Rome Must Perish

By the end of August, the rebel army’s numbers had reached nearly ten thousand. They had to divide into camps, which further reinforced their complete control over the northern region of Vesuvius. Towns like Napolet were suffering and constantly sent envoys to Rome for help.

"Leader, when the people here saw us coming, those overseers drove the slaves into hiding in that farm over there, but a few slaves managed to escape in time, and I brought them with us."

"Well done!" Maximus loudly praised Hagux, who was on horseback.

Hagux’s face split into a grin. Although he was slender and young, both of his parents were Gauls captured in war, becoming farm slaves responsible for tending cattle and horses. He was born on the farm, essentially a house-born slave, and worked with his parents from a young age. Once, his master invited friends for a visit, and after feasting, they intended to go horseback riding, but a drunken friend fell off the horse and broke his leg. The master blamed Hagux’s father and beat him to death on the spot to appease his friend. Hagux’s mother, heartbroken by the news, soon fell ill and died. Hagux buried his hatred deep within.

When the rebel army breached the farm in May, he joined them voluntarily and was assigned to the supply camp, under the transport team. By late July, Maximus decided to form a horseback squad within the supply camp for message delivery during peace and enemy scouting during war. Being an elder in the supply camp, adept at riding, and clever, Hagux was promoted to head this four-man squad.

Maximus turned his gaze to the three slaves behind Hagux: with their dark reddish skin, rough skin texture, tense muscles, large joints, slightly hunched postures, and aged faces...

Now, Maximus had some experience in observing slaves and knew they must be engaged in long-term field labor. So he kindly asked, "Do you know about the situation of this farm? Can you tell me how many people are there? How many are equipped with weapons and capable of fighting?"

The three nervously scanned the fully armed troop before them, finally focusing on Maximus, clad in the shining armor of a Roman officer. The youngest among them cautiously asked, "Are you really the... the slave troop led by Spartacus?"

"Indeed, we are! These armors we stripped off defeated Roman soldiers. Today, we’re here on special orders from leader Spartacus to rescue you," Maximus responded with a smile, clearly recognizing how well-equipped his troop appeared to these slaves.