The Gladiator's Goddess (The Gladiators' Gifts) Read Online Free PDF

“I hear you were rewarded richly by the master.”
    “Yes, in the usual way.  A few gold coins and a woman that night.”
    “I heard you were with Nardine.  What was she like?”
    “Ah yes, the physician’s slave. I suppose you’ve gotten to know her while in the infirmary. She is trouble.”
    “What do you mean trouble?” asked Abedi.
    “Trouble as in she wants to run away from the ludus and she asked me to accompany her! The girl must be crazy. She is treated well here. It seems the mistress actually likes her, which is unusual for the female slaves. I told her I was of a mind to inform the master of her plans. However he is caught up with that Syrian now. I didn’t want to add to his troubles.” 
    The Syrian gladiator had sneaked into the master’s quarters and stolen gold.  Antonius threatened to have him crucified, but had taken no action yet other than having him beaten and chained in his cell. 
    “But why does she want to run away?”  The news alarmed Abedi. Nardine had now spoken to two of the gladiators about her plans to run away, but had not confided in him.
    “She did not say and I do not care. I will probably tell the master, after he has a chance to resolve his problems with that Syrian, Olesso.”
    “Is that necessary?” Abedi asked.
    “He will reward me if I do. What does it matter to you? Are you sweet on the girl? If so, take my advice and choose another. Although she is attractive, I have to admit. But she is nothing in bed. Nothing more than a rag doll. No, Abedi. You don’t want her. She’s not worth it.”
    Abedi would have to talk to Nardine. She couldn’t go on like this, going from gladiator to gladiator, begging them to run away with her. It was strange, but Abedi didn’t worry he would lose Nardine to any other gladiator. She would eventually be his destiny. He knew that in his heart. Then again, he didn’t know how he would make her his.
    *****
    That night, Abedi confronted Nardine as she left the infirmary.
    “We must talk,” he said. “Follow me.”
    “Talk of what?” asked Nardine. “Where do you want to take me?” She looked annoyed, but Abedi grabbed her elbow.
    “I will tell you when we get there.” He led her down the halls of the ludus to the deserted practice field, then to an enclosure beneath a roof attached to the gladiators’ cells. Abedi sat on a bench in the hidden nook, pulling Nardine down next to him.
    “I must talk to you of your safety,” said Abedi. “I know you have so far told at least two gladiators of your plans to run away from the ludus . Neither one of them is faithful to you.  You are in real danger. If Hebides tells the master, you will be beaten or worse.”
    Nardine’s eyes widened and she clutched Abedi’s arm. “How do you know? They must have told you. They must have told all the gladiators. I will be found out immediately.”
    “Do not be frightened, Nardine. These men told me because I asked about you. I don’t think they are spreading tales. Your escape plan would be valuable information— information for which they could receive a reward.”
    “But what am I to do? How can I stop them?” Nardine looked terrified.
    Abedi placed his arm around her shoulder. “We must plan carefully. If you want to escape, I will help you. But we cannot go yet. My leg must heal first.”
    “Really? You would help me? But we must leave quickly, before the master—“
    “No, Nardine. We must take our time and plan carefully. You must find a way to bribe Hebides to keep him quiet.”
    “With what? With sex? He didn’t even like me.”
    “No Nardine. I would not ask that of you. Hebides likes his gold. I’m sure he would like precious stones as well.” Abedi pulled the amulet out and removed the necklace from around his neck.
    “I will give this to you, Nardine. I wanted you to have it for luck. But you can use it to bribe Hebides, so he will keep silent.”
    “It’s beautiful, Abedi. Where did it come from?”
    “From