‘I had done as much as I could. My death would not have affected the outcome. My life, on the other hand, guarantees that I will continue to be a threat to the Romans. Which is to the benefit of us all, Your Highness.’

‘How did you escape?’

‘My spy arranged to save me and a handful of others.’

Talmis nodded slowly and was silent for a moment before he responded. ‘So, you have cost me five hundred men. Is this what you meant by being of use to me? You, your men and your spy have failed me,’ he concluded in a tone of contempt.

‘We have killed many Romans, Highness. And I succeeded in holding back their advance for two days. As you wished.’

‘That is so. But I do not consider the loss of five hundred of my men a success. In any case, I have the enemy where I want them now so your usefulness to me has been played out, gladiator.’

Ajax’s eyes narrowed and he replied in a low, even tone. ‘What do you mean by that, Your Highness?’

‘The Romans will be crushed tomorrow so I will have no more need of you. If you had been one of my officers I would have had your head by now for the unnecessary loss of a considerable number of my men.’

‘In order to fulfil your orders the loss was unavoidable, Highness.’

‘I wonder.’

‘And I am not one of your officers,’ Ajax went on. ‘I am Ajax, commander of the slave revolt on Crete. While I live Rome trembles,’ Ajax blustered. ‘If you kill me, you only serve the interests of Rome.’

‘Perhaps,’ Talmis conceded. ‘However, your execution will provide a valuable example to the rest of my men of the price of failing me.’

‘But I have not failed you.’

‘I disagree. It is possible that your death will suit my purposes better than your continued service.’

Ajax glared at the Prince. ‘You called me an ally.’

‘A prince has no allies. He has only servants and enemies. It is up to him how to use his servants.’

The gladiator spat on the ground in contempt. At once the captain of the guard turned and struck him on the side of the head. Then he stood, fist clenched, daring the gladiator to defy the Prince again. Ajax shook his head to clear the dizziness caused by the blow. He looked at the Prince and spoke in a low voice. ‘You are making a mistake, Highness. Kill me, and you kill the hope of all those slaves who wait to rise up against Rome.’