Gladiator: Son of Spartacus Read Online Free PDF Page A

attention from the brand of a wolf’s head mounted on the tip of a sword that was burned on his shoulder and linked him to Spartacus, but the news of Brixus s rebellion unsettled him. He glanced warily at Festus and the latter caught his eye and cocked a questioning eyebrow.
    ‘What’s the matter, Marcus? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.’
    ‘It’s nothing.’ Marcus forced his expression to remain calm even though his heart beat quickly within his breast.
    Cicero drew a breath and continued. ‘These brigands must be dealt with. If Caesar agrees to take responsibility for destroying them, Cato, will you agree not to pursue your attempt to force a trial of Caesar?’
    Before Cato could reply, Caesar was on his feet. ‘I object! I already have other duties to attend to. I take up command of my army this spring. I have no time to waste on hunting down a handful of ragged slaves. I have far more important things that concern me.’
    ‘More important than the security of Italia?’ asked Cicero.
    ‘No... Of course not,’ Caesar blustered. ‘Nothing is more important than that. Only —’
    ‘Then you will surely accept this task?’
    Caesar pressed his lips together, struggling to contain his frustration as Cato stood up and addressed the House. If Caesar will accept, then I shall be content to withdraw my motion that he be brought to trial.’
    There was a ripple of applause and nodding of heads from the other senators, and Cato bowed his head graciously before stretching out a hand in the direction of Caesar. ‘I have given my ground, Caesar. Will you now do the same?’
    ‘Oh, the master is not going to like this,’ Festus muttered. ‘Better brace yourself for some shouting once we escort him back to his house.’
    Marcus was watching Caesar, hoping that he would refuse to accept Cicero's deal.
    Caesar nodded slowly. ‘Very well. I accept. I will take command of a force to track down and destroy these rebels at the earliest opportunity. I swear to you that I will find this slave, Brixus, and bring him before this House to decide his punishment. I will crush the legacy of Spartacus once and for all.'
    His words were cheered by the senators, and they were joined by those watching from the windows and doorways. But Marcus was silent. The very last thing he wanted was for Caesar to capture Brixus. What would his former owner do if he found out that Marcus was the son of Spartacus, the bitterest enemy that Rome had ever faced?

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    Festus was proved right. The moment that Caesar and his entourage entered his house, and the door to the street closed behind them, he flew into a rage. Marcus had never seen him so angry.
    ‘Damn that man, Cicero! Damn him to the darkest pit in all Hades! Now I shall be forced to undertake some wild goose chase when I should be with my legions in Gaul.’
    Clodius shrugged and examined the fingernails of his right hand. ‘Then perhaps you should have refused, or at least given me the nod to intervene with my veto.’
    ‘No. That is a power that should not be overused. We had to use it to stop the vote. To use it again against Cicero would have been too much for the Senate to stomach. Even my own supporters have a limit to their loyalty.’ Caesar gritted his teeth. ‘Now Cato has me where he wants me: stuck in Italia when I could be starting my campaign to conquer new lands and win glory for Rome.’
    ‘Not to mention yourself,’ Clodius added.
    Caesar glared at him for a moment and then sighed wearily. ‘Whatever you may think of me, I know that Rome is my first and only master. My life is dedicated to extending her power in the world.’
    ‘Whatever you say, Caesar. Still, that leaves you with the problem of this man, Brixus, and his followers. What do you intend to do about it?’
    ‘Just as I said. I intend to track them down, as well as every other band of rebels and runaways. Those we don’t kill I will at least be able to sell.’ Caesar pursed his lips. ‘So there