The legionary gritted his teeth and shook his head in apology, then thrust the blade into the wounded man’s chest. The young man grunted and flung his head back and arms wide. Then, as the sword was wrenched free, he writhed for a moment on the ground before lying still. The crowd let out a bloodthirsty roar and punched their fists into the chilly air. Two of the rebels approached the winner and one took the sword from his hand while the other steered him to one side of the hut.

Marcus felt sick with worry as Mandracus approached the remaining prisoners and looked over the group. None dared meet his eye to risk being chosen for the next fight.

‘You ... Yes, you, and the man next to him. You’re up. Move yourselves!’

There were two more fights and Marcus counted fourteen men left in the group. That meant seven fights, and Decimus was still with them. There was a chance yet to avenge himself. As they dragged the fourth body away, Mandracus scanned his finger across the group and smiled. Then his finger stopped.

‘You ... Up!’

Decimus struggled to his feet, shaking his head in mute protest. At once Marcus stood.

‘I’ll fight him! Choose me!’

Mandracus turned. ‘What’s this? A volunteer? The plucky lad wishes to take on a grown man. Looks like we finally found a Roman with the heart to put up a fight. Very well then, boy, he’s all yours.’

‘No!’ Decimus called out. ‘You can’t make me fight!’

‘Oh? Why can’t I?’

Decimus held out his hands. ‘Set me free and I’ll make you a rich man. I have a fortune in Rome. Let me live and I will ensure that all of you are handsomely rewarded. I swear it.’

‘How interesting,’ Mandracus mused. ‘And what amount are we talking about for your ransom?’

‘Half a million sestertii,’ Decimus pleaded, but the rebel did not respond. ‘All right then, a million! A million sestertii!’

‘Hmmm, now that is quite a fortune.’ Mandracus thought briefly. ‘We’ll wait to see what Brixus says. Take this one inside the hut.’

‘Thank you,’ Decimus grovelled. ‘You won’t regret it.’

As he was led away he gave Marcus a smug smile. ‘What did I tell you? Goodbye, boy. Give my regards to Titus when you catch up with him in the afterworld. And apologize to Thermon for me. Tell him it was only ever business between us.’

Marcus gritted his teeth and spat out his reply. ‘Coward!’

Decimus shook his head. ‘No, just a survivor.’

Then he was led away and disappeared through the leather flap into the hut. Mandracus approached Marcus and looked down at him curiously. ‘It’s a shame to put an end to such courage. But you will die with these others. The question is who to pick for your opponent. I’ll be fair so you can put up a decent fight.’