The Forgotten Legion: by Kane Ben

Author:Kane, Ben [Kane, Ben]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: History
ISBN: 9781409025016
Amazon: B0031RS3GW
Goodreads: 17427401
Publisher: Preface Digital
Published: 2008-09-04T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter XVII: The Brawl

Late that night, they left the Thracians snoring in the cell. Creeping into the unlit training yard after Brennus, Romulus closed the door quietly. The ludus was silent. Gladiators rose early and went to bed by sunset.

The stars were partially obscured by clouds, affording little light as they padded across to the heavy iron gate that separated the school from the streets of Rome.

'Who's there?' The voice sounded scared. 'It's after hours!'

'Peace, Severus! It's me.'

'Brennus?' An overweight, middle-aged guard emerged from the shadows, hand ready on his sword hilt. 'What do you want at this hour?'

'Me and Romulus thought we 'd go for a drink.'

'Now?'

'Never too late for wine, Severus.'

'Memor would cut my throat if he knew I was letting you out.'

'You owe me a few favours.'

The balding gladiator hesitated.

'Come now!' Brennus chuckled knowingly. 'What about the three thousand sestertii you asked for?'

Severus' face took on a hunted look. 'How long?'

'A few hours. We 'll be back before you know it.'

Severus shuffled his feet.

Brennus went for the kill. 'Those moneylenders are ruthless,' he said. 'You don't want to piss them off.'

The guard quickly took a large bunch of iron keys from his belt and led them to the gate. Picking one, he placed it in the lock, turning with a practised wrist. The door opened without a sound and Romulus knew it must have been oiled.

'You'll have the money by tomorrow morning,' Brennus whispered as they slipped through.

'Just make sure you're back before dawn,' replied Severus. 'Or my life won't be worth living!'

Romulus shivered as the gate clicked shut with an air of finality. Hoping Memor was sound asleep, he warily followed his surefooted friend. Both were armed with swords and wearing dark-coloured lacernae.

A crescent moon added only the faintest illumination to the few stars visible. The light was reduced further by the three- and four-storey buildings around them. But in the Stygian gloom, Brennus seemed to have a sixth sense of where they were.

'It's so quiet!'

'Decent folk are all behind locked doors.'

An occasional burst of laughter from behind the blank wall of a house or tavern broke the silence as they trod the dirt of smaller streets. Shop fronts were boarded up, tenement doors barred, temples empty and dark. Mangy dogs lurked here and there, prowling for scraps. A few people scuttled by, eyes averted. Even the collegia thugs at each crossroads dared not trouble the Gaul and his companion: two large, obviously armed men.

'If anyone comes close, stare the bastard in the eyes,' said Brennus. 'Nobody out this late is up to any good.'

'Including us?'

The Gaul chuckled. 'Just be ready to fight at a moment's notice.'

Romulus checked his sword was loose in its scabbard. 'Why are there no watchmen?'

'The Senate has been talking about it for years, but they can never come to an agreement.'

A few moments later, Brennus ducked into a narrow alleyway. He turned, beckoning. 'Watch your step.'

Romulus sniffed distastefully. There was an unmistakable odour of human urine and faeces. Gingerly he picked his way after Brennus, trying not to stand in whatever was making the foul smell.

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