Spartacus by Robert Southworth

Author:Robert Southworth
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781781599822
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books

Chapter 15

The two men climbed onto their horses and retired to a safe distance where they had agreed to meet Albus. They set up camp with a small fire to prepare food and to keep them warm until Albus arrived and escorted them through Caralis with the convoy. They would not sleep, for they needed to sit and watch Caralis in case there were those who would seek revenge for the death of Apelios.

No avengers came. Apelios was as popular in death as he was in life, with not one soul to mourn his passing into the next life. Both Cassian and Spartacus began to relax and waited for the convoy to arrive. They added wood to the fire and took some provisions which Albus had provided. Each reflected on the task they had just carried out. Cassian was in a joyful mood

‘Well that could not have gone much better,’ he said, a broad smile spreading across his face. Clearly the excitement still coursed through his veins.

‘We were lucky, it is unusual to carry out such a mission without some sort of loss,’ Spartacus replied.

‘All the more reason to be thankful to the Gods for safe passage through,’ Cassian said, still gleeful.

‘Ah the Gods. They usually demand some sacrifice in such matters.’ Spartacus was in a brooding mood, one which Cassian struggled to understand and it more than a little annoyed him so he left the man to his thoughts. Cassian was just happy they had completed the task which would allow the convoy to continue towards its proper goal.

It was not long before the sound of wagons and troops could be heard and the convoy soon entered their vista. Albus and his men were in full armour as were the men of Cassian. All were anxious, wanting to see Spartacus and Cassian alive and well. Hearty handshakes were given by all and a sense of relief spread throughout the convoy. All now believed they would safely cross the streets of Caralis to the docks. In truth, few had looked forward to a street battle where soldiers often fell to an unseen foe.

‘How in Hades did you manage it?’ Albus inquired.

Cassian told of their exploits, how they had become separated in the house of Apelios but entered his room virtually at the same time from different doors. How the slave girl had shown him the rear entrance to Apelios’ private chamber, and the how the guards had shown no interest in catching the killers of their master. Indeed the guards had taken the opportunity to steal all that was not too heavy to move, and who could blame them? For those that had been wronged by Apelios were still likely to look for someone to blame. Albus listened, amazed at the tale and, just a little part of him, felt annoyed that he would not be entering battle. He had retired from army life what seemed a life time ago, but part of him still craved the clash of steel, the excitement of that fight against death and facing all the dangers it had to offer.

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