Scans_Daily

It was burning around him.

Nearly overcome by the smoke, he was pulled to his feet by Achillia, who hadn't run in like him.

They ran outside.

( The fire was being fought. )

The apparent god overpowered the definite mortal.

Antonius' son, whom he'd come to save, knelt by his side.

" Avitus, I have not been th-he best of fathers, but know that- ugh- I've always loved you. "

" B-but.. f-father.. you told me.. you d-do not believe in the gods.

" So how can they kill you? "

Thoughts flashed in the mind of the Detectioner of Rome. He staggered to his feet.

" My son is right. " he told the approaching Apollo. " I do not believe in the gods. "

He dodged the swing of the sword the seeming god held.

" So how can you kill me?! "

( Apollo readied his sword arm again. )

He'd gone to the arena with his slave Bran.

He'd found a lead in his investigations, a gladiator's memento.

He watched the gladiator in question, Achillia, win another of her matches.

( He went down to confront her. )