Original subtitles

Father, do you feel the excitement?

I cannot wait to see Cassius fight once more.

It will be a brilliant match.

Cassius is the favorite to win in the next match.

Oh, yes.

The favorite of our great leader, Emperor Tyber.

There is almost always a death in the match with Cassius

Let us hope today is no different.

- Cassius! -

Who do you think they'll match him against?

I think that we're about to find out.

Attilius! -Oh, no! Not Attilius!

He's always the victor!

So is Cassius. At least thus far.

We who are about to die salute you!

We who witness salute you in return.

Begin.

Ah!

What will you do, Father?

What?

There won't be a kill?

What's the point in coming here?

You must admit, the match was entertaining.

I would not want to fight that Cassius.

And just how can one be entertained

without the catharsis of a bloody death?

And how will the people of Rome know to fear

those in power lest we use it?

Did you see that?

I thought Cassius was finished.

Then, at the very last, he pulled it off.

Then tell me, what lesson did you take from that match?

That one should always continue to fight.

Even when it seems you are beaten,

a victory might almost be in your grasp.

Well observed, my son.

Will you give Cassius the victor's palm?

I think we can do better than that.

Arise, gladiators.

Cassius, you stand the victor.

You have won my son's admiration, and my own.

And in recognition of your victory,

we award you the rudis of freedom.

Henceforward, you are no longer a slave.

Thank you, Prince. Thank you, my Lord.

Congratulations, Cassius. Well done.

I haven't the words to adequately express the gratitude

I have towards you both.

Now, should you wish, I have a job for you.

My son requires training in the art of war.

I have General Maxima to teach him strategy,

but someone must teach the heir how to fight.

Father, really?

Would you accept this great charge?

I will.

Excellent.

We will assign quarters to you in the palace.

My Lord, I am grateful for everything.

And I hope it is not perceived as ingratitude

if I humbly implore one request.

So be it a request within reason,

I could never bear to deny a champion.

I beg leave to marry my beloved Thea,

the daughter of Senator Marcellus.

A senator's daughter?

Does he approve the match?

Marcellus has welcomed me into his home as one of his own.

He is a kind man with an open mind.

He knows I will do everything that I can for his daughter

to ensure that she has the life she deserves.

He has been a loyal ally to me,

and I have known him to be a man of honor.

You are blessed to have been welcomed

into a family such as this.

And Thea loves you, too?

Yes, my Lord. Our hearts are as one.

Then I grant your match my blessing.

Walk out of here, and go to her, freedman.

Thank you, my Lord. I am forever in your debt.

Thea! Thea!

Cassius!

What are you doing here today?

I thought you had a match to fight.

This is the best day of my life.

Of our life!

What? What is it?

I'm a freeman.

What has happened?

A rudis from the emperor.

Can this really be true?

Yes.

Avitus. I must get Avitus.

He's the closest thing to a father I've ever had.

Yes, go!

When I return...

We feast, your family and mine.

I love you.

And tomorrow, we'll marry.

I will be sad to lose you as my fighter.

But then I always,

I always knew that you would someday leave.

The gods, they have something special for you.

Perhaps, Avitus.

Or maybe simply fortune spends at its own will.

Ah, but you,

you won your freedom with your own right fist.

But at a great cost.

I do not know how many men I have killed.

But you fought them all with honor, and you won.

And I would be honored to witness your union tomorrow.

Ah...

I wish my brother Marcus was still alive.

I think he would be proud of this.

Still, tomorrow.

Tomorrow. Good night, my friend.

Thea?

- -Thea!

Cassius!

Thea!

No... No, no, no, no...

No. Please, please don't go.

Please don't go.

Please, I love you, don't go. Don't go.

Please...

Please!

No! No! No!

No! No!

No!

No! No!

I thought you'd be here.

They killed her.

If only I hadn't been there. If I had not--

No wait, listen to me.

Don't keep going like this.

You will drive yourself insane.

I will find the one who is responsible

and I will kill them.

The way they've killed her.

No, no. Look at me.

You have lived for such a long time

not just to be killed outside the arena.

Just... Just walk away.

Be proud of your freedom.

All right?

-Thea would have-- -Thea!

Thea is dead.

All I have left is rage.

The Roman people grow more restless every day

with the continued nightly attacks.

A senator's whole family murdered.

If they are not safe, they fear that now no one is safe.

Tyber's reluctance to make a public address

is helping us, though that could change any day.

But this business with Thea--

I know.

The death of the family, though tragic,

was a necessary step.

Her father's opposition to us

and the continued support of the emperor

was proving to be problematic.

I would worry about our continued use of the Zaragosa.

I fear they're growing too powerful.

They may soon decide they are too good for even our money.

But we need them to carry out this phase.

That is true.

Yet remember, they still remain mere thieves.

It is critical we do not lose sight of that fact.

Agreed.

But there is another matter, Septimus.

The daughter's fiancé, Cassius, was not killed.

He still lives.

How could this happen?

The orders were explicit.

Take him out along with the senator's family.

No survivors.

There cannot be any witnesses.

I understand, but remember,

Cassius is not an ordinary man.

He's a formidable gladiator.

Perhaps his combat skills--

Excuses!

He was supposed to be among the dead.

This is the second time he stood between me and the throne.

Now he roams free, a looming threat.

Yes.

And if he discovers your involvement--

Our involvement. Speak none of it.

Even a whisper of our connection to this...

He must be dealt with immediately.

How do we proceed?

We turn it to our advantage.

Make the public think Cassius was involved.

The people love him. He is revered.

Could that not turn the people against us?

Only if you fail.

No. We'll turn them against him.

The beast who couldn't handle his freedom.

Went crazy and turned to murder.

We need the public afraid of Cassius.

The people of Rome are fickle, they will lap it up.

And if Cassius defends himself?

He will not get the chance.

Issue a warrant for his arrest immediately.

Spread word of a substantial award

for any information leading to his capture.

And you believe that will be enough to locate him?

Do not ask why he still eludes us.

Just find him.

And once he is found...

bring him directly to me.

As you wish.

Cassius?

Why in Hades are you here?

I do not know where else to go.

I need the origins of this blade.

A warrant has been issued for your arrest.

Thea's dead.

Murdered last night with her whole family.

What?

I... I did not kill them.

The authorities obviously believe you are the killer.

Artaxa, please, this is all I have.

This is the blade that killed...

that killed Thea.

This is good steel.

Sorry.

-What? -Just as I feared.

Yeah, I have seen these engravings before.

The crest on the handle.

That's the mark of the Zaragosa.

Bandits, thieves, killers for hire,

led by a man named Ferox.

A devil in human form.

He resides in a hidden fortress,

east of the city.

You would be killed before you got inside.

I am undefeated in combat.

Yes, yes.

Gladiators have rules.

And honor.

These men know no such thing.

This is not the arena, Cassius.

These men, they play a different kind of game.

-Artaxa!

Open up the door by order of the Praetorian Guard.

Good morning. Just give me one moment.

Ah... Good morning.

And what a beautiful morning.

How may I assist you?

We're looking for Cassius.

Hmm.

I swear, by the gods,

I will hunt those down who took you from me, Thea.

And they will feel the full force

of my pain and my vengeance.

Pardon my intrusion, Emperor Tyber.

I was just going over my words to the Senate.

I have known Senator Marcellus since my early days.

His murder weights heavy on me.

An unfathomable loss, my lord.

Why have you come?

Sire, some troubling news has come to light

regarding the fate of Senator Marcellus and his family.

We have cause to believe that this heinous act

was executed by the very man you freed from the arena.

The gladiator, Cassius.

Why would you suspect him?

He is capable, he is strong enough,

he has killed before,

and he is the only one unaccounted for.

He could be dead.

We have a witness that heard his woman, Thea,

yell his name in a death-throw,

and saw Cassius jumped out of a window

with a dagger that very same night.

This is very concerning, but I need more information.

I cannot accuse such a noted man,

a man of such high regard, on mere suspicion.

A wise observation, my lord,

and for that I have sent my trusted advisor, Senator Lucius,

to pursue all lines of questioning among the people.

As we speak, he is with Artaxa, a local blacksmith.

We believe a friend to the gladiators.

Thank you, Septimus.

Round the city magistrates.

I will meet with them in the Curia Julia in the morning.

We can put off the announcement

for a day while Lucius gathers more information,

but just a day.

Now, please, summon General Maxima.

Yes, my Lord.

General Maxima, thank you for coming so swiftly.

Of course, my Lord, additional forces

are en route to the city as we speak.

Very good.

After last night's attack on Senator Marcellus,

I am worried, not only for my safety,

but for the safety of Rome.

You are one of very few men I can trust.

Your counsel has never been more vital.

Be discreet with the information that you share,

even within the senate.

Discretion is paramount.

I will relay strategies directly to you and no other.

For now, that is prudent.

People are fearful.

We must quell the chaos.

We will make the streets safe once more.

Find him, General Maxima.

Cassius must be brought to justice, swiftly and surely.

Yes, my Lord.

Tagora?

You are not as quiet as you think.

The gladiator? Will he still be my protector?

A wild boar still poses a threat when cornered.

He has already killed two Praetorian guardsmen thus far.

How many more must die by his hand?

He must be put down.

I'm sure that was only in defense

because they approached him first.

He did not kill Thea or her family.

He loved her. He said it.

Like you loved mother.

He does not know love like you and I do.

How could he?

I saw it in his eyes.

You are a child who does not what a man is capable of

if he believes the world is against him.

Hey... We must keep Rome safe.

Leave me.

Wait.

I do not want to catch you hiding in the shadows again.

Any sign or trace of Cassius?

None.

Search along the entire back of the Tibur

and any house within a hundred gradus.

No one rests until he is found.

We'll double the efforts and have men patrolling

at all hours, day and night.

Good.

But we need to do more.

Send word to Ferox of Zaragosa.

Ferox?

Target another senator and his family.

With Cassius absent, the scapegoat is easily framed.

Of course.

We need the masses to be afraid, Lucius.

Very, very afraid.

But do be careful.

The emperor has forbidden travels of the Senate precincts.

Understood.

Which senator would you have killed?

Whoever opposes us, of course.

This must go to the hand of Ferox only.

No one else.

You have the map and instructions?

Very good.

You'll be leaving Rome tonight. Everything is organized.

The details are enclosed with the map.

I will have soldiers accompanying you.

So, you understand your orders?

Deliver the letter to the Zaragosa

and tell no one of your business.

The new emperor will reward you greatly.

New emperor?

Tagora.

Artaxa!

Forgive me, my friend.

But do not surprise me again,

for you may not get so lucky next time.

I believe you.

It is dangerous to be seen with me.

So, you're stealing my metal.

Cassius, are you mad?

You'll be compensated.

Forget about that.

You're lucky I found you.

I have something more about the Zaragosa.

Tell me.

Shortly after your escape, men came here with swords.

They need to be sharpened.

They were the Zaragosa.

They used a type of vulgar Latin

not commonly heard now.

I know this because my father taught me.

We used to speak secretly in front of customers.

What did they say?

Zaragosa holds tournaments.

Rounds of fighting to the death

unsanctioned by the jurisdiction of the city.

This is where they find new recruits.

Did they say where these tournaments are held?

Outside of the village called Subiaco.

One day's journey by foot east of Rome.

Do you know this location?

I do.

I'll draw you a map.

Okay.

There you go.

Thank you, my friend.

May the Gods be with you.

And you.

Cassius...

Go carefully.

He is leaving now?

He is.

I relayed to Cassius exactly what you wanted,

word for word.

And he will leave on the route that I laid out?

I drew him a map, senator.

That is excellent.

And now...

In exchange for Cassius,

the killer of Rome,

I get the exclusive imperial commission.

Huh? Yes.

I alone will forge the weapons for the Praetorian Guard.

Just as you promised.

No.

You do not get the commission.

I cannot have any living witnesses

that might reveal what I've engineered.

Avitus.

How are you, my friend?

You do know that you're putting yourself

in danger being here?

I am so sorry about what happened to Thea.

It seems that sadness has followed you

ever since you were a child.

We can be talking about your future.

There's nothing that can be said.

Only what can be done now.

I will find this man responsible for Thea's death.

This Ferox and his band of killers known as the Zaragosa.

You will need an army to defeat them.

And I have just that army.

This is my fight.

Then why are you here?

Perhaps to say goodbye.

You've been the closest thing to a father I have ever had.

That's because you just wouldn't die.

All I see is another day.

to see that justice is served for Thea's death.

Why don't you take one of my gladiators with you?

They can be of great help to you on your trip.

And also, they'll teach you to come back

to thinking like a warrior,

not like a broken-hearted lover.

Do you have such a gladiator?

Let me show you two that I'm training.

Fabius!

I think you will be very surprised.

Fabius, this is an old friend of mine.

He needs our help.

Cassius the Undefeated.

It's an honor.

You can trust me,

I'm not about to disparage Avitus's kindness.

I need someone to accompany me.

I leave Rome tonight.

I may not return.

If you help him succeed in his mission,

I will give you freedom.

I long for my freedom,

but until that day I'm not afraid of a little bloodshed.

It's all I've ever known.

How many games have you fought in?

I've been in the training rings for months.

My first games are...

No... No actual combat experience?

I've fought plenty.

Street brawls, mostly.

But I know how to handle myself.

People thought that I wouldn't make it, but

I've proved them wrong time after time.

Street brawls are chaotic.

This is the Zaragosa that we face.

They're methodical killers.

I can be a killer, too. When the situation requires.

I trained myself, mostly.

Learned from necessity.

Watched others to survive.

Come on, street brawler.

Show me how good of a trainer you are.

Save some of your energy.

You will tire quickly.

I have plenty more.

You're too strong-willed.

It is not weakness to take advice from others.

Who else do you have?

Never turn your back on an opponent!

Didn't they teach you that in the Coliseum?

That is not how we spar.

Oh, yes.

Doing something like that will get you killed.

But you have guts.

And creativity, I'll give you that.

I do what I have to. And I do not give up.

You've been to Subiaco?

Yes. I was born there.

You might actually be useful.

Subiaco is a vile place.

All I ever wanted to do was to leave.

I thought you were born a slave, brought up to fight.

I was not born a slave, but...

I never really knew my parents,

but I knew I wanted something more

to prove I was better than the life I was born into.

One day, Santor the Death Trader pillaged our town,

snatched the young and sold them into slavery.

That was the day I ran away.

Turns out I could handle myself, and before I knew it,

I had killed a man who tried to kill me first.

I thought, if that's my way out of this life, then so be it.

I don't need to explain all this to you.

I just hadn't realized

life would be filled with so much pain.

Regret serves no purpose.

It's our past that shapes us into who we are.

You're tough. You survived.

You're here now.

Focus on that.

I enjoy fighting.

Seeing people's faces when they expect me to lose, and I do not.

You no longer need to prove yourself.

You are all that you will ever need.

That's a simple sentiment coming from you.

You've already achieved so much.

Victories, money.

One of the most well-known gladiators.

Which means nothing.

The more you search for those things,

the more empty you'll become.

Trust me, Fabius.

I will make something of myself.

I swear.

I do not doubt that.

But the pain will not disappear in fame and fortune.

We should stop and rest.

No, no, I'm fine.

I need rest. And water.

I'm sorry you lost your friend.

Friends are hard to come by in our line of work.

Because you're afraid you'll have to kill one.

I haven't been honest with you.

And if we are going to be fighting side by--

I don't care that you're a woman.

You knew this whole time?

Of course.

I have studied the way men move and fight my whole life.

And with your speed and agility, it was obvious.

Still...

This is my story.

It's why I have to fight twice as hard

and prove myself twice as much as everyone else.

Whenever I meet someone, I look for their weaknesses.

Is that so?

And what are my weaknesses?

Well, apart from the fact that you're sort of slow,

which is not much of a worry

because of your strength and stride,

you do have a lazy defense parry,

which you make this work for yourself

by positioning your blade diagonally,

which makes up for how slow you are.

You also arch your blade too much.

It costs you time.

But you have been a gladiator for far longer than I have,

so I'm sure you are well aware of these weaknesses.

I was a slave, like yourself, but I was not captured.

I was born into it.

I've heard of this, but I've never actually seen it.

Is this the branding they give you

when you're born to slave parents?

Yes.

Looks like it hurt.

It did.

They say I was too young to recall.

But I remember.

We... We were just small children.

Scared.

We cried for days after.

We?

My brother and I.

Did they separate you?

No.

We grew up in slavery together.

But...

he was not cut out to fight.

And he...

he was killed.

I'm so sorry.

It was a long time ago.

You know, I think I'm feeling a second wind.

Shall we press on?

I believe so. Let's go.

Tagora?

Tagora!

Father, what is it?

Are you all right?

Of course I am.

Oh, thank the gods.

What's going on? Is something wrong?

There has been another attack.

Another Senator and his family have been killed.

Father, there's something I must tell you.

I did what you asked.

I tried not to eavesdrop.

But I accidentally overheard them talking.

And I do not like what I heard.

I was walking the grounds.

I was not trying to overhear anything.

What... What are you saying?

Father, they spoke of a new emperor.

And killing Cassius!

What? Who?

My Lord!

There has been another attack.

I was coming to inform you.

Senator Horatius and his family.

It's brutal like before.

-Are you all right? -Shaken, my Lord.

As we all are.

People are very unnerved.

I was just with the magistrates.

They are convinced that we are being overthrown from within.

Gather the senate to the Curia.

I will meet them when the sun is at its zenith.

Tagora, I'm sorry.

You had news of some plot?

I...

Anything you can say to me, you can say to Senator Septimus.

Tagora, this is not just your father speaking.

He is your Caesar, your Lord.

And you will do what your Lord says.

I heard Senator Lucius, father, talking to a man

I did not recognize

about a new emperor from and about the Zaragosa.

He was working with another.

Treason! Do you hear this, Septimus?

The magistrates speak the truth.

Yes, my Lord. And in our very own senate.

I'll have Lucius' brought in for questioning immediately.

Let us hold for the moment.

I believe that we should keep our wits about us.

Let Lucius believe that we are unaware of this.

I will see you at the address.

Mention none of this.

Yes, my Lord.

We look to your wisdom and guidance.

Shh...

We need to get him bound before he comes to.

Why don't we just kill him?

Because those were two Praetorian guards following him.

I want to know who actually he is.

Fabius?

-It's him. -Who?

It's the Death Trader.

That's the mark of the Zaragosa.

Who sent you after us?

Cassius, look.

If he moves, kill him.

"Tonight, Senator Horatius.

"There is to be a vote of no confidence on Tyber.

If seen, the gladiator Cassius is to be killed."

You read this,

and you thought you could complete the last part of this.

Premeditated murder, and unsanctioned surveillance.

All executable by death.

Still nothing.

Who could install this much fear in people?

The Zaragosa.

But those are Roman guards.

And this letter is from someone inside the government.

There is a deep corruption in the heart of Rome.

Treason! Just as I thought!

Father, Senators Septimus and Senator Lucius

are always together, talking.

Tagora, my son.

It is very important you do exactly as I say.

For the next few hours are vital to our family,

and to the safety of Rome.

Yes, Father.

I believe that you are no longer safe here.

Get yourself outside the city walls of Rome,

where you can move more safely.

Take the Appian way south to the Villa Farnesina.

Tell my sister everything.

Go now, and move quickly.

General Maxima, thank you for meeting me.

We are on the edge of losing Rome,

and I fear I can no longer trust the Senate.

Will you stand by me?

Tyber, my old friend, my lord,

you have my loyalty until death.

You saved my life more than once on the battlefield.

And you mine.

But loyalty is no match for promised power.

My promise is with you, my emperor, and Rome.

I believe Senator Lucius, perhaps with Senate Septimus,

is at the heart of the sickness.

I will arrest the man.

Arrest Senator Lucius, and see if he implicates others.

You fool! The boy knows!

He does! How do you know?

I was there!

Then how is it that you're still--

All Tyber knows is that it is you, along with another.

He does not suspect me, yet.

I get executed and you walk away with it!

We...

We are both under the sword if this does not work.

The emperor is calling a public announcement soon.

We cannot let that happen.

Let him talk to the masses!

You have the Senate at your service, they will appoint you!

It is true, I have the Senate.

They are cowards, afraid of the phantom gladiator.

But the masses, they are dumb and violent.

If I do not get them on my side,

there will be rebellion by sundown.

And what good is being emperor for a day?

No, I need them on my side.

You must listen to me and do exactly as I say.

You'll be free of this, I promise you.

General Maxima, what give us the pleas--

Senator Lucius!

By proclamation of emperor Tyber,

we hereby arrest you for the usurpation of the government

and the murder of senator Marcellus and his family.

Senator Lucius!

I... I...

I did not do any of this!

How can you say such a thing?

This is--

I'm curious how they tracked us.

These are powerful people who want to see us dead.

They will do anything to see that it happens.

Hush. Even your smile is too loud.

There it is.

Subiaco.

That's not an animal I've ever heard before.

Nor I.

Defend until I say attack.

It was an honor fighting with you.

Go on, you can say it.

What?

Oh, thank you.

For?

You didn't save my life.

I would have killed him without your... help.

Look, let's get going before they come back

in greater numbers.

They are ready for you.

I want to give my people peace.

You will give them good news and calm them down.

Thank you for supporting my speeches

to the people and the Senate.

Of course. This is what you do best.

You are their charismatic leader.

Strong, forceful.

The people want to hear from you.

I hear rumors that the Senate is fractured.

That you of all people are my opposition.

Me?

Well, I am almost flattered.

But my position has been very clear.

You have aligned yourself with the Senator Lucius

for many years.

I align myself with many senators.

An unfortunate survival tactic that serves me well.

But rest assured, a good drinking partner

does not mean I conspire an insurrection.

I'm happy that he is gone.

So that you may tell everyone

and be lauded with praise and well-deserved love.

And yet Cassius still roams free.

We must find him so that the people know peace.

-We will. -So that we know peace.

We will.

He is a marked man with a large bounty on his head.

If it pleases you, I will march into the Senate

and make it very clear that I align myself with your cause,

with your vision, with your purpose.

There will be no doubt

that I serve under you and have the heart of Rome.

I would like that.

You make the introduction before I come into the rostra.

As you decree, my Lord.

It is too late.

No, it is not.

The Emperor will be speaking to the masses

in short order and all of this will be forgotten.

The people who love him will rally behind him.

Not for him.

It is too late for his little rat child, Tagora,

the one who hides in the shadows where he does not belong.

Tagora is safe.

Where is he?

Upstairs?

Is he safe with the Emperor, his father?

Is he safe in the tunnels?

Safe with his aunt?

You have no idea where he is, do you?

Let me help you out.

Where is Tagora?

A person with that kind of information,

well, that could be of some value.

You have nothing to barter.

I have my life, which may not seem important to you,

but it is all I have at this point.

You will take me to him.

It may be too late for him now.

It is a trap, I know it.

It is my son's.

His mother made it for him.

I will go with you.

No, you need to stay here.

You are meeting with the people.

You are meeting with the Senate.

How can I save my city when I cannot even save my family?

No, Maxima.

We will leave now.

We will find my son.

Yes, my Lord.

My Lord, the Senate awaits your address.

Senator Septimus, we will return shortly.

Send my regrets.

Yes, my Lord.

I will convey your deep regrets.

We are outnumbered. We must run.

I will not retreat.

Do as I say!

I make an opening, you run. I will hold them off.

And you? I will not leave you here to die.

I will follow when you're free.

Are you ready?

I am!

Enough!

You are not going to finish me?

And just kill the great champion, Cassius?

No.

I have better plans for you.

You...

You killed my Thea.

You killed my family.

You took everything from me!

Welcome to Subiaco, Champion.

Bind him.

Welcome to my humble fortress.

How was your journey?

I do hope that this is comfortable enough for you.

It is good to see you again.

Oh, and thank you for returning my pugio.

I was looking for it.

Unchain me! Fight me like a man!

It's a shame you cleaned the blood off.

I'm going to enjoy this.

Senators, while we slept,

our revered emperor fled Rome

like the god Metus fleeing from the Gauls.

Now, I know, Tyber was once a mighty warrior,

but that was a long time ago.

And where is he now?

Where, when we need him most?

He is not standing before you today, like I am.

We need to take a vote.

An important one.

And we need to do so now.

Emperor Septimus?

Fabius, what are you doing here?

And where is Cassius?

They have him.

Who has him?

Zaragosa.

And you didn't go back? You didn't help him?

I came here, didn't I?

There is no refuge here.

Avitus, I am but one.

They have an army. You have an army.

Yes, but it is at the discretion of the emperor.

We have a new emperor, Septimus.

-That does not matter. -Things are changing.

I have already been instructed

that they want the gladiatorial games to begin again,

and he wants, in the first game, to feature Cassius.

How do they even know where Cassius is?

I assume nothing.

Only that the new emperor is involved with Zaragosa.

He has sent one of his couriers

to deliver the message that Cassius the Unbeaten

is to lose in the first game day after tomorrow.

Then we have a day to prepare.

Apparently emperor Tyber was captured outside of Rome,

and there is to be a public execution

for abdicating and breaking of royal oath

by order of the new emperor.

And to commemorate this day,

the beginning of the reign of Emperor Septimus,

there is to be a month of games in the amphitheater.

To officially start this celebration,

there is to be a gladiatorial match

featuring the once great champion...

Cassius.

That is disappointing for me,

but lucky for you.

I will die before I stand foot in the arena again.

Oh, and I would love that too,

but you are to fight there,

the day after tomorrow.

So I'm going to take you to Rome tonight.

I will not fight in the arena.

If you do not fight,

they will kill your beloved Avitus.

Your choice, of course.

Still, while you are deciding,

let's get to know each other a little better.

These blades cut so finely that it will be hours

before any blood shows,

but the pain is excruciating.

What's this?

What do you think?

You think you are the first to torture me?

You were a slave.

We were all born slaves,

but you...

you were risen to gladiator heights.

You were given fame, you were given fortune,

you earned your freedom.

You started a family,

but then you lost a love,

and a family,

and soon you will lose everything.

The golden boy of the amphitheater.

Look at you now.

Do I know you?

Have we shared some former path?

You don't remember.

Did I kill someone you love?

I've killed many men.

It's not important.

If so, I hope it hurt as much as it did--

Rise for your emperor.

My Lord, and emperor.

Hail, Caesar!

Arise, my subject.

There is much to do.

Whatever, Caesar, you require of me.

Ferox is on his way to Rome, with Cassius in tow.

I want you to meet him outside the city.

Yes, my Lord.

Ferox is a shadow, and will remain so until the fight.

So you and the units of my praetorian guards

will escort our prisoner to the amphitheater.

Do you understand?

I understand, my Lord.

Now, rest assured that Cassius does not want

to return to the arena.

So understand that if he does not make it,

meaning if he escapes,

it will be you taking his place in my inaugural games.

Yes, my Lord.

Excellent.

Now come.

Let us get you out of those clothes.

An agent of the Roman state cannot be seen

in such a condition of the dishevelment.

You don't look too scary.

Take him away.

Sir!

I bet you thought...

that you would never be sitting here again.

The fates playing their games again.

Are you ready to go back into the arena?

To exact justice on the one who has already condemned me?

Yes, I am.

Rome has taken everything from me.

They can have my body.

You will die as a criminal.

He will do that.

Where is Emperor Tyber?

I have heard rumors that he is being held

captive in the imperial palace.

Him and his son.

They will be prosecuted and found guilty.

-For what crimes? -It doesn't matter what.

This is...

This is our senator's confession

for crimes against the Roman Empire.

Yes.

Oh, yes.

My days are over.

But if you can get that to the Senate or Emperor Tyber himself,

you yourself can be free.

And Fabius and all of Rome

can be free of the scourge of Septimus.

I will try.

For you.

For who you are.

But now, you need to rest.

Because you have a long day tomorrow.

That's my boy.

Ah!

Dress the words underneath his clothing and armor.

Break a couple of ribs, too.

They'll be coming for him shortly.

My Lord.

Your litter and escort await.

Lucius, I was thinking.

You need to make sure Cassius wins the battle against Ferox.

Ferox?

Is there a problem?

No, My Lord.

I will make sure this happens.

I just came to check in on how you three are doing.

You will never get away with this, Senator.

It is Emperor Septimus!

I came to inform you that I am off to the games

where I will witness the death of Cassius the Undefeated.

No! He didn't do anything!

I know.

Just like you and your father here.

Yet, you will all meet the same fate by the end of the day.

You can have me. But do not hurt my son.

That is not an option.

I will not sleep with one eye open the rest of my days.

But that always part of being a ruler.

Sleeping well means you are not doing enough

for the people of Rome.

I will sleep just fine.

-I'm sure you will. -Quiet!

My litter is waiting.

I will see the three of you very soon.

Men.

My friends, we are rebuilding Rome.

A new Rome which I am honored to be leading.

Today marks the birthday of my reign as Emperor of Rome.

And I will give you one month of games.

I will give you blood and flesh and bone!

I will give you chariot races!

I will give you wild animals!

And today...

I give you someone you already know.

I give you Cassius the Undefeated.

Cassius the murderer.

Cassius the child killer.

Will he pay for his crimes?

Or will he live to fight again?

Today, you will fight Ferox.

A man unknown to some

but infamous to others.

Ferox, the hero that captured Cassius.

It was his militia group that hunted down the rage of Rome

and brought him to his knees.

People of Rome, I give you your next greatest hero.

Your newest legend.

Ferox, leader of the Zaragosa!

Gladiators, to the death you will fight.

Commence!

You should have stabbed me twice.

I never truly appreciate a fight until I have a stake in it.

Did you...

I added hemlock to his morning posca.

Good.

Thank you, my Lord.

I never told you about the night I killed your wife.

It was so easy.

There she was. No one to stop me.

If only you had been there.

maybe you could have saved her.

If he kills Ferox before the poison takes effect...

[grunts]

This will be the last time you look me in the eye.

Is there anything you'd like to say?

Goodbye.

Yes! Cassius still has some fight in him.

That's it. Come on, gladiator.

What?

That's right.

Brother.

Do you still wish to kill me?

It's impossible. You are dead.

And you are too sentimental.

I thought you were dead this whole time.

Everyone did.

But you left me to a life of slavery.

You left me. You didn't come back.

You lived the dream of a gladiator

while I was living in a nightmare.

You think I wanted this?

It was a way out.

Every day I dreamt of putting the sword down forever.

And I had that until you came along.

You were all I had and you left me!

So we're even.

Even?

You couldn't even fight me. without wounding me first.

Is this what you really want?

We could walk away from this alive.

We don't have to kill each other.

Do you think this is the future our mother wanted for us?

It's not up to us, brother.

I'm sorry.

It seems he would be disobeying, my Lord.

Take my hand, brother.

He is making me look weak.

What do we do now?

Get me my armor.

And one of you get me a sword.

Out of my way.

Cassius the Undefeated!

Cassius the murderer!

I, Emperor Septimus of Rome, hereby sentence you to death

for the murder of the senators and their families.

For the mayhem that you have caused,

for the chaos that you have raised

and for your lack of respect for the Roman people.

What are you going to do, Septimus?

Kill us both?

You're both already dead, Ferox.

Or haven't you figured that out yet?

Hold him aside, men.

And as Emperor Septimus...

whatever happens between Cassius and I, do not interfere.

A Roman emperor needs no advantage to kill a criminal.

The thorn in my side.

I've been wanting to do this for a while.

Septimus the Great overcame Cassius the Undefeated.

Ah!

Sire!

No more.

No more killing!

No more.

Just one more.

You.

Cassius, Cassius!

You didn't do it, you didn't do it!

I knew it, I knew it!

Yes, he did. Cassius is a murderer!

No, Septimus, you did it!

Stop!

By the order of Caesar and the Roman senate!

You have no authority!

I am the Caesar! I am!

Your power is no more.

The Senate read your letter, confessing your crimes.

And your plans to execute Cassius

when you hired Santor the Death Trader.

What letter?

This man is a hero of the Roman state!

My Lord, once again, you have saved my life.

I am so grateful.

Gladiator, I can never repay here all you have done for me

and for Rome.

We are forever indebted to you.

Where is... Where is...

Fabius!

Take in the day, Fabius.

Didn't think I'd see another.

And you will have a lifetime more.

The gladiator world will not know what they're missing.

In truth, they will know soon enough.

Why is that?

Soon, I will be the one teaching new gladiators.

That's wonderful.

And what about you?

Oh, I have another assignment.

Hopefully something that uses all of your skills.

It would not be worth your time otherwise.

Yes, all of them, and some new ones.

Ferox.

You're done with the Senate?

Indeed.

Though my testimony is a bit slanted,

I am in their eyes a villain.

You helped save Rome from an illegitimate emperor,

and they chain you like a dog.

Chained for my transgressions.

Chained from my own good.

So, how are you alive?

Oh, the hemlock.

Yes, Cassius told me about that.

Hemlock smells like rat urine.

It's pretty obvious.

And I'm a Zaragosa.

So I threw it out the moment I stepped into the room.

Fabius, can you give us a second?

I'm so grateful that we have been able to reconnect

after such a long time, brother.

My heart and soul died when we were separated.

But it came back to life in the arena.

I know that I've caused you nothing but pain and suffering.

I know it.

And I'm forever cursed by my actions.

But when I am free from these chains,

I will forever be your protector.

I'll be the brother you thought was dead.

My debt to you is ongoing.

You owe me nothing, brother.

I owe you my soul.

Ah.

My hero gladiators.

Ferox, thank you for your testimony.

You were very honest and eloquent.

The Senate is ready to hear from the great

Cassius the Undefeated.

Ferox?

Ferox! I...

I do not see anyone missing.