Reunion
The raid upon the large smithy had been surprisingly easy and a rousing success. In addition to swelling the ranks of the rebel army, it had gifted them with much needed weapons which the smith had been forging for Roman hands. The slaves working the forges were well muscled and fit from their days of back breaking labor and held no love for their Roman captors. Spartacus in the end had only provided a momentary diversion which the men quickly took advantage of rising up against the Romans guarding the forge. The newly freed slaves were cheering their victory and offering thanks and praise to Spartacus.
"You seek men with fire in their bellies." Crixus noted as he and Spartacus walked through the cheering crowd in search of Gannicus and Agron. "It seems you have found inferno."
Spartacus grinned. "Indeed. We barely bloodied our weapons. I doubt some even had chance to raise them."
Crixus spotted the tall German standing guard over a prisoner dressed in expensive Roman garb. "I'd lay good odds that Agron holds the Dominus ready for your questions."
"As would I." Spartacus replied as they approached the two.
"Spartacus." Agron acknowledged his commander. "Roman shit loosens tongue with words of Senate. Two legions to be equipped and sent to see heads upon pikes to decorate Appian Way."
"Glaber spoke as much before I stilled his tongue." Spartacus said. "I will break further words with him. Set Nasir to task, inventory what may be of use to us."
"I have already done so, Naevia accompanies him to see task quickly finished." Agron said for the benefit of both Spartacus and Crixus. "They set men to dismantle tents. I will set hands to task for now."
"Crixus, I would have you join him." Spartacus said. "We must move quickly to avoid Roman retribution."
"Having wagon will allow us to carry more from this place." Naevia noted. "But it will be shelter and steel. There is very little to be found in the way of medicants and food."
"If we are to avoid Roman villas and set up encampment the shelter will be of greater value." Nasir answered. "Hunting will provide food, as for medicants, we take due care not to need them."
Naevia looked past Nasir's shoulder for what seemed the hundreth time. "Does Crixus creep up behind me that you cast glance continually?"
"No, there is a Syrian there helping to tear down tents." Naevia answered. "His gaze falls often upon you."
"Perhaps it is just interest in one from the same place." Nasir said as he turned and locked gaze with the man only to see the man's face fall into confusion, shock, and cautious hope.
Nasir found his own curiosity peaked at the man's reaction. He found his feet carrying him forward as a feeling of familiarity washed over him. Naevia's words fell on deaf ears.
"Do the gods finally lay blessing?" The man asked as he reached a hand out to tentatively lay on Nasir's shoulder. "You have the look of someone lost to me these many years. Tell me are you..."
"NASIR!" Agron's voice carried to the spellbound Nasir causing him to turn toward his lover. In the same moment he turned back to the man who had grabbed him held him close in a desperate embrace.
"Nasir, Nasir, my sweet brother, you live." The man said. "Tell me you remember me, tell me that the years have not stolen memory."
"Agron, wait!" Naevia grabbed the hot-headed gladiator's arm before he could reach the two to tear Nasir from the man's arms. Ignoring the glare he was giving her she continued. "Listen to words, he calls Nasir brother. Perhaps the gods have decided not to shit upon us this day. Do not ruin it by shitting upon the gifts they choose to bestow."
"I remember only hearing my brother call my name as I was taken from him and placed in arms of of Dominus." Nasir said studying the face of the man in front of him.
"I have not forgotten brother, you are never far from thought. Do you remember my name as you remember your own?" The man asked gently.
Nasir's brow furrowed in concentration. "Ah-Ahm...Ahmed?" Nasir looked at the man. "Your name is Ahmed."
"Yes, I am Ahmed; and you are sweet little Nasir." Ahmed drew back holding Nasir at arm's length. "No longer so little; but still the little brother I remember following me about as a lost sheep."
Agron had finally enough brother or no. "Nasir, Spartacus would see task quickly done."
"I must go. There is duty to discharge." Nasir turned to Agron. "I would have further words with him when task is complete."
Agron let out a put upon sigh. "Set hands to task Little Man." Agron tilted Nasir's face to place a kiss upon his lips and send a message to this Syrian that claimed kinship. "I will break words with this Syrian."
