"THE REVOLT OF THE GLADIATORS" "It is the second century after Christ:" "a huge empire, extending to the limits of the known world and its keystone in the cities spread across seven hills on the left banks of the Tiber." "The voice of Rome was always feared in every town under its dominion." "But the eternal city was an unobtainable myth for the peoples spread thinly from Britain to the distant reaches of Asia." "The masters of the world and their villas on the terranean sea." "rested from their lucrative wars, from their political efforts, and from the boredom of having nothing more to conquer." "Well then, how did the story of Appius Lucanus end?" "As soon as he received the petition, the Emperor replied he would arrange for him an excellent post with the fleet." "As an oarsman on his triremes?" "Marcus!" "Greetings, Senator Lucidius." " Greetings." "How that you're not at the palace, Fabricius?" "Aren't you afraid someone will steal your place beside the Empress?" "I understand." "I suppose I must leave now." "Courtiers have quick perceptions these days!" " Good day, Senator." "Good day, Marcus!" " You're leaving me in danger." "It's that very point I wanted to talk to you about, Marcus." " What's the rush?" "I've only been in Rome 3 months." "Let me get rid of the stench of those barbarians." "Marcus, I can still help you to obtain from the Emperor an appointment to a post that will be to your taste." "Our wealth is no longer great enough to assure you a future." "Very well." "Let's hear where you want to send me." "But not Britain, too foggy." " What do you say to Germany?" "No!" "Can you see me in a country where all the women put sheep's fat in their hair?" "Well..." "Illyria?" " I've got creditors there." "Far too risky." "Not Syria." "Palestine is at peace at the moment." "Armenia?" "Yes, why not?" "Armenia!" "Armenia?" "And what I've to do there?" "Put down a revolt of gladiators." "After a few days, you'll be a proconsul." "It's a little country with a little war." "Armenia is certainly the place for you." "And I even like the name:" "Armenia." "Sounds like the name of a lovely woman, eh?" "Oh, it's a wonderful place:" "lovely women, banquets..." " Hunting?" " Hunting!" "Rich plains, green and rolling, springs of cool fresh water," "Everything you could want!" "Teeming forests, rich grassy plains, fresh cool springs!" "Right, Uncle Lucidius, your description fits perfectly." "Write this, "Armenia is divided into three parts: rocks, rocks,"" ""and rocks."" "Wasn't an escort to have come from Ctesiphon?" "I can't blame them for staying home." "Come, we'll pitch camp among those rocks." "The emperors have conquered some great territories!" "There's Tiburtius coming back." "Marcus!" "The escort that was sent to Chrysippus!" " What's happened?" "Down there among the rocks, captured!" "To horse!" " Be careful, there are many." "We won't be able to handle them alone!" "Hurry, let's go!" "Vinicius!" "I thought I saw something up there on those heights." "Look!" "Asclepius!" "Asclepius!" "They'll only bring us misfortune." "Set them free!" "Go back to your children, Ramnes." " I'm thinking of them!" "When you've executed these Romans, Rome will still be standing." "I said go back inside." "Your wife is wiser than you, Asclepius." "And you more than she like all those about to die." " Jupiter decides when one dies." "Then Jupiter has decided you'll be dead before nightfall." "We must move on, Ramnes." "Get the cart ready." "When will this life be over?" " When Armenia is free." "And all its slaves set free." "I know it's hard for you." " It's our children, Asclepius." "They never had a home." "They don't even know how to play." "And they laugh so seldom." "I'm afraid sometimes they've forgotten how." "And then after all, what if we never win the victory?" "It'll still be better than killing gladiators in the arena." "Men who are not enemies." "You know I'm right, Ramnes." "I'll follow you." "See?" "Look what Aros is up to." "What is it?" "Did you eat your meal?" "All of it?" "Ah!" "What?" "You want to play?" "Come here!" "Put that away." "Now look at that face, you got it all dirty." "Go around that side and wait for my signal." "A Roman!" "A Roman!" "It's a legion!" "Get away, Ramnes!" "No, we'll stay with you!" " Save the children!" "Hurry!" "Go!" "Go!" "Asclepius!" "Asclepius!" "Let's go!" "Hurry!" "Cowards!" "Cowards!" "Vinicius, start to break camp." " Good, Marcus." "You there!" "Pretty one!" " Don't you touch me!" "You shouldn't have done it." "This is no place for you." "I hate the Romans more than you do, Asclepius." "Just try not to move it." "You've lost much blood." "Perhaps when we capture Asclepius, we'll finish this war." "You, hurry up with that bandaging." "We're moving." "He can't move!" "He'll die!" " If he dies, there'll be one less." "Where are you going?" "Marcus!" "You!" "Tie her up with the others." "Don't you have another place for this?" "Hey, you!" "Tie her up." "A lot of women fight for Asclepius, eh?" " I don't get the strategy." "Women always had a good game with the Romans." " Where is she from?" "Her father was a great physician in Ctesiphon." "Why do you fight with Asclepius?" "Because I hate you." "It was the first thing I learned when I was baby." "Let's move!" "Your horses!" " Hurry!" "For an outlaw and a bandit, he seems to be liked much by people." "I don't think we're so loved." " Sadly, we've done nothing to win their trust." "Indeed, we're still enemies, invaders." "You there!" "Bring the prisoners to prison!" "Asclepius mustn't hear me but those Romans don't seem as bad as the others." "Yes, but they're Romans all the same." " Move!" "Move on you two!" "Let's go!" "Come on, lazybones, a little more energy!" "That's right, Astarte, make me handsome!" "I don't want this Marcus Numidius to say in Rome about finding me all unkempt and slovenly like some provincial." "What do you think?" "He'll be one of those Romans with the law in his toga who only fight, kill and get drunk?" "Or will he be like you?" "I don't know this new generation." "I hope he won't be boring." "Marcus, here we are." "I present the tribune from Rome, Marcus Numidius." "All hail, Crysippus!" "Rome salutes you in the person of my fine uncle, Lucidius." "You, my dear boy!" "Let me look at you." "What's old Lucidius up to?" "Do you know what you put me in mind of?" "Why, the face of the girl we quarreled over when we were young." "Youth is not only question of years." " It is!" "It is!" "You'll find out when the time comes." "Come, Marcus." "Amira, princess of Armenia." "And this is Borcalla." "Her counselor and minister." " Hail to you, mighty lord!" "Imperial Rome shines from your eyes and I bow before it." "I'm afraid he'll break his spine." "Tell him to get up." "You are witty and handsome, Roman." "Two rare gifts which are almost never to be found together." "It's a compliment I was expecting but it's always pleasing from a woman like you." "Don't you agree?" "You're not upset by surprises." " That's why we'll get along." "And now only the king is missing." "Come and meet the supreme ruler of the Armenians." "I've already met the king:" "I'm looking into her eyes." "Osroe, king of the Armenians." " Hail to you, oh, King!" "Hail to you, soldier!" "Osroe!" "Marcus Numidius is not just a soldier, he's a powerful Roman." "Then if he's a Roman, he's a friend, Amira?" " Yes." "All Romans are our friends." "How long are you staying in Ctesiphon?" " That's up to you, you're the king." "We must withdraw now." "Yet, if you wish to see the king again, tomorrow night there will be a feast." "I'll be there." " Until tomorrow, tribune." " Tomorrow." "Amira..." "I didn't want you to leave without looking at you one more time." "And you called me by name." "A sign of friendship, Marcus Numidius." "Ah, Lucidius!" "The old fox." "He should've come to." "We would've made a fine trio." "Tell me the latest gossip." "How is old Rome these days?" " It's very boring." " Tell me!" "Is the tavern of the Nesce still behind the temple of Vesta?" " Demolished." "The Emperor is cleaning up Rome as he says." "Razing old houses and building new palaces." "These manias of modern times!" "Excuse me, but there's something I don't understand." "How can a man like you with your ties in Rome live amidst all this desolation?" "Think of your uncle Lucidius." "In Rome, I would still be sunk in the same state of his mediocrity." "In this Armenia that you disdain so, on the other hand, I'm rich, feared, respected, even considered wise." "What has Caesar that I don't have?" "We have the same enemies." "But I've the advantage of knowing who mine are." "I know they live outside of these walls, but he has his as guests in his own palace." "We both have an army and a kingdom." "And I have more horses than I can use, as well as slaves and servants." "And I also have my stadium and my gladiators like him." "Look there!" "Is this the great feast you promised me?" "The palace is deserted." "It can't be now that you are here, Marcus Numidius." "Isn't it better just us two?" "Don't you consider it dangerous if you're truly alone?" "As you see, I am not alone." "I prefer you." "For a soldier there is no true enemy if he's not powerful in battle, doesn't have beautiful women on every street and riches to carry home." "There is nothing of all this in Armenia except myself." "Must we go on talking?" " Yes." "Because when you return to Rome, you'll tell your friends the usual soldier stuff." "No." "I don't want you to remember me that way." "Would you like to come to Rome with me?" "A woman like you should experience it." "It's a curious invitation." "I'll think it over." "Rome!" "One day I'll tell you how I imagine it." "But here there's a great deal more, I assure you." "Wouldn't your patrician ladies go out of their minds for a jewel like this one?" "Look at what I can do with it." "Ask, Marcus Numidius." "Ask whatever you wish and your every desire will be satisfied." "My every desire, Princess?" " Amira!" "Amira!" "I feel sick, Amira." "I called but nobody answered." "You're right, Osroe." "You're right!" "Tomorrow I'll have the servants whipped." "A king should never be left alone, should he?" "A king is very important even if he's little like you." "Since he was a few months old he has had sudden illnesses and fainting spells." "I'm cold, Amira!" " I'd better take him to his own room." "Will you wait, Marcus?" "No, stay with me, Amira, don't leave me alone!" "Perhaps you should stay with him, Amira." "Good night, King." "Get better." "Good night, soldier." "Stop here!" "I want to walk." "Go back to the palace." "Ah, Lucanus!" "Out for a walk too?" " You mind if I come along?" "Sure." "Why do you want to come?" " I don't trust letting you go alone." "Why?" " Marcus Numidius, here in the Orient, it's just like anthills:" "you become aware of their existence as soon as you step on one." "I never felt more completely tranquil in my entire life." "In Ctesiphon, everyone outside the palace has a double face." "You should get to know them." "I'd like you to get about the people a bit as I do from time to time." "It's good advice, Marcus." "You should follow it." "Where are you going?" " Wherever you say!" "What's that?" " Stuff to sell." " That little bit?" "My garden doesn't produce very much but I'm happy all the same." "I don't protest neither against the government nor the gods." "And I'm happy to be able to live in this beautiful city." "Don't let him fool you." "He's lying." "Let me go!" "Help!" "You're hurting me!" "Stop!" "Get out!" "Out!" "Why did you do?" "Why did they beat you?" "They hate me 'cause I work for Chrysippus:" "a poor, ugly, Armenian dwarf!" "If I don't find a rich man to protect me..." " Don't worry, we'll protect you now." "My lord!" "You are a Roman, aren't you?" " Yes." "Have you been away from Rome long?" " Only a few days." "Have you heard of Tessus?" "A young man, tall and blonde." "He's my son." "Tessus?" "Well, what does he do in Rome?" " He's a gladiator." "They took him away from me 7 years ago." "And I haven't heard a word since." "Did you ever happen to see him?" "No, I'm very sorry." " You haven't either." "Nobody." "Nobody." "What is my life now without you?" "And this is still nothing." "Now, I'll take to you a place where you'll see something different." "Let's go." "I don't understand, people suffer but don't protest." " Come, Marcus." "Perhaps you'll find your answer inside." "You can't go in there!" " Who said so?" " If you go in, you won't get out!" "Come back here!" "Hold!" " Forgive me." "The gods have taken away his senses." "I told you once to hold off!" "They're quicker to fight each other than to bite us." "You there!" "Roman!" "Shut up!" " No, let him speak." "If you're hunting for popularity, you do well to look it for here." "These are the true people of Ctesiphon!" "An unhappy people, as far as I see!" "You have brought us to this state!" "See its nobility!" "What do you pretend?" "To be set free among your rebels?" "And do you think we should receive you like some famous conquering hero?" "You hear that ovation?" "Now, I'll present you to some of the most enthusiastic." "You've already won over crazy old Carabet!" "Another so happy to meet you:" "Teki, guilty of giving one sack of wheat less to the men who exact your tribute!" "See that man with his hand in the air?" "It's his way of cursing." "His name is Burdick!" "They tore out his tongue when he was 12 years old!" "And every one of these men has a different story to tell." "If what you said is true, I'll show you the true meaning of the justice of Rome." "But if it's not true, you'll regret it!" "Come, is Asclepius telling the truth?" " Why do you think I brought you here?" "Set all these men free!" " Wait, tribune." "You're taking on a great responsibility." "I won't admit that our Romans laws so can far miscarry." "As for the responsibility I'm ready to accept it!" "You heard what he said!" "Carry out the orders!" "How did they put you among the women?" "Let me talk!" "You're well with the women." "They don't have to stay with the dogs." "Listen, tribute!" "Listen to that tongue!" "What a pity, such a pretty face holds nothing but vinegar!" "That girl..." "I want brought to my palace room." "It'll be done." " I prefer to be whipped to death in here!" " Silence!" "The shepherd girl seems to be a friend." "Why don't you set her free too?" "That way then can help one another." "If you have some design on me..." "Ugly beast!" "You can forget it!" "Really, I..." " Women..." "I like them a little more..." "you understand?" " Very well." "Bring both to the palace." "Let go!" " Be careful!" "You're hurting her!" " I'll kill you!" "Set all these women free." "A strong man, entirely without ambition." " Well?" "They tend to be honest." "You can never guess what they'll do next." "Marcus Numidius is a soldier." "What counts are his important relations with Rome." "That's where your thoughts run to, Princess?" "Rome is not Ctesiphon." "He's invited me to go with him." " Be careful." "Rome will tarnish even beauty like yours." "It'll destroy you with indifference." "After a few months of success, you'll be quickly forgotten." "What you've done is inconceivable:" "setting free the prisoners." "Why do you think they were there?" "I don't know." "They hadn't done anything." " That's what you say." "Malcontents are like rotten pears." "It takes only 1 to spoil a 100." "Can't you understand that for 30 years I've been wasting away in this country, building upon the sands, playing a game of hatred, factions and attachments!" "If so much is a pebble of this construction to be touched, or even 1 small twig should be removed, it'll all come tumbling down." "You know what would happen if a revolt should break out?" "You've a garrison that could put it down." "My garrison is useless except acting as my escort in an official ceremony." "And what about the 17th legion?" " It's 3 days march from here." "It would barely arrive in time to render us our funerary honors." "What do you expect?" "Close my eyes and accept injustice!" "This is a very mysterious country and difficult to govern." "Here smiles and hatred become merged." "Drink!" "You first." " Me?" " Yes." "In Rome we use cats for this when we have our suspicions." " Very well." "Are you insane?" "Wait here!" "You see?" "It was poison and she would've drunk it." "Now, do you see what the Orient is?" " I don't like your Orient, Chrysippus." "I'll make you change mind." "A Roman gladiatorial show!" "You'll see how Asclepius fights." "But he's a rebel." "You either kill an enemy or free him!" "And why should I make a martyr or keep alive a rebel?" "The death of a gladiator is the most anonymous and the least provocative." "And then, when you think of it, it's the most fitting." "Death as a spectacle!" "The men who die in battle are wasted:" "No one ever sees them dying all alone in a battlefield with no spectators." "Believe me, the world will appear different if you look at it this way." "Well then, Marcus." "I leave you to tame your little serpent." "Only be careful, now you know she's poison." "I've decided what to do with you." " With me?" "No!" "What were you supposing?" "I decided to use you where you'll be useful." "They tell me you understand about medicines, is it true?" "Would you like to care for a child who's greatly ill?" "If it's a Roman child, no!" " Then, if it's your king?" "I don't believe you." " Your eyes will when you see him." "Asclepius is strong and cunning." "He may very well pass the first trial." "And upset our plans." "Should that happen, Bart, he mustn't come out of the arena alive!" "You may consider the man dead." "And you, may consider this yours." "Osroe!" "You took all of your medicine, didn't you?" " Yes, but it was nasty." "I don't want anymore." "You're pretty, Zahar." "I like you." "Do you like me?" " Certainly." "Have some of this." "Why doesn't Aunt Amira ever play with me?" "Because the princess is busy governing." "What does governing mean?" " Osroe!" " Governing means trying to..." "Shall we play some more?" " Please, don't call me king!" "Marcus never says king." "Only Osroe or little boy." "I like that better, it means we're friends." "Osroe!" " Osroe!" "Osroe!" "Harmonia!" "Eunay!" "Careful!" "Take him back to the palace." "Hurry!" "Why, this is monstrous!" "Harmonia!" " What is it?" "Osroe, the king!" "They're poisoning him!" "What are you saying?" "Are you mad?" " I've proof, I'm certain!" "I need a special filter to save the boy, it's necessary." "You can help me!" "I?" "I'm only poor ignorant slave." " But you're allowed outside the walls." "I'm being watched too closely." " Tell me what to do." "You know Zarbaszed?" "That old man collects herbs and makes medicines." " Yes." "Tell him I sent you and that I..." "Ramnes!" "The rest are here." "Hurry!" "Get those trenches done!" "They're are only defense!" "Not a single Roman must escape or we'll have the whole legion on our backs!" "Asclepius and Bart, your turn!" "I know your fame, Asclepius, but mine is as great." "Pray to your gods." "I won't lose today." "Too many people have their bets on me." "And I will never betray the trust of Caesar and my new patron, Chrysippus." "I'll hack your head off in the third attack." "Good luck, Asclepius." "If you live, I'll see you afterward." "Why, what's happened?" "Where is Bart?" "I've included a slight variation in your spectacle." "I hope you like it." "But this is murder!" " Sit down!" "A magnificent fight!" "Magnificent!" "I needed a dead gladiator, Amira." "Not a hero." "We better go back to hand-to-hand fighting." "You murderer!" "Your skin is worth a 100 sesterces!" "Listen to those jackass shout." "You hear?" "They're hunting for a carcass!" "Still no sign of them." "Well?" " Nothing yet." "Why?" " You see, Marcus," "I spoke to you about death as a spectacle." "But Ctesiphon isn't Rome." "All these men belong to me." "You're here." "There's the sentinel." "Be quick." " Wait for me here." "What are you up to, cutie?" " The games bore me." "So you decided to find some other amusement, eh?" "If you have a little time, Roman." " I always have for a pretty girl like you." "I wonder how many others you said that to." "Let me go!" "Let me go!" "This way!" "Follow me!" "Look!" "Look!" "He's gonna kill him!" "Why do you cry, Zahar?" "You should be content." "Asclepius is a rebel." " He's not a rebel!" "He's one of your subjects!" "A soldier who had to die not defending you but amusing the Romans!" "Zahar!" "Wait!" "No, Lucanus!" "No!" "Asclepius!" " Ramnes!" " You're safe!" "Your sword." "Marcus!" "Marcus!" "The governor is dying!" "Look at them, Marcus." "They're the same ones you set free." "You were right." "After all, it's fine to die like a hero before all these people." "I don't know who's to blame, but I swear to you..." " The legion, Marcus!" "Only the legion is left." "Don't speak." "I'll move you from here." " It's too late now." "Everything is getting dark..." "Onward!" "Quickly!" "Follow me!" "Get out of the city!" "Withdraw before the reinforcements come!" "Hurry!" "Hurry!" "Forward!" "Away!" "Away!" "Chase this mob out of here!" "Take charge of the troop, I'll go for the legion!" "Stride!" "Marcus, fly, it's a trap!" " Warn the legion!" "So then it's true?" "You're leaving?" " Yes, we are going: me and my gold." "You'll leave me at a time like this?" " It's the best time to." "Without Marcus Numidius and the Roman legion, Asclepius will tear us to pieces." "What a coward you are!" " Yes, I don't deny it." "Well, if you don't want to accept the aid offered to help you..." " The Scythians?" "They'll come if you wish." " And never leave." "I see you've no faith in me." "And in my people." "Besides, they're so far away." " Not as far away as you'd think." "Rastes!" "Who is he?" "A man always ready to sell enemies or friends upon request." "It's Rastes." "He can procure as many men as you want." "Enough to cover the entire plain, Princess, as long as our pact is clear." "Every dead man will cost twice the living." "And the horses and mules..." " Payment must be made in gold, Amira." "With certain guarantees which we'll call... official." "Isn't my word enough?" "Try to understand me, Princess:" "There's a king in Armenia." "And Rome decides for him, now that the governor Chrysippus is dead." "Who will the Romans send you?" "Will he be your friend?" "Or your enemy?" "In the second case, little Osroe might even repudiate the princess Amira." "Then what of us?" "Who would pay us for our dead?" " Well, are you still undecided?" "Asclepius isn't a criminal seeking a day's liberty." "He's a rebel!" "Who'd like the throne of Armenia." "That throne could easily be yours." "The only obstacle to your safety and to your triumph is only one boy." "Take a good look around, Roman." "This is the last chance you'll get to see the sun." "Stop!" "Stop that horse!" "Go on!" "Untie him!" "Do you still want to laugh?" "It's the only weapon I have left." "You're a cruel man and dangerous to your own people." "I was mistaken in not having you killed!" "You talk not from courage but ignorance." "What do you know of me?" " Enough to know you." "You deserve the death Chrysippus had chosen for you." "The death of a slave!" "No, no, Asclepius!" "He freed the prisoners, you mustn't forget that!" "What can you gain by killing him?" "When he's dead, he'll be of no use." " Quiet!" "Don't you understand that only he can save us?" "If the legion comes it'll be a terrible massacre." "And we'll have gained nothing but blood by our revolt." "Amira is sure to triumph one way or another." "Perhaps this Roman will treat us justly." "If you could win him over to our cause." "Let him go." "I warn you, you're wasting your time." "Wait before you judge." "The fate of a people is at stake, Marcus Numidius." "And you'll listen to us to the very end." "Why is it so dark?" "Give me your hand." "Light a lamp!" "Help me get up." "You know I love you, don't you, Amira?" "I love you so much." "And you love me too, don't you?" " Yes, Osroe." "I'm not afraid when I'm with you." "Cold!" "Just like it's winter." "Amira!" "Take care of him!" "Amira, I feel so cold!" "Get Zahar!" "Let me see her!" "I can't!" "I can't stand it anymore!" "It's terrible this thing I've done!" "If he keeps calling me I'll go mad!" "Courage, my queen, a few moments separate you from the throne." "It's time to end forever the tears of that child." "I hate him!" "I hate him for making me suffer so!" "I'm afraid of him!" "Osroe!" "What happened to him?" "He was very well." "He was playing when suddenly he began to tremble and moan." "We brought him here." " Why didn't you call me?" " Amira was with him." "Bring the Tyrian unguent and warm cover." "And a flagon full of water." "Zahar!" "Is that you, Zahar?" "I feel so sick!" "What did you take?" "What did they give you?" " Nothing, Zahar." "Osroe, I'm here." "Here close to you." "Feel my hands in yours." "Tell me a nice story." "That will make me go to sleep." "Call, Amira, at once." "The king is dying!" "Don't leave me alone!" "I'm afraid!" "No, Osroe, I won't leave you alone." "If the gods are kind to us, you'll have a nice long sleep and a happy awakening." "You must drink this now." "It burns!" "Why?" "It's burns!" " Your life is burning away." "Drink it!" "Osroe!" "Osroe!" "Help me!" "Don't leave me alone, Zahar!" "It burns... it burns!" "And how old were you then?" "17." "And since then I've done nothing but kill." "In all the arenas in the empire." "A different man every day." "A total stranger behind a mask of iron." "I became accustomed to killing like a scythe that mows down the grape." "Then I met Ramnes." "She had been a slave sold to Lybia." "I'm from a village around here." "One day Amira's troops came to our gates." "And we welcomed them with bread and salt according to our customs." "They burned down the entire village." "They killed the old and deported the young." "It was then that I escaped and began the struggle against Amira." "I didn't want our people to continue to sacrifice themselves for the caprices of a corrupt woman and a minister of no Armenian blood." "It's terrible." "I've never believed it could be like this." "Neither you nor Rome could know what has been going on here." "But remember: justice is on our side!" "Maybe I can still do something." "But you'll have to have complete faith in me, Asclepius." " What do you want?" "Only one thing: my liberty." "That is a very serious request." " I know." "But that's the only way I can resolve your safety and this war." "What are your intentions?" "To speak to Amira with the authority of Rome." "I've more than one cohort in Ctesiphon led by Lucanus." "That'll suffice to guarantee my decisions." "Do you think I can trust a Roman who has fought against us?" "A Roman you've convinced, Asclepius." "By my word and Rome's, I won't betray you." "I'm going to let you go." "But if you don't return in 3 days, their blood will be on your head." "Because I shall kill them with my own hands, one by one." "This is the sword of iron and of gold." "Even thus may your reign be mighty and prosperous." "This is water of the sacred spring." "Even thus limpid be your deeds upon the throne." "This is the earth of your empire." "Protect it and defend it as long as you live." "And this is the crown that I place upon you in the name of the Armenian people." "Away with that crown, priest!" "Welcome back, Roman!" "You perhaps do not know that King Osroe is dead." "I'm not speaking to you but to Amira!" "In this name of Rome, I order you to leave this land and this throne!" "I fear that your trust in Rome is somewhat exaggerated." "I shall assume all responsibilities and powers until there has been constituted a legitimate government!" "But my government is already legitimate." "That is not for you to decide." "The following are my orders:" "Burcalla's immediate arrest and your exile!" "Let's end this farce!" "You're right." "Let's put an end to it." "But not in the way you would like." "The last scene has been changed." "Scythians!" "Arrest that man!" "Poor Marcus, among all your other gifts, you've that of artlessness." "A very dangerous thing whether in war or in politics." "It's a pity." "But I shall be compelled to have you executed." "You've betrayed your own country!" "It's futile to argue with a dying man." "You'll execute him before dawn and hang him on the walls with an arrow in his chest." "It's too bad Asclepius didn't kill you." "In that case, we could've given you a fine funeral." "Aren't you pleased, Marcus Numidius?" "Rome will be highly pleased at having a new hero." "And a new martyr." "Take him away!" "Don't execute him right away." "If things should go badly, we can offer his head in exchange." "Harmonia!" "It's me, Zahar!" "Hurry, open up!" "Open up, for heaven's sake!" "Zahar!" "You here at this hour?" "What is it?" "Marcus Numidius has been captured!" "Amira will kill him!" "How?" " Marcus Numidius has been captured!" "What's happened?" " Lucanus alive!" "I kept him hidden here." "They would've killed him." "Marcus is at the palace!" " What's happened to Marcus?" " They're going to kill him!" "What are you going to do?" " I can't desert him!" "But you're alone!" " Send Zahar back!" "Her absence mustn't be noticed." "Lucanus is right." "You better go now." "I'll follow the funeral to the tomb of the kings." "Find me there." "Be quick!" "Then you really mean to go?" " Yes." "Aren't you glad to get rid of me?" "I'll be back, you needn't worry." "Weeds can never be killed!" "Lucanus!" "What are you doing here?" " The same thing you are." "Good." "Go and draw in a little closer." "Good, it's my turn." "7!" "Come on!" "Marcus!" "Marcus!" " Here!" "I'm here, Lucanus!" "He's dead!" " Hurry, inside the prison!" "Lucanus!" "Lucanus!" "Reinforcements are arriving!" " Is there another way out?" " This way!" "Lucanus, let's go!" " Yes!" "Marcus!" "You go out through the eastern gate." "And I through here." "It'll be harder to take us." "Good." "Where shall we meet again?" " At the tomb of the kings." "At the oasis of Akkerzhan." " Agreed." "May the gods help us!" "Harmonia!" "You see?" "I've come back." "I never fail to keep my promises." "I want to leave with a smile." "That's why I came back to you." "You mustn't cry." " I can't help it." "If you love me, you won't." " Love you?" "I loved you more than anyone in my life." "You see, we're sincere in the presence of death." "You've never spoken to me like that." "I'm sure we'd have had a happy life if we could've been together, right?" "We would've had a house, and children..." "Beautiful like you and strong like me." "In the evening, sitting there, before our door, waiting for me." "It's that evening, Harmonia." "See there, Harmonia!" "I'm coming home... to you." "Here I am." "Yes." "And I run to your side when I see you." "You laugh and we begin to squabble just as we always do." "You see?" "He's breathing, he's alive!" "He's alive!" "He's alive!" "He is saved!" "The king is saved!" "Marcus!" "Marcus!" "You see how simple it all is?" "You love me." "I know nothing anymore." "There's always been a struggle inside me." "I ought to hate you." " But that's all done." "Now that you're sure of me and of you." "I have to explain so many things to you." "But you've been wounded!" " It's nothing." " I'll cure you myself." "My love." "Are you sure the philter will really work?" " I am." "Don't worry." "It almost seems impossible." "Marcus." "Lie down here." "You must rest." "Yes." "I have to wait til nightfall." "I must be successful." "If I don't call the legion in time, it will be a massacre for Asclepius." "Yes, I'll call you at sunset." "I've got a long way to go tonight." " Yes, Marcus." "I believe that in my heart, I've always loved you, dear Marcus." "Dear!" "Zahar!" "There is a platoon of Scythians down in the valley!" "Suppose they should come up this way?" "This way!" "Capture her!" "Osroe!" "Marcus!" "You here?" "Zahar was outside and a lot of men grabbed her and dragged her away!" "Quick, Osroe!" "We've got to get to the Roman legion cost what it may!" "98... 99... 100." " That's correct." "That man looks at my gold as though it were already his." "Would you have preferred to leave Ctesiphon without protection?" "Stop!" "Here's a pretty prisoner." " Let her come forward!" "Well, it's the faithful friend of Osroe." "Come on, try!" "Don't give up!" "I can't go any further, Marcus." "I can't." "Come!" "I'll carry you." "Speak!" "If you don't want to be whipped!" "I have nothing to say to you, Princess." "This woman is not the queen of Armenia!" "Osroe the King is still alive and in Roman hands!" " The king alive?" "And whoever betrays him will pay for his treachery with his life!" "Take away this lying madwoman!" "Let her speak to no one!" " Take her away!" "The king is alive." "What do you suppose this means?" "I think I can guess." "The legion is very far away and no ones says the Roman can reach it." "We do well to begin by eliminating our weakest enemy." "Asclepius?" " Yes." "But we're not able to afford the wasteful expenditures of forces." "We'll work it so that Asclepius will come and give himself up voluntarily." "The best thing for us would be to go away from here." "You are free now." "Even if the Roman can settle everything, it'll always be better for you to avoid Ctesiphon." "What do you fear?" " Too many people hate you." "What's the matter?" " A troop of mercenaries!" "They're coming up here!" "The Scythians!" "Are you Asclepius the chief?" " Yes, I am." "What do you want?" "Recognize this?" "What has happened to the tribune?" " He's dead." "Speak!" " Osroe is dead too" "Amira wants your end, Asclepius and all the heads of the chiefs with you." "The poorest part of the city is surrounded by Scythians." "If you don't surrender, they'll put it to flames." "Everyone will die!" "But you mustn't go, Asclepius!" " Shut up!" "We're ready to die!" "You must fight!" "Quiet, dog!" "You have one day." "If you don't give yourself up, you'll see flames from the mountains." "Where are you going, Asclepius?" " To Ctesiphon." "I can't allow them to massacre so many people." "We'll call up the mountain tribes." " What can we attempt now?" "Asclepius!" " Give this to my son." "To remember me by." "No!" "He can't go to die like that!" "The tribune Marcus Numidius!" "The legion!" "If I keep on, I'll kill her." "I'll burn you alive!" "You saved the king but won't save yourself!" "Asclepius has given himself up!" "Quick!" "Follow me!" "They've taken Asclepius!" "Come on!" "Block the road!" "Come on!" "Stop them!" "Don't let them pass!" "Drive the jackals out of our land!" "Get out!" "Out!" "The people have revolted!" "They've liberated Asclepius!" "Dogs!" "We'll finish them all!" "Forward!" "Forward!" "The Scythians are coming!" "Fly!" "The Roman legion!" "Keesla is dead!" "No!" "Stop!" "Stop!" "Cowards!" "Stop!" "No!" "No!" "Get off my gold!" " Come and get it!" "Curse you!" "No!" " Zahar!" "Zahar!" "Beloved, why did you want to sacrifice yourself?" "Because I still hate you, Marcus Numidius." "Asclepius!" "Marcus, I entrust Ramnes to you." "I entrust my children and my entire people to you." "Only you can..." "give them back their liberty!" "Let Rome pay honor to this hero." "Let him be buried as the leader of his people." "English subtitles by sineintegral@KG"