[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
.""Very nice - in theory." The Bithynian was frankly skeptical."But justhow are wegoing to get there? A few gladiators - such champions as Patroclus of Thrace -are attimes allowed to do pretty much as they please in their free time, and hencecouldpossibly be on hand to take part in such a brawl, but most of us will be underlock andguard.""That too, has been arranged.Our allies near the throne and certainother noblesand citizens of Rome, who have been winning large sums by our victories, haveprevailed upon our masters to give a grand banquet to all gladiators tomorrownight,immediately following the mass crucifixion.It is going to be held in theClaudian Grove,just across from Caesar's Gardens.""Ah!" Livius breathed deep; his eyes flashed."By Baal and Bacchus! Bytheround, high breasts of Isis! For the first time in years I begin to live! Ourmasters diefirst, then and there.but hold - weapons?""Will be provided.Bystanders will have them, and armor and shields,under theircloaks.Our owners first, yes; and then the Praetorians.But note, Livius,that Tigellinus,the Commander of the Guard, is mine - mine alone.I, personally, am going tocut hisheart out."Page 46ABC Amber Palm Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcpalm.html"Granted.I heard that he had your wife for a time.But you seem quiteconfidentthat you will still be alive tomorrow night.By Baal and Ishtar, I wish Icould feel so! Withsomething to live for at last, I can feel my guts turning to water - I canhear Charon'soars.Like as not, now, some toe-dancing stripling of a retiarius willentangle me in hisnet this very afternoon, and no mercy signal has been or will be given thisday.Such isthe crowd's temper, from Caesar down, that even you will get 'Pollice verso'if you fall.""True enough.But you had better get over that feeling, if you want tolive.As forme, I'm safe enough.I have made a vow to Jupiter, and he who has protected mesolong will not desert me now.Any man or any thing who faces me during thesegames,dies.""I hope so, sin.but listen! The horns.and someone is coming!"The door behind them swung open.A lanista, or master of gladiators,laden witharms and armor, entered.The door swung to and was locked from the outside.Thevisitor was obviously excited, but stared wordlessly at Patroclus for seconds."Well, Iron-heart," he burst out finally, "aren't you even curious aboutwhat youhave got to do today?""Not particularly," Patroclus replied, indifferently."Except to dress tofit.Why?Something special?""Extra special.The sensation of the year.Fermius himself.Unlimited.Freechoice of weapons and armor.""Fermius!" Livius exclaimed."Fermius the Gaul? May Athene cover you withhershield!"Page 47ABC Amber Palm Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcpalm.html"You can say that for me, too," the lanista agreed, callously."Before Iknew whowas entered, like a fool, I bet a hundred sesterces on Patroclus here, at oddsof onlyone to two, against the field.But listen, Bronze-head.If you get the best ofFermius, I'llgive you a full third of my winnings.""Thanks.You'll collect.A good man, Fermius, and smart.I've heard a lotabouthim, but never saw him work.He has seen me, which isn't so good.Both heavyand fast- somewhat lighter than I am, and a bit faster.He knows that I always fightThracian,and that I'd be a fool to try anything else against him.He fights eitherThracian orSamnite depending upon the opposition.Against me his best bet would be to goSamnite.Do you know?""No.They didn't say.He may not decide until the last moment.""Unlimited, against me, he'll go Samnite.He'll have to.These unlimitedsaretough, but it gives me a chance to use a new trick I've been working on.I'lltake thatsword there - no scabbard - and two daggers, besides my gladius.Get me amace; thelightest real mace they've got in their armory.""A mace! Fighting Thracian, against a Samnite?""Exactly.A mace.Am I going to fight Fermius, or do you want to do ityourself?"The mace was brought and Patroclus banged it, with a two-handedroundhouseswing, against a stone of the wall.The head remained solid upon the shaft.Good.Theywaited.Trumpets blared; the roar of the vast assemblage subsided almost tosilence."Grand Champion Fermius versus Grand Champion Patroclus," came theraucous announcement."Single combat.Any weapons that either chooses to use,usedPage 48ABC Amber Palm Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcpalm.htmlin any way possible.No rest, no intermission.Enter!"Two armored figures strode toward the center of the arena.Patroclus'armor,from towering helmet down, and including the shield, was of dully - gleamingsteel,completely bare of ornament.Each piece was marred and scarred; very plainlythatarmor was for use and had been used [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]