Gladiator: Son of Spartacus Read Online Free PDF Page B

swallow that stubborn arrogance of his and join in the applause. I can hardly wait to see his face.’
    ‘Then let us hope that you will not have to report a defeat when you next face the Senate.’
    ‘Defeat?’ Caesar looked astonished. ‘That’s unthinkable Impossible.’
    ‘I hope so. When do you intend to leave for Ariminum?’
    ‘At once. I’ll take the Flaminian Way. It’s the most direct route.’
    ‘That’s true,’ said Clodius. ‘But is it wise? It’ll be hard going at this time of year, and you will be crossing the mountains where these rebels are hiding out.’
    ‘I imagine they will be hiding in their caves, huddled over their fires. I shall be safe enough and besides I cannot afford any delay. The sooner the matter is dealt with the sooner I can turn my attention to far more important victories and conquests. I will leave at dawn. Festus!’
    The leader of his bodyguard stepped forward and bowed his head. ‘Yes, master.’
    'I shall take you and six of your best men.’ Caesar’s gaze flickered towards Marcus. 'And you, young man. I suspect I shall need to call on your knowledge and skills once again. After all, you trained alongside gladiators. You know how they think, and you know how they fight. Yes, I am sure you will be very useful.’ He turned back to Festus. ‘I’ll also need my scribe, Lupus. See that it is all arranged.’
    ‘Yes, master.’
    Caesar turned back to Clodius. ‘I wish I knew precisely what I am up against. If this man, Brixus, is an escaped gladiator, then he will be a dangerous opponent. Even more dangerous if there is any truth to this rumour about the son of Spartacus joining forces with Brixus. If it’s true, then the son must be found as soon as possible. Found, and then eliminated. Every slave in the empire must be made to realize that Rome never rests until its enemies are completely and utterly crushed.’
    ‘Yes, Caesar. I will see to it.’ Clodius nodded.
    ‘I also expect that you will look after my interests here in Rome in my absence. I will expect regular reports of the proceedings of the Senate.’
    ‘Don’t worry. I will. Now I’d better leave you to your preparations.’
    ‘Farewell, my friend.’ Caesar smiled as he clasped the younger man’s arm.
    Clodius smiled back and then turned to leave the house. Once the door had closed behind him, Caesar’s smile faded and he shook his head as he muttered, ‘Thank the Gods that he isn’t the only supporter I can rely on.’
    Marcus could not help nodding in agreement and Caesar’s eagle eye caught his gesture.
    ‘So, you share my opinion of Clodius? That is good. I have always known I could rely on your sound judgement, my bay.
    ‘Yes, master.’
    ‘Well then, we are about to face a new adventure, Marcus. You may have fought in the arena, and on the streets of Rome, but this will be your first campaign, maybe even your first real battle. I expect that you are looking forward to it, eh?’
    Marcus forced himself to nod and Caesar punched him lightly on the shoulder.
    ‘Just as I thought. You’re a natural warrior through and through.' His expression became serious. ‘I meant what I said about needing any advice you can give me... Now go and pack your kit and get an early night. We’ve got a long, uncomfortable ride ahead of us. Crossing the Apennines in winter is not easy.’
    ‘I’ll make sure that I pack some warm clothes, master,’ said Marcus.
    ‘Good. At least there’s one thing to look forward to. My niece will be with her new husband at Ariminum. He’s serving with the Tenth legion. I’m sure that Portia will be glad to see you again.’
    ‘I hope so,’ Marcus answered with feeling. She was one of the few people he had come to regard as a friend since arriving in Rome and he had missed her when she left Caesar’s household to marry the nephew of General Pompeius, one of Caesar’s closest allies. Together with Crassus, they were the three most powerful men in all Rome. It was