"Rome will leave and forget places that do not suit it," he said with a wry smile. Even in his short time there, he knew that much. Rome was a conquering force, but upon facing setback or loss, they would write a different story and spread it as far as they could.

He rubbed his arm, noting a blossoming bruise. It didn't bother him. Every bruise a lesson. "They were at war with my people when I was taken. They prided themselves on gladiators from conquered lands. Batiatus had many in his ludus. I saw Gauls, Thracians, Greeks. Rhinelanders, dark-skinned men from Egypt and beyond."

He flashed a grin. "I took some pride in defeating them all upon the sands."