Gladiator (Part XIII)

Gladiator (Part XIII)

‘For a gladiator you sleep too much Servius’

My Latista’s words roused me from my slumber
The darkness in the catacombs beneath the grandness of the coliseum
Make it difficult to know the precise nature of time
Still in a barren cell there’s little to do but sleep or think
And I know I think far too often

‘Look Servius
The Emperor grows tired of you
Amusement has grown to annoyance
He wants you gone
One way or another
He proposes a final battle
Should you prove victorious
You will stand afore the arena a free man
And as a mark of appreciation he will surrender Serena unto your care
On the condition you flee Rome
Never to return
He seeks your response immediately
He has also asked me to stress
That should you decline this generous offer
You will be killed
But only after you have witnessed
The brutal massacre of Serena and her unborn child
I expect I already know your answer Servius’

This was what I had been waiting for
For months I had battled astounding odds
For the slightest hope to once again be free
And with Serena set to gain her freedom too
All my prayers would be answered
Just one more fight
Surely the God’s would not fail me now

‘I will return to the Emperor
I have no doubt he will be pleased by your answer’

‘Gaius, has the Emperor suggested what nature the fight will take?’

‘Tradition suggests a one on one battle to the death
He will pick a legend no doubt
He won’t make it easy for you’

‘You know who my opponent is?’

That is not important
You have too much else to consider right now
At times we must all just fight
Your life, Serena’s your child’s are all on the line
Should you get the opportunity
You must take it
I expect the fight will be soon
I have been told that I am to have no further contact with you
This will be the last time we meet
So until your freedom Servius
Be well
Pray the God’s be with you
And remember
I want you to win my friend
No matter the cost
You must win