D J Manly Gladiators 3 House of Nicolaus

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Gladiators: House of Nicolaus
ISBN # 978-0-85715-384-5
©Copyright D.J. Manly 2011
Cover Art by April Martinez ©Copyright January 2011
Edited by Stacey Birkel
Total-E-Bound Publishing

This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination
and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or
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Published in 2011 by Total-E-Bound Publishing, Think Tank, Ruston Way, Lincoln, LN6 7FL,
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Warning: This book contains sexually explicit content which is only suitable for mature
readers. This story has been rated Total-e-taboo.

Gladiators

HOUSE OF NICOLAUS

D.J. Manly

Dedication

To beating the impossible odds and love eternal.

HOUSE OF NICOLAUS

D.J. Manly

Chapter One

Samson—House of Claudius
Changes

I stood perfectly still. I didn’t dare move although it pained me dearly to watch Gracia

slide her hand up Julian’s well-muscled thigh, mostly because I knew Julian detested her

touch so much.

Claudius regarded me from where he half lay on the sofa. He was drunk again as usual.

Somewhere in the house I could hear the baby crying. Octavia, Claudius’ wife, began to sing

a lullaby. The tune wafted down the corridor like a clear bell.

Gracia had pulled Julian down the hallway to her private bedchambers and I clenched

my jaw and restrained my anger.

“Don’t move,” Claudius cautioned.

I’d been standing there, completely naked in front of him, for the last half hour. I had no

idea what game he was playing this time, but with Claudius it was anyone’s guess.

A newly acquired male slave, completely naked like myself, lowered grapes into

Claudius’ mouth. The slave’s skin was coffee coloured, and his genitals were bound so he

always appeared to be erect.

Claudius reached out and played casually with the slave’s genitals. He looked at me.

“Want to fuck his fine ass?”

“If you wish, master,” I said. All I really wanted was to get Julian and go back to the

gladiators’ quarters. I’d come to resent Gracia’s possession of him, and it had little to do with

the feelings I had for him. Rather, it galled me that these people thought they could use us

anyway they chose, even against our wills. And since Phineous had crossed the river, his son

had badly neglected his gladiators, choosing to engage in orgies and debaucheries instead.

“Slave,” Claudius bellowed suddenly, “lean over my lap, use your mouth on my cock,

and Samson, get over here and fill his ass.”

The slave leaned over Claudius and began to work on his erection.

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D.J. Manly

“Spread your legs wide,” Claudius commanded, slapping his ass a few times. “Feel

how firm it is.”

I came closer, waited for permission. I couldn’t deny that the ass in front of me was

enticing, so firm and round.

Claudius nodded. “Prepare him. Play in his ass, fuck him with your fingers.” He

fondled the slave’s genitals again. “Suck me, deeper,” he commanded.

The slave took more of Claudius in his mouth.

I spread the slave’s ass with my hands and screwed my finger into his rosebud.

He squirmed as I went deeper. He was very tight, maybe he’d never had his ass used

before. I stroked my own cock and coated my finger with come. I pushed my finger deeper.

He moaned and Claudius yelled out. “Suck, you slut!”

I fucked the slave with two fingers now, spreading him wide, then teased his hole with

the head of my cock. I pressed up into him. He raised his head and moaned, then cried out, at

first in pain then as I began to really ride him, it seemed the pain had turned to pleasure.

Claudius moved off the sofa and I pressed the slave across it and really worked his ass,

moving up and down in a fluid motion.

I was almost ready to come when I felt Claudius behind me. Something smooth and

hard poked my ass and I grunted as I felt it move up inside me. Claudius began fucking my

ass with some object and I gasped, feeling the burn.

I slapped the slave’s ass and pumped harder, then felt Claudius pull me back. He

brutalised my nipples until I wanted to scream, pulling and twisting them, and he moved the

object deeper inside me until I felt completely filled by it.

“Can’t be stretched much more than that, gladiator,” he sneered. “Even Gold couldn’t

fuck you that well, could he?”

The mention of Gold caused my cock to pump. I released my load.

“Take his cock in your mouth,” Claudius commanded the slave and he turned around

and swallowed my dwindling rod.

Claudius pushed me face down now as the slave crawled under me on the floor. He

rammed that smooth object into me again, fucking me so hard with it, my teeth rattled.

I was hard again, thanks to the slave, who showed some definite expertise.

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D.J. Manly

My ass was being spanked now and the fucking slowed. I moaned as Claudius pushed

my legs further apart. He withdrew the object and then drove it all the way in again. I

clutched the sofa, and my hands bunched into fists.

He fucked my ass again then ordered the slave to leave my cock hard. He reached

down and played with it, massaging my balls in his hands. He pulled the object out of me. I

was panting, aching to come.

“Slave, bring the cock strap. Samson, on your back, now.”

I crawled onto the sofa and lay on my back. My cock stood straight up and I groaned

with need as Claudius played with my nipples. He dabbed some wine on them and licked it

off then bit and teased them. “Please,” I begged.

The slave came back with the strap.

“Bind his cock,” Claudius told him. “Samson, you will keep your legs spread and put

your hands over your head.”

I wondered how long I would stay like this.

The slave wound the strap around my cock, capturing my balls as well.

“You look beautiful,” Claudius said, touching my nipples again. “Slave, nipple clamps

as well.”

I lifted my hips, the tension was almost unbearable. I couldn’t come and yet I was so

close.

Claudius took the clamps from the slave. He lightly moved my cock. I moaned again.

He flicked one nipple and clamped it. I let out a cry. My nipples were so sensitive. He

laughed and did the other. Then he proceeded to masturbate as he ordered the slave to his

knees. “When I’m ready, I will fuck him,” he told me. “And all night, you will be on display,

available to whoever I say may play with you. Lower your hands, or close your legs and I

shall beat you senseless. Is that clear?”

I nodded.

“Any protest, and I will plug your fine ass.”

I bit my lower lip, closed my eyes. This was not the first time he’d sexually tortured me.

I seemed to be far more use to him as a sex toy than as a gladiator.

Claudius had not used me in the arena since I’d beat the Spartan, and he hadn’t

replenished his gladiators either. There were three of us now—the others had been sold off.

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D.J. Manly

Julian was still responsible for the training, when we were even required to train. Claudius

didn’t seem to care anymore.

He stood there now, admiring his handiwork. “Lift your hips, squirm a little.”

I did as he asked but not to his liking. He reached over and slapped my cock. “More!”

I moved my hips seductively, up and down again.

“Imagine Gold is fucking your fine ass, Samson. You miss him, don’t you? He’s all but

rotting now in the ground."

I gritted my teeth, my eyes filled with anger. “Bastard,” I growled.

Claudius’ expression darkened. “You ungrateful slut.” He turned to the slave. “Bring

me my whip!”

* * * *

Nicolaus—House of Nicolaus
Rumours…

Marius came for an inspection of the ludi around six weeks after it was in full swing.

“I’m impressed,” he told me. “I hear rumours that Casus is beside himself. I hear he’s hired

on a special trainer from the Orient.”

We walked together along a shaded path, our heads bent together. “I have much to tell

you. It appears that Claudius, unlike his late father, has no political ambitions. He has

allowed his gladiator stock to dwindle and hasn’t worked any of them.”

I met his gaze. Samson. “I want to buy them.”

His eyes widened. “A Roman would never sell his gladiators to a Spartan! You’re mad.”

“He would if he needed gold.”

“He has plenty of that. He is a lanista gone mad.”

I swallowed. Was he mistreating Samson? Would he decide to execute them given that he was

not making money from them?

“What troubles you, Nicolaus? You are a man of great fortune, rescued from a life of

slavery, provided with instant wealth and property. You should marry your brother’s

widow.”

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D.J. Manly

“We are not compatible.”

“If your blood runs hotter, you have that fine coffee-coloured slave of yours to pleasure

you. I believe your brother made use of his ass from time to time. Lacia could provide you

with a proper heir.”

I understood the logic. “I’ll give the matter some thought.”

He nodded. “I will give the monarchy a favourable report.” He slapped my shoulder.

“Are you sure you won’t stay for refreshments?”

“You are very kind, but I must get back.” He raised a hand and went walking off in the

opposite direction.

I kept walking awhile. A lanista gone mad…Samson. Are you all right? I headed back to

the house, trying to devise a way to bring Samson to me.

When I got home, I laid down and fell into a restless sleep. I saw myself in chains, in the

arena, the whip coming down on my back, and Samson, with those loving eyes, looking up

into my face. Please fuck me, Gold.

I moaned and rolled over, my eyes snapping open. I was so hard. “Damn!” Where was

that slave? “Pleasure!”

* * * *

Demented Pleasures

The whip hit my cock and I bit back the pain. Claudius snapped it one direction then

another down on my chest, across my nipples, between my thighs.

I squirmed in pain which seemed to delight him even more. He was still whipping me

when I heard a voice shout out, “Stop!”

The whip froze in Claudius’ hand. I looked over to see Julian standing there.

“Are you trying to kill him?” he demanded.

Gracia stood behind Julian. “Stop it, Claudius,” she echoed. “I can’t stand all that

blood.”

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D.J. Manly

I hadn’t even realised there was blood until I looked down to see it running in streams

down my torso and across my thighs.

He dropped the whip. “Take him away,” he looked at Julian, “Mother’s whore.”

“Claudius!” Gracia snapped. “Where are your manners?”

Julian took me off the table and led me out of the room as mother and son argued about

what constituted good manners.

Back in the barracks, Julian bathed me, rubbing that cream he’d used before to soothe

my wounds. “What is wrong with him, whipping you like that?” Julian shook his head. “It’s

going to leave scars I’m afraid.”

“He’s getting worse and worse,” I groaned as I lay back in the water. “It’s as if he tries

to come up with more sadistic ways to torture us each time. He derives such pleasure from it.

Julian,” I reached out and clutched his arm, “one night, he’ll kill us.”

He nodded silently. “I’ll try and get him interested in the sport again. If he had

something else to fill his time, he’d stop calling on us to ease his boredom.”

“He drinks more and more,” I said. “I pity his poor wife.”

Julian didn’t argue with me.

Shortly after, Phillip came to join us. He sunk down into the water on the other side of

me. His eyes widened when he saw the whip marks on my chest. “Are you all right? Has

Claudius gone and lost his mind again?”

“I think I’ll live, but you’re right about Claudius. We will have to do something about

him soon.”

Phillip moved his hand over my cock and then looked at Julian. “Let’s make him feel

better, shall we?”

Julian nodded and winked at me. “Spread your legs,” he hissed.

I widened my thighs, the water moved in between my ass cheeks. I let my head go back.

My nipples were glistening with water.

Phillip leaned over and bit one of them then licked at the moisture. “Um, delicious.”

Julian began to lick the nipple while Phillip squeezed my cock. What utter bliss.

“Lift him up out of the water,” Phillip told Julian.

They both placed their arms under me and hoisted me on up onto the side of the bath.

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D.J. Manly

“The guard,” I protested, struggling into a sitting position as Phillip yanked my thighs

apart and gently fondled my cock.

Julian pressed his hand on my chest and forced me down onto my elbows. “He’s way

out by the water. I can keep an eye.”

“Unless he’d like to join us,” Phillip teased. “He has an eye for me.”

I laughed and Phillip leaned over me and kissed my mouth hotly as he continued to

casually fondle my reviving cock.

Julian pushed my left knee up and slid a hand under my ass. One of his fingers

skewered my asshole.

“Oh,” I moaned, “that’s nice.”

Julian turned his finger around inside my ass and then pushed deeper while Phillip, his

gaze on my cock, slid his hand up shaft, causing my cock to stand straight up.

My hips lifted in invitation as I let my head go back and moaned deeper.

“You are so beautiful,” Phillip whispered, his tongue now stabbing into the opening on

the tip of my cock. “Already leaking luscious cream…I want your cock, but not yet.”

My hand reached over blindly to find Julian’s erection under his garment. I flipped up

the skimpy covering and exposed his cock, which was now curled upward across one of his

thighs.

I licked my lips and he hooked his finger and found that spot that made me scream.

Phillip was swallowing the head of my cock, his fingers pinching at my left nipple,

which already stung from the whipping. I bit down on my lower lip, and pumped my hips,

jamming my cock deeper into his mouth. Phillip moaned with pleasure as he sucked deeper

and jerked his own cock at the same time.

I played with Julian’s massive erection and he rewarded me by plugging my ass with

two fingers now.

We didn’t notice we had a spectator until my head was pulled back and a fully erect

penis smothered my lips with sweet juice. I found myself looking up into the eyes of the

guard, whose name escaped me. He was young, fairly decent looking, and the size of his

cock was impressive.

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D.J. Manly

He forced open my jaw and I received his organ as he dropped its length slowly into

my throat. It was gagging me, practically cutting off my air but I continued to swallow and

focused on the fact that every one of my orifices were either plugged or coveted.

I was ready to explode, my fingers squeezing Julian’s rod and my cock fucking Phillip’s

face.

The guard pumped into my mouth. I choked and sputtered as he moved his cock out

and Phillip brought me to orgasm at the same time as Julian withdrew his fingers.

We all looked at the guard in expectation. Would he report us? He licked his lips and

then went to his knees. He reached over and ran his hands over my chest. He flicked both my

nipples a few times and we all waited, practically holding our breath.

“Turn yourself around, Champ,” he told me, “on all fours. Your ass is mine.”

Slowly I did as he asked.

“You two,” he clipped to Julian and Phillip, “up against the wall, hands up over your

heads.”

Julian and Phillip got to their feet and walked to the wall.

“Face front,” he muttered impatiently as he seized my hips with his hand. “You slut,

whore, head down.”

I lowered my head.

He rammed into me without warning and I groaned from the impact. He lifted up on

me, pressed my face to the floor and rode me hard. He was huge and I think I screamed but

the pain gave way to pleasure soon enough as he grabbed my hair and slapped my ass a few

times.

“You beauties,” he growled to Phillip and Julian, “you’re next.” He reached under and

brutalized my cock and I found myself coming in spite of myself. I thought of Gold. I would

have loved for him to take me like this, dominate me completely, make me his. Baby, I’m

yours. I’ll always be yours. And in spite of the fact that I’d lost him forever, he lived on inside

me, even now as this heavily hung soldier fucked the living shit out of me, I saw Gold in my

head. I kissed his mouth, and he pushed me to my knees. I want to be your slave, Gold. My

darling, fuck me. Fuck me hard.

I was suddenly lying on my face.

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D.J. Manly

The big soldier was whipping Phillip’s cock back and forth with his hand. “Like that,

whore?”

Perhaps he’d taken lessons from Claudius.

The big soldier was licking Phillip’s chest now, still whipping his cock with his big

hand. Next, he did the same to Julian, finally turning him around and pulling his arms back

and pushing his hips out. “Come, slut,” he said to me.

I stood, my gaze meeting Julian’s. In spite of the situation, there was lust in his eyes.

“Play with his cock,” the soldier ordered.

I reached out and fondled him.

“You like cock?” he demanded.

I nodded.

“You like his cock?”

“I do,” I said.

“Then suck it. On your knees. And you,” he barked at Phillip. “You’re going to make

me hard again. Get under me and go to work.”

I smothered my face into Julian’s groin, enjoying the taste.

The soldier moaned as Phillip pleasured his cock. It looked like it was going to be a long

night, but none of us were especially disappointed.

By morning, our big soldier had fucked us all more than once, and allowed us to get our

fill of sucking and fondling each other.

We slept late the next day, and the following night, we saw our soldier again. His name

was Hugo. And he, not Claudius, was slowly becoming our real master, at least where sex

was concerned.

Yes, he was rough, but he was never cruel, and there was no pain. And we welcomed

his sexual games. Claudius was none the wiser, and thanks to Julian’s influence with Gracia,

who he was still forced to service at least four times a week, Claudius had decided to resume

our training.

The next competition would be in a month, and we’d all be put into the arena.

* * * *

HOUSE OF NICOLAUS

D.J. Manly

Pleasures and Obligations

Pleasure massaged the scented oil into the backs of my legs as I thought about Samson

and how I could bring him to this house. True, Claudius would probably never sell him to

me, but there was no reason I couldn’t pay a Roman to buy Samson for me.

I thought about my former master Phineas, who would be the most likely candidate to

try to purchase one of Claudius’ gladiators. For the right price, I thought that maybe he’d

help me out and purchase them on my behalf.

As Pleasure’s hands massaged deeper and then moved in and around the full curve of

my buttocks then in between my ass cheeks, I moaned and lifted up a little so he could

massage some oil into my testicles.

His fingers now prodded my opening, the warm oil and the sensation of the fingers

poking into me made me horny as hell. “Mmm, go on. Fuck me with your fingers, deeper.”

The slave obeyed, one finger becoming two, then three.

I gripped the edges of the settee, spreading my legs as his fingers invaded me and his

other oiled hand reached under to stroke my cock.

I told him to stop. I rolled onto my back, lifting my knees and then urged him to fuck

me again with his oiled fingers. “Oil my cock at the same time,” I breathed.

He smiled at me, his own cock as hard as mine. He let his free hand stroll over my chest

as he poured more oil, saturating each nipple and going deeper with his fingers.

My poor cock waved in the air as he focused on each nipple. I grunted with pleasure as

he hooked his fingers and jabbed them into the right zone. “Gods…yesssss.”

His hand left my tortured nipples and pumped up and down on my cock until a steady

stream of come shot out. All the while, he kept finger-fucking my ass and I finally begged

him to stop. “Your cock,” I urged, turning around on the lounge and getting up on all fours.

“Fuck me, now!”

He yanked my hips to the edge of the furniture and nailed my ass like that, slamming

into my hips with his substantial erection.

I let my head hang down, licked my lips, and let the pleasure grip me.

“Oh…yes…um…that’s nice,” I hissed.

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D.J. Manly

He came then released me. I turned and smiled at him. “Nice job. Leave me now, my

fine, beautiful whore.”

He lowered his head and left the room.

I lay on my back, running my hand over my naked body, all slicked with oil, and

combined with my own juices now, and probably some of his. Samson. You will be mine. I will

rescue you, bring you to me. I fondled my cock, thought of him, and was almost immediately

hard again.

Two days later, after several contests were held between my gladiators for the

entertainment of the royal family, I made plans to travel to Rome. I didn’t want to tell Marius

I planned to buy Samson. Instead, I said I wanted to see what the Romans were up to with

their gladiators.

Marius actually cautioned me against it. “They think you’re dead.”

“My brother paid good money for my freedom.”

“Yes, and you were released only because Phineas believed that you would soon be

dead.”

“So,” I shrugged, “I recovered.”

“He will not be amused.”

“He will just have to accept it. I am a free citizen of Sparta. He wouldn’t dare try and

take me as a slave again.”

“You were his once,” Marius replied. “You are underestimating the emotion involved.

He will feel betrayed, duped, bested by a slave. It would be better to send Delvon.”

Delvon was my new head trainer and my personal assistant. “He’s needed here to run

the ludi.”

“Do it in his place.”

“No. I want to do this on my own.”

“Have you given any thought to wedding your brother’s widow, perhaps, giving her

children your name? You will need an heir and…” he sighed, “it would please the

government.”

I had recently learned that Lacia was the daughter of the King’s nephew. Much of the

wealth I had inherited from my late brother actually came from her.

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D.J. Manly

When Marius said it would please the government, he meant the King. He also meant

that it was not a simple request.

“Lacia herself wishes it. She spoke to her father only recently. You will need to

postpone your travels.”

I sighed. “I am being forced then?”

“Not forced. Strongly…ah…encouraged, let’s say.” He prepared to take his leave.

“Nicolaus, they would like to have a quiet ceremony in the court, early next week.”

My eyes widened.

He gave me a faint smile. “It will make no difference to your life, but it will mean the

world to Lacia and her children. Do it for your brother. Do it for Sparta!”

I was still a slave. My freedom was conditional—conditional upon running the ludi,

conditional upon marriage to my late brother’s widow.

I had no choice but to put off my plans to buy Samson from Claudius, but even though I

would postpone my trip to Rome, I still intended to go. I would leave immediately after the

wedding.

The wedding took place as planned at the Royal palace. Lacia fussed over the

preparation, and I knew that for her, there was something else going on in her mind, aside

from the practicality of the arrangement.

Even if the entire thing made me uneasy, I was secure in the knowledge that I was

doing what was best for my brother’s children, although deep down I wondered if the royal

family would ever really let these children starve, given their connection. Nevertheless, I

wasn’t free to decide, and it caused me to ponder what it meant to be really free. Perhaps

there was no such thing as true freedom, I thought, as Lacia’s father asked me to accept his

daughter.

I agreed.

And he awarded me with a huge dowry I hadn’t anticipated, and told me I was now the

principle guardian of both his daughter and his grandsons. The message was clear.

Weddings were usually three days in duration, cumulating with the wedding feast. I

was glad when it was over and I could go back to my home.

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D.J. Manly

The slaves had prepared a wedding supper and I found myself alone with Lacia,

drinking and eating a light meal of meat and cheese. She was wearing a flowing silk dress

and her hair was loose, and I realised that this was the seduction.

“Nicolaus,” she cooed, looking at me across the table, “I want your child.”

I almost choked on the wine. “What for?”

“Don’t you want a child of your own?”

“I have Garner and Petorio. I need no other children.”

“But they are your brother’s seed.”

“They are my blood too. It is enough.”

“Then you have no intention of fulfilling your duties to me as a husband?” There was a

demanding tone to her voice. “My father will not be amused.”

I didn’t like the undertone. “Are you threatening me?”

“I’m warning you.”

“You manipulated me into marriage,” I pointed at her. “It is an arrangement, nothing

more. We are not in love.”

“Do you love Pleasure?”

I knew she meant the slave, not the experience. “Of course not.”

“And yet you are intimate with him,” she accused.

“He is there to give pleasure on demand. He’s a slave. It means nothing.”

“Then it shall be the same with us, husband.” She stood and removed her dress,

standing there naked in my sight. “You will now do your duty. I will not spend the night of

my nuptials alone. Who you service apart from me is of no concern to me. I don’t love you,

Nicolaus, but I do desire that fine cock of yours. Deprive me and I shall make your life hell.

Oblige me and I shall not be overly demanding. Twice a week should do. Is that understood,

my pet?”

I met her gaze and nodded as I stood up. My brother’s widow was no pussy cat. She

was one hundred percent lioness.

HOUSE OF NICOLAUS

D.J. Manly

Chapter Two

Back in the Arena

The last time I’d been in the arena, I’d killed a man with the sounds of blood lust in my

ears. I would always remember that kill for a variety of reasons, the first being that he was a

Spartan, a free man, not a bloodthirsty killer, which was the norm. I learned later that he was

a family man with two small children. And as I killed him, all I could think about was Gold.

There was something about him that made me think of Gold, and it wasn’t just because he

too was a Spartan.

He’d fought hard but he hadn’t been ready to go up against me, and since he was

Rome’s natural enemy, there was much pressure by the crowd for me to make a show of

killing him.

I did. I took his head while he begged for mercy and then held it up on the tip of my

sword for all to see. All the while, my chest was heaving with the adrenaline from the kill,

but also from this overwhelming sense of remorse for killing an opponent most unprepared

for battling a gladiator such as me.

I had no such trepidation today as I entered the ring. The man I faced was a serial

murderer who’d slaughtered his own children. I was going to enjoy this.

Three days of contests, and I’d already killed seven men. When Julian had finally

convinced Claudius to use our gladiator skills again to replenish his gold, as with everything,

Claudius became obsessed. It seemed that in place of sexually torturing us, he now intended

to work us to death. I wasn’t sure what was worse.

Meanwhile, by night our sexually dominant soldier continued to use us to satisfy his

beast-like lust, but none of us were complaining. It beat Claudius’ torture games anytime.

Right now, I focused my attention on the huge man trudging towards me across the

arena. His size didn’t intimidate me. I’d taken down bigger men than he. A man of that size

was often clumsy, making to harder for them move quickly. I would use my greater agility

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D.J. Manly

against him. I started swinging my sword over my head as he approached and he paused in

mid-stride. The crowd went wild. Then he charged me.

I didn’t expect to be on the ground, but there I was, the dust flying up to clog my throat

and nose.

He laid his full weight on me and brought down his sword. Another inch and he would

have taken off my hand. “Zeus’s cock!” I grumbled and managed to push him off me.

He rolled like a giant ball and I jumped on him. My sword went flying as he fought

back and suddenly we were knuckles to fist and my advantage had just died.

This man could best me without weapon, due to his sheer size and mass. If he punched

me with all his force, I would go flying across the arena, probably up into the stands.

We rolled, we struggled. He hit me. I saw stars and hit him back. I had to get to my

weapon, but he knew that and he held me back. At one point, I’d almost reached my sword

but he kicked out at it and it went sailing across the sand several feet again away from me.

I swore and hit him hard in the chest. It momentarily winded him enough for me to get

my sword. When I swung, I swung to kill. I hit him in the throat but I didn’t take his head.

He was bleeding profusely. In fact, I don’t think I’d ever seen that much blood. But yet,

he had still enough strength to tear open my upper thigh.

In pain, I swung again with all the strength that I had and struck his throat on the other

side. At this point, I wasn’t sure how his head was still on, but it was.

I went down in the dirt. My legs could no longer hold me. I pressed at the gash and

tried to slow the bleeding.

My gaze went upwards as I heard a gurgling sound. His head flopped forward and he

went down.

The referee was in the ring, declaring me the victor. He wasn’t yet dead. I needed to

finish the job. I managed to get to my feet and I staggered over to him where I fell again and

hacked at what was left of his neck. The head rolled to the side away from his body. I felt

sick.

The referee held up my hand again. The crowd roared and then when he let go, I fell

face down in the sand.

* * * *

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D.J. Manly

Quest for Samson

“Perhaps when you return,” Lacia beamed, “I will be with child. Your child, Nicolaus.”

I glanced at her. She was happy. I’d done my duty. Again, I’d had little choice if I was

to enjoy my current position in Spartan society. From anyone’s point of view, it was a good

one, especially given the life I’d had before. But I couldn’t quite call it freedom. I’d already

concluded there was no such thing.

Maybe Samson was the closest I’d come to experiencing freedom. When I was loving

him, inside of him, it was freedom in its purest sense. And happiness.

As I boarded the ship which would take me to Rome, I contemplated that. Maybe that

was why I’d decided I couldn’t live without Samson. Whether it was reasonable to expect

that we could actually be together was another thing.

I didn’t take Marius’ words lightly as I journeyed to the House of my former master. I

was sure that Phineas wouldn’t attempt to confine me in any way. I had only to make

mention of my connection to Spartan royalty to quash any stirrings of vengeance he might

harbour beneath his breast. However, there was no guarantee he would help me buy

Samson. In fact, this could do the opposite. If he worked against me, a foreigner and a former

slave, I might never get my Samson back.

* * * *

Unfinished Business

I was blocked from entrance to Phineas’s house as I approached the gate. Two soldiers

stood in my path. “What is your business here, stranger?”

In the background, I could hear the gladiators training, the clacking of wood on wood.

Everything seemed as if I’d never left. The great white house, the balconies strung with vines,

the big courtyard behind, and beyond that, the gladiators’ quarters. “I am Nicolaus, a lanista

from Sparta. I have business with Phineas. We are old acquaintances.” It gave me pleasure to

say that.

One soldier placed a hand on my chest. The other turned and went into the house.

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D.J. Manly

I knew that Phineas would be curious enough to come outside to see who it was, or at

least, he would send Sullis, if indeed Sullis was still around.

When I saw Phineas come out of the great door, his long white toga flapping around his

sandaled feet, I smiled.

The expression on his face as he approached was sublime. It was mixture of infuriation

and delight. I don’t think I’d ever seen anything like it. “Zeus’s Cock!” he cried out. “Gold, is

that you?”

“My name is Nicolaus now. I am a free man.”

He stood perfectly still like a statue looking at me as if I had returned from the dead.

“He told me you wouldn’t last the night.”

“Yes, well,” my mouth twisted, “and so you decided you could make a bit more money

off of me before I died.”

“I treated you well, Gold, better than any…”

“My name is not Gold,” I said between clenched teeth. “It is Nicolaus. I have a business

proposition for you. You can hear me out or I’ll take my leave.”

“I don’t do business with slaves!” He practically spat at me. “If you’d have had any

honour, you would not have done what you did. I might have given you your freedom.”

“Honour? You speak to me of honour—you, who feel it’s perfectly all right to own a

man, to bend him to your will, to strip him of his dignity and his self respect, to humiliate

and use him.” And as I spat these words at him, the bitterness rising in my throat, I realised I

could no longer do as I was asked to do. I could no longer be lanista to a bunch of enslaved

men, even if I was saving them temporarily from execution.

“Get off my property, Spartan!” His eyes glinted dangerously at me.

I nodded. “Very well. I thought that I could speak you man to man, but I see that it’s

impossible. So, I bid you farewell, Phineas.” I turned my back and began walking down the

road. I’d find a room at an inn in town, and think about my next move.

I was halfway into town when a chariot drew up beside me. I looked up into the face of

Sullis, Phineas’ number one slave. “Can I give you a ride, stranger?” He smiled at me.

I smiled back and stepped up beside him. He snapped the reins and we were on the

move. We didn’t speak until we reached the centre of town. Sullis stopped the chariot and

we both stepped down to the dusty earth.

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D.J. Manly

I could see the arena in the distance, see people walking along the market filling their

baskets, and hear the silver smith perfecting the swords in his shop.

“Can I buy you a pint?” I asked him, indicating the inn in distance with the toss of my

head.

He nodded with a smile. “I’ve never been a man to turn down a free drink, or a free

anything really.”

I laughed, clapped a hand on his beefy neck.

“You know,” Sullis said, “I never believed that you were dead. No one could convince

me.”

“You have great faith.”

They entered the inn. Sullis signalled the barmaid and I ordered us two pints. We sat

drinking quietly for a moment. “So,” Sullis said, “how did he do it, the man who took you

away?”

“My brother,” I said, looking into my goblet. I felt a twinge of sadness.

“And you knew this brother?”

“No. He rescued me.” I looked up. “Samson killed him in the ring.”

His eyes widened. “Seriously?”

I nodded. “It wasn’t his fault. My brother wasn’t ready to meet Samson in the arena. He

hadn’t had enough training. He was just fodder.”

“And you… You are now a free man, a rich man.”

“Yes, born out of a tragic loss.”

“And why are you here, in the territory of your enemy? What could you possibly want

of Phineas?” he asked curiously.

“You are interested?” I drank from my cup.

“Maybe, if it is lucrative.”

“I want to buy Samson from Claudius.”

He lifted and eyebrow. “That should be simple enough. Or, at least, it would have been

a fortnight back.”

“What’s changed?”

“You’ve heard of Claudius’ madness?”

“Yes. Some.”

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D.J. Manly

“He didn’t replenish his gladiators, didn’t enter them in competition hardly at all after

his father passed on. He and his mother hosted orgies and drunken parties for degenerates.

Claudius now has only three gladiators at last count—Samson, Julian, and Phillip.”

I nodded. “What’s changed?”

“Claudius has done an about face. Now, the three gladiators are fighting any contender

that breathes. It’s like he can’t get enough. When he can’t find a public competition, he stages

private ones, and pays any poor soul he can find to fight his champs. The Senate is not happy

with his conduct and has already suggested that he go out of business so to speak.”

“Will he sell Samson?”

Sullis shrugged. “I don’t know. He might for the right price. He’s been living an

extravagant lifestyle, a lot of parties and banquets. I know one thing for sure. He’ll never sell

Samson to you.”

“I believe that. If you go and purchase Samson on behalf of Phineas, I will pay the price

he asks and give you the same. Moreover, I will take you back to Sparta with me, and give

you your freedom if you choose.”

Sullis took a breath. “Tell me what to do.”

* * * *

Love Unrequited

“You find every excuse now not to be alone with me,” Julian complained.

I sighed. I was in no mood for his whining. I was sore all over, and I’d sustained a deep

cut to my lower arm in the last contest that looked as if it was infected. It throbbed

repeatedly, and blood was again coming through the bandage.

“What? You can’t even answer now?”

“Sulking is not an attractive quality in a man,” I told him.

“You have never said you loved me. And I fear that deep inside, you still blame me for

Gold.”

I closed my eyes, the soft breeze off the water cooling me off some. We sat outside as

the darkness fell. I waited for Hugo, waiting for him to remove all responsibility, all feelings

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D.J. Manly

of pain and emptiness. The wind blew harder and I could have sworn I heard his name

whispered by the gods themselves. My love.

“Samson, where are you?” Julian demanded.

It was true we’d grown apart. After Gold died, I tried to bury my sorrow in Julian’s

arms. I tried to love him, knowing that if I’d never known Gold, Julian would have been the

one. But he’d killed my love. It wasn’t his fault. He’d had no choice and I knew he felt

remorse. But it didn’t change the fact.

I tried to pretend it didn’t matter, that I understood and didn’t blame him. But I

couldn’t really. And he knew it.

I reached over now and took Julian’s hand. I looked out at the water, suddenly wishing

it would just take me away somewhere, anywhere. “I’m sorry,” I told him.

“I will never have your heart.” He released my hand and stood. “Your heart belongs to

a dead man.” He narrowed his eyes and looked at me now. “You can’t hold a dead man in

your arms, Samson. He’ll never touch you, never kiss you, never fuck you. If you don’t

accept that and put him in the past, you’ll never be happy.”

A silent tear ran down my cheek.

“Hugo’s sexual domination games will not bring Gold back.”

“No,” I replied, my chest heaving, “but for some reason, it lessens the pain for a little

while. I crave release from the pain.”

Julian didn’t comment. He just walked away, left me there with my thoughts and my

tears. Gold…you let him kill you. Why? Why didn’t you fight? You left me when you knew that your

death would kill me too.

Samson walked over to the edge of the cliff. He’d thought he could get past this,

thought that Gold would eventually become nothing but a distant memory. Maybe he’d

lived long enough now. Maybe it was time to go and join his lover in the after-world.

* * * *

Endless Hours

I was really beginning to regret sending Sullis to Claudius. He’d left hours ago. I

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D.J. Manly

remained in my room at the inn, pacing, awaiting his return. I’d trusted him with a great

responsibility, giving him a small amount of gold to show Claudius in order to demonstrate

good faith. What if Sullis had run off with the gold? What if he’d betrayed me and told

Claudius who was really behind this? I’d never get Samson.

I’d kill him. I’d kill him with my bare hands. Hopefully, Sullis was smart enough to

know that.

The sun came up in the morning and I stood at the window looking out at the people

setting up their stands at the market. Perhaps Sullis stayed the night. Maybe Claudius had

killed him, or had the soldiers take him back to his master. If Claudius wanted to

communicate directly with Phineas, we were in trouble. I explained to Sullis how to get

around that. I knew he was a good talker.

I walked out in the early dawn and went to buy some bread and fruit. Some people

gawked at me but no one seemed to recognise me.

It was mid-afternoon before Sullis knocked on the door of my room.

I had fallen asleep and jumped up quickly when I heard the rapping. I swung the door

open and pulled Sullis inside, shutting it quietly. “Where in the name of Athena have you

been?”

“Calm down. Claudius had a little party then there was some…calamity. We didn’t get

to talk until this morning, and then it was late. Claudius didn’t rise until…”

“I don’t care about that. What did he say?”

“He said yes, especially now that Samson is sick.”

“Sick? What’s wrong with him?”

“He’s lost his mind. He tried to drown himself last night in the sea. If it hadn’t been for

one of the soldiers, he would have died. And his arm is badly infected. He may lose it.”

“Lose it? You mean, they might cut it off?”

Sullis nodded. “Are you sure you want him? He’s in a bad way.”

“Of course I want him. Will he accept the price I offered?”

“Yes and no.”

“Go on.”

“He wants to sell all the gladiators he has now.”

“Julian and Phillip.”

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D.J. Manly

“Right. He will sell you Samson for less since he’s sick, the other two at triple the price.”

“He is a bloody thief,” I growled.

Sullis nodded.

“He doesn’t suspect that it’s coming from anyone but your master?”

“No. He didn’t ask me too many questions about that.”

“All right. Go ahead and purchase all three of them.”

“Gold, you don’t need to give me the equivalent of all three in gold. I will take only

what you pay for Samson.”

I nodded. “Don’t worry, Sullis. When Samson is home safe with me you will have

deserved your reward. I am a very wealthy man. I can pay his price, although I resent being

swindled.” I turned and looked out the window.

I felt Sullis’ hands caress my back, his body press against mine. “Another reward,

master,” he whispered. “Fuck me?”

I turned and looked at him. I shook my head. “If Samson comes home to me, I will

never touch another. I will save my body for his pleasure. I’m sorry, Sullis. I have fond

memories of our sexual liaisons.”

He nodded solemnly. “Understood.”

“If you come with me to Sparta, there is a house slave named Pleasure that I will be

sure to introduce you to.” I smiled.

He smiled back. “Pleasure, eh?”

“Mmm, and aptly named.”

We laughed at the prospect for a moment and then I offered him some food and drink

as I discussed my plan.

By the time the sun had set, I had hired three soldiers to accompany Sullis on his way

back to the House of Claudius. I also gave Sullis the gold he required, minus his share which

he would get upon his return. When they had taken their leave, I excitedly made

arrangements for a ship to return to Sparta.

I tried not to dwell on Samson’s sickness although a cold fear settled in my gut and

remained. I’d heard of this type of malady, one which spread disease through the mind. I’d

seen it seize gladiators before entering the ring, or upon retirement. The idea that Samson

would want to willingly end his life was unthinkable to me. As for his arm, I would have the

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D.J. Manly

best doctors in Sparta tend to it. He would get better in all ways, and finally we would be

together, never to be parted again.

* * * *

Fever…

The doctor marched around while Claudius argued with him incessantly. “You will not

cut off his arm. I want him intact when he is sold.”

“He will die if I do not cut it off,” the doctor countered. “The poison has set in. He has

fever. He knows not what he says. He has not awakened.”

“He has lost his mind. He’s mad!” Claudius told the doctor. “It has nothing to do with

his arm.”

“Madness does not cause fever. If I don’t amputate, he will die, and you will have

nothing to sell.”

I could hear the voices around me but they were faint. I wondered if I was dead. I

wanted to be dead. I want the cool, salty waters of the sea to surround me and pull me down

to a painless existence. Gold?

We were in the sunlight. He smiled at me. “You are so difficult,” I told him.

“Difficult? You’re the one who tried to kill yourself. Don’t leave me, Samson. Not yet. Wait.

Wait.”

“For what, my love?” I touched his cheek. I caressed his thick black hair, stared into his eyes. I

raked my hands down his naked chest. “Oh God, it hurts.”

“I will make it better,” he whispered.
“Love me, Gold. Love me again and again, and again. Or leave me. Leave me alone, desert my

thoughts and my heart and free me!”

We were lying down now on soft grass, water all around and I licked down his chest to his groin.

I stared with fascination and desire at his erection. I smoothed my hand over his, rolled my thumb over

the tip. “It is only this I love, or is it your eyes, your chest, your hair…your ass…your…yes…yes…”

He was inside of me and we rode together on the waves, the bright sunlight kissing our flesh. His

face contorted as he came inside of me and suddenly…nothing…just white clouds. Peace.

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D.J. Manly

Chapter Three

Seeing Ghosts

When Julian walked onto the ship and saw me standing there, his face drained of

colour. He didn’t speak. Maybe he couldn’t.

“I know it must be a shock,” I said and that’s where the conversation ended because at

that moment, Sullis and Phillip were helping the soldier bring Samson to a small makeshift

bed below deck. I rushed to aid them while the two soldiers I’d engaged stood guard.

I gave orders for the ship to leave the dock and by the time I got to Samson below, I

could hear the creaking of the ship in its attempt to move out onto the water.

I knelt down beside Samson and touched his cheek. It was cold. He was cold. “Get

blankets,” I bellowed.

Sullis retrieved a blanket from the corner and placed it over Samson. “Doctor said

he’s…” he lowered his head, clutched my forearm, “he’s dying, Gold. I’m sorry.”

I didn’t care that he called me Gold at that moment. I bit my lower lip and tasted blood.

I lowered my lips to Samson’s forehead. “He will not die.”

“Doctor says the arm has to come off,” Sullis informed me.

“He’s not going to last the voyage,” Phillip added.

I looked up at him. “He’s been like this for how long?”

“Since Hugo saved him from jumping,” Phillip replied. “He just lost consciousness.”

“He needs a doctor,” Sullis insisted.

“There’s no other way except to cut off his arm?” I croaked, still stroking Samson’s hair.

He looked dead, although I knew he was still breathing.

“That’s what the doctor said,” Phillip answered. “But Claudius didn’t want to…”

“Spare me,” I snapped and stood up straight. “We will do what needs to be done to

save his life.” I walked quickly to where the soldiers and Julian were, at the other end of the

ship. I motioned to one of the soldiers. “Take one of the life boats, go and get a doctor, any

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D.J. Manly

doctor you can find, and bring him to the ship. Tell him he’ll be paid whatever he wants.

Now!”

The soldier nodded and disappeared.

As I turned to go back to Samson, Julian grabbed my arm. I glanced at him over my

shoulder. “All this time, you made me think I’d killed you.”

“You didn’t kill me,” I said, “you killed Gold.”

He shook his head. “You weren’t dead when you left the arena.”

“No.”

“Someone rescued you then.”

“Yes, my brother, a brother I didn’t know about. Samson killed him in the arena.”

Julian gasped. “So this is about vengeance?”

“No. This is about love.”

“You forgive him for killing your brother?”

“I’d forgive him anything.”

“He never forgave me for killing you.” Julian hung his head.

I placed a hand on Julian’s arm. “I’m truly sorry. When we get to Sparta, I plan to give

both you and Phillip your freedom, unless you choose to work for me.”

“Work for you doing what?” He looked up.

“Training gladiators.”

Julian met my gaze. “Isn’t this ironic? Once a slave, now a slave owner.” His mouth

twisted.

“Things will change when I get home. From now on, all gladiators will be volunteers,

no more slaves. I no longer want to be a slave owner.”

“You mean it then, about giving me my freedom?”

“Yes.”

“I thank you.”

“I do not require your gratitude. If you’ll excuse me, I need to be with my Samson.”

* * * *

Healing Samson

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D.J. Manly

Less than two hours later, a boat floated up beside the ship in the dark waters. A man

I’d never seen before came walking in my direction on wobbly legs, the soldier trailing him.

“I am Spontoes, a healer. Where is the patient?”

I led him to Samson, who still had not moved or opened his eyes.

Spontoes took off the bandage on his arm and made a face. “The smell indicates that it

is diseased.”

“Does he have to lose it?” I asked. “If it’s necessary, then…” I trailed off, trying to

imagine how Samson would feel about losing his arm.

The doctor studied the wound which looked very bad from where I stood. “I will try

something. We will give it tonight but if there is no improvement… Tomorrow, I will have to

take it off if he is to live.”

I nodded.

The doctor examined Samson for a few more minutes and shook his head. “I’ve seen

this before, a man who had fallen into eternal sleep. He may never revive.”

My face contorted. “You mean, he could stay like that the rest of his life?”

The doctor nodded. “Let’s hope it’s temporary. Now, if you will give me room,” he

opened his bag, “I would like to go to work.”

“Thank you for coming, doctor. I will compensate you handsomely. Whatever price you

have—”

He held up a hand. “You already have compensated me,” he said. “I’m a Spartan like

you, boy, and you are taking me home. I was a doctor for the military when I was captured

by a rich Roman family who enslaved me as their personal physician. I am happy to be going

home.”

I slapped him on the back. “I’m pleased to do this service for you, Spontoes. Please,

save him.”

“I will do my best,” he assured me. Then suddenly, he paused and looked at me as I

was about to leave. “You know,” he said, “I saw you fight in the arena in Rome, years ago.”

“Really?” I replied politely.

“Yes. You were the best damn gladiator that ever lived.”

“It seems a lifetime ago. I thank you,” I commented with a humble incline of my head,

and left him to do his work.

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D.J. Manly

I paced the floor while Julian, Phillip, and Sullis sat quietly waiting.

Every once in awhile, Julian would jump to his feet and demand, “What is that doctor is

doing in there? We should have some news by now!”

I too felt as he did but I decided it wouldn’t do to work myself into a panic.

Finally Sullis and Phillip curled up in the corner and went to sleep. Julian stood on deck

and looked out at the dark waters. I came to stand beside him.

“He never loved me. I think you should know that,” Julian said suddenly, his attention

still concentrated on the water.

“You don’t have to tell me that.”

“Yes, I do,” he replied. “I do have to tell you that. It’s not just because of what

happened in the arena.” He looked at me now, met my gaze. “Did you want to die? Why

didn’t you kill me that day? You had plenty of opportunity. I was sure that when I walked

into that arena and saw you that it was over. Why, Gold?”

I sighed. “Part of me hated you, hated the fact that you had what I most wanted. You

had him. I knew that Samson and I would never be together. I didn’t want him going

through his life without love, without comfort. As much as it pained me, I couldn’t take you

away from him.”

“But didn’t you know that he’d never forget you, never be about to rip you from his

heart? You are like his breath. I could never take your place. Even though he believed you

dead, he couldn’t love me.”

There were tears glistening in his eyes.

I reached out and squeezed his shoulder. “I’m truly sorry.”

“You know,” he choked back a sob, “I sincerely believe you are.”

I nodded and looked out at the sea myself. Samson…my love…don’t die on me now.

A little while later, the doctor appeared. I walked over to him, Julian at my heels. He

was wiping his hands on a cloth. “How is he?”

“Weak. The wound seems a little better. We might just be able to save the arm. But he

has not awakened. I’m afraid this is a far bigger problem than the poison in the arm right

now.”

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D.J. Manly

“Please, help yourself to food and drink,” I told the doctor, indicating the fruit and wine

which sat in the corner. “I will sit with him.”

“Talk to him,” the doctor encouraged.

I nodded.

“I will help the doctor find what he needs,” Julian offered.

I thanked him and went to Samson. I perched on the edge of the bed and took his hand.

His arm had been freshly bandaged but he was so still.

I squeezed his hand. “It’s me,” I said softly, “your Gold, your Nicolaus. I am a free man

now, a wealthy man. I have bought your freedom, my love. You will never need to fight in

the arena again. You won’t want for anything. I’ll take care of you, Samson. I’ll care for you

until my last breath.” I pressed my lips to his hand. “Please wake up. Wake up, my love.”

I must have fallen asleep because suddenly someone was saying my name and gently

rocking my shoulders. I lifted my head to see the doctor. “Oh. Sorry, I feel asleep.” I looked

at Samson. There was no change.

“Go, let me change the bandage. Have some food,” the doctor said.

I stood up, stretched, and joined the others on deck. I ate, and saw the shores of my

home in the distance.

“We will not be well accepted in your home,” Sullis said.

“You will be accepted by association,” I said. “No one will touch you. I’m connected to

the royal family.” Little did I know those words would soon come to haunt me.

“Really?” Phillip echoed. “I didn’t know that.”

“Not by blood, by marriage,” I said.

Julian looked at me in surprise. “You’re married?”

“It is an arrangement only and more for my brother’s children than anything.”

Julian walked over to where I stood, his eyes narrowed. “Where does that leave

Samson?”

“It doesn’t affect Samson at all.”

“You can be with him and with your wife at the same time?”

“My wife is no trouble. She realises ours is a marriage of convenience. Many Greek men

have male lovers.”

“Then it is a non-physical union?” Julian persisted.

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D.J. Manly

I didn’t want to discuss this with him. I didn’t feel it was any of his business really, and

he was making it all seem very complicated. “It is a not a love match,” I snapped. “Let’s leave

it at that, shall we?”

He nodded. “Of course, master.”

“Don’t call me that,” I growled. “I’m not your master.”

“You bought us.”

“I told you. You are free men.”

“You will see,” Julian warned, “it will not be as easy to free us as you think.”

I looked at him for a moment but didn’t comment.

“I’m surprised,” Phillip joined us now, changing the conversation, “Gracia didn’t kick

up more of a fuss when her son agreed to sell you.” He looked at Julian.

“Zeus shined on us. Gracia was off visiting some friends,” Julian told him with a faint

smile but he looked worried.

Phillip laughed. “There’ll be hell to pay when she gets home. I almost pity Claudius, the

little bastard!”

They all laughed at that, albeit uneasily.

“Perhaps she’ll follow him to Sparta!” Sullis joined in the fun as well.

“Yes, dragging Claudius by the ear,” Phillip added.

More laughter.

Julian however seemed solemn.

I walked over to him. “Are you all right?”

“Gracia will not let this go, I fear.”

I told him not to worry, that he was safe here, then went back to Samson’s side.

While the men were all settling into their respective sleeping quarters, Lacia ambushed

me in the solarium. “What were you thinking? These men are slaves. I can tell by their dress.

Why did you bring all these slaves into our home? And Romans! Really, husband. That’s

going too far.”

“Where are the boys?” I asked. “I’ve missed them.”

“Sleeping. And don’t change the subject. I demand to know why the slaves are not

where they belong, in the slave quarters. Did you not buy these men? I assume you did, and

the sick one, why would you buy a dying man? He will be of no value.”

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D.J. Manly

“He’s not dying,” I snapped, “and they are not slaves. They are my friends. They will

most likely move on eventually, except for Samson.”

“Samson?”

“Yes, the one under the care of the doctor.”

“That name sounds familiar to me.” She narrowed her eyes. “Who is this man to you?”

I realised she might recall the name of the gladiator who killed her husband. I regretted

saying his name. “All you need to know is that he is the man I love.”

Her mouth twisted. “So, I must share you with a Roman?”

“He is not a Roman actually, but that’s not important. And it’s not a matter of sharing.”

“You will do your duty by me, or by Gods, I will go to my family and tell them what is

going on under your brother’s roof.”

“It is my roof now.” I pierced her with my gaze.

“We had an agreement. You will honour it, husband. You will begin tonight. I will bear

your son!”

I ran a hand through my hair.

She lifted up her head in the air. “I will expect you in my bed tonight or I promise you

that the Gods will rain fire down on your head, my husband.”

I sighed and closed my eyes when she left the room. Suddenly a male voice said,

“Master?”

I opened my eyes to see Pleasure. Oh how I wanted to use his body for my release at

this moment but I fought it. Samson was here now. I would prove my love with my chastity.

I hoped that Samson wouldn’t count Lacia. She was not lust. She was obligation. And I’d do

what I could to keep the peace. If she ever discovered the deceit I’d wielded to get Samson

and the others here, she would hold it over my head forever. I couldn’t put any of them in

danger.

Pleasure looked at me with that expression he sometimes got on his face. I knew he

wanted me. I smiled at him. “It’s okay, Pleasure. You can sleep now.”

“You won’t be needing…anything?”

I shook my head.

“I’ve missed you, master.”

“Goodnight, Pleasure,” I gritted my teeth and turned my back to him.

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D.J. Manly

Later I went to Samson’s side. The doctor sat beside him, his head sagging against his

chest. There was another lounge just beside Samson and I spoke gently to Spontoes, urging

him to lie down. He’d be close by in case Samson needed him.

When I took the chair now beside my beloved, I heard the doctor snoring soundly. I

smiled and placed Samson’s hand in my own. “I never thought I’d be able to feel anything

again until I saw you. As much as I tried not to dwell on the feelings you stirred in me,

Samson, I couldn’t deny what I felt. I’ve missed you so much. Samson. I love you.”

I had tried hard to push through the fog, to reach Gold. “Nicolaus…” I screamed but he couldn’t

hear me. No one could hear me and no matter how hard I pushed, I couldn’t seem to lift this fog that
surrounded me.

But I heard him. I heard everything. I heard his beautiful voice. It sounded like music. I heard

him tell me he loved me, that he’d never leave me now, that I was free. I felt his cool fingers caress my
knuckles. I was trying to get back to him. How I want to hold you, Nicolaus. How I want to make love

to you. “You’re alive! You’re alive!” my heart rejoices, but yet I can’t quite see your face. I don’t want

to leave now but I fear…I fear…hold on. Holding…

I didn’t want to leave him but I had to. I had to go to Lacia. I couldn’t afford to have her

complain to her family, tell them that I had slaves living in our house.

I walked slowly to where I knew she slept. She was awake, waiting. “Take off your

clothing,” she told me. “Let me see you.”

I lifted off my toga, and let it fall to the floor. She rose and began inspecting me as one

might a slave at auction. “Make it hard, your organ, and possess me with it. Make me with

child.” She brushed her hand over my hair. “So beautiful and far more beautiful than your

brother—and much bigger too.” Her gaze assessed my cock. She reached out and stroked it.

“Close your eyes. Imagine I am any number of men you’ve been with.”

It wasn’t working. Her hand on my cock was not stimulating me.

“Damn you,” she spat. “You will perform! Pleasure!” she cried out.

I raised an eyebrow.

“I’ve watched you fuck his fine ass many a time. It excites me. I’ve fucked his ass

myself, you know.”

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D.J. Manly

“How is that possible?”

“With an instrument of course. Pleasure!”

Pleasure came running into the room. He smiled when he saw my state of undress.

“Yes, mistress.”

“You will make him hard,” she said, “and I will pleasure that ass of yours.”

“Whatever you like, Mistress.” He bobbed his head.

“Bring that contraption you like and grease it with fat.”

He was gone.

I shook my head.

She lifted my cock in her hand, fondled it. “There is a lot you don’t know about me,

husband.” She met my eyes. “I play with women slaves as well. I like to suckle their breasts

and enjoy it when they pleasure me between the legs. You are not the only one allowed to

play, just because you are a man.” She dropped my cock.

Pleasure had returned with a long piece of wood, shaped with a large, round head at

the tip. It was well greased. He handed it to her. He was completely naked.

“Splendid,” she said. “Now, stand there, hands over your head, hips out!”

I swallowed as Lacia began to slap his cock with her hand. In a few minutes, it was

perfectly hard.

“Now, lean over the chair, spread your legs and I will work this into your fine ass while

my husband watches. I’m sure he’ll be hard in no time.”

Pleasure leaned over the chair quite eagerly while Lacia spanked his buttocks with the

flat of her hand for a few minutes. This caused Pleasure to squirm, which was pleasing to the

eye. I was halfway there.

Lacia spread his ass cheeks and teased his crack with the object. Pleasure moaned

aloud. “Nice slut,” she laughed then pushed the instrument up into his ass.

Pleasure screamed then began to plead and moan as Lacia pumped him with the object.

“Watch how it sinks inside of him and then reappears,” she grinned at me.

I was at once turned on and at the same time totally astounded. I would have never

guessed that Lacia had such dark desires.

Suddenly, I heard someone yelling my name. “Nicolaus! Nicolaus, where are you?

Come! Come quickly!”

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D.J. Manly

I hastily grabbed my toga and threw it on as I headed in the direction of the voice.

Please. Please let Samson be all right.

“Who would dare disturb our household at this time of night?” Lacia cried, following

behind me.

The doctor met me in the corridor. He had a broad smile on his face. He grabbed me by

my shoulders and did a little dance. “Nicolaus. He’s awake. Samson is awake!”

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D.J. Manly

Chapter Four

Miracles

“What did I do?” I whispered. I couldn’t take my eyes off his beautiful face. Gold was

alive. And I was here with him now in this place I couldn’t identify. “I don’t understand.

How?”

“Don’t try to talk,” Gold told me. “Save your strength. I can’t believe I almost lost you.”

There was pain in his face.

I reached up to touch his cheek. “No, don’t. It’s okay. I could never leave you. Don’t

you know that?”

His eyes glistened with something which was akin to tears. Suddenly I realised that I’d

never seen him cry before. His tears prompted my own. “I can’t bear to see you cry.”

He reached up and touched his face as if to verify that he was indeed crying. He forced

a smile and kissed the tears off my face. “It’s okay. They’re happy tears. Nothing can hurt

you now.”

“Where am I?” I asked, still dazed. I still could not quite believe I wasn’t dreaming.

“You’re in Sparta.”

His eyes widened. “What?”

“I bought you from Phineas—you, Julian and Phillip.”

“How?”

“Samson, I’m no longer Gold, although if you prefer to call me that in our…” he smiled,

“when we’re alone, that’s fine. I am Nicolaus. A lost brother bought me from Simeon, who

believed I was dying. I was nursed back to health. I inherited everything.” It was enough. I had

no intention of telling him what I’d inherited, at least not yet.

“What happened to your brother?” I asked, aghast.

He hesitated, took a breath. “He, ah…he’s gone. I want you to do me a favour, Samson.

Don’t tell my brother’s widow that you were a gladiator.”

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D.J. Manly

“But surely she will know, given my appearance.” It was hard to hide the wounds and

the muscle that had built up in his arms from constant use.

“If she guesses, fine. Just don’t volunteer anything.”

“May I ask why not?”

“No.”

I nodded. “All right. May I ask something else?”

“Go ahead.”

“Are you now my master?”

“Technically yes, but I will give you your freedom, just as I have promised Julian and

Phillip theirs.”

I grinned mischievously. “Don’t be too hasty.”

His eyebrow lifted curiously. “You don’t want to be free?”

“Of course, but what I want most is to belong to you.” I met his gaze. “How I’ve dreamt

of you, Nicolaus. You came and possessed me like no other man could. And even though it’s

because I allow it, now, I am yours. You own me. Don’t be so free to release me.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Understand only this,” I persisted, and grabbed his hand. “I desire you like no other

man. I want to satisfy your every need. And the thought of being possessed totally by you

excites me like nothing else, either legally, or otherwise. So, yes I want to be free but for now

I’m content to belong to you, lover.”

Nicolaus lowered his head and kissed my forehead. He chuckled, “I see you are getting

better.” He lifted his eyebrows up and down and I laughed until it hurt.

He told me to rest. I closed my eyes, and fell into a peaceful sleep, a sleep more peaceful

than any I’d had in years.

* * * *

Ebbs and Tides

“I want those slaves out of my house,” Lacia demanded as my nephews raced around

the garden playing hide and seek, giggling frantically.

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D.J. Manly

Lacia was not about to let the subject rest. I put a hand to my head. “They are not

slaves,” I said impatiently.

“You bought them, didn’t you?”

“Yes. I bought them. We’ve had this discussion before.”

“Yes, and with no resolution, so I must repeat…you own them and they belong either in

the gladiators’ quarters or the slaves’ quarters. Make up your mind and get them out of my

house!”

“There is no reason to—”

“Children!” She shouted, cutting me off. “Enough.”

The boys quietened, and whispered together around the roses. They looked frightened.

I sighed. “Must you scream at them all the time? Let them be children.”

“Don’t change the subject. I want them out. And the one in the bed that doctor dotes

over all the time, the one you apparently love so. Was he a slave as well? Did you buy him

from that Roman pig?”

“He is like the others, a free man. I told you.”

“It is an insult to me to have him in this house.”

I got up from where I sat and walked through the open doors out into the garden. I

made a scary face at the boys and started chasing them around. They screamed with glee and

tried to get away.

Lacia became frustrated and stalked off.

I knew she could be a problem. I wasn’t quite sure how to handle all this. It was

overwhelming.

Early that morning, a messenger came to tell me that Marius wanted to meet with me

that afternoon. He was the last person I wanted coming to my house, especially with Samson

and Julian here. He could never know that I’d bought Claudius’ Roman gladiator stock, both

of them contenders for champions, and Phillip, a fine example himself. If he found out, he’d

force me to make them compete. There would be no way I’d be allowed to free them without

a fight. Not to mention Sullis, literally a runaway slave.

I worried about Lacia. If she went to her family and complained, there would be

questions, questions that would lead to disaster. I had to make sure that she was appeased.

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D.J. Manly

Finally, I sent the children off with one of the slaves for a snack. They were tired out

from all the chasing and carousing. I did love those boys, and no matter what, I would do my

duty by them.

As I walked through the house, I saw Julian. I pulled him aside. “Have you seen

Samson yet?”

“No,” he shook his head. “I wasn’t sure you’d permit it.”

“Listen to me,” I lowered my voice, “Lacia must not know you are gladiators, and as

much as it pains me, I must send you and Phillip to the slave quarters, along with Sullis. She

is not happy with you being here. Her connections to the royal family give her a lot of power.

If she complains, there will be questions, questions which may force me to put you and

Phillip in the arena, and you will not be in a favourable place, being Romans.”

He nodded. “I’ll advise Phillip.”

“I’ll speak to Sullis, and if you wish to see Samson, I’m sure he’d like that.”

“How much does he know?”

“About what?”

“About you, your situation? Does he know that you married your brother’s widow?”

Julian’s gaze met mine and held.

I sucked in some breath. “No.”

“When are planning on telling him? Does Lacia know that Samson is your lover?”

“I have told her that he is the man I love. I have to take things as they come. Right now,

Samson is not well enough to deal with any of this. And I’d appreciate if you’d let me tell

him in my own way.”

“Of course. I just don’t want to see him hurt.”

“I won’t let that happen.”

“He doesn’t know who your brother was either, does he?”

“No, and you are not to tell him.”

“Very well.”

“Go now, get Phillip and see Samson. If you don’t, he will suspect all is not well. I will

take you to the servants’ quarters later. I will try and make sure you are afforded every

comfort.”

“And what are we required to do, master?”

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D.J. Manly

I snarled at him.

“You are our master, Nicolaus, and I warned you, remember, that freeing us may be

more difficult than you imagined.”

I sighed. “This is all temporary, I assure you. You will be given instructions by the head

servant on what to do. Keep a low profile and tell no one of your backgrounds.”

“I will tell all this to Phillip.”

“Now if you’ll excuse me,” I said and went to look for Lacia.

She sat on the balcony overlooking the courtyard, some manner of tapestry in her

hands. She looked up when I approached. “I will delegate the three slaves to their rightful

place later today,” I said. “They will visit their friend and go directly.”

“Good, and the other, your lover? Am I to be expected to share my bed, as well as my

house with him?”

“He is too sick to move at the moment. We will discuss his situation when he is better.

Does that meet with your approval?”

She concentrated on her needle work. “You know you don’t need my approval,

Nicolaus. You are my husband, my lord, and the head of this household. I am merely a

woman—nothing.”

I sighed inwardly. We both knew that was a lie. “I want you to be happy,” I said,

bowing my head politely.

“Happy?” She looked up now. “Having you in my bed would make me happy. Not

being interrupted like we were last night would make me happy. Having your child would

make me happy. Do your duty with that fine cock of yours, and as I told you, you will have

no interference from me in other matters. You may bugger whom you choose.”

My eyes widened a little at the use of that word, but I didn’t say anything.

She smiled. “So tonight, we shall have privacy?”

I nodded miserably.

“I will reserve Pleasure?”

“If you desire.”

She smiled warmly. “I am a happy woman. Now, go and meet with Marius. I am quite

sure he wants to hear your news.”

“Did you tell him I’d bought slaves?”

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D.J. Manly

“No. I haven’t seen the man since you’ve been back. You don’t wish for him to know?”

“Please refrain. I don’t want to appear arrogant.”

“Of course. I will leave that up to you, my husband. A woman has no say in business.

Women know nothing of that.”

I nodded and left her. Lacia was like Gracia in a lot of ways—a smart woman, aware of

her own oppression. It wasn’t that they weren’t capable of almost everything men were, they

were relegated to an inferior position by custom. Women who accepted the brainwashing

were many, but the few who questioned their lowly status were dangerous. They used

whatever power they had at their disposal, and if I were in their place, I would have done the

same.

The understanding of Lacia’s motivation for manipulation however didn’t help me in

any way to alleviate my situation. I was still under her thumb, and I knew that I’d better

accommodate her needs to some extent, or face the consequences.

How I was going to continue to play husband, and be with Samson, was another issue. I

wasn’t sure Samson would understand or accept that. But that was for another day.

Now I needed to ensure that Sullis was kept out of the way while Marius visited.

Although I had no reason to suspect he knew anything about my part in aiding Sullis to

escape, I decided to exercise on the side of caution.

* * * *

An Uneasy Meeting

I was not at all comfortable with Marius being in my house with an escaped fugitive

and three Roman gladiators, even if I’d taken great measures to ensure they remained out of

sight.

When Lacia came into the parlour to greet Marius, I thought for sure she was about to

confess all.

She smiled at him like a cat, and gave me an equivalent smile. It served to remind me of

her influence with the royal family.

“Marius,” she said, her arms open wide. “How nice to see you.”

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D.J. Manly

They embraced.

“I’ve missed you,” Lacia exclaimed. “Why do you only come by to see my husband?”

She pretended to pout.

“My lovely girl,” he said, “I do not wish to make your new husband jealous.”

We all laughed at that.

“I will not impose myself on you gentlemen long, I’m sure that you and Nicolaus have

much to talk about after his voyage.”

I cleared my throat and directed Pleasure, who stood waiting nearby, to serve Marius a

drink.

Lacia stayed another ten excruciating minutes then excused herself to do other things.

“So,” Marius sat back in his seat and sipped his drink, “I hear you went to Rome.”

I swallowed. “Yes.” What else had he heard, and from whom? Lacia swore she hadn’t

spoken to him since he’d left.

“Aren’t you afraid to go there, in case your former master sees you?”

I felt that like a slap in the face. “I am a free man now,” I said stiffly. “My brother

bought my freedom.”

He nodded. “Of course he did. May I ask what compelled you to leave your blushing

bride and travel to foreign shores, or was it a secret holiday?”

“No secret,” I replied, my voice as calm as I could keep it. “I wanted to check out the

competition in Rome, see if they were doing any innovative things with their gladiators.”

He crossed his legs. “Word has it that Claudius, the son of one of your former masters,

has given up his stock. He is no longer competing.”

“Really? How interesting.” I raised an eyebrow. “As I remember, he was always a bit of

a…flake.”

“Yes. So true. No head for business like his father. Too obsessed with pleasure.”

There was silence.

Marius took a long swallow of his drink. “This is excellent. What is it?”

“Fruit juice mixed with wine. Refreshing on a hot day.”

“Yes.” He drained the glass.

“Would you like another?”

“Good heavens no,” he laughed.

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D.J. Manly

A servant took the glass away.

“This morning, one of my dear friends returned from Rome. He told me that a

prominent slave owner by the name of Phineas…hmm…one of your former masters as well,

wasn’t he?” He didn’t wait for an answer.

I squirmed a little in the seat.

“Well, anyway, apparently one of his slaves either ran off, or was stolen from him.”

“Really?” My face remained a mask. This so-called friend must have spotted me in Rome.

“It must have happened right about the time you were in Rome.”

“I heard nothing of this matter until now,” I said. “Then again, I wasn’t there very

long.”

“No. You weren’t.” He smiled again. “The Roman lanista is offering an exorbitant

amount of gold for the return of this slave, and there is of course a bounty on the head of the

man who stole him.” He laughed. “Makes me wish I knew who did the deed, just to collect

the gold.”

“Yes,” I said, “but chances are,” I cleared my throat, “there is no thief. The slave

probably just ran off.”

“Usually slaves don’t have the initiative for that. They are either too stupid, or too

scared.” He met my gaze.

I clenched my jaw. “How did the slave get away? Weren’t the soldiers doing their job?”

“This particular slave was given a great deal of liberty, too much liberty in my mind.

Apparently he was allowed to move around at free will. That’s what happens when you give

a slave too much freedom, they abuse it. The Romans are way too trusting of their slaves.”

“There you have it. Exactly as I suspected…he ran off on his own.” I didn’t like his tone.

I began to suspect that he was baiting me, that this so called friend had told him a great deal

about my trip because he knew far more than he was letting on. I warned myself to be

cautious. “Who did you say this slave belonged to again?”

“The House of Phineas, the lanista your brother bought you from.”

I ran a hand through my dark hair. “I see.”

“In fact, this lanista claimed that you attempted to see him while you were in Rome.

That was very foolish, Nicolaus. May I ask why you tried to see your former master?”

I stood. “No, you may not.”

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D.J. Manly

Marius looked surprised. “Well,” he said, “I guess I have my answer. I will only say one

thing, Nicolaus, if you have stolen this slave, this may turn out to be a great embarrassment

to Sparta herself. We are in an uneasy period right now with Rome, but always on the brink

of war. We have finally called an uneasy truce. Stealing a Roman slave, or aiding and

abetting his escape is just the type of thing we don’t need right now.”

I said nothing. I just met his gaze.

He nodded. “Also, apparently the mother of Claudius is very upset. Her personal

favourite was purchased without her permission. She is feuding with her son.”

“Is that so?”

“I hear she may make the trip here to offer to purchase back this slave.”

“Hmm. He must be very, eh…talented.”

Marius laughed at that. “Yes,” he drawled. “Very well. I will take my leave.” He turned

to go then paused and pointed at me. “Take heed, Gold, your good fortune can be tenuous.

Don’t throw it away on something of no value.”

No value? Samson meant everything to me. I watched him go with great trepidation. I was

afraid—not for myself, but for Samson.

“Why didn’t you tell him you’d bought us?” Julian asked me later that evening as I sat

with him outside the slave quarters. “At least he might have accepted that as an excuse for

your trip.”

I shook my head as I picked up a stone and hurled it several feet out in front of me. “I

couldn’t do that. You’d be all forced to fight then. I promised you your freedom. I will not

break my word.”

“Would it be better for us to leave here then?”

“Yes, but we must be careful. I’m being watched. Did you see Samson?”

“Yes, but only for a few minutes. He’s weak.”

I nodded. “He needs time to heal.”

“And when he’s better…how will you explain his presence? Someone will surely

recognise him. And me.”

“I don’t know.” I realised suddenly that I hadn’t thought things through. My initial

plan was only to rescue Samson. I didn’t think I’d have to use Sullis, or buy Julian and Phillip

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D.J. Manly

in the bargain. Julian and Phillip were legitimately my property, but I didn’t wish to own

them. I wanted to free them, but I was caught. And now Gracia was on a rampage.

Julian actually put a hand on my shoulder. “Nicolaus,” he spoke gently to me, “listen.

You have no choice. The best course is to put Phillip and me into the gladiators’ quarters

with the others, and confess to Marius that your real goal was to buy us from Claudius. Tell

him you wanted it to be a surprise.”

I sighed heavily. “And what about Sullis?”

“Let him go. If he travels far enough, he won’t be caught. If he stays here…” Julian

trailed off.

He was right of course. “And Samson?”

“You want to be with him. Wait until he is better, and put him back in the ludi. Put him

only in the contests you know he can win, and be with him at your leisure. It is your right as

a lanista, and no one will question it.”

I lowered my head in my hands. “This is not what I wanted. I could just release you

and…”

“And where would we go, Gold? We are Romans, both of us. We’d end up in a worse

situation. When the time comes, when we can be given our liberty, we’ll know. Now, it is too

dangerous, for us, and for you.”

I lifted my head. He was right. Damn it. I had no other choice.

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D.J. Manly

Chapter Five

Bogus Celebrations

Nicolaus had been distant the last week and I tried to find out why. The doctor now

allowed me to walk around, and it felt good to use my legs again. It was tough, however, and

I found it hard to stand for long periods of time.

Neither Julian nor Phillip would tell me anything, and as the days went by, I saw them

less and less. It got to the point that the only people who came into my quarters were the

doctor and this luscious-looking, dark-skinned slave who told me to call him Pleasure.

This day as he washed me I asked him what all the noise was outside.

“The lanista is having a grand party tonight for royalty,” he replied, rinsing out the

cloth and washing my chest.

Usually I found this very pleasant but not today. “Lanista?” Gold had told me very little

about who he was now, and how he ended up here. I had seen a woman through the

window, obviously the lady of the house, and two children, who often played in the garden.

In the distance, there was a huge round building but it was so far away from the house, I

wasn’t sure what it was. Now I knew. It was a ludi.

“It will set off three days of contests. The master will show off his newest purchases.”

“Purchases?” I felt like an idiot. I could only echo him. Gold was a free man now and

he’d decided to be a slave owner. How could he? I pushed the slave’s hand away. “Your

master, Nicolaus, he is a lanista, an owner of gladiators?”

He smiled uncertainly. “Of course. You did not know?”

I shook my head. “And the woman in this house…who is she? Who are those

children?”

“The Mistress Lacia is the Master’s wife, of course, and the two children belong to the

mistress and the master.”

I could hardly speak. I choked out the words. “And the new gladiators that he

bought…that he will show off in the upcoming competitions…do you know their names?”

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D.J. Manly

“Julian and Phillip. They are hard at work training with Devlon. Both of them so

handsome. I am hoping the master will let them play with me.”

“And the master himself, he has…ah…played with you?” I gritted my teeth.

“Often,” he smiled. “And sometimes with the mistress, too.”

“Is that so?” If I’d had something in my hands, I would have cracked it in two. “Leave

me now. Tell your master if he can tear himself away from his lanista duties, that I would

like to speak to him.”

Pleasure lowered his head. “Of course. We haven’t finished your bath.”

“Oh we will,” I smiled at him. “And maybe the master will give me some playtime with

his favourite house slave.”

“Oh please,” he shivered. “I would like that.”

“Perhaps the master would like to watch.”

“Delicious.”

I laughed harshly. “Yes,” I sneered, “I’m sure he’d be impressed.”

Pleasure hurried out with his wash basin, and I waited, and each moment that went by,

I become more and more enraged.

* * * *

Broken Trust…Broken Hearts

I had never considered beating or whipping a slave until now. I lifted my hand to him

and saw him quake in fear then lowered it again.

“I’m sorry, Master,” he pleaded, “what have I done?”

I was busy. I had followed Julian’s counsel and told Marius I had bought out Claudius’

stock, but that I wanted it to be a surprise. Thankfully, he’d accepted it and was pleased. A

few days later, he announced that the royal family was pleased as well. I told him about

Samson, how I’d gotten the finest doctor to treat him, given that he was a champion, and

soon he’d be back in the arena fighting for the glory of Sparta. Since he was a Spartan, which

was seen as a definite asset, he would be a hero returned home to elevate the mother land. I

planned however to prolong Samson’s recovery for a good long while. Hopefully, he’d never

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D.J. Manly

have to see the arena again. The government wanted a celebration, three days of gladiators’

contests and festivities, and I was to begin these celebrations by hosting a party for the

dignitaries.

I hadn’t had time to see Samson for the last little while. I had secretly helped Sullis to

sneak away in the night, and I divided my time between the ludi and making the

arrangements for the big night. I was under a lot of stress and I felt very guilty about putting

Julian and Phillip into the arena again. If anything happened to them, I’d never forgive

myself. I felt as if I had broken my word, although both men reassured me that they knew

this was a temporary but necessary measure.

So when Pleasure told me about the conversation he’d had with Samson, I was livid. I

knew that eventually I would have to tell Samson what was really going on, but I had

wanted to do that in my own way, and in my own time. This was definitely not the way it

was supposed to be.

“Get out of my sight,” I told Pleasure angrily, “before I beat you. And in the future, you

are not to discuss the affairs of this house with anyone! Do you understand me?”

He nodded frantically, and ran from the room.

Lacia appeared suddenly. She looked at me curiously. “What was that? My goodness,

husband. I have never heard you threaten to beat a slave before, although you should do it

more often. They are completely out of control. You are far too soft on them.”

“Oh shut up, Lacia,” I muttered and headed to the back of the house where Samson had

been put to recuperate.

I met the doctor on the way out. “How is he?” I asked.

“He’s full of energy today, but not in a good way. He just sent me away. He wants to

see you. He seems very perturbed.”

I waited until Santoes had disappeared from sight then pulled back the curtain and

entered. I planted a smile on my face, preparing myself for what I knew was to come.

“Samson. How are you?”

He stood at the window, gazing out. He didn’t turn around. When he spoke, his voice

was cold and stilted. “When were you planning to tell me the truth, Gold?”

He was the only one I’d allow to call me that now. “I haven’t lied to you.”

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D.J. Manly

He turned. He was still pale and thin, but I knew he was getting better every day. I

could hardly bear to look into those accusing eyes. “You’re putting Julian and Phillip in the

ring for your own profit. You’re a Zeus’s cock bastard slave owner! How could you? How

could you own gladiators, Gold?”

I lowered my head. “I have no choice in the matter.”

“There is always a choice, like putting Julian and Phillip in the arena to entertain a

bunch of fat Old Spartan farts! That is your choice.”

I met his gaze. “I understand that you’re angry but I had no choice. I tried to—”

He held up a hand. “Spare me your excuses. Why am I here, getting special treatment? I

should be in the arena as well.”

“Never!”

“Don’t give me never. I am no better than they are. I want to be put in the ludi with

Julian and Phillip. They are my brothers.”

I could scarcely breathe. “You don’t mean that.”

“Damn right I do. I’m not staying here any longer with you and…your…your wife!” He

spat that word at me.

“Lacia is the widow of my—”

“I told you, I don’t want to hear anymore. You fuck her, don’t you?”

I swallowed.

“Don’t you?”

I didn’t answer.

“You said your brother saved you, that now you were a wealthy man. You bought our

freedom. That I accepted. But you neglected to tell me that you own gladiators, or that you’re

married and have children.”

“Those boys are my nephews.”

“Doesn’t matter who they are. You lied to me, Gold. You said you’d free them, but you

haven’t.”

“I tried to free them but…listen, Samson, please, I love you. Everything I’ve done, I’ve

done for you. You have to believe me. I…” I trailed off. There was nothing more I could say.

He wasn’t listening to me. He didn’t want to hear what I had to say.

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D.J. Manly

“Put me in the gladiators’ quarters,” he bared his teeth at me. “I don’t want to be here in

your house anymore. I don’t want to look at you. If I’m your slave, treat me thus. And I will

earn my keep.”

Pain. There was so much pain in his voice, but I doubted it could compete with the pain

in my heart. “Don’t,” I pleaded, “don’t do this.” I felt the tears choke my throat.

“He is making a sensible decision,” a woman’s voice announced from behind us.

I turned to see Lacia standing there.

“My family are most anxious to have their own home grown champion back in Sparta.

He is strong enough to be in the ludi now. I’m sure that the doctor will take good care of

him.” She smiled at me as she walked over and linked her arm in mine. “We are keeping

Santoes, aren’t we? He is a most excellent doctor, better than that one you provide for the

ludi, don’t you think?” She laughed, a twinkling sound, and it grated on me.

She released my arm and looked directly at Samson. “My husband has made an

excellent purchase. I’m sure you will do us proud, champion, when you are well, that is.”

I kept my gaze on Samson but he wouldn’t look at me. Instead he bowed his head to

her. “I will do my best, mistress.”

“Well,” she smiled and turned back to me. “Too bad he couldn’t be in attendance

tonight. Can we make an exception, husband, and perhaps introduce him to the guests

before sending him to the ludi?”

My expression darkened. “Do what you want,” I muttered and left the room.

The tears were streaming down my face as I headed down the corridor. It had all gone

to shit. All my hopes and dreams of Samson and I being together were over. I felt my heart

harden, ready to protect itself from all further assault. “If that’s the way you want it,

Samson,” I grunted, “then so be it.”

I stood at the front door. The cool breeze dried my tears. Pleasure was fetching water

from the well. He was wearing a short toga and when he leaned over to get the water, I could

see his pretty ass. I was feeling mean. I was feeling restless.

I walked outside and took the pail from him as he turned around, and placed it on the

ground. He lowered his head. “Have I displeased you again, master?”

“Yes, you have,” I told him, raking my gaze over him. “And it’s time you pleased me.”

He immediately brightened. “Yes, master.”

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D.J. Manly

“Come with me,” I grunted. I led him to the stables. When we got there, I sent the

groom away. I grabbed Pleasure by the forearm, dragged him inside, and shut the door,

lowering the bar across it.

The sun shone through the various cracks in the structure. The horses pawed the

ground and whinnied around us. “Now,” I said, “take that off. Naked, now!”

* * * *

Deception

I had no more tears to cry. It didn’t really matter what Gold’s silly wife said or did to

me, I wouldn’t show my hurt. Gold had the power. He was in total control and yet, he was

no different from all of them. And not only had he taken over his brother’s gladiator slaves,

he’d taken his wife as well. Power and wealth were now his obsession. This wasn’t love. It

was ownership. And although I’d told Gold how I wanted to belong to him, I’d never meant

like this.

“I’ve taken the liberty of bringing you a beautiful toga,” Lacia said as she hurried into

the room.

She was not really being nice. She was having a good time at my expense, acting like

she was being benevolent when deep down, I knew she hated me. It was in her eyes—the

jealousy, and the resentment.

I took the toga from her fingers and nodded. “Thank you.”

“My pleasure,” she smiled with something more like a sneer. “You must look beautiful

tonight, and you are such a pretty boy.” She touched my fair hair. “Pretty, like a girl if you

didn’t have such muscles.” She was mocking me, insulting my masculinity. “I want to see it,”

she said suddenly.

“Mistress?” I lifted an eyebrow.

“I want to see your cock. Take off that material you wear ‘bout your waist. Show me

what my husband sees in you. I need to know, or is it your ass he prefers? Come on, take it

off, Samson.”

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D.J. Manly

Slowly I undid the material which covered my loins. I felt embarrassed standing there

suddenly, although I’d been naked in front of plenty of people before, men and women. But

there was something about her cold assessment of me that made me feel incredibly

humiliated.

“It’s very average,” she shrugged. “Of course, it’s not hard. I’m sure it gets hard when

my husband is in view.”

I didn’t reply.

“Turn,” she snapped.

I slowly turned around.

I felt her hand move over one of my buttocks. “Now, this is nice, very nice. I can

imagine Nicolaus fucking that ass.” She moved closer, reached around and fondled my cock.

I sucked in some breath.

The other hand slid between my ass cheeks. “Can you feel his cock there, Samson, hard,

and thick? My Nico, my husband, has an incredible cock. When it’s erect, it’s almost a

weapon. I love to have him pump his seed into me. I hope you have fond memories of his

delicious cock, boy,” she grunted, withdrawing her hand, and slapping my ass once with it,

“because you’ll never feel it inside you again. Do you understand what I say?” Her

fingernails dug into my shaft.

I winced. “Yes,” I grunted.

“Fine.” She backed away. “Now, please, put on the toga. Tonight you shall be the most

beautiful man in the room.”

* * * *

Working It

I was angry. I was sad. And that combination created a rage inside me that could be

dangerous to anyone in my path. I thought to take my frustrations out on Pleasure. I fondled

him carelessly, like a whore one would pick up for a quick pumping in a dark corner of the

street. But Pleasure loved it. He pumped out his satisfaction as I went into him hard and fast

with my cock, my mind swimming with images of a man who would probably never let me

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D.J. Manly

fuck him again, at least not willingly. Pleasure cried out. I was still hard, frustrated, and

angry. I swore at him. I pounded at him with my fists as he sobbed under me, then I

wrapped him in my arms and sobbed along with him.

He quietened as I held him. He knew something was different. I guess he didn’t dare

move. I released him and lay on my back, my face stiff with drying tears. He rolled over onto

his side, looking at me quietly.

“I’m sorry,” I said softly. “I’m sorry, Pleasure. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

“You’re still hard, Master. It’s my fault.”

“No,” I told him. I looked at him, smiled. “It’s not your fault. No one should be able to

do that to anyone. No one should own anyone.”

He watched me intently as I spoke, confused.

“You remind me of someone.”

“Was he beautiful?”

“Yes. He was beautiful. He was a house slave like you, back in Rome. The master

wouldn’t let me have him, just because I wanted him so much. Finally, he took him out in the

courtyard and let the soldiers have at him, knowing that if he offered him to me then, I’d

refuse.”

“Why did he do that?”

“Just because he could.”

“It was cruel.”

“Yes. It was cruel. Cruelty goes with power.”

“Did you ever…you know, make love to him?”

“Yes. It was a reward.”

“What happened to him?”

“I don’t know. He was used by anyone and everyone. He seemed to like it.”

“Perhaps that’s all he knew.”

I looked at him, picked up his chin with my finger and met his eyes. “And you? Do you

like it?”

“I like you,” he said. “I don’t sense any malice in you. You would never hurt me. Even

now, before, I felt your rage but…I wasn’t scared. You can be rough, I like that, but you’re

never mean.”

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D.J. Manly

“But I hit you, I punched you and…”

“Shush,” he said, placing a finger on my lips, “it didn’t hurt that much. If you wanted to

really hurt me, you would have. You’re in more pain than I am right now.”

I marvelled at his perception. “But you cried.”

“I cried when I came, not because of pain, but pleasure,” he whispered. He pressed his

lips against mine and moaned, “Pleasure. Fuck me, master, fuck me again.”

“Nicolaus, call me Nicolaus,” I urged, running my hands over him. And for a little time

more, I could pretend that I was loved, I was wanted. Samson. Please. I don’t think I can bear

you not loving me.

* * * *

The Life of the Party

“What is he doing here?” I demanded of Lacia through clenched teeth. Samson was

propped up on a chair wearing a new toga. Several of the guests were already talking to him.

“He’s a champion, a champion who has been brought home. He should have a

homecoming,” she smiled. “Husband, you didn’t tell me that Samson was one of us. I told

Marius and he was delighted. Look how excited they all are to meet him.”

“This is ridiculous. He isn’t well enough for this. I’m going to take him out of here.”

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you. Look,” she turned me around to look at Samson.

There were three members of the royal family surrounding him.

“Already you have been elevated in their eyes. You can thank me later,” she said and

moved off to greet some of the other guests.

I didn’t want to thank her. At that moment, I wanted to take her by the throat and shake

that smug smile right off her face. She knew what she was doing. It was the same thing

Phineas did when he put Jermin out in the courtyard and let the guards have him, one after

another.

Someone approached me and I put on my host face, swallowed it all, like I’d had to do

when I was a slave, and tried to avoid looking at Samson.

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D.J. Manly

As time went on, I took Pleasure aside and asked him to escort Samson back to his

room.

“Yes, Master,” he said, bowing his head, as if what we’d exchanged in that barn, when

our statuses had been reduced to that of equals, had never happened.

I found Lacia and bent my head to her ear. “Pleasure is taking Samson back to his room.

He’s exhausted.”

“How would you know?” she replied softly, smiling and nodding at one of the guests

nearby. “You never went near him.”

“I know that he hasn’t quite recovered.”

“I want him in the slave quarters.” Her tone of voice was terse but her expression

stayed sweet, a smile on her face. She even reached up and kissed my cheek, her lips

reaching my ear. “Tonight,” she hissed.

“I’ll take care of it myself, my dear,” I continued the pleasant exchange as Marius came

to join us.

“I hope I’m not interrupting,” he said. “Nicolaus, I wanted to commend you on having

Samson here. The representatives of the council are impressed with your initiative. They are

sure it will put some new blood in the gladiator sport. I was sincerely worried there for

awhile, but you’ve waylaid my fears and surpassed my expectations.”

I spoke with him awhile, assuring him that my intentions had always been honourable,

then moved on and greeted a few more of the guests. The first opportunity I had, I went to

find Samson.

Pleasure was trying in vain to encourage him to get into bed when I arrived. Samson

was putting up a fuss, adamantly refusing.

“Leave us,” I said to Pleasure.

Samson glared at me with such hostility I winced. He looked ready for a fight. I had a

houseful of guests whom I didn’t need overhearing the argument I was sure was about to

transpire between us.

“I’m sorry I failed you, master,” Pleasure said and quickly left us alone.

I went to say something but Samson held up his hand. “Don’t. I told you, I’m not

different from any other slave, and I don’t want favours from you. In fact, I don’t want

anything from you. You are nothing more to me than my lanista.”

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D.J. Manly

I swallowed hard. “You’re right,” I clipped, wounded by his words. I had wanted to

take Samson to the ludi myself, explain to him that it was only temporary, that soon he

would be a free man. I’d find a way. But his words spurred anger in me. He professed to love

me yet he thought I’d betrayed him, betrayed them all. If he thought so little of the man he

had said he loved, I’d let a guard take him to the ludi. “Guard!” I bellowed.

Our gazes were locked in anger. The emotion flamed in our eyes like an inferno.

The guard arrived promptly.

I tore my glance away from Samson and looked at the soldier. “Escort this slave to the

ludi directly.”

He nodded.

I returned my attention to Samson. “The doctor will be on hand to make sure your

health continues to improve. When you are again fit for the arena, you will fight for the glory

of this house, and for the glory of Sparta.” I turned my back. “Take him!”

A few seconds later, I was alone. I walked over to where Samson had slept and lifted

the blanket to my nose. I inhaled his scent then threw the material aside. Damn you, Samson.

You leave me no choice. If you wish for me to use you as a slave, then so be it. That’s exactly what I
will do.

* * * *

Disillusionment

The doctor was poking and prodding me again. I finally asked him to go away.

“Are you comfortable?”

I was lying on a slab which had been padded with straw. It wasn’t like the house but I’d

take it any day over remaining there with Gold and his insanely jealous wife. “I’m fine.”

“Every day you improve, Samson, but you mustn’t do too much too quickly.” He

narrowed his eyes. “Nicolaus told me that you wouldn’t be housed here.”

“I’m a slave. I’m a gladiator. He bought me. He only wanted to ensure I got better so

that I could fight. I was formerly the Roman champion.”

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D.J. Manly

The doctor nodded silently but said nothing. “I’ll be by tomorrow. I told the guard that

you are to have extra rations and no training until I give the go ahead.”

I was relieved when he was gone. I wanted to sleep. I was having a hard time believing

that finally Gold and I were together again, and yet we’d never been further apart in the

history of our acquaintance.

When I finally did close my eyes in sleep, I heard the clacking of wood coming together

and the shouts of men in heavy armour. And there he was, the man I loved. He stood

watching the scene, whip in hand.

I shuddered as I felt his wrath, the whip ripping my flesh from my bones. Why, why,

Gold, why?

“Samson?” a voice called out. “Samson, wake up.”

I opened my eyes to see Julian kneeling beside me. He was wearing a plate of armour

over his chest. He had a helmet in his hand.

“Julian?”

“Yes, it’s me,” he said softly. “Are you all right?”

I shook my head. “No. I don’t understand, don’t understand any of this. Why did he

bring me here? Why?” I blinked the tears away.

Julian wiped gently at my cheek. “He wanted to be with you. Samson, you don’t

understand, he…”

“I am his slave. He lied to me. He lied to you, and to Phillip. Where is Phillip?”

“He’s fine. He’s training. Samson, I think you should understand that—”

“I hate him. I hate him for this.”

Julian fell quiet.

“He is nothing to me anymore but my master. I was blind. I should have given you my

heart, Julian, not him.” I clutched Julian’s hand. “Give me another chance.”

Julian moved his cheek against mine. “Always. I will stay by you always, Samson, I’ll

never leave you. Are you sure it is over for you, your feelings for him?”

Something hurt deep inside. Maybe I couldn’t bury every last bit of sentiment I had for

Nicolaus, but with Julian’s help, I was going work on doing just that. I’d work on nurturing

the hate.

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D.J. Manly

For a little while, I’d really felt that things were going to change in my life, that I would

be a free man, and I would be with the man I loved. It was a dream, and the sounds around

me reminded me that, even if I was at a bigger, more sophisticated school, I was still a

gladiator, which meant that I was still a slave. Chances were I would die one.

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D.J. Manly

Chapter Six

Mastering Hearts

I did not approve of Garner and Petorio being present at the arena during gladiator

contests. Even though none of the contests were to the death, I felt that they were still too

young to view that kind of violence. Lacia however had other ideas.

When the younger boy vomited upon seeing Julian gorge a gladiator’s leg, I insisted

that Sissy, the slave who always cared for the children, take both of them home.

“One day they will inherit all this,” Lacia scolded me. “How will they grow to men if

you insist on cuckolding them?”

“They will grow to men just fine without viewing all this. Already they play at killing

each other and taking each other’s head.”

“And they may have to do just that when they do their obligatory military duty. It is

only by grace of my family connections that the boys haven’t been sent away to school. They

are both past the age of seven. Soon we will not be able to make the excuse anymore about

how affected they have been by their fathers’ death. You must accept, Nicolaus, that they will

be taken from us.”

I didn’t want to argue with her. When she got like this, she forced me to play the role. I

think she liked it. “I am the man of the house, I have the final word.”

She quieted and lowered her head. She could play her role just as well herself. “Of

course, my husband. Your will be done.”

The subject had come up several times about the boys being sent off to school. I had

fought it. The boys were a big comfort to me, the only thing I had left of my brother. I knew

eventually I’d have to let them go, but not yet. I wasn’t ready.

The citizens enjoyed the contests immensely. Both Julian and Phillip outdid themselves,

and later, my distinguished guests had nothing but praise for my purchases.

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D.J. Manly

Tonight, there was to be another big party then another long day of contests ahead. I

was weary, having already seen enough blood and gore in my lifetime. I realised that I’d

much prefer to be in the ring than watch it.

I introduced Delvon, my trainer, to the guests and much attention was lavished on him.

He was a stoic man who took his duties seriously. He’d been freed years ago but was fiercely

loyal to Sparta.

Although people congratulated me, I had not been the one to choose Delvon. All that

had been arranged for me. I was merely the puppet in place. I was under the direction of the

Royals, and everyone knew it.

“We are anxious to see Samson fight,” Marius mentioned the following day during

more contests.

My fists tightened at my sides. “He is not well enough yet, and possibly won’t be for

quite some time.”

“Strange,” Marius said. “Delvon tells me he trained well this morning.”

I stiffened. “The doctor has not given him permission to train. Delvon had no right to—

”

“He was only asked to try, to verify his strength. It seems that he is stronger than you

assumed.”

I smiled through my anger. They had gone over my head. “Well, that is good news.”

* * * *

Back to the Arena

When Delvon came and asked if I wanted to join the training that morning, I jumped at

the chance. I was tired of sitting around and doing nothing. It caused me to dwell on things I

cared not to.

I had forgotten a lot about my own culture having spent all that time under Roman

rule. The many things I was discovering, however, were things I think I deliberately forgot.

The training was far tougher than I’d experienced, and we were required to train naked.

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D.J. Manly

I’d suddenly remembered how embarrassed I’d been when I was sent away to school at

seven and had been required to exercise vigorously every day completely naked.

Food had been scarce and I wondered if it was to be the same here, forced to steal to

survive then being punished for stealing. At this time, I was still being given double rations,

but I wondered for how long.

The gladiators here were all beautiful, athletic specimens in top physical shape, who

paraded their oiled bodies in front of each other, expecting to be complimented on their

muscles, among other things.

There were many who were not slaves, but volunteers who had done their military

service and had often participated in the athletic games.

As I regained my strength, I too was encouraged to shed my clothing, something Julian

and Phillip had already done.

I found it distracting.

“You’ve become a Roman,” Julian laughed.

“And you a Spartan,” I accused, noting his nakedness.

He shrugged. “The Romans can be prudes. We have a newcomer tonight, and I hear the

troupe has plans for him.”

“What kind of plans?” I lifted an eyebrow.

“You’ll see,” Julian winked.

I wasn’t sure I wanted to. Over the last few weeks, I found that Julian had assimilated

into the culture here, and it didn’t suit him. A man should never forget who he is.

I was almost back to full strength and Delvon had me training every day now. The

others watched me intensely. They’d heard about me, of course, and they were all very

competitive.

The new recruit was very young, and I knew his fate when he walked into the school.

He was immediately told to strip by the guard and some of the others came over and fondled

him without apology.

His face was red. He was embarrassed.

“Is that what happens to all the new ones?” I asked Phillip discreetly, as we stood aside

watching.

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D.J. Manly

“Julian and I were lucky. We were older, more experienced, no one harassed us. You

too were spared. But some of the others tell me that they were all initiated.”

“Initiated, as in…?”

“Yes.” He licked his lips. “I wonder who will have him first.”

“Surely, not all of us.”

“I think Pladmus is the alpha here, don’t you?”

I looked over at the one Phillip spoke of and nodded. There was no question—big,

bulky, and muscle bound, he seemed to be the one in control.

The guard left. I sucked in some breath as Pladmus called out, “Put him on the table,

face down, and spread him.”

I swallowed and shook my head. “I’m going back to my cell.”

I sunk down against the wall and closed my eyes. I tried to sleep, block out the sounds

of the others hooting and hollering. An image of Nicolaus came to my mind. I hadn’t seen

him since he’d ordered the guard to bring me here. That had been almost two weeks ago.

I was told he’d been here off and on but somehow he managed to make sure that I

never saw him when he came. I was sure that was deliberate.

I ached for him. I didn’t want to. I wanted to hate his guts. But I ached for him. And

although I tried to initiate sex with Julian once or twice, it never went anywhere. My love for

Gold hadn’t gone away as I wished.

When Delvon informed me the next day that I would be put into a contest against

Pladmus, I wasn’t surprised. Nicknamed Plad, the Heart Stealer, because he liked to punch

through his victims chest with his sword and then reach in and rip out their heart while it

was still beating, he was the reigning champion of the House of Nicolaus.

“It’s time you earn your keep,” Delvon growled at me.

Plad eyed me every day leading up to the contest, and watched me carefully as I

trained. One day he came up behind me and slapped me full on the ass.

I turned and glared at him. “You want to start this contest early?”

He laughed at me. “You have a nice little ass. Too bad I won’t get a crack at it before I

rip your heart out.”

“Or I cut off your head?” I grinned at him.

He sneered at me and strutted by.

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D.J. Manly

Julian was at my side suddenly. He wanted to know what had happened.

“Nothing,” I said, “nothing at all. He’s too cocky, too sure of himself. It’s a recipe for

defeat.”

“He’s never been beaten,” Julian told me. “And it’s a fight to the death. I don’t

understand how Gold…I mean, Nicolaus, can allow this.”

“Nicolaus has abandoned us all,” I said. “Nicolaus is the willing puppet of Sparta. He

won’t lift a finger to help us.”

* * * *

Secret Arrangements

“Did you know about this?” I demanded.

“Know about what, my husband?” Lacia glanced at me from where she sat sipping her

juice.

“That Samson is to fight Plad to the death in the arena.”

“Ah…is that so?” She smiled.

“I haven’t approved this.”

“It’s the will of the Rulers, darling. He is the champion.”

“Plad is a beast.”

“I’m sure your lover can handle him.”

He is not my lover, not anymore. And soon he may not even be alive.

Lacia stood. “Anyway, my love,” she said, rubbing my arm, “I want you in my

chambers now.”

I jerked my arm away. “I’m not your play toy, Lacia,” I snapped and stalked out of the

house. I had to see Delvon.

I entered the training school like a cat with my tail on fire. I had avoided coming here at

certain times, at times when I knew I’d see him. I knew if I saw him, I’d want him. And if he

rejected me, I’d force my will on him as his master, and he’d hate me even more. So I stayed

away.

“Delvon!”

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D.J. Manly

My massively built trainer appeared. “Master Nicolaus,” he said, bowing his head.

“May I be of service?”

I could hear the gladiators training out back, the familiar sounds and shouts vibrating

in my ears. “Why is Samson set to fight Plad? And why wasn’t I told of this arrangement?”

“I thought you knew,” he said. “Marius told me it was all set up.”

“Set up by everyone except me. Well, cancel it, call it off.”

“Master, I…”

“You heard me,” I snapped. “Samson will not fight Plad. Ever! I forbid it.”

He nodded and lowered his head. “As you wish.”

“And you will say nothing to Marius or anyone else outside this house. Do you

understand me?”

“Yes, Master.”

“Good. Carry on.”

As I got outside, I knew that I should have kept walking straight back to the house but I

couldn’t resist just turning the corner to catch a glimpse of him.

I stood and watched at the sun glowed down on the shiny, well muscled, male bodies,

posed in their positions to fight, muscles clenching and cocks bobbing, testicles swinging

between their well-muscled thighs. My mouth watered as I searched the terrain for Samson.

And there he was, blond and golden in the sun, his body oiled like the others, his face

determined and fierce.

I stifled a moan, clutched my cock, squeezed. I had to have him. I’d known that I would

have to have him if I saw him. Samson.

I called one of the soldiers aside and gave him my instructions. He nodded and I left my

hiding place.

A few minutes later, I watched from the dark corner of the barn as two soldiers

wrestled with an angry Samson as they attempted to tether his arms and legs as I’d ordered

them to do.

When they left him, he was surprised. I guess he thought that the soldiers intended to

rape him.

I didn’t let him see me right away. I stood there in the shadows, allowing my gaze to

drink him in. His arms were strapped over his head and he’d been set on an old rickety table

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D.J. Manly

which usually held the supplies for the groom. His legs had been spread wide, and his ankles

had been shackled to the table legs.

I’d had sexual fantasies lately, dreams of Samson being positioned like that, his asshole

and cock completely accessible. I knew that if he got over his anger at me, he’d actually enjoy

it. Samson longed for sexual domination. He’d told me so. I only wanted to give him what he

needed, what I needed, which was to completely and utterly possess him.

* * * *

Extreme Fulfilment

I had no idea what was happening. I struggled a little against my constraints and

looked around the darkened barn. I sensed some movement in the shadows but I couldn’t

make out anyone. “Please,” I pleaded, “what do you want?”

I felt the iron move over my flesh and I knew I was helpless. There was fear but there

was more. My cock was standing up straight, erect, throbbing. My nipples felt hard, and my

testicles hugged my cock with anticipation.

There was movement again and then I felt someone behind me. I tried to turn around

but suddenly something silky pressed over my eyes and was tied tightly in place.

“What’s happening?” I breathed.

A hand opened my jaw suddenly and shoved some material in it.

“Now,” the voice said, “you can’t see. You can’t cry out. And I can do anything I want

to you. Mmm, and I want to do much.”

My heart hammered in my chest. I knew that voice. My love. My beautiful Gold. Yes, yes,

anything you want. As much as I resented him, my whole being just wanted him.

I lifted up my hips, thrusting my cock in the air. I hoped that would be seductive, that

he’d touch me, handle my penis.

Instead his hands moved over my chest. He toyed with my nipples almost lightly,

enough to tease, running a thumb over each of them several times.

I shuddered as he continued to amuse himself with my nipples.

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D.J. Manly

When the tip of his tongue moved rapidly back and forth over the sensitive tips, I

moaned through my gag.

I could feel him leaning between my thighs but he didn’t touch my aching rod. He kept

on with my nipples until I began to hump the air.

“You’ve always had sensitive nipples. You should see them now, so hard, glistening

with the saliva from my tongue. I want to bite them, nibble them.”

I moaned again as he took the left one between his teeth and pulled. At the same time,

he trailed his fingers down over my belly to the base of my cock where he twirled some of

the hair there around his finger.

He bit the other nipple now, while his hand still tinkered with its twin. I pleaded

through the gag.

“You are a slave,” he whispered against my ear, “no rights to protest. I will do what I

want for as long as I want.” Now he took both nipples in hand and pinched and twisted

them. I cried out a muffled cry and as a reward he grabbed my thighs and pushed them

further apart. “I want to play in that ass. Mmm, and with what shall I play, my fingers or my

cock?”

Yes…yes… I could feel the pre-come running down my shaft.

He pulled my hips forward, and I slanted some and felt a finger tip at my ass. “I’ve

greased it. It will go in fine. Two, three, four if I want, and I will open you, fuck you with

them until you’re ready for me.”

My head went back and I moaned with pleasure as his slippery fingers entered me. He

was none too gentle. He was using my body for his pleasure, and it’s what I wanted. I bit my

lip as three fingers delved deep inside.

“Whore,” he grunted. “Slut. Still my slut, aren’t you, Samson?”

I had always been your slut, my beautiful Gold stud.

Another finger went in. He fucked my entrance vigorously, and still he hadn’t touched

my aching cock. Gold…there is no other but you… baby… Gold…take me.

He pulled out the gag and then tore off the blindfold. My eyes adjusted as he pulled out

his fingers and crawled up on the table between my thighs. He unhooked my legs and pulled

them up onto his broad shoulders.

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D.J. Manly

With my arms caught over my head, I couldn’t touch him but I wanted to. He was

incredibly beautiful.

His cock went deep into me as he lifted my legs high in the air, deeper than any man

had gone. I moaned deeply. I belonged to him. It didn’t matter in what capacity, and as he

fucked me hard, looking directly into my eyes, we both knew it.

My body shook, my cock bobbing as the table under us trembled. He came inside of me,

drenching us both and then seized my cock in his hand. I cried out with need and as he

jerked me off, he went back into me, fucking my ass again.

Neither one of us knew we had an audience until we heard a voice say, “Nicolaus!”

Covered with sweat and come, my arms still caught above me, I could do nothing to

hide my state.

Nicolaus crawled off the table and picked up his toga off the floor. He took his time

cleaning off the debris then held it in front of him. “Marius. How nice to see you? Is there a

reason you’re seeking me out in the barn?”

“You have a right to do as you like with your slaves,” he said stiffly, “but I would

prefer if you didn’t use Samson in that way until after the contest. It will weaken him.”

“There isn’t going to be any contest with Samson,” Nicolaus replied calmly as he put his

toga back on.

I blinked. I was sure that Nicolaus had set this contest up.

“We need to talk,” Marius snapped.

“I will finish up here and meet you at the house.”

“Don’t keep me waiting long.” Marius turned and exited the barn. He left the door wide

open.

Nicolaus went over and closed it. As he came back, he smiled gently at me, running his

gaze over my naked body. “You are so irresistible like that, so seductive. I want to fuck you

again.”

“Nicolaus, you can’t. What are you doing? You can’t go against Sparta. You must let me

fight.”

“No,” he shook his head, his hair damp from the exertion of fucking me. “You won’t

fight that monster.”

“I can beat him.”

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D.J. Manly

“No you can’t.”

“It’s what they want.”

Nicolaus released my arms. “It’s not what I want.” He met my eyes.

I reached out and touched his cheek.

“We’re going to escape,” he whispered. He pulled me down off the table and into his

arms. He held me for a little while. “I’m going to find a way to get you out of here, take you

somewhere you’ll be safe. Please trust me.”

“They’ll know it was you, Nicolaus. You can’t do that. Listen,” I kissed him, “be patient.

I’ll fight him and…”

“You are not going to fight him,” Nicolaus shook me a little. “That I will not allow. So

forget it. They’ll kill me first before I allow you in the ring with him. It’s a set up. They want

you dead. They will make sure he has the advantage. Now, come with me.”

He pulled me out into the sunlight and practically dragged me back to the school. He

motioned to the guard. “Take him to his cell, and keep him there.”

“Nicolaus!” I called after him but he was already halfway through the field. I was afraid at what

he might do, afraid he’d put himself in danger for me, and that’s the last thing I wanted. In spite of

everything, I would die to keep him safe.

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D.J. Manly

Chapter Seven

Treading Water

Marius was furious. “How dare you defy me?”

“I am not your servant.”

“You have become arrogant, considering where you have come from, what you were

before your brother freed you.”

“Yes, what I was,” I sneered. “You enjoy reminding me of that. I have done everything

you wanted. I have married my brother’s widow, become what I detest, a slave owner, and

agreed to parade Samson in front of royalty. But I will not put him into the arena to get his

heart torn out by a crazed idiot, who is more animal than man.”

Lacia stood over in the corner chewing her thumbnail.

“And you,” I pointed at her. “I’ve more than fulfilled my duties to you, indulged your

little sexual games, and attempted to give you a child. What else would you have of me?”

Her eyes lit with tears now as she screamed out, “Your heart. I would have your heart!”

“My heart belongs to but one and always will. If you take him from me, it will gain you

nothing except my hatred and my wrath.”

She lowered her head and ran from the room.

“She is with child,” Marius said.

I paused. “Well then she has all that she wanted from me.”

“That woman loves you.”

“She loves my cock,” I growled. “If she took a lover, she’d lose her obsession.”

“I could have you flogged for defying your king.”

“How dare you come into my house and threaten to flog me.”

“You’re cruel to her, Gold.”

“Cruel? I don’t beat her. I rarely discipline her. She has all that she wants. I do

everything you want as well. Spare me this, please. Don’t make Samson fight that bull. Ask

anything of me, but this.”

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D.J. Manly

“He was the champion in Rome. They want him to establish himself as such here in his

own land. Plad is the best we have. It is Plad he must fight, unless,” he paused, “you fight

him.”

“What?”

“You were the best there was, Gold. The people would accept you in Samson’s place,

and it would please them, you against that monster. Come out of retirement and tear his

heart out for Sparta.”

“That’s ridiculous. I am no longer a gladiator.”

“But you could be,” he said softly.

“I am a free man.”

“Hmm,” he fingered his chin, “but a criminal nevertheless. And free men do fight. Look

at your late brother.”

“Criminal?” I gawked at him. “I am guilty of what crime now?”

“…aiding a runaway slave and paying him to impersonate another. Acquiring slaves

under fraudulent circumstances, not to mention…”

I stiffened. How could he have known about that?

Marius motioned to Pleasure. “Get me some wine. Pour some for your master as well.

He looks parched.”

Pleasure hurried to do his bidding. “Have you fucked him?” Marius asked me. “If you

haven’t, it’s a shame. He has a fine ass, round, perfect. I bet he squeals with delight when

he’s pinned to the floor. We used him once at a grand party, I remember him taking one cock

after another. He’s a gem.”

He took the drink from Pleasure and handed the other glass to me. I waved it away,

along with Pleasure. I didn’t want Marius getting any more ideas. “Leave us.”

Marius sipped his wine, watching as Pleasure left the room. “Unfortunately, Sullis

didn’t get very far. He was caught just before he got back to Rome. Before we hung him, he

talked, a lot. Pain can be a great incentive.”

I closed my eyes. Poor Sullis.

“So, you see, as I told the Royals, once a criminal, always a criminal. No such thing as

rehabilitation, Gold. You murdered your own father, and you stole a man’s property, not to

mention the doctor. He too was stolen.”

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D.J. Manly

I met his gaze. “So, what do you intend to do about it?”

“Me? Nothing.” He shrugged. “The rulers, well, they want what they’ve always

wanted, a contest, glory for Sparta. They want obedience. They are willing to forget your

crimes for obedience. So, it’s either Samson and Plad, or you and Plad.”

“And if I refuse?”

“I will have you put in shackles and placed back where you belong. You choose. But

choose wisely, realise what you’d be giving up. Is it worth it, Gold, to return to a life of a

slave for Samson, when you can fuck any of them at any time? Discreetly, of course. The barn

was not the best choice.”

Many things went through my mind. My boys, who would be taken against my will in

a few days to military school. Lacia, who thought she owned the rights to my body. The

gladiator school, where I wielded power over men who had none, except when they went to

their death. And Samson. In the ring, he would be killed. It was their intention all along to

get rid of him.

Marius waited for my answer.

“The contest will have to be put off for a few weeks. I will need to train again before I

meet him in the arena.”

Marius looked shocked. I had played his bluff and he’d lost. He never expected me to

step into the arena in Samson’s place.

“Think of what you’re doing,” he said. “Are you sure? Your wife is with child, and…”

he trailed off.

“You gave me a choice, I made it. It will meet with the approval of the family. My so-

called crimes will be excused. It’s perfect.”

He hesitated, lowered his head. “As you wish,” he murmured, “I shall go immediately

and inform the royal family.”

I nodded at him and told one of the slaves to escort him out.

* * * *

Sacrifice…

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D.J. Manly

When I saw Nicolaus march into the ludi with Devlon, the trainer, I wasn’t sure what

was happening.

“I will train here every day, so I will live here for the duration,” Nicolaus told the

trainer, who looked beside himself.

The other gladiators milled around, murmuring to themselves. None of us knew what

was happening.

He didn’t waste any time with small talk. He didn’t even look at me. He just proceeded

to walk through the school and out to the back.

Some of the others followed curiously to watch, myself included. When I got to the

courtyard, Nicolaus had stripped off his clothes like the others and picked up a wooden

sword. He and the trainer began a contest, one which had us all spellbound at its intensity.

Nicolaus was once again Gold, in his all his glory, and his time out of the arena had not

served to diminish his astonishing ability.

We eventually concluded that this was some kind of exhibition for our entertainment or

our training. We could fathom nothing more than this.

Then Julian came over to stand beside me, and he asked me if I’d heard the news.

“What news?” I asked, not able to tear my attention away from the contest in front of

me.

“Gold has agreed to fight Plad in your place.”

My jaw literally dropped. “What? No. He can’t. He’s not a gladiator.”

“It’s a special contest. The guard told me.”

“Zeus’s cock,” I muttered. “We can’t let him do that.”

“It’s too late.” Julian met his gaze. “He’s willing to sacrifice everything to keep you out

of that arena.”

“Yes,” one of the other gladiators nearby sneered, “pretty lame if you ask me. Would

you sacrifice your life for the gladiator who slaughtered your only brother in the arena?”

My eyes widened when I looked over at him. “What are you talking about?” I

demanded.

“Pay him no mind,” Julian said trying to hold me back.

“What are you saying?”

“You killed Mitrius. You killed our former master. He was the lanista’s brother.”

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D.J. Manly

Suddenly, I saw Mitrius in my mind. I remembered thinking there was a resemblance,

something that made me almost hesitate before I finished him off.

I looked at Julian. “Gold knows this? He knows I killed his brother?”

Julian nodded. “He doesn’t blame you. You didn’t have a choice.”

I hung my head, only lifting it again when shouts rang up through the crowd of men.

Gold had Devlon bent over the water barrel, his fake sword poised to take his head. It was

over. Gold had bested the trainer.

He lifted his fake sword over his head and marched back and forth, revelling in the

cheers of those around him. He was still a champion. He was still Gold.

* * * *

Stolen Sentiments

I knew the time would come when Samson and I would be alone. If it didn’t, I would

arrange it. As it turned out, we met outside in the cool of the evening, the breeze coming in

off the water as we both stood there, silent.

I was the first to speak. I reached out and touched his golden hair and I heard him

whimper like a puppy in dire need of affection. Still he didn’t look at me. “I want you to

understand.”

“You would die in my place.”

“Yes. In a heartbeat.”

He went into my arms and held me. My arms tightened around him and I kissed the

top of his head, rubbing his back. “I killed your brother. Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I didn’t want you to feel the pain.”

He looked up at me now. “And you don’t blame me?”

“He made his choice. He wanted to be in that arena. Maybe it was in his blood. I don’t

know. He wasn’t ready. If the lanista had waited, maybe he would have made a great

gladiator, but he was in a rush to test him. I knew it would end badly.”

“If I had known he was your brother, I would have—”

“If you had known he was my brother, you would have had to kill him, or be killed.”

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D.J. Manly

Samson lowered his head on my chest. “I want to go somewhere, be alone. I want to

make love to you.”

“I know. I want that too, but not tonight. I promise you once before the contest.”

“Can you beat him?” he asked me, looking up into my eyes again. His eyes were

pleading.

“I don’t know.” I smiled at him as one would a frightened child. “My chances are

greater than yours.”

“Because you are the better fighter,” Samson gave me a playful shove.

“No,” I said, “because I’m bigger than you, and so is he. And remember, I don’t want to

leave you, and even if I do, well, I don’t want you to be sad. I’ll have what I’ve always

wanted, my love—the glorious death of a gladiator.”

“It’s too soon,” he sobbed.

“The Ferry Man always comes too soon.” I kissed his mouth tenderly. “I am having

some papers drawn up. If I die in the arena, you, and every other slave who wishes it, will be

free.”

“I don’t want freedom if it means being without you.”

I wiped the tears off his face. “Keep believing in me, brother. And know that whatever

happens, I will be with you forever. And if I walk out of that arena victorious, don’t stop

believing that one day, somehow I will find a way for us to be together.”

Samson smiled at me, stroked my hair. He was about to respond when a soldier came

running across the courtyard.

“Master Nicolaus,” he said, breathless, “you have a visitor to the house, a Roman

woman. She is…well…rather…hysterical.”

I sighed. “Would this woman be called Gracia of the House of Claudius, by any

chance?”

“No,” Samson said. “Oh no, she’s come for Julian.”

“Don’t worry,” I told him. “Go inside. I’ll deal with…”

Suddenly they all looked up to see Gracia tearing across the courtyard. The soldier took

a step back.

“It’s all right,” I told him. “You can go. Take Samson.”

Samson actually grinned at me. “Good luck.”

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D.J. Manly

Gracia stopped in front of me, her eyes raking over my short loin cloth, which did little

to hide my nakedness. “Is that any way for a lanista to dress?”

“I’m in training again. How nice to see you,” I bowed my head. “To what do I owe the

pleasure of this—?”

“Oh, blow it out of your ass, Gold!” She snapped. “You know why I’m here. Where is

he? I want him back. I want him back now.”

“If you’re speaking of Julian, I’m afraid he is now my property. So, I would in turn

suggest that…maybe it is you who is blowing something out of your ass, Gracia.” I folded

muscular arms in front of my chest.

“Once a slave, always a slave,” she spat. “Don’t forget, I’ve had you for my pleasure

any way I wanted you.”

“Um, not that I’ve stored that to memory, but so did your husband, and your son…it

was a real family activity if I recall correctly.”

“I’m not listening,” she snorted. “Now, how much do you want?”

I shook my head. “Not for sale.”

“Every man has a price.”

“Not for sale.” I smiled. I was enjoying this.

She offered me a price that was three times the normal price for a slave like Julian.

I pretended to consider it while she chewed her thumbnail. After making her wait for a

few minutes, I shook my head and began walking.

She followed, practically running on my heel. “Gold!”

“Nicolaus,” I said, turning to look at her.

“Nicolaus,” she said softly, smiling at me. “Please. I will pay right away and take him

off your hands.”

“No,” I said, smiling down at her.

Her expression darkened. “What?”

“I said no.”

“Why? Why won’t you sell him to me?” She was on the brink of tears.

“Because you want him so much,” I smiled.

“You bastard,” she seethed.

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D.J. Manly

“Oh yes, another thing,” I turned and looked at her. “He made me promise that if you

ever tried to buy him, I was to kill him first because he’d rather be dead than be in your bed

again. Have a nice trip back to Rome.”

When Gracia turned to stalk out of the courtyard, screaming at the top of her lungs, a

round of applause sounded out of the ludi.

I smiled as I walked towards them, my brothers, and for a second I felt as if I’d come

home.

Julian came out and clamped a hand on my shoulder. “Thank you,” he said. “I am

eternally in your debt.”

I was grateful he didn’t call me master, and I think he knew it. Samson came out and

hugged me and as I kissed him gently on the mouth, I realised that power had certain

rewards.

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D.J. Manly

Chapter Eight

Terror

It was tough having Nicolaus around the ludi all the time training, especially since I

knew what he was training for. Plad was also allowed to train—he was kept separate from

the rest of us, but given equal time with Devlon. The fact that Plad was nicknamed the ‘Heart

Stealer’ weighed on me. If he killed my love, he’d steal both our hearts in that arena.

I didn’t sleep at night, and when the night before the contest arrived, I knew Nicolaus

planned on spending it at the house.

“Why don’t you stay here?” I asked him as he lifted a clean white toga over his head. “I

don’t want you there with her.”

“I have to be with my boys,” he said. “They’re taking them from me after the contest.”

I hung my head. “I’m sorry. You’re really attached to them, aren’t you?”

“They’re like my own,” he said.

He looked different in the toga. It’s the first time I’d seen him dressed since he came to

train, and ironically, it was one of the first times I’d been close enough to touch him. “You

promised me one night, remember?”

“I’m sorry,” he said softly, touching my cheek. He shook his head. “It’s not going to

happen. Marius came by today and told me I should spend some time with my wife. She’s

with child, and extremely nervous about the contest.”

I tried not to feel resentful but I did. “You don’t love her. You love me.”

“True,” he said, “but I do have a responsibility to the child she carries. It belongs to me.

My love,” he said, bending and kissing my mouth, “I want to talk to her, tell her that if I

survive this, I intend to be with you.”

“Don’t,” I clutched his arm, “there are already too many people that want you to lose

this. Don’t make her one of them.”

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D.J. Manly

“I have to be honest with her. I can’t keep living like this. And I want to tell her that I

don’t want Garner and Petorio to attend the contest tomorrow. They shouldn’t have to watch

their father die.”

“Die. No. I saw you training. You won’t die. You can defeat him. I have to believe that

or I’ll lose my mind.”

“Let’s hope you’re right,” he said.

He left me standing there without so much as a kiss goodbye. I was cursing his name

when Julian found me outside a little while later. I was staring over at the house, imagining

him there with that woman when he should have been with me.

Julian watched me for a while, then said, “He’s tense. He has a lot on his mind.”

“He promised we’d be alone. He promised…why is he with her?” I turned to look at

Julian who opened his arms to me.

I went into them, my anger coming out in sobs. “I can’t watch him die tomorrow.”

“You won’t watch him die. We won’t be there.”

I lifted my head, almost forgetting that we were never allowed to watch the fights. “If

something happens to him…I…”

“You’ve been through this before.”

“Yes, and you killed him…or I thought you had.” I looked up at him.

He nodded and rubbed my back. “It will be all right, Samson.”

“Can you promise?”

He shook his head. “No. I can’t.”

* * * *

Saying Goodbye

“I want to be there, father,” Petorio said, while Garner just clung to me for dear life.

They’d gradually come to call me Father instead of Uncle, and it touched me far more

than they realised.

“We don’t want to go away, Father,” Garner whimpered. “It’s terrible at those schools.

I’m afraid.”

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D.J. Manly

“No,” I said, “listen to me, even if you are afraid, never say so. Swallow it and be my

brave big boy. Can you do that for your father?”

Lacia stood by watching me carefully. Finally she told the servants to take the boys to

bed. “I think they should be there tomorrow,” she said as soon as they’d disappeared with

the servant.

“No,” I said.

“If I have to watch you die, then I need support.”

“Support? You are the adult. You are not going to depend on my sons for that. They are

not going, and that’s it. And how little faith you have in me that you think I will be the one to

die, not him. Perhaps you will it.”

“Don’t be insane. Maybe you will win, but it is inhumane of you to put me through this

in my condition. I know why you did it,” she accused. “You did it to save your lover.” Her

mouth twisted. “You would leave your unborn child without a father to save your lover’s

hide.”

“It was my decision,” I muttered.

“Yes, and if you survive this, don’t think you will ever leave me. I won’t allow it.

Marius will make sure you are held accountable for your crimes. You will be once again a

slave, a valuable one, given that you are the best gladiator that has ever graced the arena.”

I swallowed. The words I had put together in my mind to tell her that I was leaving

with Samson after this contest died in my throat.

She was looking at me with a look of victory on her face.

I decided there was nothing left to say on the matter.

* * * *

One Among the Crowd

When the two soldiers came walking across the courtyard, we knew something was at

hand. I couldn’t have been any more surprised when they both stopped abruptly in front of

where I was sparring with Phillip.

We put down our wooden practice weapons and looked at them expectantly.

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D.J. Manly

One of them reached out for me. “Come with us,” he said.

“What’s he done?” Phillip demanded loudly as the soldier practically dragged me

across the field in the direction of the road. There a caged cart was waiting for me, a soldier

ready to drive the horses which pawed the dirt in the front.

“Get inside.” The other soldier shoved me in and locked the door behind me. Soon I

was hanging on for dear life as we went rumbling over the roads.

I was alone, which was unusual in itself, and filled with fear. Had I been sold? Was I

being taken to auction? Was the contest already over? Was my love…no… I wasn’t going to

even imagine that. And as I got closer, I saw the crowds moving slowly in the direction of the

huge arena, and I knew then the contest hadn’t yet begun.

Had Nicolaus changed his mind? Had he decided to put me in the arena after all? Had

the royal family gone over his head and…it didn’t matter. I wasn’t about to know until we

arrived at our destination, which I suspected was the arena.

Suddenly, the cart jerked to a halt, tossing me across the floor of it and onto my back.

The door wrenched open and two soldiers got in and practically carried me out. I was taken

under the area, though the passage towards the entrance to the ring, but just before we got to

door, I was hustled through another passage and led up into the stands.

I shielded my eyes from the blaring sun and stumbled down the steps past the

dignitaries, and several royal family members, who were being waved at by slaves with huge

fans, and then pushed onto my knees in front of Nicolaus’ wife.

“Samson,” she said, “welcome.” Beside her sat two small boys. The younger one was

playing quietly with a make shift soldier, the other just looked terrified as he scanned the

bloodthirsty fans.

I could hear the crowd stirring around me. I wanted to ask Lacia why she’d had me

brought here but I knew it wasn’t my turn to speak.

“Rise,” she barked.

I got to my feet.

“I thought you would enjoy watching the contest. I know it’s usually not allowed but

given the fact that you have a special relationship with Nicolaus…” She trailed off, laughing.

“You should at least be here to watch him die.”

One of the children started to cry, the other held onto him tightly, covering his eyes.

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D.J. Manly

“Oh please children,” she clicked her tongue, “stop being such babies. Your father has

made you into little girls. You’ll never be soldiers. Death is death.”

This didn’t appease them. The older one clipped, “Father is not going to die today!” I

wanted to reach out to comfort them but of course I couldn’t do that.

Lacia looked at the two soldiers who stood behind me. “Take this slave back there and

stand him in a place where he has a good view.”

Again the soldiers grabbed me and jerked me around so that I was forced to climb the

stairs practically on my knees.

The one called Marius, who would be announcing the contest, gave me a curious look

then ignored me as he prepared to address the crowd.

I was placed a few feet behind Lacia and the Royals, direct centre of the arena. I didn’t

know what I would do if Gold was killed in that ring today. I knew Lacia hadn’t brought me

here out of benevolence, which meant she had to believe that Nico would die here today.

That made me extremely fearful. Either she had something to do with ensuring the outcome,

or she really didn’t know her husband at all. I prayed to Zeus it was the latter.

The stands were full. The drums began to beat, coming from one hundred or more

black slaves standing to the side. And as Marius stood to announce the contest and the

drums fell silent, the people got to their feet as well. “Citizens of Sparta, dignitaries,” he

called out, “members of the royal family, we have the event you have all been waiting for.

The greatest gladiator that has ever touched the sacred ground of the arena, the undefeated

former slave, who has now risen to the ranks of a free man, the champion of the

gladiators….our own Spartan son come home again, Go..ooold!”

I held my breath as Nico entered. He looked larger than life. He wore a breast plate, a

helmet, his sword held high over his head. The crowd went wild, the noise deafening.

Women bared their breasts and threw roses into the ring. Men raised their fists, their teeth

clenched.

“His opponent today,” Marius cried out twice before the crowd quieted enough to hear

his words.

Gold stood still in the middle of the ring, the referee in attendance, along with Charon’s

helpers who would remove the dead in preparation for his ferry ride across the water.

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D.J. Manly

“To fight our glorious, undefeated son, a fight to the death…please welcome the equally

undefeated, the ruthless, savage, bloodthirsty beast of the gladiators, hungry for yet another

beating heart to be torn from his opponent’s chest…here he is, Pladmus!”

The crowd booed loudly as the big beast strode out to meet Gold, faceless behind his

helmet, sword held straight out in front of him.

My heart almost stood still.

The referee ran from the centre as the two gladiators turned to face each other. No

longer lanista and slave, now simply two men who would fight until one of them fell.

The swords clashed like thunder. There was no hesitation. Nicolaus had him on the

defensive. He advanced on him like a cyclone, sword slicing through the air in every

direction.

Plad stumbled a little, trying to watch his step as Nico continued to attack, suddenly

shifting his angle and bringing his sword down hard on Plad’s thigh.

The crowd went wild at the first sight of blood. But Plad seemed relatively unaffected

by the wound. He swung the sword over his head and bent at the same time to pick up a

chain from the dirt. He whirled the chain in the air, attacking with the sword, and the chain

caught Nico around the waist as he blocked Plad’s sword.

I gasped and cried out.

Nico whirled out of the chain’s hold and for a moment they pulled the chain back and

forth between them. Suddenly Nico just let go of the chain and Plad fell on his knee. Nico

swung the chain and hit Plad in the head with it. He came around back and for a moment, I

was sure he had him. At that moment, he could have taken Plad’s head but then the crowd

cried out. And I craned my neck to see what the commotion was about but my view was

blocked.

Nico looked around him and then he looked again. Suddenly, he started to run across

the arena.

The gate had been opened to admit an angry tiger, and he was on the hunt. He bounded

and leapt after Nico, finally sinking his teeth into his lower leg.

Nico struggled, trying to get away, but he was on his belly, blood covering his leg. He

slammed his sword down on the tiger’s head, finally getting it to release him.

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D.J. Manly

Plad was advancing on Nico. His leg was also bleeding profusely from where Nico had

wounded him.

Nico was having a hard time getting up. He dragged himself a bit, taking off his helmet

and throwing it at the animal when it got too close.

God, no, no. It couldn’t end this way. The blood coming from Nico’s leg was inciting the

big cat even more. And it was circling him, just waiting for its chance.

Plad came at Nicolaus from the side, avoiding the bloodthirsty beast. He hesitated,

probably thinking the cat would do his job for him.

I lowered my head. I could no longer watch.

“I’ll make it fast, Gold,” Pladmus told me as he approached.

I laughed at him, one eye on the tiger who was salivating. “Do you really think I’ll

make it that easy for you?”

“It’s over. You’re in the dirt, Gold. Should have let your boy…the one you like to

bugger so much, fight in your place. I guess now his sweet little ass will be mine. He’ll be

lonely.”

I let out a cry of anger. “You touch him, and I’ll come back from the afterlife to get you,

cretin.”

Pladmus swung his sword. I rolled out of the way. I kicked him with my good leg, hard

enough to knock him backwards. My other leg was practically useless. I had one chance to

survive, to switch the focus of that cat off of me, and onto to him. To do that, I’d have to put

the tiger onto the scent of Plad’s blood.

“Master,” he mocked as he advanced again.

The crowd was roaring something. I knew I had the crowd which meant if it came to a

vote, they’d save me, maybe, unless Marius really did want to get rid of me and he vetoed

them.

One eye was on the tiger as it slowly approached. I quickly ripped off a piece of the

material that covered my groin and then reached out to the chain whose end was just within

reach of my fingers. I caught the end, half sat up and swung it upwards just in time to hurl it

up and around Plad’s waist, pulling him towards me.

He struggled but I pulled hard.

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D.J. Manly

When he was close enough, I pushed my sword with all my strength into the wound in

Plad’s thigh and yanked it back out, trailing the blood in the sand.

He let out a yell, and for the second that he was blinded by pain, I wiped the blood on

the material I’d ripped from my loin cloth and tossed it to the beast.

The tiger growled, picked the cloth up in his mouth and shook it as if it was its prey. Its

head went up in the air, smelling and then its yellow eyes settled on Pladmus.

He yelled and tried to run, but with his wounded leg, it was impossible. Within

minutes, the tiger took him down in the dirt, mauling him with its giant claws and clamping

down on his leg with its teeth, pulling the flesh from his bone.

I clenched my teeth and got to my feet, putting the weight on my good leg. I dragged

the other leg behind me and came down on the tiger. One blow through the back of its head

with my sword and it rolled off Plad and lay dead beside him.

I pulled Pladmus up by the hair. He was almost unconscious.

The crowd was crying, “Kill him, kill him, kill him…”

I shouted out something that sounded like a victory cry, pulled off Pladmus’ helmet

with the other hand and then looked up in the stands.

My mouth fell open as I did, my eyes widening in horror. There were my two boys,

standing there beside their mother, cheering me on, adding their voices to the blood-crazed

crowd. I released Plad, letting him fall back to the ground, unconscious.

I was so angry. Lacia had promised me the boys wouldn’t be there to see me covered in

blood, slaying, or being slain. I growled out my anger even as the referee came and held up

my hand in victory. As I was paraded around the ring, Plad was carried away.

Marius looked down at me as he announced that I was the winner. I glared up at him

then at my wife, who suddenly looked fearful.

I knew as I marched around the ring with the sound of my name echoing in my ears, I

was never supposed to leave there alive.

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D.J. Manly

Chapter Nine

Conspiracies

When I opened my eyes, Spontoes was staring down at me. I was in my bed back at the

house. Several servants scurried around me.

“How do you feel?” Spontoes asked me.

“Fine. I’m a little tired.”

“You were lucky.”

“Pladmus?”

“Not so lucky.”

“Dead?”

“Yes.”

“It wasn’t the way it was supposed to be, was it doctor?”

He narrowed his eyes. “What do you mean?”

“It wasn’t a coincidence that just as I was about to kill Pladmus, the tiger walked into

the arena.”

“It was merely to excite the crowd,” he waved it away. “You survived. You won. I’ll

come back to see you later.”

I must have fallen asleep for a little while because it was dark when I woke up again.

Lacia was sitting beside me in a chair, doing needle work.

“Nicolaus,” she said when she noticed that I was awake. “I’m so happy to see you open

your eyes.”

“Really?”

“Yes, really,” she smiled. “You are a hero.”

“Lucky for me.”

“What do you mean, husband?”

“It’s not so easy to get rid of a hero.”

“We’d never want to…”

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D.J. Manly

“We?”

“The people of course.”

“Of course,” I smiled. “You defied me.”

“What?” She put a hand to her breast.

“You defied me because you thought I wouldn’t come out of there alive.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Oh yes, you do,” I grunted, sitting up. “You knew that they planned to kill me. They

thought I was out of shape, and not as good as I once was. They all believed that Plad could

best me, and when I was about to kill him, they had a backup plan.”

“I didn’t know about that animal. It was a surprise.”

“To you and me both, darling,” he looked at her. “You know since I’ve been lying here,

I’ve been trying to figure it all out, and you know, I think I have.”

“What have you figured out?”

“They’ve already picked your next husband, this time it’s someone they can

manipulate, to get to do exactly as they want. But I’m not down yet,” he grunted again as he

lifted his leg to the side of the bed. “Get the doctor to get me something to help me walk.”

When she didn’t move, he fixed her with his eyes. “Now!”

She quickly left the room.

* * * *

Prisoners

“Are you going to eat that?” Phillip asked me after a long day of training.

I pushed the bowl of soup towards him.

Julian glanced at me. “You haven’t eaten much since the contest. That was four days

ago. You need to eat, Samson.”

“What’s worrying you, brother?” Phillip asked me, as he scooped the soup into his

mouth.

What was worrying me? Nicolaus had emerged the victor but he’d had a close brush

with death. The way that tiger was let into the ring, just at the moment Nico would have

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D.J. Manly

taken Plad’s head, made it pretty clear that Nicolaus hadn’t been meant to win. If they tried

to kill him once, and failed, they’d try again.

When I expressed my fears to Julian later that evening, Julian didn’t really take them

too seriously. “I think the tiger was there just for the crowd.”

“Why did Lacia have me brought there, Julian? She said that I should have the chance

to watch him die. That’s what she said.”

“It was a figure of speech. Why would they kill Nicolaus? Why would she be involved

when she seems so possessive of him?”

“She’s got what she wanted from him, his child growing inside of her? She can’t have

his heart. Maybe she knows that now and she…”

Julian put his arms around me and held me close to him. “I think you are worrying for

nothing.”

I found it patronising. When Julian tried to kiss me, I moved away. “No.”

“What? Are you saving it for Nico now?”

“Yes.”

“Fine,” Julian replied, his voice angry. “The nights are going to be pretty long from now

on, Samson.”

I sighed and let him walk away. So be it. Left alone with my fears, I suddenly felt as if

the walls were closing in. All I wanted was to be with Nicolaus, to leave this place where

treachery reigned. Suddenly, I was so afraid to lose him, more so than he was in that arena. I

knew now that there were others far more deadly than that tiger.

* * * *

Ample Warnings

Marius regarded my makeshift crutch and nodded. “Very practical. Does it hurt?”

I shrugged. “You know us gladiators and pain. We’re taught not to feel it. What can I do

for you, Marius? I’m surprised to see you actually.”

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D.J. Manly

“Really? Why is that?” he asked, waving away refreshments offered to him by one of

the household slaves as he went to sit opposite me on one of the couches. “Are we not

friends, Nicolaus?”

“I don’t know, Marius. Are we friends?” I eyed him.

“Nicolaus!” he shook his head, laughing. “I am greatly offended by that remark.”

“My apologies.”

He narrowed his eyes and ran a hand through his grey hair. “I can see your child

growing inside of Lacia. It will be a boy.”

“We shall see.”

“You doubt me?”

I knew his question was multi-layered. I merely laughed.

“It was a great contest. The Royals were pleased.”

“Is that so?”

“From what I hear, yes. I hope you didn’t mind the little diversion. It was for

entertainment purposes. In honour of your comeback.”

“I’m not sure I would call it a little diversion, Marius.”

“From India, you know.”

“Yes, and very hungry.”

“Natural hunters, they are.”

Our gazes locked. Marius crossed his legs. “What will you do about Samson now?”

“Do? Why should I do anything?”

“He is a liability.” He leant forward.

“A liability to whom?”

“To everyone. You haven’t put him in the ring, and I know for a fact that you have no

intention of doing so. You’d think you’d have learned your lesson.”

“Ah, so this was my lesson?” I laid a hand on my leg for emphasis.

“You know what I mean.”

“Yes, I do know.”

“It was unfortunate,” he looked at his nails. “But you still won.”

“What will it take to appease the Royals, Marius? They wanted my seed in the belly of

one of their own, although I’m not sure why. I am still a slave in their eyes.”

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D.J. Manly

“Oh, you are far more than that, Gold.”

I clenched my jaw. “They want me dead, or at least you do. I am of little value to them

now.”

“You are a champion. Your value lies in that.”

“And so to save myself, I must return to the arena?”

“It would bring glory to this land.”

I shook my head. “I won’t do it.”

“You are a champion, Gold,” he announced. “And your son shall be as well.”

“No.” I stood, forgetting my injury. The pain shot through my leg. I gritted my teeth.

“My son will never be a gladiator.”

“It is out of your hands,” he told me.

“Then you better assassinate me outright.”

“No need. You will be in the arena again. You will bring glory, or you will die there. I’ll

see to it personally.”

“You can throw anything you like into that arena with me and I will walk, or I will

crawl out of it at the end. And you will not have my son.”

“You forget,” he stood now, pointing at me, “I know you broke the law. I have the

proof. Don’t get arrogant with me, Nicolaus, because I will break you. To me, you will

always be Gold, a no good slave who murdered his own father, dirt beneath my feet, and not

fit to grace your brother’s household.”

The truth was finally out. “I know what you really want, Marius. You want to take my

place, gain all the power that my wife holds by her connection to the Royals.”

He looked shocked.

“Your ambitions are so apparent. Give me what I ask, and I will leave here, and you

may have it all.”

“Even your son?”

I swallowed hard. It would have been so much easier if Lacia wasn’t carrying my child.

I loved my brother’s boys as my own, but to actually have a son, spawned from my loins was

a dream I would never have envisioned or even dared desire before. But now that it was

possible, it wasn’t that easy just to push aside.

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D.J. Manly

Marius came closer, lowered her voice. “Leave her, take your whore boy with you, and

I will give you a good portion of gold to make your way easier. I will have you declared

dead, arrange for a body to take your place in a few months, and you will be free to fornicate

at your will. No one will ever know the difference. I will claim the child as my own.”

“And it’s what Lacia wants?”

“When did you ever care about what she wants?” he sneered. “And no, she isn’t

involved in this. She is a mere woman and the damn fool girl actually does love you. How

she can, I’ll never know when you disgrace her with that common criminal.”

“A mere woman? Ha, you don’t know her. She knew you set me up to die in that arena.

She brought the boys and…”

He shook his head as I trailed off. “She was told beforehand that the odds were against

your survival, to prepare her. That’s why she brought the boys. She thought they should be

there at your death. Don’t blame her. She would have never allowed it. As I said, the damn

fool is in love with you.”

I sighed.

“Think about what I propose. Stay and fight me, and I guarantee I’ll find a way to finish

you, in or out of the ring. You have too many enemies, Nicolaus. Many people don’t believe

you should be where you are, elevated from a slave to a lanista. They want to take you

down.”

“They can go to Hades, you along with them.”

“Consider what I say. I’m giving you a chance.”

“You’re giving yourself a chance. You’re in a win win situation, aren’t you, Marius? I

wonder, however, how Lacia will feel married to an old man.”

“She’ll have no choice but to spread her thighs when I tell her to.”

“I would take Julian and Phillip with me as well if I agree.”

“Absolutely not. It would arouse too much suspicion. Your death can be faked, and I

can find some way to explain away Samson, but not the other two.”

“I will not compromise on that.”

“Gold, don’t act as if you have the upper hand here. Remember, this is a kindness I am

extending you.”

Nicolaus laughed harshly.

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D.J. Manly

“I will take my leave. Think it over. I wish you a fast recovery, Nicolaus,” he raised a

hand and walked in the direction of the door. “Thank you for your hospitality.”

“Go to Hades,” I muttered under my breath, “You Zeus’s cock bastard.”

* * * *

Heart Beats Anew

“You will wait here,” the soldier said curtly as he led me to the stables and stood

stoically at the door.

Nicolaus. My heart leaped with joy when I saw him walk through the door, dressed in a

calf length white toga, his hair damp from a bath. It had been over two weeks since I’d seen

him. He was limping some on the injured leg but walking without aid.

He turned and waved the soldier away. He left and closed the door behind him.

I ran to him, went into his arms and for a moment, he held me without words. Then he

released me and walked over to one of the horses. He stroked it absently. I could see the

jagged red scar on his calf where the tiger had sunk its teeth into him.

“You must leave here,” he said suddenly. His words sent a rippling of fear through me.

“What?”

“You must go—you, Julian, and Phillip—all three of you. I have made arrangements.”

“Go? I’m not going anywhere without you!”

He turned around. It was the first time I’d seen my Gold look truly out of sorts.

“Samson, don’t fight me on this.”

“I’m not leaving without you. You’ll come with us.”

He shook his head. “I can’t, not now.”

“What is keeping you here?”

“My child. Lacia is carrying my child. If it’s a boy, they plan to prime him for the arena.

I can’t allow that. I can’t let Marius raise my son. He will mistreat him.”

I didn’t know what to say. This was overwhelming. I sunk against the wall of the barn.

“Samson,” he took me by the shoulders. “I love you, more than I ever thought I was

capable. I’ve learned that you can’t escape your past. I am still a slave to them, only valuable

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D.J. Manly

because of the legend of Gold, only of value to them in the arena. If I refuse to fight and die

as I was intended, they will find a way to kill me. Marius wants power. He wants to take my

place.”

“Then we kill him.”

“It won’t make any difference. The Royals don’t approve of my marriage to Lacia. They

only used me to get her with child. Now that she is, I am no longer of use.”

“What if it’s a girl?”

“Then the process will begin again. Don’t you see, there is no way out of this for me?

Marius knows too much. He’s willing to let me leave but only if I abandon my child to him.”

“But if it’s a girl, you can go freely and…”

He shook his head. “I cannot, even a girl child. Listen to me Samson. I cannot leave any

child of mine with that bastard. She would have a hellish life, and so would Lacia.”

“And Lacia is now of concern?”

“She is…” he took a breath, “she is my brother’s widow, my wife, Samson. I cannot

leave her at the mercy of Marius.”

“Then we take her with us.”

Nicolaus took a step back. “We cannot. She cannot travel in this condition. Where

would we go? We are being watched all the time.”

“We have to try,” I clutched him to me. “I cannot go on without you. I will not leave

you.”

Nicolaus held me close to him. I could feel his body trembling as he kissed me. “I want

you so much,” he moaned.

I let my hand move down between his thighs, and clutched his cock in my hand.

“Mmm, me too. Take me. Take me here. Remind me that I’m yours. Make me feel it.”

Nicolaus grabbed my waist and turned me around, slamming me against the barn wall.

He lifted my short toga skirt and grabbed my ass cheeks hard. He massaged them for a

minute, his lips sucking at the flesh of my neck.

Coating his fingers with his own pre-come, he lubricated my emptiness with his slick

fingers, coaxing moans out from deep in my chest. When his cock came into me, I gasped

then cried out his name as he pumped my hips, making me completely his slut once again. “I

love you, Nicolaus,” I cried out. “I love you…yeah…oh yesssssssssss.”

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D.J. Manly

His sweat-drenched body eventually relaxed against me and he slowly stroked my

dwindling cock until it was once again hard and ready.

He went into me again, this time putting me on the floor of the hay-scattered surface

and riding me so hard, my teeth rattled. The pleasure was almost unbearable and I wanted to

hang onto the feeling for as long as I could. I wanted to remember.

I was on my stomach when it was over and he’d left me to go and check outside the

door for interlopers. When he was satisfied there were none, he came back and pulled me to

my feet. He held me for a long time then simply kissed my hair.

When he called for the soldier, he didn’t look back at me. He didn’t say goodbye. I

didn’t know what his decision was. I didn’t know what would happen to us. And when I

returned to the gladiator quarters, I was filled with uncertainty. Don’t make me leave here

without you, my love. Please. I’d rather be dead.

* * * *

Awaiting New Life

I avoided getting into any deep discussions with Marius. In fact, I avoided being alone

with him. I became the dutiful husband and father, making sure that Lacia got everything

she needed as the pregnancy went on.

I was exhausted, unhappy, and extremely horny. I didn’t go to the ludi. I did

everything I could not to arouse suspicion. As long as I was being the perfect husband and

prospective father, there was no excuse for anyone to make a move.

I knew it was infuriating Marius. And that gave me some pleasure.

There was four months to go, according to the doctor, before the baby came, and I

planned to see it through to the end. Soon after, I would make my move.

One night, exhausted after catering to Lacia, who I finally got to go to sleep, I went to

soak in the bath. I closed my eyes for some time, and when I opened them, I noticed that

Pleasure was in the room.

“Do you need something, master?” he asked.

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D.J. Manly

He was standing there completely naked, his sex hard, encircled with a gold band at the

base. His body was oiled and shiny, his nipples tightly clamped with some red jewels, a gold

chain hanging between them, the end connected to a ring in his cock band.

He was beautiful, his body adorned to tantalise, seduce. “Why are you adorned so?” I

asked. My cock hardened under the water.

“The mistress asked for me to display myself to her like this earlier. She will host a

party tomorrow night and wants me available for sexual favours. Does it please you?”

I growled in my throat. “Oh yeah.”

He smiled.

“Come closer.”

He walked over to where I sat in the bath. I reached up and caressed his testicles. “Turn

around.” I suddenly noticed something protruding from his backside.

As he turned around to the back, I laughed. There was a large phallic shape in his ass,

with the hair of a horse protruding from it. I caressed his ass for a moment then reached up

and playfully moved the handle of the object back and forth then pushed it deeper.

He moaned.

I did it again just to hear that sound then crawled out of the bath. “Lean over the sofa,

legs spread,” I told him.

He did as I asked him. What a sight he was. I reached under and handled his balls and

then grabbed that handle. I began to move it in and out of him while he muffled his cries in

the material of the sofa. I moved it gently at first then a little faster. He loved every second,

and I was very turned on. “Don’t come,” I warned him. “Turn around.” I left it in his ass. He

turned, his back now over the sofa, head hanging down. I raked my eyes over his clamped

nipples and his bound cock. I fingered the chain while he whimpered.

I smiled and pulled, his nipples stretched, his cock bobbed. I pulled it again, harder.

“Oh yes,” he groaned. “Yes.”

I walked around to the other side of the sofa. “Open your mouth wide, slut.”

He eagerly obeyed and I moved my swollen cock over his open mouth, come dripping

onto his lips. I lowered my cock head into his mouth and he sucked on it, moaning with

pleasure.

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I slapped his cock a few times. His chest heaved. He took me deeper. I bent over and

grabbed the chain with my teeth at his navel and pulled again. He sucked harder, his cock

twitching.

My knees weakened as his efforts intensified. He was sucking me dry. I came hard and

he swallowed. I slapped his cock again and unhooked the band, and he came like a water

fountain, endless realms of it.

I pulled out of his mouth, still hard enough to take his ass and I rolled him over and

pulled out the object. He shuddered and I went into him hard and fast, coming within

minutes.

He rolled over again, lay on the floor, and rubbed his clamped nipples. I leaned over,

took off the clamps and suckled each one until he sighed blissfully.

We sat there together in the still of the night, shoulder to shoulder, and he smiled at me.

“That was good.”

“Mmm,” I licked my lips and then kissed his open mouth, hotly, “more than good.”

He played with his own nipples for a moment, and his cock hardened.

“It doesn’t take much,” I grinned.

“Not around you. I saw you in the arena with that tiger. Does it hurt?” He traced the

scar of my leg.

“Not anymore.”

“You are so strong. You’re unbeatable. And no man has ever fucked me the way you

do. Samson is lucky.”

“Shush,” I said. “Don’t speak of Samson.”

“Why don’t you visit him, fuck him? He misses you.”

“How do you know that?”

“We talk, us slaves.”

“I can’t see him now,” I said.

“Because of the baby.”

I nodded.

“If he looks like you, he will be beautiful.”

I smiled at him. “Would you like to be free?”

“Free? What is that?”

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“Without master.”

“And what would I do, a coloured man in a white land?”

I hugged him to me.

“I would only be enslaved again by another. I’d rather be yours.” He met my eyes then

looked down at his own cock. “Take me again.”

“I can’t,” I said. “I’m tired. I have to sleep. Another time, I promise.” I stood. “Sleep

now.”

I walked slowly down the corridor to the bed of my wife. I missed Samson so much. Be

patient, my love.

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Chapter Ten

Mix of Joy and Pain

Julian cupped my balls in his hand and kissed my mouth hotly. I moaned against

Phillip’s chest as he came up behind me and pressed his erection against my bare ass.

I moved my hands above my head to allow them to get even closer, to slide their naked

bodies against mine, their hands, their mouths giving me pleasure, making me forget.

I didn’t want to think but even as Phillip filled me with his eager cock and Julian used

his mouth to harden my cock even more, my thoughts strayed to him. I was having a hard

time even saying his name now. He hadn’t been to see me in months. He’d left me agonising

over his fate, over our fate together.

And today Devlon had told me I would be the featured gladiator in a series of contests

to honour the birth of Nicolaus’ son.

They were all so sure that Lacia would bear Nicolaus a son. There didn’t seem to be any

question anymore. And for the sake of this son, he had abandoned me.

I didn’t know what it felt like to have a tiny person materialise from my loins, but I was

told some men would kill to protect their own offspring. Perhaps I couldn’t identify. But talk

of how Nicolaus had become the perfect husband over the last little while was stuck in my

throat. I missed him, and I had to admit that missing him had led to misbehaviour with

Julian, Phillip, and even others.

Now, I stopped thinking. Phillip was inside of me, I felt Julian’s lips encircle my cock,

and nothing else mattered but this.

* * * *

Life Gives Death

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I paced furiously as the blood-curdling screams echoed down the corridor and servants

ran frantically back and forth. Twice I rushed to the place where Lacia lay and was gently but

firmly told, “Men have no business here.”

Santoes had told me nothing except that Lacia was having difficulty delivering the

baby. “It’s large,” Santoes informed me, “and turned.”

“Do something,” I urged.

“I’m doing all I can,” he assured me and went back to Lacia’s side.

She had been in labour for hours and the screams coming from her shook me to the

core. Over the last few months, our relationship had changed. For the first time, we were

beginning to be honest with one another, really communicating. One night, about a week ago

when she was feeling particularly poorly, I sat with her all night. I told her what I’d been

carrying around inside me for months. “Marius wants to take my place. He wants access to

the power you hold by your ties to the Royals, and he said he’d raise my son as his own.”

She met my eyes. “He bides his time then.”

“You believe me.”

“Of course I do. Did he offer you a deal?”

“Yes. He offered to let me and Samson leave here. He said he’d fake my death.”

“You’d be free,” she said. “Why didn’t you take him up on it?” She moved a little

uncomfortably on the couch and I arranged her pillow for her.

“I wouldn’t leave you at his mercy. And my child. He wants to make him into a

gladiator.”

She reached up and touched my cheek. “My poor darling. You hate yourself that

much.”

“I don’t hate myself,” I protested. “I don’t want this for my son, the senselessness of it,

the death, and the pain. They only wants to use him for their own gain, use you. I could

never let anyone do that.”

Tears flowed down her cheeks. “I love you, Nicolaus. I love you more than I ever loved

your brother. I know you never loved me.”

I went to say something but she placed cool fingers on my lips. “Listen to me,” she

urged. “I want you to be happy, my love. And since you’ve devoted yourself to me, you’ve

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neglected your own happiness. He is what makes you happy, your Samson, and you’ve been

without him, depriving yourself of his touch.”

I lowered my head. “I’m sorry.”

She took his hand. “You’ve nothing to regret, Nico. You did the honourable thing. You

married me and took on my boys like your own. They love you so much.”

“I love them.”

“I know.” Her eyes were closing.

“Sleep now.” I stroked her hair. “I will never let him hurt you or our child.”

She fell asleep, and I felt so close to her at that moment.

Now, I could only wait, and pray to the gods that she survived, that my child survived.

When I heard the sound of the baby crying, I almost cried in unison. I raced again to the

room, only to be headed off by the doctor.

“The baby…Lacia…how…”

Santoes clamped a hand on my shoulder. “You have a beautiful baby boy.”

“Lacia?”

He shook his head. “She’s lost a lot of blood. She’s very weak. I don’t think I can save

her.”

I pushed past him. Servants were wiping the floor. The sheet was drenched in red. I

looked around and saw an old woman take the baby in her arms, rock it. I fixed her with my

stare. “Don’t go anywhere with that child.”

She looked fearful.

“Nicolaus, she is going to clean him up, that’s all,” the doctor assured me.

My attention went to Lacia. I sat beside her and took her hand. She smiled at me. “He’s

beautiful. He looks just like you,” she whispered. “Call him Nicolaus Gold, please?”

I nodded. “Don’t speak. You need to rest.”

She motioned to me to come closer. I bent my head. “Nico,” she said softly, “you’re in

danger. Leave here…take the baby…and Samson…find the baby…they will….take…”

“Lacia?” I groaned. Her body had gone limp. I stood, looked at Santoes. “Where did

that old woman go with my son?”

“Now Nicolaus, don’t get excited. It will be fine.”

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I ran from the room. At the end of the corridor was Marius. He smiled at me.

“Congratulations,” he called out, “you’re a father.”

I looked from side to side. There were soldiers everywhere.

Marius came closer. “The Royals are planning a huge celebration. They will wait until

Lacia is stronger and…”

“Lacia is dead,” I said, meeting his gaze. “And so are your chances for favour.”

“You bastard,” he sneered.

My mouth hardened. “Where is my son?”

“I swear I don’t know. I came only to see if the baby had been born yet.”

I ran frantically around the house, looking for that old woman. “Search everywhere,” I

shouted to the soldiers “Find my son!”

Suddenly I noticed that the soldiers looked at Marius, who nodded to them, and they

went scrambling off in different directions.

“So,” I said, hands on my hips, “already you’ve taken control, have you? They wait for

your approval before they act.”

“There is someone in the picture now more important than you. He will rise to rule this

house as the true master. A free man.”

“And it is through my son you will gain your favour?”

“I gave you your chance to escape. You chose not to take it. There is no more I can do

for you. Guards,” he shouted, “take Gold,” he sneered, “to the gladiators’ quarters where he

belongs, put him in irons, and lock him up. A magistrate will come to see you in a few days.

If you’re found guilty,” he said as two guards seized him, “you will have a choice—death, or

return to the arena.” He turned his back. “Take him away.”

I fought off the first two. Three others took hold of me and practically lifted me off the

floor. A sword was poised at my throat. I screamed and swore all the way through the house

while the servants cowered in terror, unsure now of their own fate. Pleasure was openly

sobbing.

“Where’s my son, you bastard?” I screamed. “Give me my son! I want my son!”

I had gone limp by the time they dragged me into the gladiator quarters. They strapped

the irons on my wrists and ankles and I forced them to drag my dead weight past the cells. I

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checked each one as I went by looking for Samson. Finally I saw him, and when I did, I went

mad.

Through the open door, I saw Samson on the floor of the cell, on his knees. Julian and

Phillip were with him, and they were using him as their whore. It took two more guards to

throw me into the cell even with the irons. I think I took out one guard’s front teeth before

they managed to put on the shackles. I saw actual fear on their faces when they locked me

inside. “Samson!” I screamed out, charging into the wall. “I’ll kill you! I’ll kill you.”

I was exhausted and defeated. I sunk to the dirt floor and sobbed out my anger. Lacia

was dead. All I could see was the blood, and the babe she’d sacrificed her life for—my son—

was gone. I hadn’t even seen him. And now, Marius had pulled his trump card, and told the

authorities what I’d done. Everything was lost to me. Everything. Even the man I loved had

callously betrayed me.

* * * *

It Just Couldn’t Be

The three of us froze. Silence. Then we heard it again. Samson…I’ll fucking kill you!

“Nicolaus?” I said aloud.

Julian stood, Phillip at his shoulder. “Impossible,” Julian said, shaking his head. “What

would Nicolaus be doing here, screaming like that?”

“It was his voice,” I said. “I’d know his voice anywhere.” I tucked myself into my

garments and left Phillip and Julian standing there looking baffled.

As I rounded the corner and approached the end of the corridor, I saw four guards

languishing outside of a locked cell. They looked shaken but ready to attack. One was

spitting blood.

They looked up at me. The one closest to the door spoke. “What ‘cha want?”

“Nothing. I…who is in the cell?”

The one with the blood in his mouth sneered. “Your lover boy.”

I was filled with horror. It had finally happened. “No. What? You can’t. He’s the

master.”

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“He’s not the master of anything anymore,” the soldier laughed. “He’s on trial.

Apparently our master is now a little babe, being spoken for by Marius.”

For the love of Zeus. I turned and ran back to where Julian and Phillip still were. I took

them aside and in a lowered voice, I said, “We’ve got to help Nicolaus.”

“What’s happened?” Phillip shook his head.

“They’ve arrested him for bringing us here, for helping Sullis escape. Nico told me that

Marius knew about it. Apparently Sullis talked before they killed him.”

“They caught him,” Julian said. “I thought he’d gotten away.”

“There was nothing to gain by telling you,” I sighed. “I have to see Nico.”

“They won’t let you near him,” Julian said.

“I know a way,” Phillip offered.

We both looked at him.

“Later, only one guard will be there in front of the cell. If we can lure him away, get his

key, you can get in to see him.”

“Yeah, but how?” Julian muttered.

“Leave that to me,” Phillip glanced at me. “You just be ready.”

As the night wore on, I walked the floor. I wanted to see Nicolaus, to explain. He was so

angry, but I knew right now he must feel as if the entire world had turned on him.

There had been a lot of talk among the others when Nico had been brought in tonight.

He was greatly respected and in the eyes of many, he was still their master. Still, some

celebrated his imprisonment.

Phillip came to get me when it was time. He motioned for me to follow him down the

hallway and then told me to stay put, and hide in the shadows.

When Phillip walked towards the guard, the man looked up expectedly, his sword the

ready.

“Relax,” Phillip said, “I’m not here to cause you grief. I was just wondering if you

wanted to share a little drink.”

“Drink?”

Phillip held up a decanter.

Where in hell did he get that from?

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The soldier echoed my thoughts. “Hey, where’d you get that from?”

“Does it matter? I got it. I’ll share it with you.”

“What’s the catch?”

“You make sure I get double rations tomorrow. I’m starving.”

He smirked. “Okay.” He reached out for the bottle.

“Not here.”

“Where?”

“Outside.”

“Can’t leave my post.”

“It won’t take long.” Phillip was close to him. He laughed loudly about something and I

saw the keys fall to the floor.

The joke must have been good because the laughter coming from both of them was

loud.

As soon as they were gone, I scrambled for the keys and unlocked the cell.

Only the moonlight shone through and I could barely make out Nicolaus’ silhouette as

he sat slumped against the wall. As I came in and closed the door, he raised his head.

I ran to him, falling on my knees beside him. I placed my head on his shoulder.

“Nicolaus.”

He made an attempt to push me away. “What are you doing here? How did you…”

“Never mind that.” I looked at him. “What can I do to help you?”

“Nothing. Go back to your lovers.”

“Nicolaus, please, I…”

He shoved me off with his elbow.

I sat beside him but we didn’t touch. “I’ve got to get us out of here.”

“The magistrate is coming tomorrow. I have no defence. I’m already guilty in their

eyes.”

“No.”

“Yes. I played right into his hands. I didn’t even get to see him, Samson.”

I knew instinctively of who he spoke. I came closer again, hugged him. He didn’t push

me away this time. “It’s a boy then?”

“Yes.”

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“I’m sorry.” I understood everything now.

“You have to help me find my son. I don’t care what happens to me, Samson, but my

son has to be safe, kept away from that monster.”

“Who will take care of him?”

“Pleasure. Pleasure will take care of him.”

“Will he help to escape?”

“Yes. I’m sure of it. Maybe he can find Nicolaus.”

“Is that his name?” My eyes sparked with tears. Somehow, I already loved this little

being. It was part of him. How could I not?

“Lacia insisted. If you can talk with Pleasure, get him to find out where the child is…”

“What about Lacia?”

He hung his head. “She’s dead.”

“Shush,” I said suddenly. I heard something. “I’ve got to go. I’ll do what I can. We’re

going to get out of here, my lover, I promise you, me and the child.”

“Julian, Phillip, and Pleasure too.” He looked up at me. I saw the determination in his

eyes. “All of us. Kiss me, Samson.”

I leant down and kissed his mouth, tasting my own tears on his lips. “Oh Gods, I love

you so much,” I told him. “It’s always been you.”

“Go,” he urged me.

I slipped out and locked the door again, leaving the keys in the dirt where I’d found

them. As I rounded the corner, I heard the soldier’s slurring voice say, “Damn, where are

those keys. Marius will skin me alive.”

“Here they are,” Phillip offered.

“Thanks. I owe you triple rations.”

“Good. Tomorrow. Don’t forget.”

Phillip met me a few seconds later. “That was close. I had to fight to keep him outside

once he knew his keys were gone. How is Gold?”

“Discouraged. I’ve got to get into the house tomorrow. I’ve got to see Pleasure.”

“Pleasure? That house slave?”

“Nico says he’ll help us.”

Phillip looked doubtful.

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“Maybe Devlon can get me to the big house.”

“How?”

“I don’t know yet, but I’ll think of something.

* * * *

The Accused

The magistrate didn’t blink an eye when he stared at me. A gaunt, bird-like man with

cold black eyes, he had a habit of muttering to himself like a lunatic. He probably was a

lunatic.

“If you confess,” he pointed at me, “twenty lashes, and a quick death. If you don’t

confess, I will burn you alive.”

Marius stood behind him. He coughed a few times, waving his hand in front of his

smug face. “I hate these cells, so musty. Magistrate, if I may interject here.”

He turned to look at Marius.

“You do know who this is.”

“It is in the record, yes. He is a murderer. He murdered his own flesh and blood.”

“Have you ever been to the arena?”

“Of course.”

“This is Gold.”

The magistrate froze then he peered at me. “This is the Gold?”

“Yes,” Marius said. “He is very valuable to Sparta.”

“Um. Indeed. If he is as good as he once was.”

“Gold,” Marius proclaimed, “if you agree to go back to the arena, returning to your

former self as a slave for the next five years, I will not testify against you. What do you say?”

I met his gaze for the first time. “What have you done with my son?”

The magistrate turned to look at him. “Of what son does he speak?”

“His late wife had a child, she and the babe both died in childbirth. He has lost his…”

“Liar!” I sprang at him, but couldn’t reach him given I’d been shackled to the wall.

The magistrate jumped back in fear.

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“I’m afraid he’s lost his mind,” Marius shook his head. “Tragic, the loss of a son. He is

mad with grief.”

“I’ll fucking kill you,” I screamed at him. “I’ll rip you limb from limb. My son is not

dead. What have you done with him?”

“You see,” Marius shook his head. His voice was shaking but he was making a grand

appearance of being calm. “He is delusional, unable to accept.”

I screamed again, and struggled against my constraints. I only wanted to get my hands

on his throat.

“We cannot do this now,” the magistrate shook his head. “Guards, take the prisoner

into the courtyard, strip him, and give him ten lashes. Leave him out there until he calms

himself.”

No one moved.

“Do it!” he shouted. “Are all of you so afraid of this man?”

Slowly four of the soldiers began to undo my chains. The magistrate, along with

Marius, made haste to leave the cell.

It didn’t matter how much they whipped me. They’d have to kill me because I wouldn’t

stop demanding to know what they had done with my son.

* * * *

Dangerous Favours

Devlon didn’t question why I wanted to go to the house. I knew he respected Nicolaus

and did not approve of what was happening. He agreed to take me along as he was going to

the house to discuss the upcoming contests with Marius.

“You know the child has died,” Marius lowered his head.

I wanted to tell him that he was a liar to his face but I held my tongue, and stood

obediently beside my trainer.

“What is he doing here?” Marius asked suddenly. He glared at me.

“I came to fetch a special helmet and breast plate Nicolaus wanted me to have. I

brought Samson to help me cart it.”

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He nodded absently.

“I’m sorry to hear about the babe,” Devlon continued. “It will be a memorial then?”

“Yes, and for the Royals’ beloved niece, Lacia. She died giving birth to the babe. Both of

them are lost to us, carried across the river. It is a sad occasion.”

“Yes,” Devlon hung his head. “I will make sure only the best are…”

“Actually,” Marius cut him off, “I have some ideas about that.”

“Maybe we should talk alone,” Devlon looked at Samson.

He was giving me the opportunity to bow out, to do what I’d come here for, even

though he didn’t know what that was.

As soon as I was dismissed, I hunted for Pleasure. I found him in the kitchen, pulling

feather from fowl.

“Pleasure,” I said in a low voice. I looked around. We were alone. “We need to talk.”

Pleasure took me outside the kitchen door. “Samson. Where is the master? No one

knows anything. The servants are afraid. Is he all right?”

“Pleasure, listen to me, there’s no time. Nicolaus asked me to speak to you. He wants

you to find the baby? Does it live?” I had to ask. Perhaps it had died after all and Nicolaus

was unable to accept it.

Slowly he nodded. “He lives.”

My eyes widened. “Do you know where he is?”

Pleasure nodded. “With an old woman, in the village. Marius has him hidden away

there.”

“Can you get to the ludi later tonight, after dark?”

“I think so. I have only to offer sexual services to some of them.”

“Good. Come to me later. I have to go now.”

Pleasure squeezed his arm. “Take care of him.”

I nodded and ran to the exit door where I waited for Devlon to join me.

When Devlon emerged from the atrium, he looked perturbed. For a long time, he didn’t

say anything as we walked. Then just before we got to the gladiator quarters, he stopped and

said to me, “Samson, something isn’t quite right here.”

“You don’t agree then with what Marius has done?” I was hopeful.

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“No, I don’t agree. Nicolaus is a good man. I know him. He doesn’t deserve this.” He

kept walking then he stopped and stared into the distance. “Oh no,” he groaned and began

to run.

I began to run at his heels. There was a crowd gathered, irate gladiators who yelled and

raised their fists. As we got to the yard, Julian came over to me and grabbed my arm. He held

me back. “Don’t look, Samson.”

I shoved him away and pushed through the crowd just as a soldier raised the lash and

let it come down on Nicolaus’ naked bloody back.

Julian tried to hold me back again. I tried to get to Nicolaus but then suddenly it

stopped.

The soldier growled at the crowd. “Get back to work, slaves.” He cracked his whip.

“There’s nothing more to see now.”

Devlon walked to the post. He pushed the soldier aside, and untied Nicolaus. He

caught him in his arms as he fell forward.

I came to help Devlon. I brushed my lips against Nicolaus’ ear. “He knows. Pleasure

knows where he is,” I told him. “He’ll help us.”

Three soldiers came and grabbed Nicolaus. They dragged him in the dirt to the

building. I wasn’t sure if he’d heard me or not.

Devlon pulled me to my feet when I slumped to the dirt. I was sobbing. “Don’t let them

see you like this. Stand tall. You can’t help him if they suspect you.”

I got to my feet and wiped my eyes. “Will you help us, Devlon? The baby, it lives.

Pleasure told me. We can find the baby, get out of here. They’re going to kill him.”

“No,” he shook his head.

I thought I’d made a mistake telling him. He stopped, looked at me. “Samson, listen,

they don’t intend to kill him. They want to put him back in the ring,” he paused, met my

eyes, “with you.”

I froze. I couldn’t speak. I shook my head. “No.”

He took hold of me, pulled me forward. “Marius told me. They will make him choose

the arena over death, and they will let the crowd know that he killed his wife and infant

child.”

“He didn’t kill them!” I was outraged.

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“I know that. But the crowd will believe it. The crowd will turn on him. They want you

to kill him.”

“I couldn’t.” I trembled. “I…Devlon, I…”

“I know that, brother,” he said softly. “Everyone knows and that’s why they’ve chosen

you.”

* * * *

Unlikely Angels

The sounds of the soldiers humiliating and using Pleasure caused me to cover my ears.

I couldn’t bear to listen anymore. I think I might have fallen asleep, dreaming of a safe place

where Samson and I could live, my infant son lying peacefully in his cradle by a roaring fire.

Pleasure was there too, Julian and Phillip, and they were smiling. There was no pain, no

blood, no…

I was lying on my stomach and I sat up suddenly. I heard my door rattle. Samson was

there, Pleasure behind him. I got to my feet slowly, the pain in my back felt like tiny daggers

digging into my flesh. Samson slammed into my arms and held me tight. I winced.

Pleasure gasped. He turned me round without asking permission. “Oh great Zeus.

Nicolaus,” he whispered, “it’s bad. Have they given you nothing to soothe it?”

I shook my head. “‘Tis the least of my worries. You know where my son is?”

“Yes,” he said. “I do.”

Pleasure was naked. There was dried blood in various places on his body. Even his

genitals looked wounded. I reached out and touched his cheek. I knew he’d done this for me.

“Will you come with us?”

“Where?” he blinked.

“I don’t know. We have to get out of here. You are our only hope. I’ll take care of you, I

promise. Just find the baby.”

When the door opened, we all froze. I poised, ready to attack, as did Samson.

It was Devlon. He stood there for the longest time, just staring at us. I was sure it was

the end. We’d all be executed.

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Suddenly, he spoke. His words flooded over me like a tidal wave. “How can I help

you?”

He walked over to me, placed a hand on my shoulder. “You’ve more than paid your

debt to these bastards, Nicolaus,” he said. “I do not believe their lies. Marius’ ambitions are

out of control.”

I nodded at him. “I am in your debt.”

He smiled. “Not yet.”

“Pleasure knows where my son is.”

“He is alive?”

“Yes,” Pleasure replied when Devlon addressed him.

“We will go together,” Devlon said. “I will ensure the old woman doesn’t talk. I will

take Pleasure and the babe away from the village to a safe place. Then I will help you, and

Samson escape.”

“Julian and Phillip, as well,” I said.

He looked at me hesitantly.

“When I purchased them, I promised them freedom. And freedom, they shall have.”

Samson gave me a smile of approval.

“Very well. It will be difficult but not impossible. Tomorrow night, I will take you out

of here. It will be the night before the first of the contests and the guards will be in a festive

mood. I will make sure they have access to the wine.”

I smiled, nodded.

“Nicolaus, prepare Julian and Phillip. Tell them to be alert for my signal.” He turned to

Pleasure. “We must go. Come,” he said, “we will get you some coverings and then you will

take me to the old woman.”

I understood very well the risk he was taking. And he did as well. I reached out and

grabbed his arm. “And you? Will you come with us?”

He shook his head. “I am a free man. I will bide my time and leave this place. Have no

concern for me. Samson, you must go back to your cell.”

Samson hugged me hastily and the three of them left me alone in my cell. I moaned a

little as I retook my place on my stomach on the straw. I closed my eyes and for the first time

since I could remember, I longed for freedom.

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* * * *

Unspoken

Phillip seemed very reticent when I told him of the plan. “Don’t you want to be free?” I

whispered.

I had no idea Phillip had fallen in love with another among them.

It was Julian who confessed it. “He doesn’t want to leave Augustus.”

Phillip seemed outraged. “That has nothing to do with it.”

I narrowed my eyes. “Augustus?” He was one of many gladiators. Not a star by any

means. “You are in love, brother.”

“I am not in love.”

“Then why are you fighting us on this?”

He sighed. “I will be ready, but Samson,” he paused, “they will catch us. We will all

die.”

“We are not going to die,” Julian snapped. “And if we do, well…” he took a breath,

“we’ll die together.”

Phillip nodded silently. He placed one hand on Julian’s forearm and the other on mine.

“Now,” I urged, “not a word.”

“Any idea where we will go?” Julian asked.

“I’m sure Devlon has some ideas,” I replied as I turned to exit the ludi. “Let’s not be

together too much today.”

Julian and Phillip immediately went off in their separate directions.

I didn’t want to think about death but of course it was always there in the background,

waiting. If we stayed, I’d be forced to fight Nicolaus in the arena, and I would die. Even if

Nicolaus refused to kill me, I could never kill him. In that event, they’d probably throw us to

the lions.

I walked over to Devlon, nodded. I looked for some sign, some indication that he and

Pleasure had found Nicolaus’ son and that he was safe. He said nothing, indicated nothing.

I picked up a makeshift weapon and began to train.

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Before the noon sun rose fierce in the sky, Marius stalked through the courtyard, several

soldiers at his side. We all stopped to look.

Julian and Phillip looked at me, and I closed my eyes.

A few minutes later, they were dragging Nicolaus out into the sunlight. Marius was

screaming. “Where is the baby? What have you done? Pleasure is gone. You swine! I’ll kill

you!” Marius grabbed a whip which lay nearby and began whipping Nicolaus with it, on the

chest, the face, the stomach.

“Stop!” I cried out. “Stop it.”

It was Devlon who walked over and grabbed the whip out of Marius’ hand. Nicolaus

slumped forward in the dirt, bloodied and battered. He could barely hold up his head.

My heart cried out to him. Julian cautioned me to stay quiet. I could do nothing for him.

Devlon met Marius’ eyes, his hand gripping the whip. “You wish this man to fight for

you in the arena, to face Samson? How can you expect a man to fight if you beat him to a

pulp? This is insanity. You would destroy your own property before any profit is to be had?”

Marius was shaking. “How dare you?”

“I am the trainer. I am responsible for the training and well being of these gladiators. It

is my responsibility to ensure Gold makes it to the arena.”

There was silence.

Marius glared down at Nicolaus. He pointed at him. “I know you did something. I will

find that dirty little black slave, your concubine. I will find him. And I promise you, I will

bleed him like a stuck pig and let you watch him die.”

Nicolaus raised his head and met his gaze. He said nothing.

Marius glanced at the soldiers. “Take him back to his cell, then come with me.”

I watched the man I loved fall in the dirt. I whimpered softly in my throat, wiping at the

tears which fell no matter how hard I tried not to cry.

The soldiers carried him back inside.

Devlon’s expression was a mask when he looked at all of us and bellowed. “Back to

training. This is not a rest period! Move!”

I could concentrate on nothing for the remainder of the day. I only wanted to get to

Nicolaus to make sure he was all right. The guards would tell me nothing.

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Early in the evening, Devlon motioned to me and we walked around the ludi together. I

glanced out at the river, remembering the night Nicolaus had taken me there, made love to

me beneath the stars.

“They’ve put extra guards on Nicolaus’ cell.”

“What does that mean?”

“It means, Marius knows that Pleasure has the child. He knows that Nicolaus is behind

it. The old woman ran off as soon as we arrived. I suspect Marius has already spoken to her.”

“Does he know that you are behind it? Did she see you?”

“I don’t think so. She saw Pleasure.”

“Are you sure they’re safe?”

“For now. But I don’t think we should move tonight. If we’re followed, we’ll lead them

right to the baby.”

“Damn. Have you seen Nicolaus?”

“Yes. He’s in bad shape. No shape to travel. I convinced Marius to have the doctor see

to him. I appealed to his coffers.”

“The bastard.”

“Let Julian and Phillip know. We can’t move tonight.”

“When is the contest to be?”

“Day after tomorrow.”

I clutched his arm. “We must leave here before that, Devlon. I cannot fight Nicolaus.”

He nodded. “Go now. I’ll do what I can.”

I was in the bath, discreetly talking to Julian and Phillip, when we heard shuffling.

Several soldiers appeared, along with Marius. He smiled at us like a cat. “Hello boys.”

“Master,” I said, bowing my head.

“We are taking precautions tonight. You will all be locked in your cells. I apologise for

making you sleep in irons. It can’t be helped.”

Irons?

Phillip and Julian were being dragged out of the water. I watched as they were taken

down the hallway.

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I wondered what Marius had in store for me. I folded my hands together in the water.

Two soldiers remained with him. I assessed them and my chances of overpowering them.

They were slim.

“Save yourself, Samson,” he urged. “It is Gold I want to punish, not you. I will ensure

that he is defeated in that arena with you. You will live. Just think of it, the only gladiator

ever to truly defeat Gold. Your reputation will be set. And you have my word that, after it is

over, I will free you.”

I sat back in the water. I pretended to consider that. “Tempting. But won’t my victory be

a hollow one, a lie really?”

“Yes,” his face twisted, “but the crowd won’t know that.”

“When Gold walks into that arena, battered and bruised, the way he is, don’t you think

the crowd might pity him?”

“He is a murderer. He murdered his wife and child.”

“Another lie, Marius. I fear you underestimate the people’s love for Gold. And you

have a slight problem.”

“Which is?”

“I won’t kill him.”

“You will, if I say so.”

“That you cannot make me do. There is nothing you can threaten me with. I would

welcome death rather than harm him, and you know it.”

“Then you’re a fool.”

“And you should be so lucky to be such a fool. You, who will never know the joy of

loving. I have experienced enough joy in his arms that I cannot regret death.”

He pointed at him. “You will enter the arena with him. And you will kill him.” He

looked around at the soldiers. “Take him to his cell, put him in irons.”

I let them drag me from the water. I kept my gaze on him the whole time. I smiled at

him. And before I disappeared from his sight, I yelled, “I will never fight Gold!”

* * * *

Despair

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All was lost. I knew it the minute they snapped the irons back on. I had no strength. He

had siphoned the last it from me. The only thing that kept me from completely disappearing

inside myself was the thought of Pleasure with my boy. If nothing else came from this, at

least that bastard Marius would never get to him. Be safe, my son.

I don’t know how long I slept. The doctor came to me several times. I was aware of his

presence, racked with pain, but not strong enough to open my eyes.

Then the irons came off and someone was urging me to my feet. My knees buckled but I

managed to right myself.

It was a soldier who steadied me and he actually looked at me with some compassion.

“You will fight today,” he said.

I leaned against the cold wall and closed my eyes.

“You must eat.”

I pushed away the dish he offered. “How long?” I asked.

“Not long. I am to take you to the courtyard, walk you around, make sure you…”

“I can walk into that arena.”

He nodded.

I wondered of Samson. I didn’t want him to grieve for me. He had only to strike fast

and hard. One blow. It would be over. I wouldn’t resist. I was going to die a gladiator’s

death, even if it was at the hand of the man I loved. It didn’t matter who took my life really.

It might as well be Samson as any.

“Has he left for the arena?” I asked the soldier as I walked the length of the courtyard.

Two other guards stood watching me. Marius had gone to great lengths to deliver me to the

arena.

The soldier nodded.

When Devlon walked into the courtyard, the three soldiers all stepped back to give him

room. They seemed to tense, hands on swords.

Devlon marched into the centre of the courtyard and ran his eyes over me. “How are

you?”

I shrugged.

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He came closer, and met my eyes. He discreetly passed me a small dagger. “I mean,

how are you really?”

The question was unspoken but I knew his meaning. It was two against three, and

under normal circumstances, we could have taken them. But I was not at my best. However I

was willing to give it everything I had.

I nodded.

* * * *

Final Words

Julian and I stood side by side in the ox cart, our shoulders brushing. I couldn’t believe

it had come to this.

“If anyone has to die,” Julian said suddenly, “I would rather it be him.”

I looked at him, my face streaked with dry tears. “Don’t say that.”

“I love you, Samson. I suspect you know that.”

I looked away. Julian was to fight in the arena as well this day, and yet he’d thought

only of my plight. I’d always wished it would have been him. It would have been so much

less complicated.

The cart bumped along the road, two other gladiators leaning on the other side. Phillip

had been taken on ahead of us.

I reached out for Julian’s hand. Comfort. That’s what he’d always been for me, a poor

substitute for the man I really wanted.

He held my hand silently.

Then suddenly, we both practically flew across the wobbly cart as it was pulled to an

abrupt halt. Several chariots had come careening right at us. And as the four of us picked

ourselves up off the floor of the cart, my eyes widened. Claudius!

Claudius stepped down from the chariots, four soldiers trailing him. He glanced up at

the two soldiers who were our drivers. “These slaves were illegally taken from us. I demand

they be released to me.” He glanced at Julian and me then at his soldiers. “Open up that cart

and bring me the two there in front.” He smiled. “Hello Samson. Hello Julian. Be especially

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careful with that one,” he joked. “He’s my mother’s whore. She won’t be amused if you

bruise his tender flesh.”

I was unprepared for Julian’s rage. He made a lunge for Claudius and then all of Hades

broke loose.

* * * *

Hidden Strength

I really had no idea where it came from but when Devlon and I turned to take on those

three soldiers, we made short work of them.

Less than an hour later, we were dressed in the soldiers garb. The three soldiers,

battered and bloodied were stripped, bound and gagged, then thrown in the back of the ox

cart.

Devlon assured me that the best course of action was to find Samson and the others

then proceed to where he’d hidden Pleasure and little Nicolaus. “Phillip was taken early this

morning. He might be more difficult to find, but Julian and Samson should be right ahead of

us. If we hurry, we should get to them before they arrive.”

I had no choice but to trust him. He was all I had.

We made haste to the arena. We both hoped we’d encounter Samson and Julian on the

road but time was running late. I wasn’t even sure what we’d do if we did find them. We’d

have no choice but to fight in order to free them.

As we got closer to the arena, people were still moving in droves towards the event.

They paused to look up at us, and throw rocks at the prisoners in the back of the cart, who

could only mumble helplessly behind their gags.

I scanned the surroundings for any sign of them as Devlon kept his eyes on the road.

Then suddenly, I spotted something. “Stop,” I told Devlon.

As the cart rumbled to a halt, I jumped down off the front and walked to the side of the

road. There in the clearing, I saw an overturned cart. I ran through the field. There were two

dead gladiators. I recognised them, Mathis and Clem. But no sign of Julian or Samson.

Devlon arrived beside me, breathless. “Samson and Julian were in this cart.”

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“Where are the soldiers?”

He shook his head.

Then we heard something, a deep moaning.

I walked over through the grass and looked down to see a bleeding soldier lying there. I

reached down and yanked him up by the shirt. “Where are they? Where are the rest of the

gladiators? Don’t you know how angry Marius will be?”

“We were ambushed,” he muttered, grunting. “This Roman, he demanded we hand

over two of the gladiators…Samson and Julian. Julian attacked and…”

“Roman? What Roman? Where are they now?” I shook him.

“He has an army with him, several men. He took them, they headed back…that way,”

he pointed his thumb in the opposite direction.

I dropped him in the grass and looked at Devlon. “Claudius.”

He blinked. “Your former owner. We can’t follow them to Rome.”

“No. We have to find them now.” I was already in the cart before Devlon got on. I

turned it around and headed in the other direction.

* * * *

Lesser Evil

Claudius looked like the cat that’d eaten all the cream as he ordered the soldiers to strip

then bind us. We sat in the back of the chariot, hands tied in front of us, hardly believing that

this was real.

“Well,” Julian muttered, his mouth twisting, “at least you won’t have to fight Gold.”

It was meant to be joke but neither of us could find it in ourselves to laugh.

“I won’t go back to her,” Julian said softly. “I had thought she had long given up her

obsession.”

“Does not seem the case, brother.”

He glanced at me. “I’m sorry.”

“This is not your fault.”

Julian looked away.

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Claudius rode at a leisurely pace behind them on his horse, his gaze never leaving

them. “I will brand you again when we arrive home,” he called out. “You will be my house

slaves…my sex slaves. I no longer have gladiators.”

I closed my eyes. He planned to humiliate us in all ways.

“My mother missed you terribly, Julian,” he sneered. “Perhaps she’d share you with her

neglected son. My wife does not enjoy my touch. She objects to me making use of all her

orifices…but not you two. You will enjoy it.” He licked his lips and laughed.

* * * *

No time for Lovers

We watched, Devlon and I, and waited until they made a stop. The sun was down.

They would rest there.

“I’ll take Claudius,” Devlon said.

I shook my head. “No. The pleasure of that is mine.”

He grinned at me, nodded.

I crept like a thief in the night around the trees, the short dagger Devlon had provided

me with back at the ludi still in my hand.

Claudius had Samson and Julian taken off the cart. I seethed at the way he handled

them, fondling and caressing them.

They were both naked and he instructed the soldiers to bend them over a fallen tree and

secure their wrists so they couldn’t move. “Find me a switch,” he demanded. “I wish to

spank them. Naughty boys,” he cooed.

Devlon counted off the soldiers. “Six,” he mouthed.

“I’ll get Claudius,” I mouthed back. I’d have to make a lunge for him. If I could get hold

of him, put this knife to his throat, the soldiers would fall into line.

Claudius flicked the switch over their asses. “After I whip them, I’m going to fuck

them,” he announced, looking at the soldiers. “Then I’ll give them to you.”

“I don’t think so!” I yelled and I practically flew at him, knocking him to the ground.

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I felt hands reach out for me but I rolled onto my back, pulling Claudius with me, that

dagger at his throat. “Make a move and I’ll slit his throat.”

“Stop,” Claudius told them desperately, “he means it.”

“Drop them!” I demanded.

By this time, Devlon had managed to get their weapons and he threw them into a pile.

I got to my feet, Claudius still tight against me.

“Um, Gold, my love. You’re a little worse for wear but still gorgeous. Your body feels

delicious. Have we changed professions?”

“Shut up,” I said as Devlon untied Samson and Julian.

“You are in a whole lot of trouble now,” Claudius struggled.

I held him fast. “No more than I am in already.”

Julian suddenly walked over and slugged Claudius right in the face. The punch

knocked him out cold. Nicolaus dropped him and grinned. “Thanks, brother. You just made

my life a hell of a lot easier.”

Samson was hugging him.

“We can’t linger here,” Devlon announced. “We need to get to Pleasure. The contest is

about to start. When you and Samson do not walk into that arena, Marius will…”

I held up a hand, kissing Samson on the mouth then releasing him. There would be

plenty of time for that later. “I hear you. Let’s get my boy.”

“What do we do with these guys?” Samson asked. He grabbed his clothing out of the

cart and threw some at Julian.

“We can’t risk letting them go,” Devlon replied.

“We’ll tie them up and leave them here, but send word with someone so that they’ll be

found.” Nicolaus said. He wouldn’t just leave them out here to die like this. That wouldn’t be

right.

It was agreed.

“And Claudius?” Julian raised an eyebrow.

“Tie him up and put him in the back,” I said. “We’ll deal with him later.”

Nicolaus and Devlon replaced their soldier garb. Devlon chose the better chariot, and

we headed down the road with Samson and Julian in the back, tied up again like slaves,

along with an unconscious Claudius.

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Night had fallen and all of us were tense. The fact that Marius now knew we’d escaped

weighed heavy on our minds. I could only imagine his wrath when he announced the

contest. Somehow the thought of it made me smile.

We stopped only once to rest and take some water. Devlon had brought bread and we

shared it amongst ourselves.

I checked on Claudius and he was still out.

“What are we going to do with him?” Samson asked.

“I have no idea,” I laughed.

He smiled at me.

“Any idea where we are going?” Julian inquired, drinking some water.

Devlon glanced at him. “Where would you like to go?”

“Anywhere but Rome and Sparta,” he smiled.

“That narrows it down.”

I watched the exchange between Julian and Devlon with interest. I’d never noticed that

Devlon had a little gleam in his eyes when he looked at him. And that gleam seemed to have

been returned.

“How much longer before we get to the child?” I asked Devlon.

“Not long now. We’ll get there before dawn.”

“This might seem indelicate,” I asked as we prepared to leave, “but who exactly is

feeding my baby?”

“A young woman who lost her baby, and had full breasts. She was pleased to do it.”

“You realise that she will have to come along with us.”

“She’s my niece.” He smiled. “Her husband was killed in the war. I’m sure she’d have

no objection and she was bonding with the boy within minutes. Although,” he grinned, as

we moved forward, “I’m not sure who was mothering him more—Diana or Pleasure.”

I laughed. I was still snickering as the sun came up and we drove into some sleepy little

village.

Devlon pulled the chariot up to an old wood shack. Samson and Julian hopped off the

back. “What do we do with the master?” Julian smirked.

“Let’s take him inside and tie him up there,” Devlon said. “Don’t want him frightening

the chickens.”

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The door opened suddenly and Pleasure stood there, beaming at us. “Nicolaus,” he

cried, and came barrelling towards me, his arms wide open.

Samson stepped up and gently separated us. “Watch it.” He was smiling however, and

Pleasure chuckled a little.

I side-stepped Pleasure and walked directly inside. A pretty young woman came into

the middle of the room, holding a baby. I ran over to her and peered down into the eyes of

my son. “I want to hold him,” I said. I’d never felt such an intense sense of tenderness in my

life. I knew that I would do anything to protect him.

“It’s his father,” Pleasure said.

The young woman handed him to me.

Samson stood beside me now, and Julian as well as Devlon gathered around. They

made soft noises to the baby who seemed to smile back. Tears stung my eyes. “My son. My

Nicolaus.”

A little while later, with Claudius bound and gagged in the corner, we all sat together to

eat. My one regret was that we had left Phillip behind.

Samson leaned over and touched my hand. “He really didn’t want to come,” he said

when I mentioned it. “He’d fallen in love. He couldn’t leave him.”

Our eyes met. We understood.

The baby was crying and I watched as Diana fed him. “He has a big appetite,” she

exclaimed.

“So does his father,” Samson teased.

I punched him lightly on the arm.

“So,” Devon announced, “we need to decide where we want to settle. Pleasure and

Diana, you will come with us?”

They both nodded.

“Very well.”

“I’ll go anywhere Gracia is not,” Julian grunted.

Everyone laughed.

Claudius was now conscious and he watched us with hate in his eyes.

I went over and sat beside him. I lowered his gag and put some water to his lips.

“Drink.”

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“Pig,” he spat.

“Feel happy I’m feeding you.”

“Keep it,” he muttered when I raised a hunk of bread to his mouth.

“You won’t say that in a few hours.”

“What are you intending to do with me?” he demanded. “If you are going to kill me, do

it and be done with it.”

I sat back. “I haven’t decided yet. How does it feel, Claudius, to know that someone has

total power over your life?”

There was no reply.

Later, Devlon told me that he could get us on a ship which would take us across the

Aegean.

“To Egypt?”

He nodded.

“Ask the others.”

“You’re not coming with us, are you?”

“Not yet. How did you know?”

He took a breath. “You’re not going to let Marius get away with this.”

“I need to clear my name.”

“How?”

“The doctor. He knows Lacia died giving birth, and that the baby was alive.”

“He will never speak against Marius.”

“If I can ruin him, I will be satisfied.”

“Is revenge worth…” he trailed off, looked over to where Samson had fallen asleep.

“And what about little Nicolaus?”

“I will find you. I promise.”

Devlon laid a hand on his shoulder. “Have you told Samson yet?”

“No.” I stood, walking to the door. “I ask that you do that for me.”

“I will not.”

I turned and glanced at him. “Where does the ship leave from?”

“Not far from here.”

“I will take the chariot then.”

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He nodded.

“And when does it leave?”

“Tomorrow after dark.”

“Take it. I know you’ll take good care of them, all of them. Tell Samson I love him.” I

glanced over at Claudius before I went outside. “Let him go before you leave. He’s pathetic

and harmless.”

I walked out into the sunshine. I knew I had to do this now before I lost the nerve. It

would have been easy just to get on that ship and sail away, leave it all behind. But Marius

couldn’t be allowed to rise to the top of my brother’s house, and disgrace his name. He was a

liar. He was evil and manipulative. He tried to take my son from me. He tried to have me

killed. It was time to put things right.

* * * *

Desertion

Devlon didn’t tell me until the ship had moved out of port that Nicolaus was not

coming with us. “I thought you said he’d be here!” I couldn’t believe it. “How could he…”

“He wants to put things right.”

“He wants vengeance. He’s always put other things before me.” The tears streamed

down my face. “I will end up in some foreign country with strange customs, alone.”

“He wants us to take care of Nicolaus. He will come to you, Samson.”

I glared at Devlon. “You might have told me.”

“I knew you wouldn’t get on the ship. I promised to protect you.”

“I don’t need your protection.”

“He said he loves you.”

I nodded. “Sure he does. That’s why he left me.”

I was feeling sorry for myself but I was angry that we’d almost made it and now he was

gone, gone right back where he shouldn’t go. He could end up dead. And if I never saw him

again, that’s what I’d have to live with, wondering if he was dead or alive.

Damn you, Nicolaus. Damn you.

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* * * *

Reckoning

I stood outside the gate of my brother’s house, the house that had until recently

belonged to me. I looked up at the night sky, wondering if Samson could see the same stars. I

hoped he was safe, and that they would all reach the shores of Egypt without incident.

Marius was having a party. There was noise and laughter floating out of the windows,

and someone playing music. I squeezed my hand on the gate and pulled the hood up over

my head. I could not comprehend how the Royals could allow this man to take my

possessions. Obviously the corruption ran deep. I also failed to see what he had to celebrate

aside from stealing from me. After he’d failed to kill me and failed to covet my child.

There was only one guard at the door so entry would be very easy. Of course Marius

would never suspect in a million years that I would come back here. He probably thought me

long gone, but he didn’t know me.

I walked up to guard, my head bowed. He took me for a beggar. “Be gone,” he growled,

waving at me as if I was some irritating fly.

I moved closer to him. “Please, kind sir,” I said, then before he could reach for me, I

grabbed him by the throat and dragged him around side of the house. When he was

unconscious, I tugged off his uniform and dressed myself in it, throwing my robe over him.

I walked into the entrance, going unnoticed through the pockets of people standing in

various places. I saw Marius in the corner with a glass of wine in his hand, laughing and

talking with a prominent Senator. Several members of the royal family were also in

attendance, and the slaves were racing to and fro to bring them all they demanded.

I searched the room for Spontoes. I worried that Marius might have disposed of him.

After all, he was there when Lacia gave birth to my son, who came into the world with a

hearty wail. He was witness to the fact that Lacia died naturally, and that my son had lived.

When I spotted him filling his mouth with fruit, I smiled. Spineless coward. Marius had

probably determined that given the right bait, Santoes would keep his mouth closed.

I moved up beside him.

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He glanced at me curiously. “I don’t think soldiers are allowed to…”

I lowered my mouth to his ear. “Come with me now or you’ll be dead before you can

swallow your next grape.”

He stiffened and when he looked at me, his eyes widened in recognition.

“Don’t say a word.” I took his arm and discreetly steered him from the room. When I’d

gotten him to the other end of the house, I slammed him against the wall.

“Nicolaus, honest, I…”

I shook my head. “I don’t want your explanations. You will go into that party, and

make an announcement. You will tell the truth.”

“Marius will…he will kill me.”

“If you don’t, I’ll kill you. Marius won’t be able to lay a finger on you after you expose

him. The Royals will deal with him. He will be shunned and ostracized for his treachery.

Now, come with me.”

I practically dragged him down the hallway. When we got to the main room, I pushed

him through the entrance and waited.

He glanced back at me uncertainly.

“Do it now,” I hissed, “or I’ll kill you right here. I have nothing to lose.”

It took three attempts before Marius paid attention to Santoes pleas for silence. Finally

Marius himself calmed the room.

“What is it, doctor?” he asked an uneasy smile on his face that said he was very

perturbed at the interruption and was trying not to show it.

“I…” He glanced at me again and I snuck into the hallway, waiting. “I…Nicolaus did

not kill his wife, and his son lives.”

There was a buzz among the guests.

“What nonsense is this?” Marius laughed uneasily. “I fear,” he said to his guests, “the

good doctor has been sampling too much of his medicines.”

There was some laughter.

“I was there!” Santoes called out. “Lacia died in childbirth. I tried to stop the bleeding.

The baby was taken away…to town with an old woman and…”

One of the Royals put up his hand as Marius began to protest. “We will pursue this

privately. Follow me.”

HOUSE OF NICOLAUS

D.J. Manly

129

As the man stepped into the corridor, he paused to look at me. I lowered my hood. His

mouth gaped. “Nicolaus. What are you doing here?”

Marius gasped when he saw me, shouting out, “Seize this man. Arrest him!”

The Royal held up his hand. “Wait,” he said as the guards rushed forward. “Leave him

be. I want to hear what Nicolaus has to say.”

“But your Majesty,” Marius protested, “he is an escaped criminal, a…”

“Silence,” he said.

I followed behind the Royal, a guard at my back. We entered the atrium. The Royal

turned to look at me. “Why would you come back here? You know your fate and yet you

have returned. There are men hunting you and the others as we speak.”

“I came back to right the wrongs, for justice,” I met his gaze. “I did not murder my wife.

I stayed by her side until she was ready to deliver, fulfilled her every need. I think you know

that.”

“I did, yes.”

“The doctor will tell you, there was much blood. She died of natural causes. My son

was whisked off by an old crone from the village.”

“Is this true?” The Royal turned to stare at Marius.

“Lies. All lies.”

“Yet two men, one a doctor, say the contrary.”

“Gold threatened him,” Marius accused.

“He did,” the doctor said, “but I tell no lie.” He hung his head.

“Then this man has not committed murder.” He returned his attention to me. “And

where, pray tell, is your son?”

“Safe with some friends.”

“Friends?” Marius scoffed. “Escaped slaves you mean. My house slave and two

gladiators.”

The Royal seemed to consider that. “Given that you falsely accused this man,” he said,

“this house and the slaves still belong to Nicolaus. Therefore, he can decide what is to be

done with them.”

Marius paled. “But Majesty, he let a known slave escape. He was captured and…there

was the incidence of…”

HOUSE OF NICOLAUS

D.J. Manly

130

“I believe we forgave those a long time ago in the event that Nicolaus married his

brother’s widow and raised her sons.”

“If that is your wish,” he said, “I shall vacate this house and return all to its rightful

owner.”

The Royal regarded him for a moment. “Yes,” he said, “you will. But more than this,

Marius, you must atone for your deceit.”

“Majesty?”

“And you, doctor,” he said. “You conspired with Marius in this charade.”

“Mercy, Majesty,” he whimpered.

“Nicolaus,” the Royal said, ignoring the other two. “My hope is that you will return to

your house, be here for my two great nephews.”

“I will consider this. But I have one request, your Majesty.”

He lifted an eyebrow.

“I wish to run the ludi with only free men. I no longer care to own slaves.”

“And your house slaves?”

“They will be paid a wage, Majesty.”

He nodded. “As you wish. I will order a new ludi opened for criminals.” He turned to

Marius. “It will be your new responsibility.”

“Majesty, I…” he began.

“Unless you wish to be one of them.”

He shook his head. “I look forward to my new responsibility.”

“And doctor, you can go with him. Now, if you don’t mind, I would like to go back to

the party. Guards,” he called out, “escort the good doctor and his friend to the palace and put

them somewhere where they are secure until I get around to having the new ludi prison

constructed.”

I watched as Marius and the doctor were escorted outside.

“Well,” the Royal said, “very nice party you are having here, Nicolaus.” He placed an

arm around me and it was like that we walked back into the room. Startled guests stared as

they recognised me. The Royal clamped a hand on my shoulder and said loudly, “I give you,

your true host, Nicolaus.”

I bowed my head to my guest. “Welcome to my home.”

HOUSE OF NICOLAUS

D.J. Manly

131

* * * *

Soothing Fear

A Spartan ship in the water on the horizon convinced me that we were to be caught and

crucified for our transgressions. I thought only of Nicolaus and that probably we’d never see

each other again. As angry as I was at him for not coming with us, my heart ached at the

thought.

We were days away from Egypt. “We’re never going to make it,” Julian said, casting a

longing glance at Devlon.

I followed his direction and smiled. “Have you had him yet?”

“No.”

“What are you waiting for?”

“I am not sure he…”

“I am,” I said. I had seen the way Devlon had been eyeing Julian as of late. They were

perfect for one another. I was surprised at how I felt no jealousy but then, I loved Nicolaus. I

couldn’t have them both.

I took the baby from Devlon’s niece a little while later and held him. It made me feel

close to his father. I think I might have shed a few tears.

When the ship was upon us, the captain, a Persian named Anoush, told us with a

curious look on his face that the ship did not appear to be hostile. “The flag has come down

and there are no guns visible.”

Pleasure lifted his head. “I’m not going down without a fight. Give me a weapon.”

With the exception of the girl and the babe, the four of us went up on deck, prepared to

fight if we had to. The captain cautioned us not to raise our weapons until we were sure.

“What else could they want with us?” I asked.

The captain came up on deck alone. He didn’t look as if he was about to make any

attempt to come on board.

The water was rocky and the wind howled. At any time now, it would be pitch dark on

the waters. His vessel was as close as it could be.

HOUSE OF NICOLAUS

D.J. Manly

132

He called out a greeting, motioning to our captain. We all watched carefully as Anoush

grabbed the rope that was extended and swung onto the Spartan ship.

The two captains spoke for some time, and I looked at Devlon curiously, who shrugged

his shoulders.

“What’s happening?” Pleasure piped up.

“Patience,” Julian told him.

Anoush swung back onto the ship and lifted a hand to the captain. “You are all to board

the Spartan vessel,” he said. “I will continue to Egypt alone.”

“Not without a fight,” I protested.

He smiled. “You are all free men. Even you, Pleasure.”

I shook my head. “It’s a trick.”

“No trick. He bears the seal on a letter from the House of Nicolaus. Nicolaus insists that

you come home.”

“I don’t understand,” Julian said, looking at each of them for answers.

It took some time for us to accept the reality of what was happening. I read and reread

the note in Nicolaus’ handwriting. He had written:

It is safe. Bring them home. They are all free men, as I am myself.

We could hardly wait to find out what had happened. We made the journey back to

Sparta’s shores with great anxiety and anticipation. I was focused on one thing—Nicolaus,

holding him again, kissing his lips.

During the seven day journey back, Devlon and Julian consummated their love. We all

tried to pretend we didn’t know, but it was evident on their faces, on the way they touched. I

was happy for Julian.

The baby was a little seasick before we reached shores but recovered easily enough. He

was a strong boy, obviously inheriting that from his father.

A chariot awaited us when we stepped off the ship. Our legs were like jelly and we

were happy to see two soldiers ready to help us.

“How did Nicolaus know we’d be here today?” I asked one of them.

“He’s had us waiting here every day, master Samson,” he said respectfully.

HOUSE OF NICOLAUS

D.J. Manly

133

Master Samson? My mouth hung open.

Pleasure grinned at me. “Do you like it?”

I nodded, swung my arm around him. “Come, master Pleasure,” I laughed. He laughed

with me.

When the House of Nicolaus came into view, a shiver ran through me. How did he do

it? How was he able to regain all that he’d lost? It all seemed surreal.

I smelt the flowers, the trees, and when the chariot stopped, I almost ran to the door.

Nicolaus, however, was at the threshold before I got to the door. He opened his arms to

me. It was the most beautiful sight I’d ever seen.

I rushed into them so fast and hard, I practically knocked him over, and that wasn’t

easy to do with a man the size of Nicolaus.

He kissed the top of my head and rocked me a minute then released me to go to his son

who lay sleeping in Pleasure’s arms.

“Don’t you go waking him now,” Pleasure scolded him.

Nicolaus looked down at that baby with such love in his eyes, tears filled mine.

“I won’t.” He took the baby and smiled at Julian and Devlon.

“So, what happened?” Devlon demanded. “I thought we were doomed when I saw that

ship. It had the royal insignia.”

“Yes. I called in a favour.”

“You now have favour with the King?” Julian asked, surprised.

Nicolaus grinned and handed the baby to Devlon’s niece. “It seems so. Marius is no

longer a problem, and there are no slaves in my possession. We will run the ludi together, for

free men who want to make their names in the ring.”

I hugged him again. “Beautiful,” I told him.

“What shall I do?” Pleasure asked. “I can’t fight.”

Nicolaus rubbed his head. “We’ll find something for you to do.” He winked at him.

I moved closer and gave Nicolaus a severe look.

“Together,” Nicolaus smiled at me.

I considered that. Not a totally bad idea.

“You will all live here,” Nicolaus said, motioning for the lot of them to follow, “at the

House of Nicolaus.”

HOUSE OF NICOLAUS

D.J. Manly

134

I placed my arm around his waist and walked in to see a grand feast spread out before

us. “Please,” Nicolaus said, “eat, drink. Enjoy your freedom.”

After I’d eaten my fill, I took Nicolaus outside to look at the starry sky. I was

unbelievably happy. I had everything I could have wanted, my freedom, and the man I

loved.

“This is a miracle,” I said. “Are you ever going to tell me how you managed it?”

“One day,” he smirked. “And you’re the miracle, Samson, the miracle that made me

flesh and blood again, reminded me I had a heart.”

I smiled at him.

“We will be happy here, Samson, training the men, raising the three boys together. I

love you so very much.” He looked down into my eyes.

“My Gold,” I whispered, my voice trembling with emotion. “You love me as fiercely as

I do you, my love.” I dragged his mouth to mine for a kiss, and felt his hard-muscled chest

under my fingers. I moved my hand down and fondled his sex through the material of his

toga. He moaned and I deepened the kiss. I knew tonight Nicolaus would again lustfully

possess my body, just like he’d possessed my heart. And as always I could hardly wait even

though now, it wasn’t the same.

Now we had a lifetime.

About the Author

I write not only for my own pleasure, but for the pleasure of my readers. I can’t
remember a time in my life when I haven’t written and told stories. When I’m not
writing, I’m dreaming about writing. Eroticism between consenting adults, in all its
many forms, is the icing on the cake of life but one does not live by sex alone. The
story of how two people find love in spite of the odds is what really turns me on.

Email:

DJ@djmanlyfiction.com

D.J. Manly loves to hear from readers. You can find his contact information, website
and author biography at

http://www.total-e-bound.com

Also by D.J. Manly

Schism

Gladiators: House of Phineas

Gladiators: House of Simeon

Stealing My Heart: Stealing Rain

Total-E-Bound Publishing

www.total-e-bound.com

Take a look at our exciting range of literagasmic™

erotic romance titles and discover pure quality

at Total-E-Bound.

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