In the infirmary, normally tranquil environment dedicated to recovery and treatment, atmosphere heavy with tension hovered among current occupants. Sven, still displaying visible contusions from the previous confrontation, remained seated rigidly while Servius applied final medicinal ointment to his bruised face.
"Last necessary application," declared the physician, closing small ceramic container holding greenish substance of pungent aroma. "Facial contusions responded well to treatment. I recommend additional rest for knee injury, however."
"Impossible," replied Sven abruptly. "I return to full training tomorrow."
Servius frowned in professional disapproval. "Against explicit medical recommendation. Your mobility remains compromised, particularly for rapid lateral movements."
"Irrelevant," dismissed the Nordic. "Circumstances require participation."
The physician studied his patient with indecipherable expression before simply nodding. "As you wish. I'll document formal objections, naturally."
When Servius withdrew to organize supplies on distant shelf, infirmary door opened discretely, revealing Macro. The veteran gladiator slipped silently inside, closing door behind him.
"Are you prepared?" he questioned in barely audible whisper.
Sven nodded minimally. "Completely. And the arrangement?"
"Confirmed," replied Macro, approaching to minimize possibility of being overheard. "Guards adequately compensated. Weapon exchange will occur during initial preparation. The rest depends on your execution."
"I won't fail this time," guaranteed Sven, unconsciously touching prominent contusion on his jaw. "Especially with... additional assistance."
Macro smiled coldly. "Potent assistance, guaranteed by reliable source. Even superficial scratch supposedly sufficient for desired effect."
"And afterward?"
"Understandable confusion during intense session," explained Macro with calculated indifference. "Accidents occur regularly with real weapons. Particularly when inexperienced gladiators participate prematurely in advanced exercises."
Neither noticed that Servius, apparently occupied organizing medicinal containers, had positioned himself strategically to hear the exchange. The physician maintained completely neutral expression while absorbing conspiracy details, only almost imperceptible movement of his fingers while counting vials indicating any reaction.
"And Varro?" questioned Sven with evident concern. "He's intensified surveillance recently."
"Adequately distracted," assured Macro. "Orchestrated incident at south perimeter during relevant period will ensure divided attention. Besides, Marcus will be occupied with Quintus and that arrogant tribune during most of the morning."
"Perfect," nodded Sven, allowing himself first genuine smile since his public humiliation. "I've waited excessive time for adequate opportunity to balance accounts."
"Remember," warned Macro, "execution must appear accidental. Emotional control essential."
"Naturally," agreed Sven, though gleam in his eyes suggested emotional intensity hardly suppressed. "Purely professional."
When Macro withdrew as silently as he had entered, Sven returned attention to Servius, who had finished organizing supplies and approached again.
"Concluded for today," declared the physician professionally. "Return tomorrow after session for evaluation of possible aggravation."
"If necessary," replied Sven dismissively, rising to leave.
"One professional observation, if you permit," added Servius casually. "Intense physical effort frequently amplifies blood circulation significantly. Particularly relevant when... external substances are potentially involved in body system."
Sven froze momentarily, studying the physician with suddenly cautious expression. "Interesting technical observation."
"Merely informative," replied Servius with studied indifference. "Adequate understanding of physiological processes frequently prevents... unexpected complications."
For tense moment, the two men studied each other, non-verbal communication transmitting significant messages. Finally, Sven inclined his head slightly.
"I appreciate medical expertise," he declared before withdrawing.
When finally alone, Servius remained motionless briefly, expression transforming from professional neutrality to genuine concern. After apparent consideration, he directed himself to small locked chest located under examination table. Removing hidden key on cord around his neck, he opened container carefully, revealing collection of small vials organized methodically.
He selected specific one containing transparent amber liquid, studying it thoughtfully before replacing it in chest. Instead, he chose different vial with visually similar substance, but slightly more viscous. He transferred small amount to smaller easily concealable container, sealing it carefully before storing in his tunic.
Decision apparently made, he locked chest again before withdrawing from infirmary, expression returning to habitual professional neutrality.
The morning of the real weapons training session dawned with exceptionally clear sky, rising sun gradually illuminating the central courtyard of the ludus where gladiators gathered for preparation. The atmosphere carried almost palpable tension — exercises with authentic weapons represented simultaneously significant privilege and substantial risk, particularly for less experienced participants.
Lucius arrived precisely at the designated time, relaxed posture contrasting with intensified internal vigilance. During the previous night, he had finalized specific preparations for anticipated contingencies, including strategic conversation with Flavius that resulted in potentially valuable discrete arrangements.
Marcus personally supervised equipment distribution, assisted by Cato, the armarius responsible for the arsenal. Gladiators formed orderly line while receiving designated weapons — not the exceptional blades reserved for real arena combats, but still lethal implements significantly superior to training versions.
"Attention," announced Marcus when initial distribution completed. "Today's exercise focuses specifically on distance control and defensive precision. Real weapons require absolute discipline. Any undisciplined behavior will result in severe consequences."
His gaze methodically swept participants, briefly resting on Macro and Sven, who maintained carefully neutral expressions. To casual observer, nothing in their behaviors would suggest intention beyond appropriate participation in training session.
"We'll begin with standard warm-up exercises," continued Marcus, "followed by specific technical demonstrations for subsequent implementation. Weapons remain sheathed until explicit instructions."
As gladiators dispersed to designated positions, Lucius noticed several significant details simultaneously. First, apparently random composition of training groups had "coincidentally" positioned him in direct proximity to Sven and two gladiators known as Macro's allies. Second, two specific guards — not part of Varro's regular rotation — had positioned themselves strategically near the temporary arsenal. Third, Varro was notably absent, despite almost constant presence during previous sessions.
Configuration exactly as anticipated, he observed internally, while executing warm-up movements with methodical precision. Main participants positioned, supervisory authority compromised, external distraction probably implemented.
Discretely, he verified personal preparations — small container hidden strategically under bandage on left forearm, easily accessible with specific movement. Result of nocturnal conversation with Servius, who had appeared unexpectedly in his quarters with surprising proposal.
"I'm aware of tomorrow's plan," the physician had declared without preamble, after ensuring they spoke privately. "Poison on Sven's blade, apparently potent enough to progressively debilitate through even superficial wound."
Lucius had studied the physician with renewed interest, completely reassessing man apparently dedicated exclusively to healing functions. "Interesting that you possess such information."
"Infirmaries frequently provide exceptional acoustics," replied Servius with small smile. "Particularly for those habitually ignored as irrelevant."
"And you share this information for what specific reason?" questioned Lucius directly.
The physician had considered question briefly before responding. "Let's say I appreciate certain... balance in environment. Significant disruptions frequently result in consequences harmful to established structures that benefit discrete individuals like myself."
"Understandable," agreed Lucius, recognizing fundamentally self-preservatory motivation. "I suppose you offer more than simply information?"
Servius nodded, removing small vial from his tunic. "Specific antidote, effective against majority of toxic agents commonly available in this region. Preventive administration provides significant protection, though not absolute."
Lucius had accepted the vial, studying it methodically. "Unexpected generosity."
"Calculated self-preservation," corrected Servius. "Your premature elimination would potentially destabilize arrangements currently advantageous to my position. I prefer status quo temporarily preserved while additional evaluations occur."
Now, as preliminary exercises concluded and Marcus demonstrated specific techniques for subsequent implementation, Lucius maintained hypersensitized awareness for movements around him, particularly activities near temporary arsenal.
As anticipated, during transition between demonstration and practical implementation, brief moment of organized confusion occurred when gladiators approached to retrieve weapons. Lucius clearly observed discrete exchange between one of strategically positioned guards and Sven — almost imperceptible movement that replaced originally assigned weapon with another apparently identical.
Final confirmation, he noted, while accepting own designated weapon, methodically checking balance and blade condition. Implementation as planned.
"Form pairs according to previous designations," instructed Marcus. "Appropriate distance, absolute control. Exercise focuses precise technique, not power or speed."
When pairs formed, Lucius found himself, as expected, directly opposite Sven. The Nordic maintained carefully neutral expression, though underlying intensity was evident to perceptive observer.
"Initial positions," ordered Marcus, supervising complete formation before giving signal to begin.
First movements followed absolutely conventional pattern — basic attacks and defenses executed at reduced speed, allowing development of precise control with genuine weapons. Lucius intentionally moderated technique, presenting conservative approach focused exclusively on demonstrated fundamentals.
Gradually, however, intensity increased as participants adjusted to weight and sensation of real blades. Marcus circulated among pairs, offering occasional technical corrections and ensuring maintenance of safe distance.
It was during this progressive intensification that Lucius detected subtle alteration in Sven's approach. The Nordic began implementing variations slightly divergent from demonstrated techniques — nothing dramatic enough to attract immediate intervention from Marcus, but consistently reducing established safety distance.
Systematic approach, observed Lucius, adapting imperceptibly. Preparation for apparently accidental contact opportunity.
When Marcus momentarily focused attention on distant pair, Sven executed more aggressive movement — diagonal attack that clearly exceeded established parameters. Lucius defended precisely, deliberately allowing opponent's blade to slide controlledly along his arm, creating superficial scratch that immediately produced thin line of blood.
"Inadequate control," he commented calmly, showing no concern with minor wound.
Sven retreated immediately, expression transforming into convincing simulation of concern. "I apologize. Imprecise distance calculation."
Before Marcus could intervene, Lucius waved dismissively. "Inconsequential. Let's continue."
The lanista studied them briefly, clearly not completely convinced by explanation, but allowed exercise to continue after verifying wound's superficiality.
What no external observer could detect was sequence of precise actions Lucius had executed simultaneously — controlled movement that had ruptured small container hidden under bandage, allowing antidote provided by Servius to enter direct contact with newly created wound.
Sven, clearly interpreting controlled reaction as indication of success, allowed himself minimal smile before returning to appropriate technique. To all present, incident apparently concluded as mere minor technical error.
Following minutes transpired without additional complications, exercise progressing according to established parameters. Gradually, however, Lucius began implementing critical component of his counter-plan — progressive demonstration of subtle symptoms consistent with toxic agent exposure.
Initially, only slight reduction in technical precision, almost imperceptible to casual observers. Gradually, transition to slightly labored breathing, followed by occasional uncoordinated movements carefully calibrated to appear involuntary.
When Marcus finally announced conclusion of initial exercise, Lucius had progressed to manifestation of unequivocal symptoms — excessive perspiration, slight hand tremor, and visible pallor.
"You don't look well," observed Marcus, approaching with genuine concern.
"Slight discomfort," replied Lucius, allowing voice to waver slightly. "Probably consequence of intense exercise after inactive period."
The lanista studied him with evident skepticism. "Infirmary immediately. Servius will evaluate your condition."
As Lucius nodded and prepared to withdraw, he clearly caught expression of poorly disguised satisfaction on Sven's face and significant exchange of glances between the Nordic and Macro, who observed from strategic distance.
First phase complete, he concluded internally while convincingly staggering toward infirmary. Perception of success established, adversary confidence elevated.
As he moved away, additional events developed precisely according to previous arrangements. Flavius, strategically positioned near the entrance