Spartacus: House of Ashur
Created by: Steven S. DeKnight
Season 1 – Episode 10
Episode Title: Hail Caesar
Stars: Nick E. Tarabay (Ashur), Graham McTavish (Korris), Tenika Davis (Achillia), Claudia Black (Cossutia), Jamaica Vaughan (Hilara), Ivana Baquero (Messia), Leigh Gill (Satyrus), Jordi Webber (Tarchon), India Shaw-Smith (Viridia)
Original release date: February 6, 2026 (Starz)
Episode plot summary: Gabinius is laid to rest at his villa. Caesar informs Cossutia that Pompey has been stripped of his title and protection, while Caesar himself has been promoted to legatus and ordered to find and kill him. Servius, Gabinius’ brother returns to reclaim the house and proposes holding funeral games. Believing Ashur to be beneath him, Servius has him removed from the villa but Viridia kisses him before he leaves. Settling in, Servius tries to assert his control over Cossutia and Viridia. At the ludus, Tarchon helps train Achillia to take on the Scythian, while Proculus pairs Satyrus with Galatea, another female gladiator for the games. Ashur gifts Achillia her own private quarters, cementing her position as champion of the ludus, while Ashur promises Korris ownership of the ludus once he is given control of Capua’s games. Cornelia leaves the villa to return to Rome, with Messia following her. At the games, Servius excludes Ashur’s gladiators from all but the main event and forces him to sit with the plebians. Satyrus and Galatea defeat their opponent before Achillia battles the Scythian in a brutal fight that sees both fighters lose their weapons and intrude into the stands. Achillia ultimately defeats the Scythian, killing her by jamming her shield into her mouth and splitting her head open. Before she leaves, Viridia sees Ashur celebrate in the stands with Hilara, saddening her. Back at the ludus, Tarchon and Achillia sleep together. While Caesar prepares to leave, Ashur asks him when the new arena will begin construction but Caesar tells him that Crassus has decided to use the funds to build new villas instead, despite their agreement. An enraged Ashur attacks Caesar, and after a long fight Ashur kills him by stabbing him in the chest and hacking his head open with a sword.
* * *
Spartacus: House of Ashur – S01E10 – Hail Caesar | Transcript
Note for Students & Writers: This transcript is archived here for educational purposes, critical analysis, and screenwriting study. All rights belong to the original creators.
[intense vocal music]
[somber music]
[woman sobs]
[bells chime]
[soft indistinct chatter]
[somber string music]
[Uvidus] How does she fare, your daughter?
As one who has seen heart torn from chest.
I cannot believe he’s gone.
[woman] His death severest blow to the Republic.
[Proculus] Such a tragic loss. Know that I am here for both of you.
[tense music]
[Cossutia] Sentiment embraced as intended.
[Uvidus] Ah, Caesar and Cornelia appear, dispelling darkness with welcomed light.
[Cornelia] Cossutia. I have wailed as if cherished husband were cut from my own flesh.
[Cossutia] I’m glad you yet stand whole.
[Caesar] Would that Pompey did not stand so.
[Uvidus] An enemy of the people. To think we greeted him with arms spread with affection and adulation.
[Cornelia] He must be seen to account. Preferably at the end of a fucking sword.
He stands a consul of Rome-beyond reach of laws that govern the rest of us.
[Cossutia] You would see him go unpunished for what he has done?
No. I only mean there is…
[Caesar] Calm waters. Crassus looks to introduce resolution within the Senate to strip Pompey of title.
[Cornelia] And protection it affords.
[Proculus] What of his army camped outside the gates of Rome?
[Ashur] Fled from responsibility as all of questionable nature do when faced with blood upon hand.
[Caesar] The situation is well attended.
[Cornelia] He has been elevated to legatus and charged to see Pompey towards a violent end.
[Ashur] Apologies. I will pay respects.
[Servius] Caesar. You honor this house.
[Cossutia] Allow me to introduce Servius, brother to beloved husband.
[Cornelia] Deepest sorrow towards loss of most precious brother.
[Servius] Gratitude. Yet I must inquire, why does your slave stand among us?
[Viridia] Ashur is a free man and respected lanista within Capua.
[Servius] Ah, yes, the Syrian good Proculus has spoken of. I have thought towards munera to honor fallen kin and reintroduce myself to a city I have been too long from.
[Ashur] Funeral games? I shall provide my men gratis… in remembrance of your father.
[Servius] Oh, most excellent. To be met in kind?
[Proculus] Without hesitation.
[Cossutia] We do not stand empty of purse.
[Servius] Let us say a clutch of your men each with respective champions to meet in the Primus?
[Caesar] Your brother’s memory will be etched in blood upon the sands.
[Servius] As I would see it held this day by… all those of appropriate breeding.
[Caesar] We are but guests of the House of Servius.
[Servius] Uh, see the man to egress… at rear of villa, removed from public eye.
[tense music]
[Viridia] Hold. I would have a moment. Apologies. My uncle can be… abrupt.
[Ashur] It was foolish of me to come.
[Viridia] It lifts heart that you have. I wish to express gratitude.
[Ashur] Towards?
[Viridia] You tried to warn me of Pompey. If only I’d listened.
[Ashur] The fault lies with the man who took your father’s life. And no other.
[Viridia] He did not deserve such a fate.
[Ashur] He did not.
[bell rings]
[Viridia] I must go before I am missed.
[woman sobs]
[Viridia] Know that you are in my thoughts.
[string music swells]
[sobs]
[somber string music]
[gasps]
[sighs]
[grunts]
[men grunt]
[yells]
[grunts]
[Korris] Use spear to force distance. Do not let fucking Scythian draw close.
[intense music]
[shouts]
[grunts]
[Achillia] Again.
[tense music]
[sighs]
[Ashur] The brother of Gabinius has mind towards funeral games. Doctore, a clutch of men stand requested. Choose as you wish.
[Tarchon] Dominus, what of the Scythian?
[Ashur] Achillia shall face her in Primus.
[ominous music]
[Ashur] Glory to the House of fucking Ashur.
[tense music]
[Messia] You avoid me.
[Hilara] I but attend my duties as vilica.
[Messia] Do such encompass the murder of a fucking senator?
[Hilara] I did not know Pompey would lash out in fatal manner.
[Messia] A man’s actions are far from predictable when under sway of opium. That is why your fucking dominus so desired it upon the moment. Is it not? And why you plied me with kindest words to spirit such from Domina’s chambers.
[Hilara] I had no knowledge of what Dominus planned. Nor would I have involved you if I thought anyone would come to harm in the act of it.
[Messia] Intent has no bearing upon deadly result. If it were discovered that I…
[Hilara] All with a hand in it would suffer.
[Messia] The affairs of this fucking house and everyone within it fall from concern. Domina makes ready to depart for Rome and would see me remain at her side.
[Hilara] You leave this house?
[Messia] Never to return.
[dramatic music]
[grunts]
[pants]
Do not worry, brother. You shall rise again when she falls to the Scythian.
[Tarchon] Doctore. The Scythian does not favor her right as you do. It is the left that holds greater threat.
[Korris] Such escaped my notice.
[Tarchon] Perhaps… more observant eye would yield less disappointing result.
[Korris] Perhaps.
[tense percussive music]
[Achillia] I thought you did not care for style of dimachaerus.
[Tarchon] I do not. Yet my father did, as does the beast you are to face in the arena.
[grunts]
[both grunt]
[Tarchon] You remain from fucking back. We move in hopeful direction.
[both grunt]
[Tarchon] Good. Yet there are two ends of a fucking spear. Seek to use them both.
[grunts]
[Achillia] You again pursue opportunity to seize mantle of champion?
[Tarchon] I give no shit towards it. I but crave the Scythians struck from this fucking world, if not by my hand, then yours.
[both grunt]
[yells]
[both grunt]
[both grunt]
[growls]
[both grunt]
[man yells]
[man grunts]
[Proculus] Do not make such brief work of the Syrian’s champion. I would see her suffer and, by association, her dominus.
[Satyrus] And I would see her set upon the man’s fucking doctore, the scales of blood towards balance!
[Proculus] The crowd impossibly cheers for you once more, little man. Absent fallen brothers.
[Satyrus] The gods bless the name Satyrus.
[Proculus] Yet I fear they shall not grace you with miraculous victory a second time against fully formed opponent.
[Satyrus] I am to fight again in the arena?
[Proculus] You are, yet not alone.
[tense music]
[Satyrus] You would pair me with a fucking woman?!
[Proculus] I would but have you live a while longer and see coffers filled with coin… in advance of your passing. Come. I have been too long from an opponent of worth and would test myself against one offering challenge. Let us see what I recall from days of war and adventure. [shouts]
[Viridia] Villa feels so empty. Absent his presence filling it.
[Cossutia] I stand in most painful regret… that I ever supported union between you and fucking Pompey.
[Viridia] Oh, you but moved to procure future protected from those who would wish us harm.
[Servius] Apologies. I pray I do not intrude upon introspective musings.
[Cossutia] We but speak of this house. And the living within it, in pale shadow of loving father and considerate husband.
[Servius] It does stand a fine villa to raise a child in, if fair Viridia may yet erroneously be called such. [chuckles]
[Cossutia] It is improper for men to bathe with women, Servius.
[Servius] ‘Proper’ is what paterfamilias deems. Do I not stand such now in relation?
[Cossutia] You stand so. We shall leave you to restorative ablutions.
[Servius] I would see you linger. Presence of beloved niece balms wound of brother’s loss, as does that of stoic wife. Ahhh. Is it not greatest relief to shed black sackcloth and feel cleansing waters against flesh? If I were overseer of tradition, I would see eight days of mourning halved, if not quartered.
[Viridia] They could churn into years, and yet not allow time enough to grieve the passing of my father.
[Servius] I would not see you so removed from life… nor pleasures such offers.
[Cossutia] [clears throat] What make you of Caesar and Cornelia? They seem… taken by you.
[Servius] You believe so?
[Cossutia] Mm.
[Servius] They are of discerning nature.
[Cossutia] And at status beyond measure, gracing pulvinus for the games.
[Servius] They will come? You are sure of it?
[Viridia] They dwell within Ashur’s villa during stay. You shall see them among us.
[Servius] Oh, yes. The Syrian. [chuckles] How do they manage sharing domicile with such a lowly beast?
[Viridia] Ashur is no beast. He’s a man of careful thought and gentle word, even when none are offered him.
[Viridia] You speak of the Syrian with a troubling passion.
[Cossutia] She but finds the good in all, even those… undeserving.
[Viridia] I but speak the truth for those who do not fear it.
[Cossutia] We should have proper adornment for games of the munera-something of status, yet… muted in ostentation. We will go to the market when day breaks.
[Servius] I cannot go to market upon the morrow, nor hold interest in entertaining such frivolity.
[Viridia] You need not accompany us. We go often, mother and I.
[Servius] Absent paterfamilias or suitable male escort?
[Viridia] We do not require leash.
[Cossutia] Viridia.
[Servius] It appears my brother has been regrettably lax in regards towards matters of family. A mistake we shall see towards correction.
[liquid pours]
[Cornelia] I thought all lost when the old fool promised his simpleton child to Pompey.
[Caesar] A moment of worry, yet the gods favor Caesar and deserving wife.
[Cornelia] Has there ever stood such a man?
[Caesar] He is with empty shell, absent the woman before him.
[Cornelia] She would not be removed from your side.
[Caesar] Nor I from yours. Yet I would see you safe behind the gates of Rome far from threat of Pompey and men yet loyal to him.
[Cornelia] What of Crassus?
[Caesar] I shall deliver message upon proper time and place in advance of my own departure.
[Cornelia] The Syrian has proven unexpectedly useful, has he not?
[Ashur] Gratitude. I but live to serve.
[Caesar] You but elevate the name of Caesar and of your patron. Come! Partake in wine and joyous celebration.
[Ashur] I prefer promises kept in lieu of libations.
[Cornelia] Promises?
[Ashur] Agreement was made. If union between Viridia and Pompey was halted, the reward would be the rebuilding of the old arena destroyed by Spartacus, and I… to be given control of it.
[Cornelia] Was it not Pompey who struck Gabinius down?
[Ashur] By machination devised by my hand alone. Gabinius… would yet be of this world if not for Ashur.
[Caesar] Of that there can be no question. And upon my life, you shall be seen to deserved reward.
[chains jingle]
[enchanting music]
[Cornelia] Night becomes glorious day.
[Caesar] Leave us. We shall revisit subject upon heel of legacy of Gabinius honored upon the sands.
[music intensifies]
[lock clanks]
[sighs]
[Ashur] Come. I recall a time not so far distance when you made effort to claim my life with the chains that yet bound you.
[Achillia] Would you have not attempted the same had our place stood reversed?
[Ashur] No. I would have plotted and schemed, striking from the shadows, as those of craven heart would.
[Achillia] If I had followed example, perhaps I would not yet stand a slave.
[Ashur] [chuckles] Yet here we both find ourselves, bound by the chains of our decisions.
[tense music]
[somber music]
[Achillia] This is to be mine? Alone?
[Ashur] As Gannicus before you and Spartacus in his wake, each claiming this as their own towards title of champion.
[Achillia] A title bestowed upon me months past. Why does such a gift present itself in the present?
[Ashur] As reward for loyal service. Yet, if you find the aroma of piss and shit of the barracks more pleasing…
[Achillia] I defeated Ammonius, yet such bounty was not offered.
[Ashur] Come to direct fucking point.
[Achillia] I plied Pompey with opium, as commanded. Was it plot and scheme that he then cut the old man down?
[Ashur] No. It was not my intent to see Gabinius dead.
[Achillia] The man who took his life he will suffer for it?
[Ashur] Of that I have no doubt. Rest and turn darkness of thought towards the fucking Scythian. She presents challenge unlike you have ever faced. And… I do not wish to see such glorious accommodation stand empty again.
[pensive music]
[Korris] Begin!
[distant shouting]
[grunts]
[Tharcon] Anticipate feint. She will attempt to draw you in to imagined weakness, then strike.
[Achillia shouts]
[Tarchon grunts]
[Achillia] Do we train or do you seek my fall in advance of arena?
[Tharcon] You hold the Scythian will show you mercy?
[Achillia] You do not stand the fucking Scythian!
[Tharcon] If I were, you would be embracing my father in the fucking afterlife.
[yells]
[grunts]
[Korris] Pause. Take water and regain yourself.
[Achillia] I do not need…
[Korris] Fall to command.
[Tharcon] She does not heed instruction.
[Korris] I wonder who she fucking reminds me of.
[Tharcon] How am I to aid her if she will not listen?
[Korris] How did your father set unruly son upon path? By harsh words alone? Or tempered with those of more supportive nature?
[Tharcon] So you would have me ply her with gentle caress and soft kiss? A kindness reserved for those held to fucking heart.
[Korris] I but suggest temperance if such is to be found within you.
[somber music]
[Tharcon] Have you broken words with Dominus towards reunion with the Elata?
[Korris] I have not. Dominus is consumed by more weighted matters, yet I will, at first opportunity, broach subject.
[Achillia] Are we to gossip as old women or return to fucking purpose?
[tense music]
[Tharcon] You possess fucking shield, however small. Think upon using it.
[both grunt]
[Achillia shouts]
[Tharcon] Good. Yet do not consider but for defense. Think of it also as unexpected weapon.
[both grunt]
[grunts]
[Korris] Esteemed burden at last removes itself?
[Ashur] Yet damage caused not so easily swept to remembrance.
[Korris] Then let us soothe wounds with blood and glory.
[Ashur] The men stand ready?
[Korris] They thirst for the fucking day.
[Ashur] As all men of worth do.
[Korris] There is one among them that I would beg towards consideration.
[Ashur] Break name.
[Korris] Tarchon.
[Ashur] Ah. That arrogant little shit presses for return to the arena?
[Korris] He does not petition for it. Instead, he makes effort towards aiding Achillia to face the Scythian.
[Ashur] Was such the boy’s choice?
[Korris] With gentle fucking guidance from more experienced hand.
[Ashur] I did not think you could cease pissing in all direction long enough to lend assistance to another, especially one he so despises.
[Korris] He is learning to look beyond himself, slowly, yet he makes attempt.
[Ashur] And you would see him rewarded for effort?
[Korris] The whore Elata, he holds her in some affection. It would lift his spirits to see her again. The loss of his father still weights the boy.
[Ashur] It is a heavy thing-loss of a man greatly admired.
[Korris] You appear not your usual aggravating self of late. Sharing words regarding cause…
[Ashur] I would instead turn to more buoyant reckoning.
[dramatic music]
[Ashur] Crassus at last removes arm from ass to see the old arena risen from the ashes.
[Korris] Boon to all of Capua.
[Ashur] More so to this fucking house. For the man before you is to be given charge of it.
[Korris] A great honor, well deserved.
[Ashur] Once arena’s completed, attention shall be taken with seeing it’s filled to the thunderous cheers of the crowd. I will have little time for the needs of this ludus, nor those toiling beneath its roof.
[Korris] You would see it sold?
[Ashur] No. I would see it freely given into the worthiest of hands.
[pensive music]
[Korris] I, uh… I have never imagined such was possible.
[Ashur] Nor I. Yet… we soar beyond the tether of imagination, severing it in service of what we may become.
[Korris sighs]
[Ashur] See the whore into the boy’s arms. And may he find peace in her embrace as we find in promise of future laurels. [sighs]
[tense vocal music]
[door opens]
[Tarchon sighs]
[Elata] I’ve dreamt of you standing once more upon the sands of the arena, victorious in all regards.
[Tarchon] Then I would see desires filled. Yet, towards arena, such must stand delayed.
[Elata] I hear of funeral games for Gabinius. Are you not among those chosen to fight?
[Tarchon] I have fallen from consideration of Dominus.
[Elata] Why?
[Tarchon] A thing of no matter. Until I regain such, I instruct the champion towards contest against fucking Scythian.
[Elata] Champion? A title you deserve. If you do not stand such, how shall you earn your freedom, or my own, as you have so often promised?
[Tarchon] Let’s not fall towards future worries when present… holds greater need. It feels a lifetime since I have taken to your arms.
[Elata] And now we my embrace absent concern.
[Tarchon] Concern? Towards?
[Elata] That bloated Roman that handled me so rudely…
[Tarchon] Mm.
[Elata] …and disapproving eye of your father.
[Tarchon] He but worried of distraction and fateful end such could lead to upon the sands.
[Elata] You are well out of his shadow. He was stubborn and overbearing, as you yourself often noted.
[somber music]
[Tarchon] I was in error… toward many things… Guard.
[Elata] Where are you going?
[Tarchon] To honor my father, in word and deed.
[gate opens, closes]
[items clatter]
[Cornelia] Treat belongings with fucking care if the ability stands so possessed.
[Ashur] I shall see ungentle hands shattered for slightest offense to treasured belongings.
[Cornelia] Gratitude. I find it deepest relief to fall from such consideration.
[Ashur] This house stands as your own, should need or desire ever return you to Capua.
[Cornelia] Let us not sully joyous occasion with such dour thought.
[Ashur] May I impart men to further swell numbers towards precious cargo?
[Caesar] I would not entrust such to the rudely trained. We are yet to broach subject of remuneration for your slave.
[Ashur] A gift, in deference to Caesar and deserving wife.
[Caesar] Well received. For what it’s worth.
[Cornelia] Would that you were by my side as well. It would lend greatest comfort with Pompey running wild through the countryside.
[Caesar] The greater number of my men shall see you safely to Rome.
[Cornelia] Promise you will join at earliest convenience with news Pompey has been dispatched by your hand.
[Caesar] My word stands bond. Go, and await glorious return. Guards, see her safely to Rome.
[soldier] Yes, sir.
[Cornelia] Messia! Come.
[dramatic music]
[wagon door shuts]
[horseman shouts, whip cracks, horse whinnies]
[Caesar] Let us fall to the arena, Syrian, and give final embrace to the man you helped see from this world. [chuckles]
[suspenseful music]
[horn blares]
[crowd cheers]
[crowd cheers, chatters]
Me! Me!
Give me some!
[crowd cheers]
Viridia! Do join us miscreants in lesser row.
[Viridia] Much appreciated.
[Servius] Yet respectfully declined. I would have her close to doting uncle.
[Cossutia] She does not favor proximity to the blood…
[Servius] And yet I would have her at my side.
[Viridia] And there you shall find me.
[Uvidus] Ah! Exalted guest graces us with divine presence.
[Caesar] You flatter, yet not enough.
[Servius] [chuckles] Ravishing wife does not accompany?
[Caesar] She regrettably returns to Rome.
[Servius] We stand blessed you yet remain.
[Caesar] I but linger to pay honor to noble senator his absence a mortal wound.
[Ashur] The crowd swells towards tribute. The gods themselves shall bear witness to how he was loved.
[Servius] Yes. It shall stand spectacle for the ages.
[Ashur] The house of Ashur shall ensure it a day to be remembered.
[Servius] Oh. Apologies. With all the arrangements, I did not have moment to send message. I have secured more suitable offerings from Calpurnius of Pompeii.
[Ashur] Am I not to hold position in the games?
[Viridia] It does not seem reasonable to exclude him on cusp of…
[Servius] He shall retain Primus against Proculus’ savage upon necessity of the crowd.
[Proculus] They demand Achillia’s return to the sands. Brief as it may be.
[Ashur] A privilege to be so considered.
[Servius] Oh, apologies once more. Pulvinus stands reserved for Romans.
[Viridia] Father often invited Ashur to sit among us.
[Servius] Well, my brother is no longer among us. And I but speak the truth for those who do not fear it. Unless Caesar holds objection?
[Caesar] Who is Caesar to stand in the way of unflinching veracity?
[Viridia] Uncle…
[Ashur] Let us not fall to disagreement. I shall hold vigil among the people your father so dearly loved.
[Proculus] [sniffs] The air appears fresher, does it not?
[laughter]
[Modesta] I did not breathe through my nose the entire time he stood there.
We are not to fucking fight?!
[Korris] Editor of the games deems it so.
Would that the cunt joined fallen brother?
[Tarchon] There is but one contest holding matter. Let us place all else aside… and turn thought towards it.
[crowd cheers]
[Ashur] All that I have sacrificed only to return to where I began.
[Hilara] Once new arena is completed, you shall be the one who decides who occupies pulvinus and who shall be excluded.
[Ashur] I long for the fucking day.
[Servius] Citizens of Capua! Many among you may not recognize countenance of long lost son, returned to loving embrace upon darkest hour. I stand here before you, as I did in my youth. Servius Gabinius, brother to storied senator beloved by all. Too soon taken from this world by the villain Pompey!
[crowd boos]
[Servius] Dearest brother is survived by stately wife and treasured daughter who now fall to me towards security… and affection. Capua has suffered injury of most grievous nature. Yet we shall not be quelled by violent assault, nor whither upon facing uncertain challenge of tomorrow. Yet, this day, let us honor the memory of my brother, your ally, your champion with blood and sacrifice!
[crowd cheers]
[shouts]
[Servius] Begin!
[gladiators grunt]
[gladiator screams]
[crowd cheers]
[shouting, cheering]
[gladiator grunts]
[Servius] Begin!
[gladiator screams]
[crowd exclaims]
[laughter]
[Servius] Begin!
[gladiator shouts]
Ooh. [laughs]
[gladiator groans]
[crowd cheers]
[Servius] Begin!
[both grunt]
[gladiator groans]
[crowd jeers]
[crowd cheers]
[gladiator shrieks]
[gladiator screams, crowd roars]
[Satyrus] Follow lead and attempt not to die.
[Galatea] Advice I had thought to impart to you.
[groans]
[Servius] From the House of Proculus, I give you Galatea, murmillo, and Satyrus, thraex!
[crowd cheers]
[Satyrus yells]
[Satyrus] Yes!
[Satyrus growls]
[Achillia] How many lives does the little man possess?
[Korris] I pray but one remaining.
[Servius] Formidable opponent offered by the House of Calpurnius, enter Taurus! Hammer of the gods!
[crowd cheers]
[Satyrus] Fuck!
[roars]
[suspenseful music]
[Servius] Begin!
[Satyrus yells]
[crowd groans]
[Ashur] Ah.
[Taurus growls]
[Taurus grunts]
[Galatea and Taurus grunt]
[Galatea grunts]
[crowd cheers]
[Satyrus] Regain your fucking feet!
[crowd jeers]
[grunting]
[Satyrus] Shield!
[Satyrus shouts]
[both grunt, crowd cheers]
[yells]
[Caesar] Reports have reached ear that Pompey marshals his men towards the shores of Brundisium in the south.
[Cossutia] Brundisium?
[both grunt]
[Viridia] What does he seek in such a horrid place?
[Caesar] If I stood the man, I would seek to cross waters to Greece in efforts towards raising greater numbers to swell ranks of depleted army.
[Uvidus] Spectre of civil war is upon us.
[Viridia] A fate my father devoted life to avoid.
[Taurus growls]
[grunts]
[screams]
[Caesar] I will see the villain to grass in advance of further offense. With aid of Crassus and the Senate, of course.
[Cossutia] Gratitude. I long to see the man responsible for my husband’s death fall to a similar fate.
[Viridia] Would that I held the knife, claiming his life.
[Taurus grunts, crowd cheers]
[Galatea grunts, groans]
[yells]
[Galatea roars]
[crowd cheers]
[laughs]
[Satyrus pants]
[yells]
[crowd roars]
Yes!
[Calpurnius] Taurus stood legend.
[Proculus] May he be remembered as such.
[growls]
[Galatea] I am going to fuck you this night, little man.
[Satyrus] And I shall let you! [laughs]
[shouts]
[crowd roars]
[Hilara] We fall from seat?
[Ashur] Remain. I shall seek word with our champion in advance of fucking Primus.
[Satyrus yells]
[laughs, grunts]
[Satyrus] Disappointed? You fucking oaf!
[Korris] Eternally.
[Satyrus] [growls] I stand a fucking god! And a woman at my side…
[Achillia mutters softly]
[Tarchon] You pray?
[Achillia] To Apedemak, God of War.
[Tarchon] Will he listen?
[Achillia] In favor of me, no. Yet I pray to him in the name of your father.
[Tarchon] Well, your god would be wise to listen. Or I shall have fucking words with him in the afterlife.
[gate opens]
[Ashur] Achillia. You stand ready?
[Tarchon] She does, Dominus.
[Ashur] Those who sit upon ass and judge yet believe this house a fucking jest. They hold that we among it are lesser, that they stand above us, and forever shall. Show them who we truly are, and fuck that cunt into the fucking ground!
[gladiators yell]
[Servius] The moment is upon us. Primus at last arrives to memorialize revered brother, noble husband, beloved father and senator of this grand republic!
[crowd cheers]
Yes!
[Hilara] How gauge you Achillia towards victory?
[Ashur] [sighs] We shall see.
[Servius] From the House of the Syrian, I give you Achillia, Goddess of Death!
[crowd cheers]
[dramatic music]
Achillia! My goddess!
Achillia!
Achillia!
[Servius] And who shall such fearsome warrior face? From the House of Proculus, enter the Scythian!
[crowd cheers]
[crowd jeers]
[both grunt]
[suspenseful music]
[Servius] Begin!
[crowd roars]
[Achillia grunts]
[Scythian growls]
[grunts]
[crowd exclaims]
[Servius] This is the woman everyone so passionately speaks of?
[laughs]
[Servius] How disappointing.
[both grunt]
[Achillia screams]
[Achillia yells]
[roars]
[crowd cheers]
[Viridia] She proves her worth as all women of wit and determination.
[both yell]
[clamoring]
[women scream]
[Uvidus] Ah!
[soldier] Get back! Get off!
[Ashur] Regain footing!
[crowd exclaims]
[both grunt]
[groans]
[Tarchon] Use fucking shield towards attack, Achillia!
[pants]
[growls]
[gasps]
[Achillia screams]
[Tarchon] Yes! Fucking shield.
[groans]
[groans]
[both yell]
[crowd cheers]
[Tarchon] Yes!
[Scythian pants]
[Ashur] Press advantage! Press fucking advantage!
[shouts]
[eerie vocal music]
[flesh squelches]
[Tarchon] Yes.
[Achillia yells]
[screams]
[Scythian wails]
[crowd cheers]
[yells]
[laughs]
[pants]
[Achillia] For Celadus.
[blood splatters]
[crowd exclaims]
[Ashur] Fuck the gods!
[crowd roars]
[Ashur] Yes!
Achillia!
[Ashur] Yes!
[crowd chants]
[crowd] Achillia! Achillia!
[both laugh]
Yes!
[crowd chants] Achillia! Achillia!
[chanting continues]
[chanting continues]
[shrieks]
[Korris] Your father stands honored by both of you.
[pensive music]
[chanting continues]
[chuckles]
[Ashur] Ah!
[Cossutia] Perhaps the House of Proculus is not to be so feared after all.
[Servius] You will not speak to a man in such fashion.
[Proculus] A thing of little note. Violent end often comes to those least suspecting of it.
[Servius] Gratitude to all for sharing in our grief. I stand at your service towards all affairs of Capua, public and private.
[Caesar] We must all break meal upon success of campaign against Pompey.
[Servius] Our house stands forever prepared to receive you. Cossutia, Viridia, fall to heel.
[thunder rumbles]
[thunderclap]
[pants]
[Tarchon] You have done the fucking impossible. Champion.
[Achillia] You appear astonished I yet live.
[Tarchon] I had hoped, with all my being, that you would claim the Scythian’s life, yet did not expect it.
[Achillia] Nor I. Gratitude for assisting in such fucking miracle.
[Tarchon] I could not have another strike you down before I laid claim to your title.
[Achillia] I had thought disagreement lay behind us.
[Tarchon] Would you not pursue mantle of champion… were I the one to hold it?
[Achillia] I fucking would.
[Tarchon] Hmm.
[Achillia] I never dreamt nor desired to find myself in such position.
[Tarchon] And yet here you stand.
[Achillia] Reflecting words broken by our dominus. Yet I would not have it so. I would gain my freedom in the arena, if so blessed, or beyond its walls, if fate so deems.
[Tarchon] We at last find common ground. What would you do if such a day comes?
[Achillia] Return to my homeland… and seek the man who condemned me to the Romans.
[Tarchon] And take his life?
[Achillia] [breathes shakily]
[Tarchon] Your wrapping is overly tight.
[Achillia] Doctore saw to it in absence of medicus. I fear he’s more suited to the taking of life than the healing of it.
[Tarchon] My father taught me how to dress his wounds when I was yet a child.
[Achillia] He is deeply missed.
[Tarchon] Beyond the telling of it.
[somber music]
[Achillia pants heavily]
[Tarchon] Apologies.
[thunderclap]
[pants]
[dramatic music]
[moans]
[orchestral string music]
[both shout]
[Caesar] See horses readied. I would upon road within briefest moment.
[Ashur] Would it not be wise to delay egress until the brunt of storm has passed?
[Caesar] A thing I do not need informing of.
[Ashur] Let us take wine and food and break further word towards resurrection of old arena. I have thoughts towards artisans from Neapolis and Pompeii of much higher quality than found within Capua, although at a cost considerably greater…
[Caesar] Such arrangements prove unnecessary.
[Ashur] Crassus has men in mind towards labors?
[Caesar] [laughs] No. He has instructed me to relay whim has shifted towards construction of villas to be sold or rented in place of costly arena.
[Ashur] Villas? Was bargain not struck? Did fucking Ashur not see union between Viridia and Pompey halted?
[Caesar] And we all stand everlastingly grateful.
[Ashur] Grateful? You stand fucking grateful?
[Caesar] Do not adopt such tone with me.
[Ashur] Gabinius is gone from this world. His daughter now beneath thumb of fucking uncle, and you offer platitudes in place of promised reward, you fucking cunt!
[both grunt]
[Hilara] Dominus!
[Ashur] [groans] Leave us. Go!
[Caesar] Oh, did I not warn you, Syrian? I stand fucking god upon mount, eclipsing the villain Pompey and soon even that of mighty Crassus himself. And you shall hail me as such!
[Ashur] [grunts]
[both grunt]
[Caesar] Have you lost fucking mind?!
[guard] The horses are set to depart.
[Caesar] Kill him!
[soldier] Go!
[Ashur groans]
[guard grunts]
[all grunt]
[guard groans]
[dramatic music]
Ah!
Ah!
[groans]
[Caesar yells]
[dramatic music continues]
[both grunt]
[Caesar yells]
[Caesar grunts]
[tense music]
[grunts]
[both grunt]
[yells]
[both strain]
[Ashur groans]
[gasps]
[suspenseful music]
[yells]
[music crescendos]
[dramatic music]
[sword clinks, water splashes]
[Caesar gasps]
[Ashur grunts]
[thunder cracks]
[ominous music]
[shouts]
[pants]
[Ashur] Hail, Caesar!
[dramatic music]
[foreboding music]
[music continues]
[music becomes unsettled]
[music continues]
[music becomes foreboding]
[music continues]
[music flourishes]
[music crescendos]
[music ends]
