Romulus took the gladius, admiring the simple wire design of the hilt and lethal edge on the straight blade. He held it loosely, gauging the balance. 'Feels good.'
'Take this too.' Brennus proffered a handsome round shield covered in dark red leather.
Romulus slipped his left arm into the grips and dropped into a crouch, peering over the iron rim, sword ready. 'These are far better quality than those Cotta lets me use.'
'I paid good money for them. Quality weaponry doesn't let you down.'
'Feels heavier than I expected.'
Brennus flashed a smile. 'Look at the bottom.'
Romulus lifted the shield. 'The metal's sharp as a blade!'
'You can slice a man's arm or leg with it. Or smash open his helmet. Like I did with Narcissus yesterday.'
The story of that fight had already been round the ludus, increasing the Gaul's stature even more. Many now said there wasn't a gladiator in Italy who could beat Brennus.
'The fool might still be alive if he hadn't tried to stab me at the end,' the big man said sadly.
'And if I hadn't killed Flavus, Astoria would have died.'
'There is no mercy in the ludus,' agreed Brennus. 'So always have a little surprise ready. And never presume the fight's over until you've cut a man's throat. Or Charon cracks his skull open.'
'I will kill Lentulus.' Romulus was surprised how steady his voice was.
Brennus clapped him on the shoulder. 'What about your manicae and greaves? They'll still be in your cell.'
'No. I can move faster without them.'
Respect flared in Brennus' eyes. 'I knew a man like that once,' he said softly.
Beams of sunlight began to creep through the window, illuminating the floor.
'Let's head outside. Nearly time.'
'May the gods protect you, Romulus,' Astoria blurted.
The Gaul led the way, with Romulus one step behind. The yard was already full of gladiators and a collective sigh went up as the pair emerged into the cool morning air.
Brennus turned quickly. 'Ignore anything they say,' he whispered in Romulus' ear. 'Some will be trying to scare you, others baiting you to get a response. Stay focused. Think only of Lentulus and the fight.'
The combat would take place in the area reserved for training with real weapons. As they walked, Romulus fixed his gaze on Brennus' broad shoulders. Plenty of derogatory comments were hurled.
'Lentulus will gut you like a fish!'
'Time to fight a man fairly – instead of stabbing him in the back.'
'Murderous little bastard!'
A murmillo who had been friends with Flavus spat on the ground directly in front. His hand was ready on the hilt of a curved knife. It seemed the man might do more but Sextus stepped forward, axe raised.
'Leave him be. You'll soon see whether Lentulus can extract revenge for the killing.'
Cowed by the scissores and his double-headed weapon, the murmillo moved back.
It was hard not to feel scared under the baleful glares of so many adult men. Romulus forced himself to inhale slowly, taking the breaths deep into his chest. It was a technique that Juba had taught him. He let the air out gradually and the effect was immediate. Romulus reached the square feeling calmer, following Brennus as he shoved past gladiators pressed up against the ropes. Everyone was eager to witness the duel.
A few fighters muttered encouragement and Romulus' spirits rose. Lentulus was not popular.
His opponent was already in the opposite corner, loosening muscular shoulders. 'I'm going to cut you up. Son of a whore,' he snarled.
Romulus ignored the Goth and continued to breathe deeply. Brennus lifted the rope for him to duck under.
'Let's stop pissing about! The rest of us have important training to do.' Memor stalked into the centre of the freshly raked sand and glared at both young fighters. His archers were ranged close behind, arrows notched in their drawn bows. Sextus moved to stand near the lanista, his axe at the ready. Sunlight glinted off razor-sharp metal. Romulus wondered with a thrill of dread what purpose Memor might have in mind for the scissores.
'No helmets. I want this over quickly.'
'I've no need.' Romulus smiled at the Goth, who had crammed on as much protection as possible.
Reluctantly Lentulus obeyed, but his right arm was still covered with manicae. Bronze greaves were strapped to the Goth's lower legs and his scutum was larger than that usually carried by secutores. In contrast, Romulus bore only Brennus' shield for defence.
'Remember what I said,' the Gaul muttered. 'Hold him off for a while. Then do what you have to.'
Romulus had just enough time to nod before the lanista looked at both. 'Begin!' Memor quickly stepped away to safety.
Just as Brennus had predicted, Lentulus rushed forward. Romulus raised his shield, moving out to avoid being caught on the ropes. But the Goth didn't attack with his sword. Instead he rammed the big scutum straight into Romulus' chest. The impact knocked him back on to the hot sand. Air rushed from his lungs. Desperately he swung at the secutor's legs, but the blade swept harmlessly off the greaves.
Lentulus stamped the gladius from Romulus' hand, crouching low. 'Stopped me fucking that Nubian bitch.' His eyes were merciless dark pits. 'So now I'm going to gut you.'
'You couldn't have got it up anyway.' Romulus felt for the hilt of his dagger and pulled it free. He would have only one chance.
His enemy drew back to thrust downwards and Romulus acted fast. He lifted the knife and stabbed it into the Goth's foot with all his might, pinning the leather sandal to the ground. Lentulus roared in agony, allowing him to get up safely. The shield was still on his arm, but Brennus' sword lay very close to the secutor.
Lentulus had fallen to one knee, still screaming in pain. Romulus paused, wondering what to do. Eventually the Goth dragged the blade free with a groan and hurled it outside the ropes. He stood with difficulty, the wound bleeding freely.
'You have no gladius. No dagger.' Lentulus raised his weapon, moving towards Romulus more cautiously. With each step, a trail of blood stained the sand.
Romulus eyed his sword, knowing he'd have to recover it as fast as possible. Otherwise there would be no chance of killing Lentulus.
For a short time, the pair circled each other, loud jeers egging them on.
Memor glowered from the side, irritated. Whatever happened, he would lose a gladiator who had cost good money. Brennus watched intently, his jaw clenched.
The Goth was now wary of attacking. Romulus was waiting for a chance to retrieve the gladius, but every time he edged towards it, Lentulus stepped in the way.
'Finish it!' Memor was losing patience. 'Or I'll send in Sextus.'