Bane's mood was sombre as he sat in the Sword Room beneath Circus Palantes. Telors was close by, gently honing the edge of the Rigante's gladius. A towering figure moved into the doorway. For a moment Bane thought it was Rage, for the light of a powerful lantern was behind him. The man stepped inside and Bane saw it was Brakus, Gladiator One. He glanced up at the golden-haired man. Brakus moved past him to a locked cabinet on the far wall, took a key from the pocket of his leather jerkin and inserted it into the lock. Bane saw him remove two leather-covered flasks and a small scroll wrapped in ribbon. He was a big man, larger than Rage, but he moved with the same cat-like grace.

He made to leave, but Telors spoke up. 'Ignoring old friends, are we now, Brak?'

The gladiator paused, then grinned. 'By heavens, Telors, when did you grow that disgusting foliage? I remember when you were young and handsome.'

Telors chuckled and the two men shook hands. 'I heard you and Vanni were training the Occian fighters. You've done a good job.'

'It's good to be back,' said Telors. 'I thought you'd be retired by now. You must have a mountain of gold already.'

Brakus shrugged. 'I keep promising myself that each fight will be the last. But then some arrogant young fighter steps out of the shadows, telling me I'm old and how he's going to kill me. Pride takes over then.' He looked across at Bane. 'You want to tell me how old and tired I look, boy?' he asked.

'You look strong and fit to me,' said Bane.

Brakus nodded. 'Indeed I am. Tell me, what made you want to take this bout? You're famous enough without it, and Voltan will prove no easy meat.'

'It is personal,' put in Telors. 'Voltan killed a friend of his – a woman.'

'Oh, I see. Well, good luck to you, Bane. Perhaps we'll meet again.'

'I doubt it,' said Bane. 'This is my last fight. Tomorrow I'm heading for home.'

Brakus smiled. 'Then all my notes on you will be wasted.' He walked to the doorway, then turned. 'You have a habit of clenching your left fist before an attack. Voltan will spot that quickly.'

'Thank you. It is a habit Rage has warned me of. I can't seem to lose it.'

'Voltan is very fast on the riposte. Lose that habit today, or you won't be going home.' He swung to Telors. 'Good to see you, my friend. I'm having a small gathering to celebrate my birthday in three days. Come up to the house. Bring Vanni with you.'

'I'll do that,' said Telors. Brakus left and Telors went back to honing the blade.

'I thought Rage would come,' said Bane.

'Aye, well, you know what he thinks.'