brightly. Utica was not experiencing the cold which enveloped the Roman lands to the north. In fact it was so warm, Plinius had decided against wearing his armour, a simple tunic would suffice. However, its weight still tired him too quickly and so he paid to have his belongings carried to the docks, where he would board a vessel to Caralis. He couldn't help smiling to himself. Soon he would meet those he yearned to see and marry Chia, if she would still have him. Suddenly nerves gripped him, if only he had recovered sooner, but he would now speed to his friends and be reunited with his love.
Cassian glanced into the courtyard, the weak sunshine finally beginning to melt the snow. He prayed that the cold would last just a while longer. He needed time to formulate his plans. He tried to remain positive, but this man Flabinus was no ordinary foe. He would not listen to reason, he thought only of blood. Cassian knew if he could not prepare well enough then all would be lost. A shout suddenly split the air and Cassian rushed to the gates. There, in the distance, a convoy moved slowly towards his home. Spartacus joined him and together they rode out to meet the convoy. There was joy in their hearts that the household of Crannicus had negotiated their way safely. Tictus headed the convoy and with him came Flora. They both greeted Cassian and Spartacus, but Flora stepped forward immediately to reach Cassian.
‘My dear Cassian. Only the Gods know how pleased I am to see you,’ the relief was showing clearly upon her face.
‘Where is Crannicus?’ Cassian asked, fearing the answer.
‘He would not leave! He said he would not allow these men to destroy my gardens.’
‘Is he mad?’ Cassian cried, exasperated. This time Tictus spoke.
‘I pleaded with the man, but he would have none of it.’
‘Oh Cassian! What am I to do without my husband?’
‘I will fetch him.’ Cassian made to ride away.
But Spartacus stopped him, refusing to let him go despite Cassian struggling with him.
‘See sense man! You are needed here to make plans. I will go and be back in three days, no longer.’ Cassian saw the determination in his friend's eyes and knew there would be no argument.
‘Very well, but be quick. The snows begin to melt.’
Spartacus grabbed some supplies from the convoy and galloped to the horizon cursing the stupidity of Crannicus, but deep down he admired the man's love for his wife. He would risk all for a smile from his beloved. Despite the fellow's vulgarity he had shown himself to be generous in both love and spirit. Now he must convince the man to forget his honour and run, for only in running did any of them have a hope of survival.
Authors Note
Need to say a huge thank you to my family who helped so much, in allowing me the time to complete my first novel. Also to Frosty who spent so much time helping proof read and offering advice.
To the readers who have enjoyed my book, I'd like to thank you for taking the time to do so, and hope you will enjoy the sequel ‘Spartacus: The Gods Demand Sacrifice’ where the adventures of Spartacus and friends continue…
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