Page 47 of House of Serpents and Slaves

"The prize money and betting revenue will be substantial," Drusus continued. "Enough to offset any losses and acquire new fighters. More importantly, if we win, it will establish our ludus as one of the premier training schools in the region." He turned back to me. "Win this tournament for me, Marcus - you and our other fighters - and I'll grant you your freedom. Plus enough money to purchase a small plot of land, provided you continue training my gladiators."

My mind raced. Freedom. Land. The ability to make my own way in the world. And more importantly - the means to eventually buy Livia's freedom. To keep her safe, away from the arena and the ludus.

"Thank you, Dominus," I said, bowing my head to hide the surge of emotion in my eyes. "I accept your terms."

"Good. We'll discuss the details tomorrow. For now, go get some rest. I want my fighters in their best shape for this.”

I left his office, my heart pounding. One month. One tournament. One chance to win not just my freedom, but a future - a future that might include Livia. As I walked back to my cell, I began planning. I would need to train harder than ever, push everyone to their limits. And somehow, I had to find a way to keep Livia alive through what promised to be a bloodbath.

But for the first time in years, I had hope. And that was worth everything. Not in the mood for the bustle of the dining room, I headed instead to the bathhouse. The bathhouse was a haven reserved for trainers and high-ranking gladiators in the arena, access usually granted by reward from Drusus. The moment I stepped inside, the scent of lavender and rosemary filled my nostrils, immediately soothing my senses. Mosaic tiles lined the walls, depicting scenes of ancient battles and heroic victories, while soft candlelight flickered against the polished stone floor.

I quickly stripped off my garments and entered the pool area, my eyes drawn to the exquisite marble pool that dominated the space. Steam rose lazily from the warm, scented water, creating an inviting haze that hung in the air. The sound of trickling water from a nearby fountain added to the serene atmosphere, masking the distant echoes of the city beyond these walls.

As I submerged myself in the welcoming embrace of the pool, I sighed in contentment, feeling the tension begin to melt away from my weary muscles. The warmth enveloped me like a lover's touch, a comforting reminder of my stolen moments with Livia.

"Marcus," a muffled voice called out from the steam. "Is that you?"

"Antonius?" I asked, squinting through the haze.

"Ah, it is you," he said, emerging from the mist like a ghostly apparition. "What brings you here?"

"Same as you, I suppose." I leaned back against the pool's edge, allowing the water to lap at my chest. "A moment of peace."

"Peace." Antonius chuckled bitterly. "Such a rare commodity in our line of work."

"Indeed." I closed my eyes, focusing on the sensation of the warm water lapping against my skin. "But we must cherish it when we can find it."

"True enough," he agreed, sinking down into the water until only his eyes and nose were visible above the surface.

"Marcus," Antonius said suddenly, breaking the silence that had settled between us. "Do you ever dream of a different life?"

"Of course," I admitted. "Don't we all?"

"Sometimes, I wonder what it would be like to escape this place," he confided, his gaze fixed on the flickering shadows cast by the candles. "To live a life free from bloodshed and violence."

"Perhaps one day you will," I offered. "A gladiator may win his freedom by bringing his owner wealth and fame, and you certainly have the skills to excel in the arena. We all have our dreams, Antonius. The key is to hold onto them, no matter how impossible they may seem."

"Here's to that," he replied.

As I reclined against the smooth marble edge of the bath, I let out a slow, steady exhale. The warm, lavender-scented water enveloped my tired muscles, and I could feel the tension draining away.

"Feels good, doesn't it?" Antonius remarked. "Nothing quite like a hot soak after a long day. I almost wish the baths were open to everyone, but part of me enjoys the peace too much."

"Indeed," I agreed, momentarily closing my eyes to savor the sensation of the steam rising from the surface and the gentle sound of trickling water.

"Almost makes you forget about the life we lead," he continued, his voice tinged with a hint of melancholy.

Antonius' words stirred memories of my own journey to this point - the relentless training and conditioning I had endured as a gladiator, always pushing my body to its limits. The pressure to perform well in the arena was never-ending, our lives hanging in the balance with each fight. I had faced countless opponents, some honorable warriors like myself, others ruthless killers without remorse.

"Sometimes I wonder what would have become of us if we hadn't been dragged into this world of blood and sand," I mused aloud, my gaze drifting to the intricate mosaic patterns adorning the bathhouse walls.

"Perhaps we would have led simpler lives," Antonius suggested, his tone thoughtful. "Farmers or craftsmen, maybe."

"Maybe," I echoed, allowing myself to entertain the fantasy for a moment. In truth, I had often dreamed of a different life - one where I could win my freedom and purchase a small farm on the outskirts of town. A place far removed from the brutality that surrounded us now.

"Wouldn't that be something?" I said with a wistful smile. "To trade in our swords for plows and live out our days in peace."

"Sounds like a dream worth fighting for," Antonius replied, grinning back at me. "But until then, we'll just have to make do with these brief moments of respite."

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