Varo's eyes narrowed, but he knew better than to challenge Galba further.
"As you wish, dominus," Varo replied, his voice laced with resentment. He turned away. Galba watched Varo's retreating figure with a mixture of satisfaction and suspicion. He knew Varo resented him, but he recognized the primus palus's loyalty and dedication to the gladiators under his charge. Galba had chosen Varo for his position precisely because he was a formidable warrior and a capable leader. However, the lanista was always cautious of those who held too much influence over the gladiators. He couldn't afford any potential challenges to his authority.
Varo turned to Brasus and Nikomedia, relaying the orders. The gladiators exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with excitement and trepidation. They were no strangers to danger, but this was unexpected.
As the crowd hushed in anticipation, Galba stepped onto the dais again, his voice projecting across the forum.
"People of Capua!" Galba raised his hands to quiet the murmuring crowd. "You have seen a glimpse of the skill and prowess of our gladiators. But now, I promise a true display of martial mastery!" A murmur spread through the crowd, a mixture of excitement and apprehension. He continued, "Varo, bring forth Brasus and Nikomedia. Let them showcase their talents with steel!"
Varo nodded stiffly and signaled to the gladiators. Brasus and Nikomedia stepped forward, exchanging glances as their wooden practice weapons were replaced with sharpened steel - a gladius for Brasus and a pugio dagger for Nikomedia. The pair stepped to the centre of the forum. The weight of the weapons in their hands felt different, the danger more palpable. They knew that one wrong move could lead to severe injury or death.
With a nod from Galba, Varo threw down his wooden rudis, and the combat began,
Nikomedia and Brasus moved with lethal grace, their strikes practised and precise. The clash of steel rang out as gasps and cheers erupted with each exchange; the crowd caught in the grip of the gladiators' deadly dance.
Brasus swung his sword with raw power, his muscles rippling with every strike. Nikomedia countered with agility and finesse, her movements a deadly whirlwind. They were a sight to behold, the embodiment of strength and skill honed through countless battles; time seemed to stand still as the gladiators engaged in their lethal display. Every move was met with bated breath, every parry and thrust met with awe. The crowd was enthralled, their eyes locked on the spectacle unfolding before them.
Turning his attention away from the ongoing spectacle in the Forum Calavius, Galba looked upon the crowd, allowing himself a rare moment of satisfaction. They cheered and applauded as Brasus and Nikomedia displayed their prowess in combat, eagerly expecting bloody slaughter. Regardless of their allegiances, the pair of gladiators were worthy of Familia Gladiatoria Vatia, and Galba intended to capitalize on their popularity. The gladiators continued their performance as Galba's mind drifted to the Thracians locked away in their underground cells. Since they had arrived at his ludus, they had proven time and time again a constant risk, challenging his authority and resisting his attempts to break them. Galba knew he had to find a way to subdue or eliminate them; the Thracians threatened the harmony within the Ludus and his position as lanista.
Movement from the corner of his eye broke Galba's reverie; he spied a young man. He was plain looking, his pale hair cut short. Were it not for the white-purple-bordered Toga praetexta he wore about him, he might have been any other citizen.
"Ah, Dominus!" Galba called with surprise. "I did not expect you to arrive so soon!"
"And miss all the fun, dear Galba? Nonsense!" The man responded, "As important as my quaestorial duties may be, I wouldn't miss this for all the gold in Rome!"
Galba eyed the young man warily. Though he presented himself casually, Galba knew Gnaeus Cornelius Lentulus Vatia took his role as patron of the Ludus seriously. He disapproved of the lantisa's more brutal training methods but understood their place in the arena.
"Dominus, I hope the demonstration has pleased you," Varo said smoothly. "Our fighters are in fine form for the Floralia games."
Vatia smiled politely as he joined Galba upon the dais, he'd been watching for some time.
"They appear so. Though I must ask, where are my Thracians? I had hoped to see their skills as well." Galba bristled at the question.
"My apologies, Dominus, the Thracians are...indisposed at the moment. But fear not, they will be ready for the games."
Having retreated to the rear of the forum, Varo watched the exchange closely. He knew the Thracians' absence would not be so easily explained away. Vatia was no fool. Before the Dominus Vatia could question further, Varo spoke up.
"The Thracians have been practising a new manoeuvre, Dominus, which requires... privacy. But you have my word as primus palus they will astound at the Floralia."
Vatia contemplated Varo. After a moment, he nodded. "Very well, I shall hold you to that, Varo."
Galba shot Varo a glare as Vatia turned away. Again, the primus palus had overstepped his position, yet Galba could not deny he had deftly diverted the attention of their master for now. Both men knew the Thracians' fate would not remain hidden much longer.
Steel rang as Brasus and Nikomedia came together again in a flurry of precise blows. Brasus pressed forward aggressively with his short sword, but Nikomedia evaded his strikes with dancer-like grace, retaliating with flashing lunges from her dagger. Their fighting was a display of martial artistry. The pair now circled each other, the air crackling with tension. Their eyes, filled with passion and determination, locked in a fierce gaze. The crowd watched in anticipation, sensing that something more than a mere demonstration was unfolding. With a sudden surge of emotion, Brasus lunged forward, his gladius gleaming in the sunlight as it aimed for Nikomedia's side. But Nikomedia, swift and agile, swiftly parried his attack with her pugio dagger. The clash of metal echoed through the forum, sending a shiver down the spectators' spines. Brasus pushed forward with raw strength and determination, while Nikomedia, like a gazelle, her movements agile and swift, strikes calculated and calm. The crowd watched in awe as the gladiators' fight took on a new dimension. It was no longer a demonstration of their combat skills but a passionate display that evoked an almost primal, sensual energy.
This time, as Brasus charged ahead, Nikomedia saw an opening. With lighting reflexes, she spun low and slashed upwards. Her dagger bit deep into Brasus' thigh. A gasp rose from the crowd as Brasus stumbled backward, pain twisting his features. He gripped his wounded leg, feeling the blood soak his hand as his sword slipped from numb fingers. Though his strength remained, the injury overcame his will to fight. Nikomedia froze the dagger aloft, horror dawning in her eyes at what she had done to her beloved. The passion that fueled their combat had led her blade too far in battle. Before the crowd, the consequences of their emotions lay bare.
"Bravo! Well done!" Vatia called out, his voice carrying across the forum. The crowd erupted into applause, their excitement reaching a crescendo. Vatia's words of praise were met with cheers and admiration. He turned to Galba, a smile playing on his lips. "Galba, you have outdone yourself once again," Vatia remarked, his tone filled with genuine appreciation. "These games will be remembered for years to come."
Galba's chest swelled with pride as he accepted Vatia's praise. The lanista had worked tirelessly to ensure the games would be a spectacle worthy of the Lentuli Vatiae name. He had carefully selected the gladiators, trained them rigorously, and orchestrated this demonstration to showcase their skills and entertain the crowd.
"Thank you, Dominus," Galba replied, masking his suspicion and resentment towards Varo. "I am honoured to have your approval. The gladiators have trained hard and will continue to impress in the upcoming games."
Vatia nodded, his eyes still fixed on the gladiators before him.
"I do not doubt that, Galba. Your expertise in moulding these warriors is unparalleled. I trust that you will ensure their success in the arena."
Galba bowed slightly, a mix of gratitude and relief washing over him. He knew that Vatia's approval was crucial for the continued prosperity of his ludus. He could secure more wealthy patrons and attract greater fame and fortune with his patron's support.
"As always, Dominus, I am committed to delivering the finest gladiatorial spectacles," Galba affirmed. "The gladiators under my charge will be ready to face any challenge that comes their way, and rest assured, your Thracians will be ready come the games."
"Indeed", Vatia cleared his throat and stepped forward. "Citizens of Capua, the gods have blessed us with a display of skill and passion", Vatia addressed the crowd, his voice projecting across the forum. The spectators quieted down; their attention focused on the senator. "I stand here in awe of the expertise and dedication of our esteemed lanista, Galba, and the gladiators under his charge," Vatia continued, his tone filled with genuine admiration. "Their training and discipline have produced warriors whose abilities are unmatched. I have witnessed firsthand the sacrifices they make and the risks they take to pursue excellence."
A wave of applause and cheers swept through the crowd, acknowledging the gladiators' efforts and Vatia's praise. The Dominus raised his hand, signalling for silence once more.
"However, I believe it is prudent to end the demonstration here," Vatia stated, his gaze shifting to Brasus and Nikomedia, who were now tending to their wounds. "We have witnessed their tremendous skill and the passion that burns within them. Rest assured, the upcoming games will offer even greater spectacles, where these gladiators and others will face formidable challenges."
The crowd murmured in agreement, understanding Vatia's decision. They eagerly anticipated the grand games and the battles that lay ahead. The Dominus's words had only fuelled their excitement.
"I implore you all to join me in supporting Galba and his gladiators," Vatia declared, his voice resonating with authority. "Let us celebrate their strength, courage, and unwavering determination. I assure you, the Floralia games will be an unforgettable experience, a testament to the power and glory of the Republic."
The crowd erupted into applause once more, their enthusiasm unabated. Vatia stepped back, allowing Varro to attend to Brasus' wound.
The crowd's excitement lingered as the praeco, Cattulus, returned to the dais.
"Such a marvellous display from Ludus Vatia. The office of the Praeconium thanks them for this captivating showcase of martial skill," Cattulus announced, his voice projecting across the forum. "Your dedication to providing exceptional entertainment for the citizens of Capua is to be commended."
The crowd responded with applause, expressing their appreciation for the Ludus Vatia's efforts in bringing such spectacles to the city. Cattulus, taking in the positive energy, continued his duties as the city crier, clearing his throat dramatically.
"As the office of Praefecti Capuam Cumas has warned, the threat of piracy in our seas persists. Any individual found participating in high-seas banditry or unlicensed privateering shall face the punishment of Damnatio ad Bestias."
The mention of damnation by the beast stirred excitement among the crowd. The punishment's brutal nature and the thrill of witnessing such a spectacle always captivated the citizens of Capua.
Cattulus paused momentarily, allowing the weight of his words to sink in. The forum grew silent, the anticipation palpable. Cattulus continued, his voice carrying a note of seriousness. "To ensure the safety of our seas and the prosperity of our city, all citizens must report any suspicious activities or information regarding piracy or acts of banditry to the office of the Praetor Urbanus!" Cattulus concluded, stepping down from the dais; the citizens of Capua continued to discuss the events and eagerly awaited the grand games as they went about their daily chores in the forum. Galba stood to the side, a mixture of pride and anticipation on his face.