The Forgotten Legion - Kane Ben - Страница 28

'Your friend has dirtied my room.' Brennus' tone was almost mild as he stepped towards Flavus.

'Come any closer and I cut the bitch's throat.' Flavus' eyes darted around wildly, but the point of his dagger stayed fixed under Astoria's chin.

Brennus could see the murmillo wasn't lying. 'Let her go.'

'So you can kill me too?' Flavus pricked Astoria's skin with the tip. A fat red drop ran down velvet black skin. 'On your feet!'

Brennus let the murmillo walk slowly towards him, the girl held in front.

'You first,' Flavus shouted. 'Outside.'

The Gaul stepped backwards, taking care not to lose his footing on the bloody surface.

The darkened yard was full of curious gladiators, drawn by Astoria's screams and the sounds of combat. Their flickering oil lamps illuminated the scene.

Romulus was standing in deep shadows not far from the cell door. Unlike the others, he had an idea who had attacked the Nubian. For some time Lentulus had been training with the murmillones and bragging about raping Astoria. He had presumed it was just talk. Now it seemed the Goth really was bad news.

Romulus had seen Brennus many times since his arrival in the ludus but had never spoken to him. The big Gaul and Astoria both seemed friendly and they certainly did not inspire the kind of hatred that welled up when he thought of Lentulus. Fists clenched, he prayed they had not been killed.

Relief filled him as Brennus emerged stark naked, blood running from his wounds. He was followed by Flavus, holding Astoria by the throat.

'Help me kill the Gaul!' The murmillo peered into the darkness, hoping to see gladiators who would come to his aid. 'We can all have his whore!'

'The first one who comes near gets his throat cut,' Brennus said calmly.

Nobody moved. In the ludus' unwritten rules, grudges like this usually had to be settled by those involved.

His voice shaking, Flavus called out to two fighters. 'Figulus! Gallus! Fight with me!' The pair shifted from foot to foot, deeply tempted by the attractive Nubian. It had been months since they had been with a woman, but the sight of Brennus with a bloodied sword arrested further action.

Astoria sobbed quietly.

Romulus' heart pounded in his chest. Despite the noise, there was no sign of Memor yet. Should he get involved? It took only a moment to decide. The invitation to gang-rape the girl had filled him with disgust. Velvinna had never revealed the exact circumstances of their conception, but she had hinted at it. And the merchant had forced himself on her night after night. In Romulus' mind, rape was a crime of the worst order.

He tiptoed towards Flavus' unprotected back, gently easing the dagger from his belt. Nobody spotted him. Rage replaced the disgust as he stole within striking range. Flavus was like those who had raped his mother. An anonymous noble. Gemellus.

Dirty bastards. The murmillo was oblivious, still pleading with Figulus and Gallus to join him.

Romulus took a deep breath, knuckles whitening. He stepped in close, grabbing Flavus' left shoulder tightly and pushed the thin blade through his tunic to break the skin.

'Let the girl go!'

Flavus froze.

'Release her,' he hissed.

'Romulus?' The murmillo's voice was incredulous. 'This has nothing to do with you. Now piss off before this bitch gets herself killed.' He poked Astoria with his knife and she screamed.

Brennus took a step forward.

'Stay where you are!' roared Flavus.

Glowering, the Gaul moved back.

Blood pounded in Romulus' ears as he took in the dramatic sight of Brennus and the circle of gladiators. Every face was watching them. In front of Flavus, Astoria's shoulders shook with fear.

'I'll give you one more chance.'

'This is men's business,' spat Flavus. 'Walk away before you get hurt. Badly hurt.'

Backing off was not an option. He had no choice. Stab high up under the ribcage. Cotta's advice echoed in Romulus' mind. Cut the liver – it is always fatal.

With a quick shove, Romulus shoved his dagger deep into Flavus' right side, twisting as it went in. The murmillo shrieked as he felt the thrust, and his grip on Astoria fell away. She ran sobbing to Brennus. Romulus pulled the blade free and Flavus staggered round, eyes glazed. A large area of his tunic turned bright red, the cloth filling with blood.

Flavus' face held a look of total disbelief.

Silently, Romulus stabbed him once in the chest and stood back as the murmillo collapsed, his strength evaporating. He jerked a few times and was still.

Romulus gazed down in fascination at the first man he had killed. Then his stomach lurched and both legs began to wobble.

'You have my thanks.'

Romulus sensed Brennus looming above him. He nodded, suppressing the urge to vomit.

It was then that Lentulus emerged from the cell, half stunned but still clutching his sword. He saw Romulus standing over Flavus' body and gave an inarticulate cry of rage. Hoisting the weapon with a shaking hand, he weaved towards them.

Instinctively Romulus bent to retrieve his knife.

'Hold!' Memor's voice cut in. 'Next man who moves, dies!'

Everyone froze as the lanista pushed his way through to stand before Brennus. He was flanked by six guards with drawn bows.

'Trying to butcher everyone in the damn ludus?'

'What was I supposed to do?' Brennus scowled at the Goth, the only survivor. 'The bastards were going to rape Astoria.'

Memor snorted. 'And how many men are dead because of that black bitch?'

'Three.' Lentulus nursed the side of his head, bruised from the Gaul's punch.

'Three?' the lanista screeched.

'Curtius, Titus and Flavus.'

Memor's mouth opened and closed. The murmillones had been prize fighters.

'Anyone who touches my woman dies,' said Brennus.

'Lay a finger on another man and I'll have you crucified.' Memor was incandescent with rage. 'You might be the best gladiator here, but you are still a fucking slave!'

The Gaul's fist bunched around the hilt of his sword.

Memor gestured quickly. The archers drew back, iron-tipped arrows pointing at Brennus' heart.

Astoria screamed.

Brennus' hand dropped to his side. 'I'm not going to commit suicide to satisfy you.'

'You have some brains left, then,' replied Memor, his voice taut with anger. 'I have a good idea.' He pointed at Romulus and Lentulus. 'These two look like they aren't on best terms. They might as well settle that. At dawn tomorrow. A duel to the death. Right here in the yard.'

The pair stared at each other.

Lentulus repeated the stabbing motion. Romulus hawked and spat. The Goth made to launch himself forward, then paused.

'Go right ahead,' said Memor. 'One archer might miss, but at this range, four . . .'

Lentulus grimaced and sheathed his sword. Content that he had won the confrontation, Romulus turned away.

The morning might prove different.

'Fucking great ox.' The lanista glared at Brennus. 'No excursions into the city till further notice. You're barred from the baths as well.'

The Gaul shrugged. He waited in case there was more.

Memor jerked his head in dismissal. 'Piss off. Before I think of a better punishment.'

Brennus obeyed. He was not worried about Memor and his threats. Astoria was a far greater concern. There had been too many men who seemed interested in Flavus' offer.

Chapter VII: The Lupanar

The Lupanar Brothel, Rome, 56 BC

Fabiola gazed uncertainly at the bare walls. The small cell was where the madam had led her after Gemellus had been thrown on to the street. The huge man who ejected him had smiled toothlessly at the new girl in an effort to seem reassuring.