Authors: Carla Capshaw
A
week later, Tibi, Velus, Sergius and Leta awaited Alexius outside the gladiator entrance of the Coliseum. Rex was asleep in his cage on the elaborate silk pillow his aunt Adiona had given him. Because Pelonia and Adiona insisted their children be kept far away from the “Den of Torture,” as Pelonia referred to the amphitheater, their friends had decided to join Tibi and Alexius’s small band near the city gates.
The roar of the mob signaled the unchanging nature of Rome, but as far as Tibi and Alexius were concerned, nothing was the same. In the week since their wedding, all their wants had fallen into the place.
With a prayer of thanks for all her blessings, Tibi lifted her face heavenward and relished the sun’s warmth on her face. Today they embarked for Umbria and the future they’d thought unattainable, but that the Lord had made possible.
“The task is done.” The wagon swayed as Alexius climbed into the driver’s padded seat. He picked up the reins and released the brake with his foot. “The school’s charter has been returned to the Emperor. My men are
released from their oath, and I’m officially no longer a gladiator
or
a
lanista
.”
To Tibi, he seemed free, buoyant even, as the wagon began to move. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. “Perhaps not,” she said, “but no matter what, you’ll always be my champion.”
He leaned over and pressed a tender kiss to her lips. “And have no doubt,
agape mou
,
you
will always be my everything.”
Questions for Discussion
ISBN: 9781408951439
The Champion
© Carla Hughes 2011
First Published in Great Britain in 2011
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