01x06 - Empty Things

[bunniefuu]

Begin!

From the savage lands of Kush,
Achillia, the Goddess of Death.

There are none but men beneath this roof,

and you but stand the least offensive.

I would see her stand
victorious in the arena,

only to offer fatal blow myself.

I prepare for travel
at break of morning sun.

You remain?

The gods themselves
could not pry me loose.

- [all grunt]
- Seize them!

Cilicians. Your men
nearly had my f*cking life.

Yet here you stand.

Was purse not swelled with
coin in return for maneuvering

Cossutia and her daughter
to appointed time and place?

- A decision now held in regret.
- It is a disappointment

I shall not find you
among my worshippers.

Nor perhaps at all among the living.

What do I stand towards you?

- [screams]
- Yes!

[crowd chants] Achillia! Achillia!

[groans]

[blades ring, blood splatters]

[rapid percussive music, singing echoes]

[dark, eerie music]

[music continues]

[echoes] Spirit her
to f*cking medicus. Go!

[music continues]

[screams]

She cannot die
on eve of greatest victory!

Is concern for the woman
or your f*cking house?

[echoes] The two stand
entwined, you bearded f*ck!

[heart beats]

Shhh.

[scream echoes] Neferet! Neferet!

The gods bless us with one hand

and ram fist up a*s with the other.

Achillia was not alone in
victory. Tarchon, Celadus...

The crowds did not raise their
names towards the heavens.

They lifted Achillia's.

Our fortune rests with her and her alone.

- Does she yet draw breath?
- She does.

Yet sundered hand must be
removed before infection sets.

You would see my champion crippled?

- There is no other path.
- Do I not possess f*cking leg

after grievous wound inflicted by

the f*cking Gaul Crixus in the arena?

The medicus of Batiatus restored limb,

and here I stand before you.

Then present the man

and see him towards better result.

He perished during conflict
with mad Thracian.

Carry my greetings.

Argh! [screams]

[scream continues]

[scream echoes]

- [Sighs]
- That was ill advised.

We find ourselves in need of a medicus.

How were relations left
between you and Opiter?

Favorable.

[spits]

Will she live?

You have shown no concern
towards the Nubian,

yet now it blooms?

Only towards pressing need.

Messages arrive requesting appearance

of the Goddess of Death.

Who requests her?

- Everyone.
- [chuckles]

- Hmm.
- How shall I reply?

Make no promise towards
her presence, nor condition,

yet sow notion where she stands immortal

and shall rise as phoenix upon a day.

And if fabled bird plummets?

Then this house falls with her.

[percussive music]

Apologies.

I did not realize my bath stood occupied.

[pants]

[moans]

- [pants]
- Mmm.

[moans]

- Mmm.
- [giggles]

- [sighs]
- None required.

Purpose has been seen to completion.

The old fool Gabinius
stood pleased your champion

did not perish -

at least... not in the arena.

A sentiment to be turned
towards advantage.

Make no move absent my blessing.

- Mm.
- I shall think upon it.

Messia, remain to attend Dominus.

I would see her hands
towards loftier task.

Come.

Yes, Domina.

She stands your sl*ve to command.

Not that of Caesar's b*tch.

Cornelia carries weight of
family name eclipsing that

of even noble husband.

She must be tolerated, upon the moment.

See bath drained and refreshed.

I will not soak in waters tainted

by her passions.

[tense music]

[music continues]

I did not expect to see
you so far from slumber

- at such an hour.
- See that broken,

and fingers to follow.

What errand has the Syrian
set you upon now?

He would entreat use of your medicus.

- What of your own man?
- He has...

taken wing.

Our champion is in need of
urgent care and discretion.

You will have both.

Sentius, fetch Echemus.

Yes, Dominus.

- Gratitude.
- Retain it.

I no longer have use for the man.

You depart Capua?

Your powers of observation
are truly unmatched.

Were you to break f*cking
word in advance of deed?

Towards what purpose?

I grow weary of forever giving chase.

Perhaps in Sicilia I shall find
myself the object of pursuit.

- Is that where you flee?
- I merely seize moment

towards more favorable ventures.

As do all who hasten
exit at darkest hour.

See yourself to street.
I must attend to my affairs.

No.

Give voice to what truly
moves you to sudden action.

And see burden shared.

You know well what moves me.

Do you not you live beneath the roof

of the House of f*cking Caesar?

[scoffs] Caesar?

But what hold does the man have
towards you?

I aided in his ruse of Cilician attack...

and in protesting life lost in such

now stand the object
of his f*cking wrath.

The Cilicians were Caesar's men?

You did not know?

No, I did not.

Nor your part in the f*cking scheme.

[footsteps scuff]

As I did not know Caesar's
desires rose towards blood.

Now I stand trapped
as insect fixed upon web

and would see myself removed
from Capua before spider returns

with venomous intent.

Hmm.

[sighs]

So we fall from one another.

Such need not hold true.

Stay at my side.

Let us away to Sicilia together.

I cannot leave my duties.

Duties of treachery

and bloodshed the Syrian compels?

Do not take my meaning unkindly,
yet a man of your years

is blessed by each passing day.

Do you wish to spend those
remaining in servitude

to such a... creature?

You would have me abandon
all I hold towards honor?

I would but have you strive
for something more.

Turn from cold, uncaring arms,

in favor of loving embrace.

[smooches]

[birds call]

[whimpers]

[whimpers]

[whimpers]

[screaming]

[grunts]

[screams]

[screams]

- Can you f*cking save her?
- [speaks Greek]

- What words does the man break?
- Greek.

Did you not think to ask
if he could speak

common f*cking tongue?

You stand Syrian. Do you not
grasp the man's language?

Towards completion of
simple trade, I am your man.

Beyond such, I stand as ignorant as you-

[speaks Greek]

- Uh...
- f*ck.

Huh? f*ck. f*ck!

Uh...

Who within our house
grasps the man's tongue?

Knowledge your f*cking
doctore does not hold.

I do not care for your f*cking tone.

Nor I for life being put at peril,

absent awareness.

Who has done so?

The villain stands before me.

Opiter confides that our coming
upon the Cilician attack

was not by happenstance.

Nor were they Cilicians.

How has he come by this?

Then he breaks truth.
You conspired with Caesar

to stage attack to gain
favor with Gabinius.

My hand holds no place in this.

Caesar moved pieces upon board
absent consultation

with the villain before you,
you f*cking sh*t.

- When did you discover such?
- Only after his arrival.

What part does Opiter play in this?

Moved by Caesar's purse, he saw Cossutia

to appointed time and place.
He now takes flight to Sicilia

for fear his tongue
will be forever stilled

to conceal misdeed.

He moves as anyone with f*cking sense

when confronted with
the ambitions of Caesar.

Why was threat carried not revealed to me

when you learned of it?

You'll know of my thoughts...

when I deem it f*cking so.

[grunting]

Argh!

Dominus!

- I would ask towards Achillia.
- Return to f*cking purpose

or see yourself to like fate
in the arena.

Yes, Dominus.

Apologies.

What sh*t do you give for the Nubian?

If the b*tch falls, we rise.

She stands champion and
should be honored as such.

Do you hold worry towards the champion...

or the woman?

Turn mind towards training...

or see teeth from f*cking mouth.

We must present a champion
to stand for Achillia

till she regains rightful place.

Who would you choose?

Do you not hold vaunted
title of f*cking doctore?

Attend!

Contest shall be held.

The victor shall claim mantle of champion

until the gods return Achillia
to the sands of the arena.

- Prepare yourselves.
- Hold.

I would see contest of
more intimate nature.

- Viridia.
- The finest of your men

presented as entertainment
for noble guests.

Let us make selection from
the Syrian's meager stock.

Which would you desire
towards closer inspection?

Hmm.

- That one stands of a form.
- Hmm.

She favors you, as aged cat
towards slow witted mouse.

The one beside him also pulls attention.

Claws extend towards
less savory meal as well.

- [chuckles]
- And what of beloved daughter.

Does no one draw interest?

Perhaps... that one?

Let us choose less seasoned meat.

[chuckles]

You.

See them washed and brought up at once.

Let us to wine and food in time between.

Hmm.

[footsteps retreat]

[grumbles]

It is not enough she commands villa;

Cornelia seeks to consume ludus as well.

There's always the cliff,
which you appear to favor.

See the men to f*cking contest.

I will return the others
to flock upon hour

pried from vulture's grasp.

It did not cross mind to
inform me of f*cking guests?

I was unaware of their presence.
Messia attends Domina's whims.

Cornelia does not stand domina
of this f*cking house.

Apologies. How shall I address her?

I do not f*cking know.

Busy yourself with useful
purpose and remain far

afield from her gaze.

Lest it set you ablaze
for base amusement.

- Go.
- Dominus.

[sighs]

[bassy music]

As requested, the finest
offering of the House of Ashur,

rivalling any within fair city.

Hmm. Opiter's men stand more
pleasing to discerning eye.

Unfortunate veil obscures
fullness of consideration.

Hmm.

Remove your subligarias.

[bassy music]

Mmm.

That one stands a wonder, does he not?

I defer to wisdom of
experience upon subject.

[chuckles]

Did you not also once
stand a gladiator, Syrian?

A god of the arena, my victories legend.

Let us weigh boisterous claim

and witness evidence of the divine.

I must gently remind...
I stand dominus in this house...

And I stand heir to
the storied name of Cinna,

far surpassing that of claimed title.

- Mother.
- We are but guests here

and hold no sway upon desire
of gracious host.

Gratitude. I would see you
honored by requested display.

[tense music]

[music continues]

[belt clatters]

[fabric rustles]

[fabric rustles]

Impressive.

Yet offering falls...

- short of promised divinity.
- [snickers]

You may go.

[tense music]

[chuckles]

You really must visit Capua more often.

The city does present amusement,
yet I long for Rome

- and more civilized clime.
- Mm. We are of similar mind.

Yet I am moored to this f*cking
place by my husband's sentiment

towards childhood home.

Apologies. The heat and the wine-

Stomach turns. I would seek repose,

to rejoin when humors permit.

Of course. See her to my bedchambers.

Gratitude, yet I noted them upon entry

and would not leave you unattended.

She is of a rather
delicate nature, is she not?

She stands her mother's daughter-

and shall reflect such upon a moment.

Hmm.

[sighs]

Apologies. I do not mean
to intrude upon thoughts.

[sighs] Your presence
welcomes an end to them.

May I offer wine?

I fear I have already indulged
to excess. [chuckles]

Does such a thing exist? [chuckles]

[clears throat]

Gratitude. For cup...

and temperate response
to unfortunate jest.

A thing of no concern.

My father holds that women
cluck like hens. [chuckles]

But he is mistaken,

it is the rasping of hawks,
circling wounded prey.

I stand unscathed.

[cups clink]

She was in error.

Caesar's wife.

Your boasts proved true, once again.

In all regards.

[chuckles] Apologies. I must...

tend to Achillia.

May I fall by your side?

I long to lay eyes
upon such marvel again.

[both grunt]

[both grunt]

[shouting, cheering]

[thud]

[shouting]

[both grunt]

[thud]

Doctore?

Celadus! Victor!

[cheering]

You almost had me, brother.

[pants] A lie.

Yet well received.

[chuckles]

- Thoughts appear elsewhere.
- As do yours.

I would ask to see Achillia,
upon your discretion.

Towards what end?

I saw to her training in your absence

and stood friend to her.

My presence may prove
a comfort towards recovery.

Her fate lies far removed
from mortal grasp.

Fix mind on contest
to stand in her place.

[whip cracks]

Hedylus!

Helios!

Take position.

[tense music]

[music continues]

Begin!

[grunts]

[grunts]

[screams]

[screams]

[speaks Greek]

I do not understand
your words, you Greek f*ck!

He says to place bit in mouth
so she does not sever tongue.

[sighs]

[whimpers]

[screams]

[whimpers]

[sighs] Uh...

gratitude.

My knowledge of Greek does not
extend so far a distance.

My husband had many dealings
with their people.

He wished me to be able
to break words with them

when entertaining at our villa.

Apologies. I did not mean
painful memory exhumed.

When my husband fell,
it was as if heart had been

sundered from chest.

He must have stood a titan,
to warrant such emotion.

He was a good man. And well loved.

Yet as days churn,

grief shifts from husband
to greater loss.

I do not grasp meaning.

Our union was arranged towards
benefit of both our families.

I devoted life to his,

absent consideration of my own.

You now hold regret,
being so bound to him?

As I said, he was a good man -

gentle, kind.

Yet as his memory fades,

unsettled notion weighs upon mind.

Give it name, if you are so able.

It is a thought born of a whisper,

grown to deafening roar...

that what I grieve now is not his loss,

but that of purpose
and desire denied as my own

that perhaps this world
offers more than husband

and promise of children,

of a villa filled with pretty,
empty things...

I among them.

What has moved you to such revelation?

You.

And your presentation of a woman
upon the sands of the arena,

in opposition of all I have been taught

is our proper place in the republic.

Together, you have shown me
that I stand but specter

haunting this body...

conjured by ritual of loving parents

and husband chosen absent consent.

It is a grave honor, then...

to have played a part,
however small, in...

awakening towards higher purpose.

My mother would vehemently
disagree. [chuckles]

She has proven...

difficult, upon occasion. [chuckles]

The fault lies not in her alone.

She is but wild bird
confined to gilded cage,

bars forged by the traditions of men.

- Do I... not stand as such?
- [both laugh]

Allow me to amend.

Forged by traditions of Roman men.

Ah.

[speaks Greek]

He says he's done all he can for her

and that she's in the hands
of the gods now.

[sighs]

Then she stands alone.

You blaspheme.

I but speak of experience.

I hold that we are never truly alone...

if heart is held open.

I shall make offering to the gods,

coupled with prayer
towards Achillia's health

and prosperity.

And yours as well.

[poignant music]

Jupiter truly blesses us this day.

They do stand enticing vision,

despite laboring beneath the Syrian.

Which do you favor?

Difficult to judge, given current form.

Then let us see expectations... raised.

Present yourselves in more...
heroic fashion.

[chuckles]

Shall we retrieve errant daughter

- to lay eyes upon display?
- I fear thoughts towards

fallen husband might temper enjoyment.

She must brave to sail upon
the seas of marriage once more,

in advance of youth faded.

You yet have thoughts
towards Caesar's man?

The name Quintus Thermus
does rise by day and hour.

Yet I fear my own husband,

whose allegiance lies
firmly... with Pompey.

Pompey shall fade from concern,
as he shall from history.

Securing future of daughter,

by extension, that of deserving mother,

is all that should move decision.

You would have me take position

counter to desires...

of my husband?

I would but see your own satisfied.

I fear you mistake me.

I mistake nothing.

[gasps]

[gasps]

[gasps]

[thunder rumbles]

[rain patters]

[clears throat] Celadus stands
at forefront of standing.

Yet Tarchon,

Erato and Ephesius
were not among contest,

- [loud sigh]
- occupied as they were.

See them returned to purpose
at break of day.

[chuckles]

Mood appears lifted.

Achillia improves?

She remains caught between
this world and the next.

Yet hope and heart...

blossoms.

She has proven herself
beyond expectations.

She rose to champion upon
your f*cking instruction,

despite reservation towards
presenting a woman

in the games. [chuckles]

I but did what any doctore would.

You stand overly humble.

Achillia's victory has ignited
and inspired this city in...

unexpected ways.

You honor me.

I but break truth.

Neglected by passions
of more inflamed moment.

If nothing further is required of me,

I would fall from ludus
towards personal matter.

Go, you f*cking goat. [chuckles]

And may it involve c*ck
and the pleasuring of it.

[footsteps retreat]

[chuckles]

Where has the shadow that
darkened this house fallen?

Domina has taken to bedchambers,

filled with wine and visions
of heroic offerings.

Do not refer to her as Domina.

- Is that not what she stands?
- Name her f*cking Athena

if the doing of such bends
her to more pleasant mood.

Yes, Dominus.

May slumbering beast remain sated

and quietude return.

Bring food,

in advance of my own f*cking dreams.

[footsteps retreat]

You fall to her side as obedient pet.

- I do but as commanded.
- Absent complaint.

Has any ever served purpose
in this f*cking house?

What words did she break with Cossutia,

in absence of Dominus?

None of note.

[door creaks]

[rain patters]

Dispatched by the Syrian once more?

My will is my own.

I come to offer gratitude for
allowing use of your medicus.

Achillia recovers?

She has been given chance
to do so, upon your kindness.

Such was extended to
neither her nor the Syrian.

Then I extend gratitude
from my lips alone.

And offer gift...

in return.

I have never witnessed you absent it.

[poignant music]

When I won my freedom in the arena,

I bought the first bauble
I laid eyes upon in the market.

A foolish waste of coin.

Yet it stood symbol...

of what could be achieved

if heart is set towards
unwavering future.

You will accompany me to Sicilia, then?

The thought of abandoning
the House of Ashur

- still troubles mind.
- The Syrian has proved himself

most resourceful. He shall survive.

It is not his survival that causes worry.

You believe he would strike against me...

if I were to wrest you from him?

You do not know the man as I do.

He is consumed by erratic passions,

often culminating in murderous win.

I have seen him, in fit of temper,

seize the life of one of
his most valued gladiators,

amongst scarce stock,

with but shattered jug of wine.

Perhaps loss of prized
doctore may be balanced

by offering he would hold
towards larger value.

What miracle would you invoke
to tame lethal tempest?

An unexpected bounty.

One he shall find impossible
to turn from.

As I find the thought
of your hands upon me...

impossible to strike from mind.

A sentiment closely shared. [chuckles]

[folk music]

f*cking c**ts!

You betray me for this...

semblance of a man?

I stand titan to those
who know true worth.

Let us come to reason and
make offer benefitting all.

Offer Jupiter's c*ck in place of my own

and it will not stand sufficient.

I present something of larger interest.

Well, birth thought from f*cking head

so I may strangle it
till f*cking lifeless.

My villa and ludus,

and all men contained within

in exchange for but one of yours.

[contemplative music]

Korris stands a free man

and can take leave upon f*cking whim.

Why part with such abundance
to purchase what is not owned?

The cost comes not towards me

but assurance that you and
I will part absent malice...

or retribution.

And who will stand in your place
as valued doctore?

- Elevate Celadus to position.
- Celadus?

He aided in the training of Achillia

after I was set upon by Proculus' men.

He will honor title and this house.

I shall think upon it

and give reply upon f*cking leisure.

Fall to the ludus.

And you from f*cking sight.

[grunting]

[cracks whip] Tarchon!

Erato! Take position

and see contest resumed
towards title of champion.

I stroke c*ck to cl*max once more.

- [laughter]
- I fear seed shall fall short

- of purpose.
- [laughter]

Begin!

[both grunt]

It would be a great loss...

to see Korris depart.

The risk well f*cking known.

What of Achillia? Has senses
stirred from darkness?

Word of such has not yet broken.

Dire tidings upon heel
of unexpected triumph.

I pray she does not fall from life,

dragging you with her from tenuous perch.

Gratitude for imagined concern.

Refill cup with more satisfying
vintage brought from Rome.

I have arranged invitation
to Gabinius' villa.

Name appointed time and I shall
command wagon to transport you.

The invitation is not for myself.

I am to sit with Gabinius?

Towards subject of union
between beloved daughter

and Quintus Thermus, ally of Caesar.

[clears throat] Marriage?

Viridia has expressed
desire towards such?

Women do not desire marriage.
Marriage desires them.

Gabinius will not be swayed by my tongue

to such decision of import.

I have planted seed in fertile
ground of loving wife,

where it takes strong root.

Use goodwill garnered by
your champion's victory

to see effort to harvest.

[shouting]

[thud]

[shouting]

[both grunt]

Argh!

[thud]

- Tarchon - victor!
- [cheering]

Celadus, Ephesius, take position.

Begin!

All that has assaulted ear
since conclusion of our games

is the name Achillia.

And imploring demand towards assistance

in securing your response
to mounting requests

for her inclusion
in upcoming celebrations.

We stand blessed by effort and strategy.

Oh, your effort. And most definitely

your f*cking strategy, Syrian.

Yet we are bound by reflection,
mirroring shared blessings.

To see laurels heaped upon
the House of Gabinius,

and all beneath its roof,
fills heart to bursting.

Florid... yet appreciated.

How fares your champion?

Her injuries appeared of grievous nature,

even viewed from distance of pulvinus.

Many have made offerings
and broken prayer

towards her return to the arena.

Your voice among them?

I have no tongue for it.

Mother and sister would often
entreat the gods of my homeland

towards relief from our suffering.

Yet...

none ever materialized.

I hold no grace towards
words of prayer myself.

Yet daughter holds such
gifts in abundance.

She recalls image of my sister
when we were young,

not in form or countenance,

but in beliefs,

deeply held.

You have broken words
with her upon subject?

When she and her mother joined
Caesar's wife at my villa.

- Cornelia.
- Mm-hm.

A woman held together in human form

only by schemes and ambitions.

Now she conspires...

to see my only child
bonded to Quintus Thermus

to advance maneuverings.

I must confess...

I have been urged to attempt to move you

towards favor of proposition.

Urged?

Commanded, by Caesar,
through voice of Cornelia.

You believe Crassus moves Caesar

as he so moves wife?

I believe Julius f*cking Caesar
moves by no force

other than his own ravenous appetite.

You speak candidly towards
those you owe allegiance.

Or I find myself ensnared in net

woven by hands other than your own.

I am no friend of Caesar,
nor serpent the man claims mate.

I am beholden to Crassus alone,

owing to him my freedom
and all I possess since.

A wise and measured response,

one I would offer if position reversed.

Yet place thought of Crassus aside.

If he stands not the source of desire

towards Viridia's marriage,
what path would you counsel?

I would plea... against it.

Plea? So strong a condemnation?

[sighs] I have only known your
daughter for briefest moment,

yet... lasting impression has been made.

I would not see her used
as a piece upon board of Caesar

and Cornelia's game.

Once again, we stand reflection.

I will not give consent
to proposed union.

[sighs]

- A decision wisely made.
- Now turn thoughts from such

and fix them upon own f*cking house.

Mind seldom strays from task.

Opportunity such as your
champion presents

rarely grace those of your station.

You must build upon it
or see possibility evaporate

as swiftly as-as dew
beneath withering sun.

One as you describe
has recently presented itself.

In form and manner?

In such that would greatly
expand holdings upon single...

stroke.

- And the cost of it?
- In coin, none.

Yet it would be a loss keenly felt

nonetheless.

Men of position and power
have but one thing in common -

the sting of yesterday's sacrifice

in service towards greater
glory of tomorrow.

Seize f*cking moment

and set loss to sea upon distant tide.

[sighs]

[indistinct conversations]

[water splashes]

[all] Where's Achillia?!
Where's Achillia?!

- Where's Achillia?!
- [chuckles] Soon, soon, soon.

When will Achillia grace
the arena once more?

The Goddess of Death
shall reclaim the sand

- upon a day soon approaching!
- [cheering]

And f*ck all who dare
stand before her! Ha!

- [crowd laughs, cheers]
- The woman yet lives?

She does.

How fares your champion?

Resurrected?

- Or yet in eternal repose?
- [laughter]

Heap gratitude upon foreign gods

your b*tch did not face
the Brothers Ferox.

Do you value life so little
to form guard of...

half-men?

Perhaps my... little sword

shall carve name into block
of wood resting upon shoulders.

Satyrus.

Fall to purpose,

and see coin owed from
merchant Tantalus collected.

- And if he cannot produce?
- Add trophy to your belt.

- [chuckles]
- Go.

I would break words with
the Syrian absent distraction.

Scurry forth.

Apologies. Satyrus possesses
bile of one fully formed,

concentrated into diminutive vessel.

A small annoyance,
barely rising to notice.

Now, what f*cking words do you hold

I have interest in breaking with you?

Your unusual offering in the
arena has admittedly ignited

the baser elements of the city.

Yet it is foolish to hold that
her fortunes shall continue

in light of injuries sustained.

And how does such matter
weigh upon your f*cking mind?

They do not. Yet I see

convergent path in what you
have managed to achieve,

however brief in nature.

Speak plainly or part f*cking way.

Plainly, then.

I offer alliance.

If your champion recovers
from wounds inflicted,

we shall pair her against my lesser men,

to extend her life and reap
further coin from those rabid

at thought of a woman defying
odds towards fated end.

Hmm.

I would counter generous offer.

Unhinge jaw...

and swallow c*ck.

I offer hand only to find
teeth snapping at flesh.

You piss on the House of Ashur
at every turn

and now stand in wonder
I do not take knee

and receive golden tribute?

Let us turn from rightfully
aggrieved past

and seize necessity of present moment.

I am soon to f*cking dwarf necessity.

You grow so bold after but
single victory in a Primus,

with champion lying at
the gates of the Underworld,

yet a breath from admittance?

Bolder than stunted
imagination could dream.

My holdings double upon
turn of circumstance.

And how do you call forth such miracle?

By one also much abused
by your f*cking tongue.

The man takes flight,
his holdings falling

to deserving hands.

Opiter?

[chuckles]

You do not possess coin
to secure what is his,

short of Crassus himself sh1tting gold

into outstretched palm.

Oh, I possess all that is
required of worth and value

beyond coin.

The House of Ashur
shall soon stand monolith,

lesser men forever to dwell

in its f*cking shadow.

[indistinct conversations]

There are but two remaining

within grasp of honored
mantle of champion.

Celadus...

Tarchon...

take position.

At last...

I will seize title
from undeserving woman.

And I shall reclaim it

to present as gift when she rises again.

[suspenseful music]

Begin!

[shouting]

[both grunt]

[both grunt]

[shouting]

[shouting echoes]

[both grunt]

[both grunt]

Why do you fight for her?!

Argh!

[yells]

Argh!

I fight for this f*cking house.

Celadus - victor.

[cheering]

- The title of champion falls...
- Stay hand!

Tarchon shall stand as champion

until such day Achillia returns to form.

[cheering]

See Celadus elevated
to position of doctore.

And all encompassed by declaration.

[dramatic music]

[thunder rumbles]

My time upon the sands
draws to sudden end.

Embrace achievements of those
you lend experience to,

as I have done for many years.

[poignant music]

You have given all to
the arena, old friend.

Does it stand possible
to hold dream of anything

beyond blood and glory?

One whose worth transcends
value of any victory

or cheering crowd.

You stand ready to fall from this house?

And eager to do so.

Uh, there is yet...

final thing I would ask of you, in...

advance of parting.

[thunder rumbles]

[footsteps approach]

She does not wake.

She stands at the judgement of her gods

and shall return to
the world of the living

if found of worth.

I would tip balance...

with offering and...

prayer.

You would entreat the gods
you do not believe in?

They have seldom given me
cause for such faith.

Yet perhaps effort combined

may move them towards compassion.

[bleats]

[fire crackles]

[bleats]

[fire crackles]

Then let us stand as one.

[grunts]

[fire crackles]

[fire crackles]

[prays in Aramaic]

[thunder rumbles]

[prays in Aramaic]

[screams]

[grunts]

[screams]

[prays in Aramaic]

[grunts]

[screams]

[prays in Aramaic]

[thunder rumbles]

[prays in Aramaic]

[screams]

[screams]

[prays in Aramaic]

[fire crackles]

[prays in Aramaic]

[prays in Aramaic]

[prays in Aramaic]

[thunder rumbles]

[screams]

[screams]

[screams]

[screams]

[poignant music]

[screams]

[gasps]

I... live?

Our journey has not yet ended.

[speaks Greek]

[laughs]

The gods do not f*ck you this time.

[chuckles]

I still do not care for you.

Nor I you.

[gasps]

[thunder rumbles]

Sentius!

I would take meal before journey.

Sentius? Sentius!

- [thunder booms]
- [gasps]

[thunder crashes]

Someone has a secret.

- [cackling]
- Secrets. Secrets.

Thought he could leave absent farewells.

Thought he could f*ck...

the Syrian's man.

Presenting gift of villa and ludus,

to f*ck our dominus!

[cackling]

[stammers] Apologies.

I- I forgot myself.

- We will help you remember.
- Help you.

Take it.

All of it!

In exchange for my life!

[cackles]

- Your life...
- Your life...

...holds no value now.

[thunder rumbles]

[cackling]

I beg you.

Spare me!

[gasps]

[whimpers]

- [grunts]
- Argh!

Argh!

[grunts, gasps]

The world looks so much larger,

does it not,

- from down here?
- [cackling]

Please, don't. Please, I beg you. Please.

- Argh!
- [screams]

[screams]

[screams]

[screams]

[screams]

[thunder rumbles]

[poignant music]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[gate clangs]

[poignant music continues]

[thunder crashes]

[thunder crashes]

[poignant music continues]

[music becomes percussive]

[music becomes foreboding]

[music softens, becomes ominous]

[music builds]

[tense music]

[music deepens]

[music continues]

[music becomes percussive]