Romulus watched. Few other gladiators in the ludus used a similar one. 'Why do you use that?'
'It's the blade of my own people.' Brennus proudly raised the long piece of iron. 'And there's no better weapon in the world!' He pointed it at Romulus. 'More reach than those little knives you Romans use. Of course it needs strength to wield properly.'
Romulus stared at the floor, flushing. He was not yet big enough to fight with the sword.
'You haven't fought for real yet, have you?'
'No.'
'I've seen you practising at the palus. Not bad.'
Romulus swelled with pride that Brennus had noticed him.
The Gaul's voice hardened. 'But Lentulus will slice you up if you're not careful.'
'So what must I do?' He was all ears.
'I've seen him fight before. That Goth's cocky,' warned Brennus. 'He 'll rush you. Try and get in a killer blow with brute strength. You'll have to hold the bastard off long enough to injure him.' He squinted along the blade 's edge, looking for imperfections. 'Then Lentulus will give you space.
Time to think.'
Romulus chewed thoughtfully on the meat and bread. Cotta was a good teacher, but some in the ludus said that he taught old, outdated techniques.
While Brennus' size and strength were huge factors in his fighting ability, the Gaul was also expert with weapons. He might learn something that would save his life the next day.
'Keep that pig sticker in your belt. Come in useful if things get up close and nasty.' Brennus mimed a stabbing action. 'You knew to hit Flavus where it hurt.'
'Cotta showed me that.'
'A good man, that Libyan. Remember what he taught you. It's all about not forgetting the basics.'
'The basics?'
'Shield up. Thrust forward. Step back.' Brennus grinned. 'I still remember that every time I fight.'
'But I've seen you turn and slash at an opponent before.'
'Only when I know how he moves.' Brennus tapped his head. 'And thinks. Takes a while to get the measure of an enemy. Until you do, play it safe.'
'I will, Brennus.'
Romulus listened for a long time as the Gaul expounded on fighting technique and showed him new moves. Watching him wield a sword was awe-inspiring.
'In the arena, you're supposed to fight according to the gladiator code.' He stared hard at Romulus. 'That's what Cotta says, right?'
The young fighter nodded.
'Fine if you're talking about an ordinary points contest. But when it's to the death . . .' Brennus paused. 'Do whatever it takes.'
'What do you mean?'
'Kick sand in his face.' The Gaul scuffed a heavy sandal along the floor. 'Headbutt him with the edge of your helmet.'
Romulus' mouth fell open.
'Kick him in the balls if you can.'
'That's not fair.'
Brennus looked at Romulus shrewdly. 'Do you think Lentulus will hang back if you fall on the sand?'
He shook his head.
'Fighting in the arena is not about what is fair or unfair,' said the Gaul regretfully. 'It is about one thing only. Survival. Your life – or his!'
Kill or be killed. It was a stark choice.
'It's time Romulus slept,' Astoria broke in. 'Otherwise he 'll be too tired to fight that son of a whore.'
'Always take note of what your woman says.' He kissed Astoria's cheek.
'When do you ever listen to me?' she replied, stroking Brennus' arm.
Romulus was glad to lie back on the carpet, covered by a woollen blanket. The others soon retired to the bed alongside, the Gaul instantly starting to snore. In normal circumstances the noise would have kept Romulus awake for hours, but the nervous tension had drained away, leaving only exhaustion. He closed his eyes and let a dreamless sleep take hold.
In the morning, the gods would decide whether he or Lentulus would die.
Brennus woke Romulus well before dawn. It was still dark outside but Astoria was coaxing the fire in a small brazier.
'It's important to stretch the muscles before a fight.' Brennus led him in a series of exercises for some time before he was satisfied.
Astoria watched them loosen up. When they had finished, she gestured to bowls of steaming porridge. 'Sit down and eat.'
'Thank you, but I'm not hungry.'
'Eat. Even if it's only a few mouthfuls.'
'I'd be sick.'
'There's more than an hour till dawn and you'll be hungry by then.' Brennus sat down and launched into the huge portion that Astoria put in front of him. 'It's not good to fight on an empty stomach either.'
Romulus forced himself to eat the cooked oats. To his surprise, they tasted much better than the slop from the ludus kitchens.
'There's honey in it.' Astoria had seen his expression.
There was silence as they ate.