Justina:Gladiator (Justina Saga Book 6) by Lew Ryan

Author:Lew, Ryan [Lew, Ryan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781735465340
Publisher: Proof of Concept Press
Published: 2022-09-20T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 26

MAY 6, 45 BC

T he match lasted longer than it should have, and Justina knew it. She just couldn’t get into a rhythm of any kind. The crowd was not behind her, nor did they seem to even care who won or lost the match. All they wanted was to see Helvia in the arena. They chanted her name as soon as she entered and cheered with glee every time she struck her opponent. When she ended her opponent’s life, they roared their approval and chanted her name. They did not chant Justina’s made-up name of Hanna.

Justina had not ended her opponent, just their match. A deep gash in the woman’s leg saw to that. Her opponent had left herself open and Justina could have taken the opportunity presented to slice the throat, but she had lost the taste for blood. In fact, she was wondering now if the arena and the life of a gladiator had ever been a prudent choice. It had seen to the death of Sabina, distanced her from her friends, and, most likely, had cost her then man she loved.

As Justina returned to the holding area, her sword was removed and replaced with chains. She’d gotten used to the feel of iron from the previous weeks and decided she most certainly did not like it. She rested on the ground, only feet from Helvia, and watched the other male and female gladiators ready themselves for battle. Her side was sore, but not enough to affect her performance in the arena. The medicus had done his job well and the wound had stayed closed.

The arena was larger than the one she had fought in to get here—much larger—and it didn’t look as if it would collapse around the fighters at any minute. The crowd too was much larger and much more enthusiastic, but not toward her. What was supposed to be one of her finest moments seemed to be lost on Justina. Somehow, it just didn’t feel as she hoped it would.

Lanistas, body slaves, guards, and employees of the venue came and went. Justina tried to focus on the other female gladiators and possibly determine her next opponent. She was certain Helvia would see the finals but wondered who she would match up with in the meantime. Coming down the hall, she caught sight of a friendly face heading her way. She got up slowly to meet him.

“Nice showing today, gladiators.” Valerius said to both women.

Justina did not answer. Her focus was on the man standing next to Valerius.

“We lost the other two from our ludus,” Valerius continued, “but that was to be expected. They were not going to get through the two of you. I have made sure the editor of these games will not have you fight until the championship of Macedonia.” Valerius motioned to Cato. “Your man here, Hanna, insisted on seeing you, so I thought I would check on my male gladiators while I am down here. Make it quick.”

Cato waited for Valerius to leave before he spoke.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.