John Gray

Antony has Octavian bitten by a snake and leaves him to die. He claims the murderers are consuls, who he then executes whilst banishing Brutus and Cassius. Agrippa, charged with disposing of Octavian's body, takes him to vestal virgin Camane who heals him. Tyrannus discovers that his wife is dead and his son is being raised by the kindly Marius who can give him a better life. He returns to the gladiatorial ring, where Antony recognizes and imprisons...

Disguised as simple slaves, Tyrannus and Octavian look for allies in the countryside but they are captured at General Magonius's farm and taken to Arkham, where men are forced to train as gladiators. As an ex-gladiator himself Tyrannus is able to acquit himself well and to overcome Magonius, inspiring the other imprisoned men to revolt and escape. He and Octavian see a group of horsemen coming towards them but are relieved to find that they are led...

Atia, the sister of Caesar and mother of Octavian, is coerced by the senate to reveal the contents of the late general's will - which discloses the fact that he has named Octavian as his successor. This makes him a target for Brutus and Cassius and the other conspirators but Mark Antony is also disappointed by the news. Tyrannus sees Octavian as his responsibility and the pair agree to flee Rome.