The Gladiator

'Then tell us,' said Sempronius. 'I'm sure we would all be delighted to discover the means to our salvation.'

Polocrites ignored him steadfastly as he addressed his companions.

'Ajax must know that he will lose many hundreds of his men, perhaps thousands, if he is forced to assault Gortyna. It may also take several days. All of which will dispirit his followers. Every day they are forced to fight us will feed their bloodlust. There will be no mercy if they take the city. We will be put to the sword. Our women will be raped and tortured and our children butchered.'

Macro nodded. 'All the more reason to fight to the last man.'

'No,' Polocrites responded sharply. 'All the more reason to find another way out of the peril we are placed in.' He continued in a crafty tone. 'What if we were to offer to hand over the Romans to Ajax? If we were to co-operate in providing his hostages, then surely he would be grateful to the people of Gortyna for sparing his men the need to assault the city, and saving the rebels the time and effort of mounting a siege.' Polocrites paused briefly, then concluded, 'I think we can make a separate peace with the rebels.'

There was an uncomfortable silence before Macro laughed. 'You cheeky Greek bastard! For a moment there I thought you were serious.'

Polocrites turned to him with a deadpan expression. 'I am serious.'

'No you're not.' Macro smiled. 'Because if you were, that would make you a dirty little back-stabbing traitor. And if that was the case, then I'd have no choice but to cut your throat and hurl your worthless carcass over the city wall and into the ditch for the dogs to feed on.'

'You wouldn't dare,' Polocrites said quietly.

'Sorry' Macro shrugged. 'Like I said, I'd have no choice. It'd be regrettable but necessary. I'm sure you would understand... But since you're having a joke with us, and you really wouldn't even contemplate dishonouring yourself in such a cowardly ma

The councillors watched Polocrites closely as the man stared at Macro and gauged his chances of escaping the fate Macro had mentioned.

'I'm sorry.' Macro looked up from his manicure.' Did you say something?'

'No.'

Macro frowned and slowly rose from his chair.

'I meant yes.' Polocrites backed off a step.

'Yes?'

'Yes,' Polocrites said hurriedly. 'I was joking.'

'Good.' Macro nodded and carefully replaced his dagger. 'That's that then.'

'Well,' Sempronius cleared his throat uneasily, 'it seems that we are agreed on where we stand, gentlemen. It is important that we present a united front to the defenders and people of Gortyna. There will be no talk of negotiating with the enemy. It is our joint resolve to defend the city, to the end if that is necessary. I trust that is understood by you all. Now, on that note of agreement, I am calling this meeting to an end. Thank you for your attention, and your continued support.' He bowed his head and then indicated the door. Polocrites was the first to leave, sweeping past the others as he strode swiftly out of the room. The rest followed his lead, some shooting nervous glances in Macro's direction as they departed. When the last of them had gone, Sempronius sighed and slumped back down on to his chair.

'Hardly an inspiring display of unity.'

'No, sir.' Macro chewed his lip. 'But I think they'll keep their mouths shut for a little while.'

'I hope so.' Sempronius rubbed his temple and shut his eyes. 'It all comes down to Cato in the end, doesn't it?'

'Yes, you're right.' Macro went over to the window and rested his hands on the frame as he stared out towards the main camp of the rebels. 'I meant what I said about him being the best man for the job.

The trouble is, being the best is not enough sometimes. He's pushed his luck in the past and it won't last for ever.'

'Don't write him off too quickly.' Julia's voice carried across the room.

Both of the men turned and saw her at the door. She stared at Macro for a moment and then made her way down the gap between the benches and sat on the one nearest her father's desk.

'I wasn't writing him off,' Macro explained. 'I'm just concerned for him.'

'We all are,' Sempronius added. 'With good cause. I hope he won't let us down.'

'He won't,' Macro said firmly.

Sempronius turned to his daughter. 'What brings you here?'

'I came to report on the day's food consumption. Your guards said there was a meeting. I waited outside until it was over.'

'I take it you heard everything.'

'Most of it.' Julia nodded. 'Can't say I'm very impressed with the locals. What do you intend to do about them, Father?'

'Do? Nothing. Not unless they start making trouble for us. If that happens, they can join Glabius in the acropolis cells.'

'I'd have that man Polocrites closely watched if I were you.'

'She's right,' said Macro.' The man's trouble. Might be better to lock him up now, before he can spread any more of his poison.'

Sempronius considered the suggestion for a moment before he shook his head. 'We'll leave him be for now. I can't afford to be making enemies inside the city when we have a far greater danger to deal with. We're already in enough peril. Which is why I've come to a decision.' He leaned forward and looked steadily at his daughter. 'I want you to leave Gortyna.'

'Leave?' Julia shook her head in surprise. 'What are you talking about? I'm staying here. With you.'

'That's impossible. It's too much of a risk. There is a good chance that Ajax and his army will take Gortyna. If the city falls, I could not bear the thought of what might happen to you.'

'Father, it's not as if this is the first time we've been under siege.'

'No, but last time I had no option. We were trapped in Palmyra.

There is still time for you to leave Gortyna and make it to the north of the island. You can wait there for news.'

'I will not go,' Julia replied firmly. 'I will stay by your side. I will wait for Cato. And if the city falls, then I will die by my own hand before any of the rebels can touch me. I swear it, Father.'

Sempronius looked pained at her suggestion. He stared at her while he fought with his fear for her safety. 'Julia. You are my only child. You are the most important thing in my life. I ca

'Er...' Macro shuffled awkwardly. 'Would you like me to, ah, leave the room?'

'No,' Sempronius replied. 'Stay'

Julia smiled fondly and reached forward to take his hands. 'Father, I know what I mean to you.'

'No you don't. No child does, not until they have children of their own.'

She returned his gaze for a moment and shook her head sadly. 'I ca

He leaned wearily back in his chair. 'I have made my decision. You will leave Gortyna.'

Julia glared at him, then lowered her head and stared at her hands.

When she spoke, there was no hiding the strain in her voice. When do you wish me to leave?'

'Tonight. I suspect that Ajax will want to cut the city off the moment he realises that we will not be agreeing to his demands. If you leave under cover of darkness, you can put some miles between you and Gortyna before dawn. I'll send a small escort with you. The rebel scouts will miss you if you go quietly and head north into the hills. Make for Cnossos.' He turned to Macro. 'I want you to pick some good men to escort my daughter from the city.'

'Sir?'

'You are to go with them until they have reached a safe distance from Gortyna. Then you can return here.' A brief look of embarrassment crossed the senator's face. 'I know there's a chance that you might have some trouble getting back, so I won't order you to do this. I ask it as a favour, to a friend.'