chapter 4 : Oath and Promises

Back from his trip , Orion finally arrived at the port of Naples where he had left his cart under guard to transport his goods to Capua.

 He paid the watchman and collected his cart then hired labor to load his goods.

 While monitoring the loading of the goods, he heard a familiar voice shouting and attracting the attention of the audience.

 "Come closer, come and admire my new slave exhibition!" These are special, these Greek dogs were part of the army of Mithratis, an idiot who dared to challenge Rome. Come buy these Greek bastards and do with them whatever you want AFTER PAYMENT"

 Orion: That voice is Rufus's!

 Rufus was the region's most famous slave trader, a good customer of Orion's artistic works.

 Attracted by the cries of his client, Orion headed towards the slaves that the latter was exposing.

 There were 5 slaves, more precisely 4 men and a pretty redhead with a fierce look!

 "16 denarii for this first slave once"

 "Sixteen denarii twice!" »

 "Sixteen denarii three times!" »

 "Awarded sells… (Interrupted by a voice)

 ??? : I take them all for 120 denarii. 

 The whole crowd turned towards the madman who spoke and bought these slaves for such a crazy sum and it was Orion.

 When Rufus saw it, he gave a big smile before shouting "SOLD!" . Once the sale was made the two greeted each other.

 Rufus: If it's not Orion, the genius artist! Looks like we're doomed to do business together my friend.

 Orion: Rufus, good to see you! It's been a long time!

 Rufus: Indeed, since you suddenly stopped selling your painting, senators and magistrates are impatiently awaiting new works. you're famous but they've never seen you in person.

 Orion: What do you mean THE senators?!

 Rufus: One of the paintings I bought from you, I gave it to my friend Senator Albinus and when his colleagues saw it at his home, they literally fell in love with your work.

 Orion: By the gods! It's good news ! Quickly, pass on the news and tell them that this weekend I will be selling new paintings, here is 30 denarii more for this service.

 Rufus gladly took Orion's generous purse before greeting him and leaving. Orion turned around and faced his new "Slaves" of course he was against this system. He looked at them and spoke in Greek.

 Orion: My name is Orion, son of Melessis, do you know that name ?!

 Of the 4 men, 3 averted their eyes while listening to Orion, then all three nodded their heads.

 "If you know him, it's because you're from Sparta or a neighboring city, right?!" he continued and the same nodded their heads.

 Orion: Very well, I will give you back your freedom but on the condition that you serve me for 1 year! I don't care why you became slaves, the only thing I need is your loyalty. Do you agree ?!

 They looked at him in disbelief and responded "Whoa" while banging their right fists on their chests.

 Orion nodded before looking at the last two slaves, he knew the Greek features and these two didn't have them, plus they were whispering in a language that was familiar to him. he addressed them in Gaulish after a little reflection.

 Orion: Are you two of Gallic origin?!

 They were surprised and looked at him nodding, the girl asked "Forgive my rudeness but how do you know our language...?!" 

 Orion: My name is Orion and to answer your question I worked in Gaul some time ago just before coming here! I know a Gallic language, the one you use.

 The girl nodded, looking at him intently, then Orion made the same offer to them as to the Greeks to work for him and be free in a year.

 They quickly accepted the proposal and left for Capua. Apparently the man's name was Ajax (I was too lazy to come up with a period name) and the woman's name was Vayline.

 After a tiring journey, they finally arrived at their destination. The first thing Orion did was go visit Marius and his family.

 As he entered the residence, a small figure ran towards him at high speed and jumped on him, it was Marius' son Marco.

 Marco: Uncle Orion!!

 Orion: If it isn't my dear nephew! You've grown since last time! Since when do children grow in a few days?!

 Marco: Father said I'll be a Roman giant.

 Orion: Keep pushing like that and he won't be wrong. Besides, where is he?! I have to talk to him.

 Marco: He's inside with mother and Celia who is doing his lessons. Who are these people Uncle Orion?! Your slaves?! (Pointing to Salma, Sura and the others)

 Orion: They are not my slaves but rather my workers. Take me to your father's restless nephew , I have gifts for you.

 They entered the villa with Marco who was literally jumping for joy hearing the word "Gifts"! He greeted his friend and family and told them everything he did during his trip.

 Then he started giving them their gifts. For Marco, a small, solid wooden bow painted gray with a bronze handle, this child was sick with joy.

 For young Celia, it was a magnificent dress, she jumped on Orion with a red face and as for Celina, Marius's wife, she had a pot of lavender scented oil.

 Marius: And me?!

 Orion: You what?! My presence is not enough for you?! What kind of friend are you?!

 Marius: You... just wait!

 Orion: I haven't forgotten you brother, you will have your gift for later but I prefer to warn you, it will be very special.

 Marius got a shiver and his back started to sweat as he listened to his friend. They went out and Orion showed him the slaves he had purchased.

 Marius looked at him questioningly and Orion said, "I need you to do me a favor my friend."

 Marius: Which one?!

 Orion: My house is too small and I wish you could accommodate them among your servants for a while.

 « I don't see any harm, however they will be fed and cared for by you. » Marius responded and Orion thanked him. They ate, drank and Orion also fed his employees because he had something to settle with them afterwards, wanted them in "great shape" .

 [Two days later]

 Once his employees were sufficiently fed and rested, he took the three Spartans to the training ground and gave them three real combat swords.

 Marius, seeing his friend's actions, wanted to stop him but said nothing because he knew that Orion was not a stupid man.

 Orion was shirtless and unarmed in front of the three Greeks, telling them « I know that you despise me, I see it in your gazes, a Greek who lives like a Roman among them and worse still, who was born in Sparta. However, I do not need your love but your respect and I know from experience that the Spartans worship strength. » the three nodded their heads.

 Orion: Very well, we are going to play an interesting game. In front of you there are iron swords and you will use them to attack me all at once. If you manage to kill me, my friend Marius will release you immediately, you have my word. However, if I win, you will follow me with absolute loyalty for an entire year. Do you agree?!

 The Greeks said nothing but directly picked up their weapons, it was a clear response. They looked at each other before distancing themselves and surrounding Orion who had taken a sword and a small round shield with a small metal circle in its center.

 The Greeks' strategy was not in their principles because a Spartan prefers a 1v1 but they despised Orion and wanted to end it quickly.

 Orion, surrounded, took a quick side step to get out of the Spartan triangle but his three adversaries moved at the same time as him, they were well trained.

 The one on his left attacked quickly but Orion blocked the blow with his shield. However the blow was so strong that Orion felt his shield vibrate.

 Immediately, the Spartan in front of Orion wanted to kick him in the chest but Orion dodged to the right while blocking the attack of the third opponent who aimed his liver with his sword.

 Marco tugged at his father's toga worriedly. "Father, these men look very strong! Uncle Orion is going to make it, right?!" he asked as Celia also looked at their father waiting for the answer.

 Marius: Your uncle is like a cockroach.

 Celia: That is to say?!

 Marius: That means he's too difficult to kill!!

 "These guys are really well trained, my eyes were bigger than my stomach!" Orion complained in his mind before dodging and blocking a barrage of sword strikes from two of the Spartans who had stood in front of him. Despite his speed, he was still marked with a cut on his right shoulder and chest.

 The third attacked from his left but Orion quickly deflected the blow and struck him in the face with his shield. Once he was stunned, Orion used him as a human shield to block the second Spartan's blow which was aimed at his heart.

 *Clangk*

 Orion deflected the blow that had almost hit his hostage and requested a stop to his adversaries before addressing the one who almost got killed.

 "You can leave the fight because in case you didn't realize it, you just died by your friend's hand!" 

 The extremely upset Spartan wiped the blood from his nose, his comrades nodded at him and he walked away.

 "You're quick and cunning but that's all ! This time we're going to end it, thank you anyway for making us free by your death" one of the Spartans said with confidence.

 Orion: You could have waited until next year to thank me, but you're still welcome! By the way, haven't you noticed anything?!

 Both: What?!

 "From the beginning I didn't attack!" Orion said rushing towards them with a sadistic smile.

 He attacked one of them with an extremely fast diagonal sword swing, the Spartan was preparing to block Orion's attack with his sword when he felt excruciating pain on his liver.

 Orion's sword attack was a feint which fortunately worked as the Spartan to parry this blow exposed the area of ​​his liver which was the target of a violent kick from Orion. This whole maneuver only took Orion two seconds, the poor Spartan spit out a lot of saliva before falling, grabbing his livrer area .

 Seeing his companion at a disadvantage, the third spartan attacked Orion from behind but he managed to block the blow with his shield. Without wasting time, he sent a kick to Orion's chest who moved his sword towards the Spartan's ankle but stopped at the last moment.

 He was hit in the chest and rolled backwards. As soon as he got up, the Spartan wanted to thrust his sword into Orion's throat but the latter deflected the blow before delivering a shield blow to the chin of the last Spartan who fell KO! The fight was over.

 Orion: Damn! They really tried to kill me! Either way, these guys are strong.

 Marius who had witnessed their fight was shocked, Orion had never been hit before but these Spartans managed to wound him several times, they were strong, really strong even if they had lost.

 Orion: I won Spartans! Swear me fidelity and loyalty on your honor as a warrior and on the blood we have shed.

 The three dropped to one knee and took an oath to serve him loyally for an entire year. On their faces there were looks of respect as they looked at Orion.

 "Rise up, son of Sparta, with me you will never be slaves but warriors or mercenaries. You will be paid but the main mission you will have will be to watch over the house of my friend Marius." he said pointing at Marius.

 "We accept our task" the Spartans responded calmly, they saw Orion's strength and even if they were secretly diminished because of their state of health for them, Orion was definitely someone strong.

 "Orion! By the gods look at you, look at your wounds!" Marius rushed towards his friend, he had some experience and knew that his friend was secretly exhausted, if this fight had lasted one more minute he would have been killed.

 Orion: It's okay, I'm fine! These wounds will heal quickly under my care.

 Marius: Yeah if you want! Look, I know you consider my family as your own and I'm happy about that, but you don't have to... (Orion interrupted).

 Orion: Marius, how have things been going in your house these last few months?!

 Marius: What is this stupid question?! We are swimming in prosperity thanks to you and…

 Before he finished his sentence, he finally realized why Orion had assigned the Spartans to guard his family.

 Celina, Marius's wife asked for explanations and Orion began to explain to her.

 Orion: Celina, your idiot husband... (Before he finished, Marius threw him the apple he had in his hand)

 Marius: You're the idiot yourself!

 The Spartans and the rest of the slaves bought by Orion saw their employer being mistreated by his friend and held back their laughter.

 Orion looked at them and said with an embarrassed face "No need to hold back, if you want to laugh then do it!". 

 Marius took over and started explaining to his wife again: "My love, as you can see lately, we have a lot of money and all this money is likely to attract bad looks from both bandits and competitors who could threaten us.

 At that I had completely forgotten about our protection but apparently Orion thought of it."

 Celina: I see! However, there are only three of them!

 Orion laughed, shaking his head before answering "Célina, have you ever seen gladiators?!" 

 Célina: Of course, Marius often takes me to watch the fights even though I don't like seeing blood.

 Orion: Have you ever seen the arena champion fight?!

 Céline: Crixus the Gaul?! Yes several times even and it is very strong!

 Orion: Tell yourself that each of the three I just faced are roughly at their level at the moment. In addition, they were disadvantaged mainly by their still somewhat weak state of health. At their optimal form, each of them can make the Gallic champion dance.

 The Spartans looked at him in disbelief, they had hidden their state of exhaustion due to malnutrition because of their pride but Orion still noticed it where the others had not seen anything. They were the elite of the elite in Sparta and their combat skills are far ahead of their peers.

 "Why are you three looking at me like that ?! I am the son of Melessis and just like him I know medicine. Do you honestly believe that I hadn't noticed your still somewhat unstable state?! If you were in full health, I would be dead by now, that's why I took advantage of your weakness to challenge you and win your oath" he said with a proud expression, everyone looked at him in disbelief and disgust.

 Marius: Crook, aren't you ashamed?!

 Marco: Uncle Orion is really smart!

 Salma: The master is a really sneaky man (she said laughing with Sura laughing with her!)

 The Spartans had an indignant look on their faces and Orion told them

 "Gentlemen, stop being dumb like carp. If you have something to say, say it and that's it, but first, remember that strategy is an integral part of a fight. I saw from the way you moved that you were exceptional soldiers even if you were weakened, I wasn't going to take any risks."

 They nodded and one of them said "We would like to work with you and later have our own revenge but in a duel this time, it's dishonorable for Spartans to fight a single opponent against several of us. 

 Orion: Okay my friend, we will have duels during our training.

 The two Gauls who had been sidelined until now decided to speak too "Lord , we would also like to join the guard with the others if you allow us!" 

 Orion: no problem but does the beauty next to you know how to use weapons?!

 Listening to Orion, the man frowned, Orion quickly noticed this, smiling.

 "My lord, I know how to use the bow and daggers! » the woman replied.

 Orion: You two... you're married, aren't you?!

 At this question, both flinched.

 "Only engaged lord" the man replied, Orion looked at them smiling and said

 "Don't worry, I respect marriages and I honor couples who love each other. You will be able to share your bed and you, madam, will be assigned to Célina's close guard while your lover will be able to watch over my friend Marius. Do you accept my selfish request?!"

 The couple knelt on the ground and each of them had tears coming out of their eyes "You do us a great honor, lord " they said with sincerity to Orion who was scratching his head, calling himself "Lord" was really good.

 Marius and his wife looked at each other and nodded to accept their personal guards. However, after a few seconds Marius thought about something.

 Marius: You… wait since when do you know how to honor married or loving couples?! I remind you that you slept with married women.

 Listening to Marius, All the women present looked at Orion with disgust and disdain. This guy looked like a Saint but he was really shameless.

 Orion: Lies! Defamation! Were you there to prove it bastard?!

 They started insulting each other and throwing objects at each other.

 These two could insult but everyone felt their friendship and their deep attachment for each other.

 After a few hours, Orion came near Sura and told him

 "My dear, I saw your look when the Gauls said they were engaged! You are one of the most beautiful women I have seen and I can't stand to see the sadness in your eyes! Your husband, will you accept my help to find him?!" 

 Sura finally let go and knelt down crying "Please Lord Orion! I will do whatever you want!" 

 Orion: Everything, are you sure?!

 Soura had a serious look on her face, she knew that Orion found her beautiful and even though Orion is the most handsome man she has seen so far, she still loved her husband.

 She looked Orion in the eyes and nodded hesitantly.

 Orion helped him up and began to wipe away his tears while smiling, he said with amusement "I thought I said that I am not a man who would force a woman. Sura you have nothing to fear from me and I will help you. But the first thing I want you to do is smile again and gain strength. I wish your lucky husband could see you more beautiful than you are now" he fixed his hair before leaving.

 Sura watched Orion leave, wondering what kind of person this completely unpredictable man was.

She couldn't help but admit that he was extremely handsome and sometimes looked like a woman if you didn't pay attention to his muscles. It would be a lie if she said she wasn't terribly attracted to him.