THE CLIMAX
Lucius was enraged to catch Gaiua with, what he considered
the dirt of the earth a slave. When he
snatched Maximus’s arm off of Gaiua the whole atmosphere changed. There was a sudden rush of anger, animosity,
fear, power, and jealousy that filled the theatre. Suddenly, Romans weren’t anticipating the
comedic play but rather gasping at the well-known Senator Lucius threatening a
poor slave, Maximus. Although Maximus
was well known around town for being extremely strong, athletic and respectful,
he was only a slave and the property of Gaiua’s father Publius. Lucius couldn’t control his anger, when he
noticed his desired gorgeous love enticed and comforted in the arms of a worthless
slave he quickly went to swing his fist across Maximus’s face but were forcefully
stopped as Maximus grabbed his full fist in the palm of his hand and twisted
Lucius’s arm so that there was a loud cracking noise. Immediately the whole audience gasped in
unison, never before has a slave ever had the opportunity or privilege to come
into physical contact with such hierarchy such as a Senator. Maximus, once noticing the damage he’d
inflicted upon Lucius, let go of his arm and stepped back to protect Gaiua who
was previously yelling at Maximus to let him go. Gaiua was in shock, not only was her secret
love with her family’s slave revealed, but now she was certain that he would be
killed. Maximus could sense Lucius’s anger so he fell back and leaned both of
his long, muscular arms out to shield his love, who was vigorously crying in
fear for her lover. Lucius, regaining
his balance and holding his, what was sure to be broken, arm belted toward
Gaiua and palm flat went to slap her until Maximus with practically no force
pushed him to floor and threatened him that if he thinks about laying one
finger on her, it’s d be that last thing he ever does. Lucius then, feeling the pressure of his
broken arm, injured back and scraped face enraged and called his personal
slaves to capture Maximus and kill him.
It was then when the situation changed and the hierarchal system
failed. Not only did the slaves refuse
to capture the most respected slave in town but Publius personally stood his
ground against Lucius. Publius was
beyond furious that Lucius had went to strike his beloved daughter, he
threatened Senator Lucius that he would never hold any type of political position
in Rome if he harmed Maximus. Publius
and Cicero, who were near the physical abruption, promised to make all their
followers and acquaintances never vote for him again if he did so. Lucius, understanding the political threat
was more than furious, more than disrespected and more that embarrassed stormed
out of the packed theatre and left the scene.
Gaiua immediately ran to her father and started to cry. She was so happy, embarrassed, sad and
guilty. She apologized for lying to her
father about Maximus and her true feelings and the streams of tears kept
flowing. Publius sensed how sincere his
lovely and honorable daughter was and he softly grabbed both sides of her face.
He kissed her forehead softly and told her there was no need to apologize and
that he was proud of the woman she had become.
No woman in Rome was as intelligent as her, nor as bright, street smart
nor anywhere as beautiful as her and he was the most grateful father ever. Gaiua held her father in shock and kissed him
on both cheeks and thanked him repeatedly.
Maximus, being Publius's favorite, most respected head slave came up to
him and began to kneel. Before Maximus
fully knelt, Publius stopped him and told him to rise and raise his head. Publius thanked Maximus in the most honorable
fashion and shook his hand. He was
impressed at his courage and strength he showed to senator Lucius when
protecting his most beloved daughter and told him he was honored to have him as
part of the family. Maximus was ecstatic
and promised him that he would give his life for her no matter the
circumstances and he truly meant that.
Publius, being a respected, honored and loyal man then did Gaiua and
Maximus the most amazing and greatest honor and gift as pronounced Maximus a
free slave. It was a memorable day and
the whole theatre roared in applause and emotion as they witnessed the greatest
love story in Rome.
