The Gladiator

CHAPTER TWENTY

'Just what did you think you were doing back there?' Sempronius snapped the moment they reached his headquarters in the J acropolis. 'You were goading him. You saw his expression at the end there. He was insane. For a moment I thought he'd go for you with his bare hands.'

'Might have been better for us if he had, sir,' Macro replied coolly.

'Then I could have had him. With Ajax gone, how long do you think that ragbag army of his would hold together?'

Sempronius gave him a calculating look. 'What makes you think you could have beaten him? The man looked as tough as any fighter I have ever seen in the arena, and he's been trained to kill.'

'So have I. And I've had rather more experience at it. Besides, what good would all that gladiatorial training have been if he had lost his head and thrown himself into a fight?'

Sempronius nodded. 'I see. That's what you were counting on. That's why you provoked him.'

'Of course, sir. First rule of war — always try and get the enemy to fight on your terms.'

'Well then, I owe you an apology. For a moment I thought you had lost control of yourself.'

'Me?' Macro looked pained. 'Lose control of myself?'

'In any case, thanks to your intervention, I doubt that Ajax is going to be predisposed towards sparing anyone if he does take Gortyna.' Sempronius sat down behind his desk and turned to gaze over the city. Macro had given orders for torches and braziers to be lit along the wall, in case the rebels made any attempt to attack under cover of darkness. The usual watch had been doubled and the rest of the men were quartered in houses close to the walls. Some half-mile outside the city were clusters of camp fires, arranged in a great arc that enclosed the hills to the rear of it. As soon as night had fallen, several sections of men had been sent out from Gortyna to start sowing the caltrops along the approaches to the weakest lengths of the wall. Now there was a tense stillness as the defenders beheld the enemy host and waited.

Sempronius turned away from the window. 'If the city falls, he will take his hostages and kill the rest. I am sure of it.'

'Then we must make sure that we hold Gortyna.'

'Easily said, Macro. We have to think through all the choices open to us.'

Macro's eyes widened. 'You're not seriously considering surrender?'

'No,' Sempronius replied. 'But it is an option, none the less. We'll have to put the situation to the ruling council. They have to be told.'

Macro shook his head. 'Sir, if we let a bunch of civilians have their say, well, it's obvious they'll take the offer to save their skins.'

'Then we must persuade them that Ajax is not to be trusted.'

Why ask them in the first place? Just tell them we ain't giving in, and we'll fight the rebels until the last man, or until Cato returns with reinforcements.'

'We have to keep them on our side even though I doubt that the idea of fighting to the last man is going to win much support. We'll have to play up the idea of the city being relieved.' Sempronius yawned and ran a hand through his grey-streaked hair. 'Either way, we must assemble the council and explain the situation. I'll have them brought here within the hour. I want you with me.'

Macro's shoulders slumped for an instant. 'It'd be better if I remained on the wall, sir. In case the enemy try anything on.'

'No. You'll be here. That's an order. If this city can be defended, then they'll need to hear that from a professional soldier. We have to talk them out of considering surrender, so you'd better be persuasive, Macro. The last thing we need is a divided city at our back when we face the rebels.'

The city's councillors entered the office with anxious expressions and took their places on the benches that Sempronius had ordered for them. He had considered making them stand, but had decided that it would be better if he stood and they sat. It was an old technique for establishing authority that he had learned from his Greek tutor of rhetoric. As the last of thementered and settled on to the benches, Sempronius glanced at Macro sitting on a chair in the corner of the office. The centurion was leaning forwards, elbows on knees and fist supporting his chin as he stared down at the floor with a resigned air. Sempronius frowned briefly, then turned back to his audience, who were talking in muted tones.

'Thank you for coming, gentlemen…' He waited for them all to fall silent and focus their attention on him. 'As you are no doubt aware, the rebels have arrived to lay siege to Gortyna. Some of you will have heard that my senior military officer and I met their leader, Ajax the gladiator, at dusk. He gave us his demands, namely freedom, and free passage out of the empire for him and his followers.'

'Then why don't you agree to his terms?' One of the councillors, a fat merchant, leaned forward. 'Give him what he wants and get him away from us.'

Several of his companions nodded and muttered their agreement.

Sempronius fixed his gaze on the man. 'Polocrites, isn't it? Olive oil exporter.'

The man nodded, and folded his arms, as Macro muttered to himself, 'Like father like son. No stomach for a fight.'

'It isn't as simple as that, Polocrites. Even if I agree to his demands, Ajax wants to take hostages to ensure that we keep our side of the deal. To that end he wants us to surrender the city and hand ourselves over to him. It is his intention to keep his hostages until he has made good his escape from Roman territory'

As the import of his words sank in, another of the councillors spoke up. 'That's preposterous. He can't hope to take the entire city with him. How would he feed such a multitude? How could the rebels stop themescaping?'

'Ajax does not intend to take everyone hostage. Just the Romans…'

Polocrites nodded. 'That's fair.'

'And the richest families of Gortyna,' Sempronius continued.

Polocrites glared. 'That's an outrage! This gladiator's fight is between him and Rome. We have nothing to do with it.'

'Why don't you go and tell him that?' asked Sempronius.' Now be quiet and hear me out. Ajax wants high-value hostages. He hopes that the emperor will think twice before reneging on any deal I may make regarding freeing these slaves if it means putting our lives at risk. I have to tell you that I do not think for a moment that Claudius would permit a mass revolt of slaves to succeed. Indeed, I think he will do everything in his power to have Ajax and his followers tracked down and destroyed. If that means we are killed, then that's a price he will be prepared to pay' He paused, steeling himself to continue.' And there's worse news. It is my belief — my conviction — that if Gortyna is surrendered to the rebels, they will take their hostages and put the rest of the population to the sword.'

'How can you possibly know that?' Polocrites scoffed.

'It's quite simple. Some days ago the garrison and people of Matala surrendered to the rebels and now they are all dead.'

For a moment there was complete stillness and silence in the room, before one of the councillors asked, 'Dead? All dead? How do you know?'

'Ajax told us.' Sempronius indicated Macro.' He brought us the heads of the men of the Twelfth Hispania, and had their commander confirm the details before being murdered in front of our eyes. If you don't believe me then you can see for yourself at first light. Ajax left the heads in front of the main gate. He said he wanted to provide us, and those back in Rome, with proof of his ruthlessness. It's possible that he also needed to burn his bridges to make sure that his followers realised there was no going back. Not after they had massacred an entire town. For the slaves there is, from now on, only freedom or death.'

'If he has proved his point, then he does not need to kill our people,' said Polocrites.

'I disagree. After Matala, he is no longer restrained by fear of the consequences.' Sempronius recalled the wild rage and hatred he had seen in the gladiator's eyes, and his cruel pleasure at the death of Portillus. 'I'd go further. He has a taste for death and an insatiable thirst to get revenge on those who were his masters. It would be madness to trust him, and little short of suicide to place ourselves in his hands.'

'What are you suggesting we do then?' Polocrites opened his hands helplessly.

'We must defend Gortyna. We must not submit to his demands.'

'How can we defend Gortyna against that host?' Polocrites rounded on Macro. 'You're the soldier here. What chance have we got of holding the city?'

Macro looked up. 'About as much chance as surviving if the rebels take us hostage.'

The councillor's jaw slackened, then he turned to his companions.

'Did you hear? The situation is hopeless.'

'It's not hopeless,' Macro countered sharply. 'I didn't say that. It depends on a number of things. The enemy have more men, but they haven't got much good kit, and they're not trained soldiers. They don't have any siege equipment, and they're going to have to learn how to attack a city from scratch. On the other hand, given the length of the wall we have to defend, and the fact that sections of it are weak where we've had to rush the repairs, numbers may well win the day. However, if we can hold them off long enough for Cato to return with reinforcements, then the day is ours.'

'And how likely is it that your friend has succeeded in reaching Egypt?'

Macro had his doubts. There would have been dangers on the road to the fishing port, then Cato would have had to cross the sea to the African coast, where there might be pirates picking off lone merchant ships. Even if he reached Alexandria he would have to face the sea again on the return journey. Macro's breath escaped with a frustrated hiss.' Centurion Cato…' he paused and glanced at Sempronius, 'I mean Tribune Cato, is one of the most resourceful officers in the Roman army. If any man can get through to Alexandria and get us the men we need to end this rebellion, it is him.'

'I see. And how long do you think it will be before he can return with an army powerful enough to destroy the gladiator and his followers?'

'Hard to say' Macro pursed his lips. 'Another ten days at the earliest, but more likely to be nearer twenty.'

Polocrites stared at him for a moment before shaking his head with a chuckle. 'For some reason I am not encouraged by this news.'

He rose to his feet and turned to the other councillors. 'There is another way to save Gortyna. To save our people.'

'Then tell us,' said Sempronius. 'I'm sure we would all be delighted to discover the means to our salvation.'

Polocrites ignored him steadfastly as he addressed his companions.

'Ajax must know that he will lose many hundreds of his men, perhaps thousands, if he is forced to assault Gortyna. It may also take several days. All of which will dispirit his followers. Every day they are forced to fight us will feed their bloodlust. There will be no mercy if they take the city. We will be put to the sword. Our women will be raped and tortured and our children butchered.'

Macro nodded. 'All the more reason to fight to the last man.'

'No,' Polocrites responded sharply. 'All the more reason to find another way out of the peril we are placed in.' He continued in a crafty tone. 'What if we were to offer to hand over the Romans to Ajax? If we were to co-operate in providing his hostages, then surely he would be grateful to the people of Gortyna for sparing his men the need to assault the city, and saving the rebels the time and effort of mounting a siege.' Polocrites paused briefly, then concluded, 'I think we can make a separate peace with the rebels.'

There was an uncomfortable silence before Macro laughed. 'You cheeky Greek bastard! For a moment there I thought you were serious.'

Polocrites turned to him with a deadpan expression. 'I am serious.'

'No you're not.' Macro smiled. 'Because if you were, that would make you a dirty little back-stabbing traitor. And if that was the case, then I'd have no choice but to cut your throat and hurl your worthless carcass over the city wall and into the ditch for the dogs to feed on.'

'You wouldn't dare,' Polocrites said quietly.

'Sorry' Macro shrugged. 'Like I said, I'd have no choice. It'd be regrettable but necessary. I'm sure you would understand… But since you're having a joke with us, and you really wouldn't even contemplate dishonouring yourself in such a cowardly manner, there's no harm done. Now, you've had your fun. There's no question of surrender, and no question of negotiating with Ajax.' He paused and casually pulled out his dagger, and carefully edged the point under a fingernail to dislodge some dirt. 'I do have that right, don't I?'

The councillors watched Polocrites closely as the man stared at Macro and gauged his chances of escaping the fate Macro had mentioned.

'I'm sorry.' Macro looked up from his manicure.' Did you say something?'

'No.'

Macro frowned and slowly rose from his chair.

'I meant yes.' Polocrites backed off a step.

'Yes?'

'Yes,' Polocrites said hurriedly. 'I was joking.'

'Good.' Macro nodded and carefully replaced his dagger. 'That's that then.'

'Well,' Sempronius cleared his throat uneasily, 'it seems that we are agreed on where we stand, gentlemen. It is important that we present a united front to the defenders and people of Gortyna. There will be no talk of negotiating with the enemy. It is our joint resolve to defend the city, to the end if that is necessary. I trust that is understood by you all. Now, on that note of agreement, I am calling this meeting to an end. Thank you for your attention, and your continued support.' He bowed his head and then indicated the door. Polocrites was the first to leave, sweeping past the others as he strode swiftly out of the room. The rest followed his lead, some shooting nervous glances in Macro's direction as they departed. When the last of them had gone, Sempronius sighed and slumped back down on to his chair.

'Hardly an inspiring display of unity.'

'No, sir.' Macro chewed his lip. 'But I think they'll keep their mouths shut for a little while.'

'I hope so.' Sempronius rubbed his temple and shut his eyes. 'It all comes down to Cato in the end, doesn't it?'

'Yes, you're right.' Macro went over to the window and rested his hands on the frame as he stared out towards the main camp of the rebels. 'I meant what I said about him being the best man for the job.

The trouble is, being the best is not enough sometimes. He's pushed his luck in the past and it won't last for ever.'

'Don't write him off too quickly.' Julia's voice carried across the room.

Both of the men turned and saw her at the door. She stared at Macro for a moment and then made her way down the gap between the benches and sat on the one nearest her father's desk.

'I wasn't writing him off,' Macro explained. 'I'm just concerned for him.'

'We all are,' Sempronius added. 'With good cause. I hope he won't let us down.'

'He won't,' Macro said firmly.

Sempronius turned to his daughter. 'What brings you here?'

'I came to report on the day's food consumption. Your guards said there was a meeting. I waited outside until it was over.'

'I take it you heard everything.'

'Most of it.' Julia nodded. 'Can't say I'm very impressed with the locals. What do you intend to do about them, Father?'

'Do? Nothing. Not unless they start making trouble for us. If that happens, they can join Glabius in the acropolis cells.'

'I'd have that man Polocrites closely watched if I were you.'

'She's right,' said Macro.' The man's trouble. Might be better to lock him up now, before he can spread any more of his poison.'

Sempronius considered the suggestion for a moment before he shook his head. 'We'll leave him be for now. I can't afford to be making enemies inside the city when we have a far greater danger to deal with. We're already in enough peril. Which is why I've come to a decision.' He leaned forward and looked steadily at his daughter. 'I want you to leave Gortyna.'

'Leave?' Julia shook her head in surprise. 'What are you talking about? I'm staying here. With you.'

'That's impossible. It's too much of a risk. There is a good chance that Ajax and his army will take Gortyna. If the city falls, I could not bear the thought of what might happen to you.'

'Father, it's not as if this is the first time we've been under siege.'

'No, but last time I had no option. We were trapped in Palmyra.

There is still time for you to leave Gortyna and make it to the north of the island. You can wait there for news.'

'I will not go,' Julia replied firmly. 'I will stay by your side. I will wait for Cato. And if the city falls, then I will die by my own hand before any of the rebels can touch me. I swear it, Father.'

Sempronius looked pained at her suggestion. He stared at her while he fought with his fear for her safety. 'Julia. You are my only child. You are the most important thing in my life. I cannot let you remain here where your life is in danger.'

'Er…' Macro shuffled awkwardly. 'Would you like me to, ah, leave the room?'

'No,' Sempronius replied. 'Stay'

Julia smiled fondly and reached forward to take his hands. 'Father, I know what I mean to you.'

'No you don't. No child does, not until they have children of their own.'

She returned his gaze for a moment and shook her head sadly. 'I cannot go. I do not want to leave you, and I must be here when Cato returns.'

He leaned wearily back in his chair. 'I have made my decision. You will leave Gortyna.'

Julia glared at him, then lowered her head and stared at her hands.

When she spoke, there was no hiding the strain in her voice. When do you wish me to leave?'

'Tonight. I suspect that Ajax will want to cut the city off the moment he realises that we will not be agreeing to his demands. If you leave under cover of darkness, you can put some miles between you and Gortyna before dawn. I'll send a small escort with you. The rebel scouts will miss you if you go quietly and head north into the hills. Make for Cnossos.' He turned to Macro. 'I want you to pick some good men to escort my daughter from the city.'

'Sir?'

'You are to go with them until they have reached a safe distance from Gortyna. Then you can return here.' A brief look of embarrassment crossed the senator's face. 'I know there's a chance that you might have some trouble getting back, so I won't order you to do this. I ask it as a favour, to a friend.'

'Don't worry, sir,' Macro replied firmly. 'I'm happy to do it. For you, and for Cato.'

'Thank you.' Sempronius stood up and crossed the room to the window, where he clasped Macro's arm. 'You're a good man. One of the best.'

'I said I'd do it, sir. You don't have to go on about it.'

Sempronius laughed. 'Very well. Go now. Take your pick of the men, the best of the horses and enough rations for the journey.

Report back to me as soon as you return.'

'Yes, sir.' Macro nodded, and Sempronius released his arm. As Macro made for the door, Julia stepped forward to embrace her father. Sempronius kissed the top of her head. He held her tight for an instant and then let her go. She turned away and hurried from the room without looking back.

Sempronius listened to the light patter of her sandals, soon lost under the harsh clatter of Macro's nailed boots, then both died away as they left the building. He took a deep breath to calm the pain in his heart and gazed out towards the twinkling sprawl of fires that marked the rebel camps.

'Cato, my boy,' he muttered to himself, 'for pity's sake don't fail me now.'