Page 15 of Thawed Gladiator: Cassius

Laura nods thoughtfully. “That’s not a bad idea, Skye. We’ll certainly consider it.”

Diana leans closer to Skye and asks, “You work forDara Hobson?TheDara Hobson? The third richest person in the world?” Her jaw is hanging open, eyes wide as though someone just told her horses can fly.

“She’s my boss and also a… patron of sorts. One of her companies, NextGenTech, is huge. I never even met her until I was ordered to work on the translation software.” She motions to her ear.

As the others discuss how to deal with this problem, a thought forms in my mind. “What if we did something for the community?” My voice is stronger than I expected. “To show them we’re not a threat, that we can contribute. That we intend no harm. That we belong here.”

All eyes turn to me, and for a moment, I wish I could sink into the floor. But I press on. “Since I’m Diana’s only client, she has time on her hands. What if we offered therapeutic riding for local troubled kids, right here at the sanctuary?” The image of the shackled boy at the clinic flashes in my mind, fueling my words.

“That’s… actually a great idea,” Laura says, looking surprised and impressed.

Varro nods in agreement. “It could help change perceptions. Show that we’re here to help, that we have no ill intentions.”

“Such a strategic idea. Maybe you were a politician back in ancient Rome,” Diana chimes in, her eyes shining with excitement. “I’d be happy to help set it up and train volunteers, if any of you are up for it.” She looks around the room, almost challenging my comrades to take her offer.

The room buzzes with discussion, the earlier tension easing as people latch onto this new possibility. I sit up taller, having a sense of purpose I haven’t felt since waking up in this strange new world.

“I’ll pursue this idea tomorrow,” Laura says, her mind clearly turning over the possibilities. She looks around the room, her gaze lingering on each of us as though trying to read our thoughts. Then, as if struck by a powerful thought, she tips her head and asks, “Cassius, you called this place a sanctuary. Is that what everyone’s calling it?”

“That’s what it feels like to us,” Thrax says. “A safe haven.”

Laura laughs, sounding relieved. “That’s what I’ve been calling it, but I didn’t realize you all felt it too.” She pauses, then grins. “You know what? We need a name that suits us. How about a naming contest?”

The suggestion is met with enthusiasm. Names are shouted out, debated, and discarded.

“Gladiator’s Rest!” Rurik bellows.

“Too morbid,” Quintus counters. “Sounds like anecropolis. How about New Colosseum?”

“Why? Was enough blood not spilled in the old one?” Draco goads.

Zakur, the Phoenician ship captain, offers, “Time’s Harbor?”

Sulla, speaking for the first time tonight, suggests quietly, “Fortuna’sFolly.”

The irony isn’t lost on anyone, considering it was the name of the ship that brought us here, as well as the goddess we all silently believe saved our lives.

Finally, Flavius, one of the younger gladiators, pipes up. “What aboutSecundo Casu?” It means second chance in Latin.

A hush falls over the room as we consider it. It’s perfect—acknowledging our past while looking to the future.

“All in favor?” Laura asks.

A chorus of “Aye!” rings out.

As the excitement settles, a spark of hope flies through me. We may be men out of time, but perhaps we’ve found our place, our purpose, after all.

Chapter Thirteen

Diana

The sun feels brutal, making me squint as I lead Buddy from the barn. Today is Cassius’s first time in the saddle. My body hums with excitement, though if I’m honest, that’s less about the lesson and more about seeing him.

Each day I find him more attractive than the last. It’s not just his drop-dead gorgeous looks. His quiet, thoughtful demeanor and the intelligence behind his quiet comments draw me like a magnet.

Cassius strolls to the corral, checking that the gate locks behind him before leaning his lanky frame against the fence. When he spots us, a smile lights up his face. “Good morning, Diana.”

“Morning. Ready for your big day?”

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