Rules. Even the arena of Capua had rules, bound up as they were in concepts of glory and honour that were dictated by the Romans who had stolen them in to slavery in the first place. Respect the missio, make every death a glorious one.

Here, there seemed to be no such things. But that was fine by Gannicus - he could play by his own rules, respecting the traditions of his own culture, and still fight as well as anyone else. He was confident enough of that.

By way of reply, he shook his head and pulled himself back in to a fighting position. Tight, low, knife and lead pipe upraised, as he took his last few steps.

"None are needed."

Time to give the crowds something to cheer for. Gannicus was happy to make the first move as he feinted left, then surged forward with a fast, heavy sweep of the lead pipe to catch at her knees.