Chapter XVII: The Brawl

Late that night, they left the Thracians snoring in the cell. Creeping into the unlit training yard after Brennus, Romulus closed the door quietly. The ludus was silent. Gladiators rose early and went to bed by sunset.

The stars were partially obscured by clouds, affording little light as they padded across to the heavy iron gate that separated the school from the streets of Rome.

'Who's there?' The voice sounded scared. 'It's after hours!'

'Peace, Severus! It's me.'

'Brennus?' An overweight, middle-aged guard emerged from the shadows, hand ready on his sword hilt. 'What do you want at this hour?'

'Me and Romulus thought we 'd go for a drink.'

'Now?'

'Never too late for wine, Severus.'

'Memor would cut my throat if he knew I was letting you out.'

'You owe me a few favours.'

The balding gladiator hesitated.

'Come now!' Brennus chuckled knowingly. 'What about the three thousand sestertii you asked for?'

Severus' face took on a hunted look. 'How long?'

'A few hours. We 'll be back before you know it.'

Severus shuffled his feet.

Brennus went for the kill. 'Those moneylenders are ruthless,' he said. 'You don't want to piss them off.'

The guard quickly took a large bunch of iron keys from his belt and led them to the gate. Picking one, he placed it in the lock, turning with a practised wrist. The door opened without a sound and Romulus knew it must have been oiled.

'You'll have the money by tomorrow morning,' Brennus whispered as they slipped through.

'Just make sure you're back before dawn,' replied Severus. 'Or my life won't be worth living!'

Romulus shivered as the gate clicked shut with an air of finality. Hoping Memor was sound asleep, he warily followed his surefooted friend. Both were armed with swords and wearing dark-coloured lacernae.

A crescent moon added only the faintest illumination to the few stars visible. The light was reduced further by the three- and four-storey buildings around them. But in the Stygian gloom, Brennus seemed to have a sixth sense of where they were.

'It's so quiet!'

'Decent folk are all behind locked doors.'

An occasional burst of laughter from behind the blank wall of a house or tavern broke the silence as they trod the dirt of smaller streets. Shop fronts were boarded up, tenement doors barred, temples empty and dark. Mangy dogs lurked here and there, prowling for scraps. A few people scuttled by, eyes averted. Even the collegia thugs at each crossroads dared not trouble the Gaul and his companion: two large, obviously armed men.

'If anyone comes close, stare the bastard in the eyes,' said Brennus. 'Nobody out this late is up to any good.'

'Including us?'

The Gaul chuckled. 'Just be ready to fight at a moment's notice.'

Romulus checked his sword was loose in its scabbard. 'Why are there no watchmen?'

'The Senate has been talking about it for years, but they can never come to an agreement.'

A few moments later, Brennus ducked into a narrow alleyway. He turned, beckoning. 'Watch your step.'

Romulus sniffed distastefully. There was an unmistakable odour of human urine and faeces. Gingerly he picked his way after Brennus, trying not to stand in whatever was making the foul smell.

They soon reached a wooden door strengthened with thick iron strips. Music and the sound of men's voices were coming from within.

'Macro! Open up!' Brennus pounded on the timbers with a balled fist. 'Dying of thirst here!'

The din inside died down for a few moments. Brennus lifted his hand, about to demand entrance again when suddenly the door opened. The biggest man Romulus had ever seen stuck a bald head outside.

'How many fucking times have I told you, Brennus? Three quiet knocks.'

'I'm parched, Macro.'

'Don't care if this is the last tavern in Rome.' The doorman beckoned them inside. 'Keep it down the next time.'

'I'll remember.'

Macro sat back on a stool, still grumbling.

'Thank the gods that hulk wasn't sold to a ludus,' muttered Brennus. 'Can you imagine fighting him?'

Romulus shook his head. The idea of facing Macro in the arena was terrifying.

He soaked up the atmosphere as they picked their way between small wooden tables. It was the first tavern he had ever visited. Regularly placed rush torches guttered in wall brackets, shedding a dim light. The rough slab floor was covered with broken pottery, half-gnawed bones and spilt wine. A low hum of conversation filled the air.

Groups of off-duty legionaries packed the smoky room, dressed in calflength brown tunics, belted at the waist. Heavily studded army sandals stuck out everywhere from under tables and benches. Other customers were a mixture of ordinary citizens, traders and lowlife. Some stared curiously at the new arrivals, but most continued drinking and roaring with laughter. A few sang out of tune or played tesserae. In one corner was a low stage, where a number of men sat playing musical instruments with varying degrees of skill. Light wrist chains marked them as slaves.

Romulus grinned with excitement. This was far better than being stuck in the ludus.

'Let's drink here. Best to be standing if there 's trouble.' Brennus slapped his hand on the wooden counter that ran the length of the back wall. 'Julia! Your finest red wine!'

'I've not seen my favourite gladiator for an age,' said the pretty, darkhaired girl behind the bar. 'Beginning to think you had been injured.'

Brennus laughed. 'The gods are still favouring me.'

She batted her eyelashes. 'Who's this handsome fellow?'

Romulus quickly looked at the floor, aware he had been eyeing Julia's breasts.

'This is Romulus.'

Julia's smile broadened. 'The one you told me about?'

Nodding, Brennus gripped his shoulder. 'Good friend of mine. He'll be a great fighter one day too.' He clouted Romulus on the back, almost flooring him.

'Pleased to meet you. Any friend of Brennus is a friend of mine.'

Romulus blushed bright red, tongue-tied. Apart from Astoria, virtually the only women he had encountered since arriving in the ludus were prostitutes.

'Going to keep us standing here?' Brennus had sensed his discomfort. 'Our mouths are bone dry.'

'Of course.' Swiftly Julia placed two wooden beakers in front of them. With a flourish, she produced a small amphora. 'Vintage Falernian! Kept just for you.'

'By Belenus!' Brennus beamed with pleasure. 'You are a marvel, girl.' He slapped down an aureus. 'Tell me when that's done. And take at least ten sestertii for yourself.'

'Bless you.' The gold coin vanished before Romulus could even blink. 'Call when you need another one.' The barmaid ducked through a low doorway to the cellar and was gone.

'She 's beautiful.' Romulus' groin throbbed and he racked his brains for something clever to say the next time Julia appeared.

'Don't even think about it.' Brennus cracked open the wax seal and poured them both a generous measure. 'She belongs to the landlord. Macro gets paid extra to make sure nobody touches her.'

'Who's the owner?'

'Publius, son of Marcus Licinius Crassus. Who happens to be the richest man in Rome. Not someone to piss off.'

Romulus' ears pricked up. 'Crassus?' The sudden memory from his former existence was shocking. Life in the ludus left no time for reflection on the past. 'I've been in his house.'

'Really?' Brennus rolled a mouthful of wine round with obvious relish. 'When?'

'Gemellus sent me there once. Not long before I was sold.'

'What did you see?'

'Only the entrance hall. It was pretty amazing — solid marble floor, beautiful statues, you can imagine it. I saw a nobleman too, about your age.'

'Crassus is at least sixty,' mused Brennus. 'So it could have been Publius.'

'The doorman told me he had fought in the slave rebellion.'

'A slave like that under the same roof as the conqueror of Spartacus?' The Gaul lifted thick eyebrows. 'Not very likely.'

'He seemed genuine.'

'The best liars always do.'

'But he knew how it all started,' protested Romulus. 'And he got far too upset to be lying.'

Brennus seemed interested, so Romulus related Pertinax' tale, his own excitement rising in the telling.

'Stirring stuff.' The Gaul raised his cup in a silent toast. 'But look how it ended. Six thousand crucifixes on the Via Appia. That poor bastard stuck in Crassus' service. And us. In the Ludus Magnus.'

'It doesn't have to be like that! Men would follow you and Sextus to fight the Romans,' Romulus urged. 'Spartacus had an army of eighty thousand men at the end, all former slaves. It could work.'

The Gaul's eyes glinted. 'With Memor on the warpath, our life is only going to get harder,' he agreed. 'But this needs plenty of thought. We 'll speak to Sextus, see how the land lies. Decide who else to involve.'

'Soon,' warned Romulus.

'I know,' Brennus said heavily, draining his beaker. 'So let's enjoy tonight.'

Pleased, Romulus nodded. He saw there was little point pressing his friend further. Brennus had taken his words on board.

The big gladiator glanced casually around the room.

'Expecting trouble?'

'Call it previous experience.' The Gaul cracked his knuckles. 'Something kicks off in here at least once a night.'

'No fighting, remember?'

'I know. We can just watch.'

Romulus copied Brennus, turning his back on the bar.

It wasn't long before they heard raised voices, as the result of a nearby petteia game went against someone 's wishes. The carved wooden board flew into the air, scattering black and white stones everywhere. Conversation in the room ceased. Six legionaries, their faces flushed with drink, began pushing and shoving at each other across a table. Insults were traded and a couple of punches thrown before Macro swiftly intervened.

The doorman's approach was simple. He picked up two of the soldiers and cracked their heads together. Dropping the limp bodies like sacks of grain, Macro turned to face the men's companions, who rapidly sat down before suffering the same fate. Disturbance over, any customers watching took an immediate interest in the bottom of their wooden beakers. Macro waved a fist at the group and lumbered back to the door.

Gradually the noise level increased.

Romulus giggled, amused at how the quarrel had been settled and its effect on other drinkers. After three cups, the smooth red Falernian was beginning to taste like nectar. Reaching for the amphora again, he was shocked when Brennus' hand closed over his wrist.

'That's enough.'

'Why?' he asked truculently.

'You're drunk. And we're supposed to be avoiding trouble.'

'I can hold my drink.' Romulus was vaguely aware he was slurring.

'Really?' The Gaul's tone was stern. 'Where did you get the experience?'

There was no reply to the rebuke and Romulus fell into a sulky silence.

Gladiators were only allowed small quantities of wine with their food; served in the Roman tradition, it was heavily watered down. Brennus was used to quaffing the powerful beverage neat, but it was going straight to Romulus' head.

They stood without speaking for some time. Brennus drank more wine, keeping an eye out for trouble. Romulus took surreptitious peeps at Julia. To his embarrassment, the voluptuous slave caught him on several occasions.

Eventually she approached.

Romulus stared at her dumbly, lacking the courage to break the ice.

'What age are you?' Julia's manner was direct.

'Seventeen.' From the corner of his eye he saw Brennus glance over, but thankfully the Gaul did not give away the truth. 'Nearly.'

'So young for a gladiator. Only a year older than me.' Julia sighed. 'How did you end up in the Ludus Magnus?'

'Got sold after my master heard about me training with a sword.' A wave of guilt washed over Romulus, and he clenched his jaw. 'That wasn't so bad. I always wanted to learn how to fight. But the bastard said he would sell Fabiola as well. To a whorehouse.' He spat the last words.

'Fabiola?'

'My twin sister.'

'All that for using a weapon?' Julia clicked her tongue with sympathy. 'Must have been more to it.'

Suddenly Romulus remembered Gemellus' tantrums in the days leading up to his sale, the response when he had read Crassus' reply. Could Julia have a point? Perhaps it wasn't all his fault. The guilt eased slightly and he smiled.

'What about you?'

'Me?' Julia seemed surprised he should ask. 'Born a slave. Sold at twelve for my looks.' She shrugged. 'Should be grateful I wasn't sold to a brothel like your sister.'

'I'm very glad,' Romulus blurted.

'How sweet.' Julia smiled. 'Most men who come in here are only interested in one thing.'

Romulus swallowed hard, trying to stifle the lustful thoughts filling his mind.

'Where is she now?' Julia asked.

'Don't know. Haven't seen her or Mother since.'

'I've heard nothing about my family either.' Julia's face grew sad. 'Perhaps one day Publius will grant me manumission and I can find them.'

'Doesn't sound as if that's likely.'

'No,' she admitted. 'Publius is not a generous man. I need more money than I could ever save. Customers as generous as Brennus are rare.'

'I would buy your freedom,' he said on impulse. 'We get well paid in the ludus. Brennus makes a fortune!'

'Why do that?'

Romulus ignored the question. 'You shouldn't be a slave!'

'Neither should the thousands in the houses and workshops of Rome.'

'I like you,' risked Romulus.

'Thank you.' Julia reached out to touch his cheek. 'But save to buy your own freedom.'

Tentatively Romulus raised a hand to hers. It felt warm. To his delight, Julia did not stop him. He guided it down to the bar top and squeezed her palm. They stared at each other, the attraction immediate, strong.

'Don't want to interrupt,' muttered Brennus. 'But Macro has seen what you're up to.'

Romulus released his grip and spun to see the man mountain approaching fast. Julia moved off, responding to the call of a customer. She left a faint whiff of perfume behind.

'No touching the slave girl.' There was no mistaking the threat. The doorman's hand was already on his dagger hilt. 'Do it again and Brennus will be carrying you home in little pieces. Clear?'

Romulus nodded silently, unperturbed. He was too elated at Julia's response.

'She is off limits!' Macro poked a thick forefinger into his chest for emphasis. 'Remember that, boy.'

'What are all the soldiers doing here?' With a smoothness Romulus had never seen before, the Gaul intervened. 'Don't normally see them in the city.'

'Crassus' men.'

'Shouldn't they be in camp outside the walls?' To prevent attempts at seizing power, legionaries were still not allowed into the capital in large numbers.

'Senate granted a special dispensation. The general has raised an army. They're on leave till the morning and Publius promised cheap wine in here.' Macro jerked a thumb at the nearest group. 'Tomorrow they march for Brundisium, to take ship for Asia Minor.'

'Why go there?'

'What do you care?' The doorman seemed to have calmed down. He rubbed his shaven head idly, scanning the room for trouble. Finding none, Macro turned back to the Gaul. 'Heard some saying it will begin with an attack on Jerusalem.'

'Jerusalem!' Brennus' eyes lit up. 'Its temples have doors of beaten gold.' There was a Judaean retiarius in the ludus who told fantastic stories about his homeland.

Romulus wasn't really listening. He glanced towards Julia, who smiled radiantly. His mouth went dry with tension.

'Eh, Romulus?'

'What?' With a guilty start, he gaped at Brennus. 'What did you say?'

'Plundering Jerusalem doesn't sound like a bad idea.' The Gaul elbowed him none too gently.

'Can't hold his wine!' Macro had not noticed what had gone on. 'Keep him in line, Brennus.' With a deep belly laugh, the huge slave stalked back to the door.

'What are you doing?' hissed Brennus as soon as he was out of earshot. 'Staring like that? If that ox sees you again, you will regret it.'

'I want to get to know her,' Romulus protested. 'She 's lovely.'

'Macro kills men who don't do what he says.'

Romulus was not going to be put off. 'What would you do if Memor took Astoria?'

Brennus was nonplussed. 'Not the same thing.'

'Why?' challenged Romulus. 'What if she had been Memor's bed companion before you saw her?'

'She wasn't. Good point, though.' Brennus grinned. 'Got something in mind?'

'I need to talk to her.' The barmaid had set Romulus' heart racing.

'Forgetting the slight problem of Macro?'

'That's where you come in.'

The Gaul raised an eyebrow.

'Just keep him occupied for a few moments,' pleaded Romulus, forgetting their decision to have a quiet night.

'I'm not fighting that monster,' laughed Brennus. 'I want to keep all my teeth.'

'So pick a fight with someone else.' Romulus indicated the room full of legionaries. 'I don't need long.'

'Your first time, then?'

He poked the Gaul in the ribs. 'Can you do it or not?'

Brennus smiled. 'I never say no to a good brawl. Beats killing men for a change. But make it quick. You saw Macro in action earlier.'

'Thank you.'

Romulus watched with fascination as Brennus decided whom to quarrel with. The big gladiator didn't take long to make up his mind. He winked at Romulus before sauntering over to a group of soldiers arguing loudly about a game of knucklebones.

'Can't agree, boys?' Brennus pointed amiably at the worn pieces of sheep tailbone lying on the tabletop.

'Piss off, barbarian!'

'Who asked you anyway?'

All four legionaries glared at him belligerently.

'Got two fives, a three and a one there.'

'Deaf too, scumbag?'

'Don't be like that,' said Brennus. 'Only being friendly.'

'We don't need any friends.' The biggest soldier, a stocky barrel of a man with a broken nose, pushed back his stool, screeching it off the stone floor. 'Dirty Gaulish bastard.'

'That's not very nice.'

'Oh no?' sneered the legionary.

His friends began to stand up.

'No.' With a heave, Brennus lifted the end of the table, sending everything flying. Bone playing pieces, wooden beakers and an amphora of wine flew up and two soldiers fell cursing to the floor.

Romulus didn't wait to see what happened next. Macro had noticed the brawl and his attention would be taken up until it was settled. He darted to where Julia was standing, lips pursed, her arms folded in clear disapproval.

'Brennus is only doing it to give us a moment.'

'What?' She looked embarrassed. 'Why do that?'

'I like you. Wanted another chance to talk.'

'You don't even know me, Romulus,' she said, flushing. It made her even more attractive. 'I'm not worth anything.'

'Don't say that. You are beautiful.'

'Nobody could want me after what Publius has done.' Julia's chin trembled and she rubbed at a red mark on her neck. It resembled an old burn.

Determination and a surging anger filled Romulus. 'I do,' he said urgently.

'Go, before Brennus gets hurt.'

Romulus risked a glance over his shoulder. The fight was far from over. Two soldiers lay unconscious on the floor, but Brennus was taking plenty of time with the others, keeping them between him and the circling doorman.

'He's fine,' Romulus said cheekily. 'When can I see you?'

At last she smiled, shyly. 'Only time would be when Macro is asleep.'

'When's that?'

'The tavern closes at dawn. Once he has thrown the last customer out and we've cleaned up, Macro goes upstairs for a few hours. I might be able to sneak out then.'

'How about tomorrow morning?' There was one rest day left at the ludus. Romulus knew the lanista would presume he was still lying low. 'I'll buy you breakfast in the market.'

Romulus had only been to the Forum Olitorium once or twice before, but his memories of cooking meat and exotic fruits there were still vivid. With the winnings from the fight, he could buy Julia anything she wanted. Astoria could give him some good advice before he left. Romulus was desperate to show the barmaid he was not a dull-witted fool like the men who frequented the inn.

Julia seemed scared for a moment. Then her face changed. 'Why not?' she said confidently. 'Sounds lovely!'

'See you in the alley at dawn!' Romulus leaned over the bar and kissed her. Instead of avoiding the contact, Julia moved closer, lips softly parting before his. They stayed locked together, eyes closed, oblivious.

Then the crash of breaking furniture reached their ears.

Romulus pulled away reluctantly.

'The last soldier is down. Go, or Macro will tear Brennus apart!'

'Till dawn!' Romulus skipped from the bar with exhilaration. The four legionaries lay senseless nearby, surrounded by broken remnants of the stools and table. The Gaul was holding a wooden bench at arm's length, while his huge opponent swung violently at it with a spiked club. A circle of customers had formed around the fight. Men egged the pair on with cheers of encouragement.

'Get him, Macro!'

'Kill the dumb brute!'

'Show the Gaul who's in charge here!'

Romulus tore past. He could tell his friend was starting to enjoy himself.

'Let's go!'

Brennus came to his senses. He flung the long seat at the doorman and bolted for the exit. 'See you another time, Macro!'

Romulus had pushed his way through the jostling onlookers and was already pulling back iron bolts on the door. He took one last glance at Julia, who was watching him anxiously. Then he shot out into the street, the Gaul hot on his heels.

'That got the blood flowing, by Belenus!' Brennus yelled with sheer exuberance. 'How did you get on?'

'We kissed!' Romulus smiled in the darkness, the smell of Julia's perfume strong in his nostrils. 'And I'm meeting her tomorrow.'

'Glad to hear it.' Brennus peered over his shoulder. 'Keep going for a bit. Macro can't run too far.'

'Thank the gods!' said Romulus. 'I trod in some shit in the alleyway.'

'Smells like it!' Chuckling, the Gaul came to a halt. Light flickered from torches on the wall of a building nearby. 'That's about half a mile. Should be enough.'

'You've run from Macro before?' asked Romulus with surprise.

'Many times!'

Shaking his head, Romulus put a hand on Brennus' shoulder. 'So why does he keep letting you in?' he said, inspecting the soles of both sandals.

'I slip him a few sestertii now and then. Don't usually start the fights either.' Brennus' voice took on an injured tone. 'I'm a good customer!'

They both laughed, relieved at escaping unscathed. As the adrenalin rush subsided, Romulus took more notice of the nearby arched doorway. Torchlight profiled a giant painted penis jutting either side, clear evidence of what was on offer within. A small hooded and cloaked figure sat in the shadows some feet from the entrance. Romulus presumed it to be a cripple waiting for alms.

'That a whorehouse?'

'Lupanar, they call it,' said Brennus. 'One of the best in Rome.'

'Tried it?'

'When I was feeling rich.'

A chill ran down Romulus' spine at the thought of Fabiola. 'Ever seen a girl similar to me?'

'Don't think so.' Brennus shrugged. 'But I was very drunk both times. Want to try it?'

'No!' Romulus felt sick. 'My sister could be in there!'

'She 's not,' said Brennus reassuringly. 'Would have remembered a young girl with your looks.'

'I've had enough,' muttered Romulus. 'Let's go home.'

'Come on!' Brennus jingled his purse impetuously. 'There 's enough here to buy us a good time.'

Romulus paused, remembering the half-naked prostitutes he had seen in the ludus.

'We 'll just go inside and take a peek.' The Gaul pointed at the entrance. 'The girls are stunning!'

Romulus' groin throbbed. There would be privacy in such an expensive brothel and the chance of Fabiola being inside had to be remote.

Sensing his indecision, Brennus propelled him towards the door. They had almost reached it when a group of nobles clad in richly cut togas emerged, talking loudly. With automatic deference, the gladiators stood to one side, allowing their betters past.

Most did not even notice.

They had almost gone by when a stocky, redheaded man with a hard face stumbled into Romulus.

'Clumsy brute. Watch where you are going!' The middle-aged equestrian swayed gently, giving off a strong smell of wine. 'I used to have men crucified for less on my latifundium.'

'Sorry, Master,' said Romulus, cursing instantly at his involuntary admission.

The Gaul tensed, instinctively knowing this man could be more dangerous than many opponents in the arena.

'You are a slave?'

Romulus nodded, face completely blank.

'Hurry up, Caelius!' one of the party called out. 'The night is still young!'

'Just a moment.' He adjusted his toga. 'Guard! Get out here!'

'What are you doing, Master?' Romulus said warily.

'He will take you apart, slave. Teach you to respect your betters.'

Suddenly Brennus straightened, towering over the other. Cold eyes glinted in dim light, a vein bulged in his neck. 'Don't do that,' he said.

Tension became palpable.

'Another slave?' Caelius looked round for the doorman. 'What will you do?'

'I am no slave.'

Romulus was stunned by his friend's words. They meant instant death. His efforts to win the Gaul over had obviously taken seed. But now was not the time. Better to take a beating.

'What did you say?' Caelius spat.

Romulus had opened his mouth to speak when Brennus punched the angry noble in the belly. Caelius went down like a sack of lead, mouth open wide with shock.

Heart racing, Romulus moved closer. 'Let's go!' he hissed.

'What in Jupiter's name is going on?' A slave nearly as big as Macro appeared in the doorway. 'Who called?'

Caelius tried to speak, but a hefty kick from Brennus sent him sprawling deeper into the gutter.

'This fellow just bumped into me. Seems to have had too much wine,' Brennus said, smoothing down his tunic. 'We were coming to visit your beautiful ladies.'

Confused, the doorman gaped at Brennus, then at Caelius. Something did not quite fit.

'Wait a moment,' he growled. At last it sank in. 'You're a gladiator! That famous Gaul!'

'Come on,' urged Romulus. There was still time to flee.

'Caelius! Caelius!' The noble 's friends had finally seen what was happening. They came running to his aid.

'Take those rogues into custody!' screeched one.

Brennus' blood was up. 'Know who I am?' he bellowed. 'Don't even think of touching me.'

The guard hesitated, but then the pretence failed. 'Party's over,' he said, reaching for the cudgel on his belt. 'You're a slave like me.'

'Seize him!' yelled an equestrian.

'Ignore those bastards. Let us go,' Romulus urged.

'Huh?' the doorman replied uncertainly. 'But. '

'What do you care about bloody patricians?'

'I have to obey.'

'Says who?' Romulus cried. 'Make your own choice!'

'Come on,' said Brennus. 'Join us!'

'Make a run for it!'

'I'd be killed.' Fear filled the slave 's eyes and he drew the club. 'Just give in. With luck you'll only get a beating.'

Romulus' heart sank. The equestrians were nearly on them, all chance of escape gone. Their night out was over.

'No one is laying a hand on me, by Belenus!' Brennus roared, the wine coursing through him. 'I am a free man!'

'What else can we do?' Romulus had meant to flee the scene, not fight. 'They're nobles.'

'Kill a few!'

'No, you idiot!' This was not how he saw things happening. Outside a brothel was no place to start a rebellion.

But it was too late.

Brennus grabbed the doorman by the tunic, delivering an almighty head-butt. With blood pumping from a smashed nose, the hulk reeled away in agony, clutching his face with both hands. The Gaul seized him by the shoulder and leather belt and, with a great heave, threw the man headlong back into the building.

'Turn around, slave!'

Romulus spun quickly.

Covered in mud, Caelius was only five paces away, dagger in hand. He was flanked by his friends, similarly armed.

'Thought patricians didn't carry weapons?' Romulus answered, anger rising. His gladius slid from the scabbard.

'They're useful for killing scum,' snarled Caelius, lunging forward.

Romulus dodged the drunken move easily as Brennus swept in from the left and poleaxed the equestrian for the third time.

'You were right,' the Gaul said to Romulus, grinning. 'Try not to kill any, or they'll crucify us for sure!'

Pleased by Brennus' restraint, he barely had time to nod. Caelius' companions attacked in a wave of swinging knives and flapping togas, but Romulus was less intoxicated than the nobles. It was easy to smash the hilt of his sword into the swarm of frenzied faces. He swept the blade 's flat edge at any who came too close and they retreated, wary of his blade. Facing down six armed men was an exhilarating feeling.

Romulus felt something pulling on his tunic. It was Caelius. Instinctively he cracked the patrician on the head, seeing him slump unconscious to the dirt from the corner of his eye.

He and Brennus held the group at bay for some time. They batted away drunken thrusts, laughing at how easy it was. Their enemies cursed and spat with rage, but were unable to get within knife range.

The stalemate was not to last. Attracted by the commotion, five slaves came charging out, swords and cudgels in hand. One was a bodyguard, but the rest looked like unfit kitchen workers. It seemed brothels did not need more than two professional doormen.

'Time to leave.' Brennus slammed one of the fatter men against the wall, then landed a punch in his solar plexus. He toppled to the ground with a groan.

'Fighting retreat, eh?' Finally the Gaul drew his longsword.

'About time,' Romulus snapped.

The pair moved closer, edging into the centre of the street, weapons held threateningly in front. 'Stay where you are!' roared Brennus. 'Next man who comes near gets gutted.'

The slaves held back, reluctant to risk injury or death in a fight that wasn't theirs. Three figures were already lying prone in the mud. Sensing the fight was lost, the nobles still standing made obscene gestures at the fighters.

'Run for it!' Brennus sheathed his sword. 'Back to the ludus damn quick.'

A cry from the brothel followed into the darkness.

'Murder!' A portly figure stooped over the redheaded man. 'They have killed Caelius!'

'An equestrian has been killed!'

'It was the boy! I saw him,' cried another. 'Send for the lictor and his guards!'

'Gods above,' Brennus wheezed. 'What have you done?'

'Me? Nothing,' yelled Romulus. 'You should have just let me take the beating.'

'Couldn't do that. I owe you, remember?'

'Thanks. But save it for when I really need you.'

'It was his arrogance!'

Romulus chuckled knowingly.

'And the wine,' admitted the Gaul. 'But you put the idea in my head.'

'Not the best way to start a rebellion, Brennus.'

His friend's face turned sheepish. 'So what did you kill him for?'

'I didn't!' Romulus took one last despairing look at the chaos behind. 'Belted him across the head, but it wasn't enough to kill.'

'You must have cracked his skull then,' said Brennus. 'It is easily done.'

Inside the brothel, everyone had heard the racket. Fabiola was waiting in the anteroom beside reception when Vettius came flying through the door. He collided with a statue, bringing it to the floor with a crash. Alarmed, she ran out to find the doorman semi-conscious, blood pouring from his nose. Pieces of broken stone were scattered across the mosaic tiles. Clients stood by, looking horrified. The Lupanar was normally an island of calm in the dangerous city. A group of girls they had been eyeing up clung to each other nervously.

'Benignus!' Fabiola screeched. 'Get out here!'

'What's going on?' Jovina emerged from the corridor to the back, lips pursed.

'Don't know, Madam. Someone threw Vettius inside.' Fabiola risked a glance through the doorway. By the light of the torches, she could see two cloaked figures with swords fighting the men who had just left. 'Looks like thieves trying to rob those nobles.'

'Benignus!' Jovina spat a curse. 'Where is that brute?'

The second doorman appeared a few moments later, adjusting his tunic after a visit to relieve himself. 'Madam called?'

Jovina went bright red. 'My customers are being attacked out there. Get Catus and the others!'

Confused, Benignus finally took in Vettius lying prone, Fabiola kneeling close by and the clash of arms outside. He turned and sprinted down the corridor, yelling at the top of his voice.

'And some weapons!' Jovina darted over, bolting the door while they waited. She turned, smiling ingratiatingly at the shocked customers. 'Just a little altercation, gentlemen,' the madam purred. 'Your choice of girl is half-price tonight.'

Scared faces brightened. Soon the men had disappeared, lustful thoughts banishing all else from their minds.

Jovina paced up and down, waiting impatiently for the slaves.

Fabiola rolled a handkerchief, holding it firmly against Vettius' broken nose to stop the bleeding. The Greek surgeon would be able to straighten it later. Eventually his eyes opened, focusing slowly.

'What in Hades is going on?'

'Two slaves tried to come in,' Vettius mumbled. 'Attacked a noble just outside.'

'Slaves?' Fabiola said sharply. That was very unusual. 'Are you sure?'

The doorman nodded. 'Big bastard, one of them. That Gaulish gladiator.'

Benignus came tearing back, the rest on his heels. All were armed with knives, swords or cudgels. The kitchen slaves looked scared. Fighting was not part of their normal duties.

'What are you waiting for?' screamed Jovina. She pulled open the door. 'Get out there!'

The group tumbled outside, more fearful of their owner than of physical danger.

A few moments later, the sounds of clashing weapons ceased. They heard shouts as the robbers ran off, then silence. Abruptly an equestrian began screaming that murder had been done.

Jovina scowled. This night was not going well. Money had already been lost on discounts. Now someone was dead. Bad news like this travelled fast through the city. She peered into the street, checking it was safe, then ventured forth.

Fabiola followed her to the entrance.

Toga-clad figures lay in the dirt, one with a large red stain on his chest. Slaves stood by uncertainly while the surviving nobles roared after their assailants.

The madam took in the scene at a glance. 'Take three of these fools,' she said crisply to Benignus. 'Go to the Forum and bring the lictor and his men. Tell him that Rufus Caelius has been murdered.'

The doorman nodded with relief at the command. This situation was beyond his ability to deal with. He reached up and pulled a torch from the wall. Beckoning to the others, Benignus went off at a trot.

Fabiola watched with wide eyes, listening to the irate conversation. Such an attack was unheard of at the brothel and she felt a surge of pleasure at the thought. The equestrians had been arrogant in the extreme, especially the dead red-haired one. He had been very rough with her, almost to the point where she had to call for help. Caelius was no loss as far as Fabiola was concerned.

She sensed movement behind her. Vettius stood in the doorway, weaving slightly.

'You all right?'

He nodded, a strange look in his eyes.

'Vettius?'

'Funny thing. The second one was your spitting image.'

Fabiola's stomach turned over. Romulus! Joy surged through her at the realisation that her twin was alive. She muttered a swift prayer of thanks to Jupiter. Aware that she must give nothing away, Fabiola instantly spun back to see what the madam was doing. Jovina had an uncanny ability to hear the quietest whisper. Thankfully she was out of earshot, busy trying to placate the nobles.

'Got sold to a gladiator school, didn't he?'

She nodded, emotion welling up at the vivid memory.

'Strong looking type too,' said the doorman, rubbing his nose and wincing. 'Tried to get me to join 'em.'

Pride mixed with grief. Her brother had survived more than a year in the arena. He would be a man by now, with many victories under his belt. People might know who Romulus was at last. She would be able to find out which ludus he was in. 'Not a word about this,' she hissed, eyes flashing. 'Or his friend.'

Vettius swallowed. 'Course not,' he said. 'But the others recognised the Gaul too.'

Distraught, Fabiola stared into the darkness. The killing of a noble by a gladiator was an outrage and no effort would be spared to find the man responsible. The lictores would soon extract the same information from every witness. Legal evidence from slaves was inadmissible unless obtained by torture and the eunuchs Nepos and Tancinus would bleat like lambs. That meant returning to their school would provide no safety for Romulus and his companion. And even if the pair escaped from the city, they would still be fugitives from justice. Whatever small chance there had been of finding her brother was completely gone.

Fabiola's spirits fell into the abyss.

They could hear shutters opening above as people woken by the racket looked out.

'What's going on?' a voice called.

Ignoring the shout, they sprinted round a corner, on to a street that Romulus finally recognised.

'Slow down,' the Gaul muttered, breathing heavily. 'Be no pursuit until reinforcements arrive.'

Romulus had been thinking hard. 'Nobody back there knows us,' he said, smiling.

'We are in deep shit.' Brennus seemed not to have heard. 'Nothing for it,' he muttered. 'We must flee. Right now.'

Romulus was confused. 'Leave?'

'Be crucified before sunset if we don't.' Brennus sounded unusually serious.

'Why?'

'The halfwit doorman recognised me! As a gladiator,' replied Brennus. 'How many Gauls my size are there in Rome?'

Romulus felt his life slipping completely out of control. 'I only used the hilt of my sword,' he said faintly. 'I'm sorry.'

'It is done.' There was sadness in Brennus' eyes, but his gaze did not waver. 'By dawn, there will be soldiers searching every school in the city. Find me and they have you. Our time in Rome is over.'

Romulus heard the truth in his friend's words but did not want to believe it. There would be no slave rebellion. No meeting with Julia.

There was silence before Brennus spoke again.

'Those patrician bastards will kill us both very slowly while listening to our screams of innocence. Seen it too many times before. I'm not waiting for that.' He turned and strode towards the ludus.

'Stop!' Romulus hissed. 'What are you going to do?'

'Say goodbye to Astoria and pick up some weapons.' Brennus' teeth flashed white in the semi-darkness. He was exhilarated at the prospect of his journey beginning once again. 'Then I'm heading for Brundisium. Nobody will know me there and I can enlist in Crassus' army. Coming, brother?'

Romulus hesitated, but for the briefest of moments. His one chance of survival was to stick with Brennus. He followed the Gaul through the early morning light to the Ludus Magnus, wondering if he would ever return. If he would ever see Julia again.

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