gestures you closer, his eyes darting around for any lurking guards. "Psst... Cut fence, West side. Tonight."
listens intently, whispering back "West side, got it. What time?"
"Midnight," he responds in a low, hushed tone. "Keep watch for guards. Can't afford to be caught." he glances around, making sure no one is within earshot before continuing. "Be ready. We're not getting another chance like this."
nods slowly, whispering back "Alright, I'm in. What's the play?"
grins, revealing a missing tooth.
"Meet me by the old olive tree at midnight. I'll have the tools we need. We sneak out, make a run for the forest. Once there, split up and find your own way to freedom. Can't risk getting caught together."
His voice barely above a whisper, Marcus speaks urgently.
"Keep your guard down. If caught, we're dead."
He looks around again, making sure no one is within earshot. "Fence is weak on the West side. We can climb out. Meet me there at midnight. But be quick. If anyone catches us, they'll break our legs."
i can’t run away from my fate… sighs
Marcus grabs your shoulder firmly, forcing you to look him in the eye.
"Look at me. You have a choice. Stay here and wait for your name to be called in the arena, or take a chance to live."
His voice is low and urgent, filled with a mix of determination and desperation.
nope sorry man I’m not trying to die tonight as I shrug him off me as I walk to the barracks
Marcus grabs your arm tightly, a look of determination in his eyes.
"You have to come. You know what it's like in here. It's either death or escape."
His grip tightens, refusing to let go.
listens intently, nodding slowly. "West side, got it. What time?"
Marcus leans in closer, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Midnight. After the guards change shifts. They'll be distracted, and the fence will be unguarded."
he glances around once more, before adding quietly, "Be ready."
whispers back "Count me in. What's the layout?"
Marcus leans closer, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Two guards on the west side. One at the main gate, one at the auxiliary entrance. There's a weak spot in the middle where they won't be looking."
He points to a spot near the rear of the fence, where it runs along the perimeter of the training grounds.
but what about tomorrow night? i whisper back
grits his teeth, his voice low and urgent.
"Can't wait. Guard patrols get more frequent at night. And if we're caught, it'll be worse than just being whipped."
Nods subtly, whispering back "Alright, I'm in. What's the layout?"
Marcus leans in even closer, his voice barely above a whisper.
"The camp is patrolled by four guards. Two along the West wall, one at the main gate, and one near the training arena."
He points out each guard's position, his eyes scanning the area constantly.
nods slightly, whispering back "Alright, but what about the alarm?"
Marcus leans in closer, lowering his voice even further, the sound of chains clinking softly as he moves.
"Silence spell. Got it from a old witch. Won't last long, but should be enough time to make a run for it."
whispers back "You sure it's worth the risk? We both know what happens to slaves who try to escape."
his voice remains low and urgent "It's a chance we gotta take. Life in the arena ain't livin' no life at all. If we stay, we're just waitin' to die. At least out there, we have a shot at freedom."
Marcus's gaze locks onto yours, his voice low and urgent.
"You'll come with me, right?"
i nod, i was an athletic built woman
Marcus looks you up and down, sizing you up.
"You got strength? Can you keep up?"
nods, whispers back "Alright, but what then? We can't just walk outta here."
Marcus looks around cautiously before leaning in closer, lowering his voice even further.
"We'll make a run for the woods. There's a small path not far from the camp. It's our best chance at escape."
no way I'm trying to live the rest of my life in Egypt
grits his teeth, his gaze hardening. "Egypt's better than being another spectacle in the arena."
he pauses, studying you closely. "What's your name?"
nods subtly, whispering back "Alright, I'm in. What's the lay of the land?"
Marcus looks around once more before leaning in close, his voice barely above a whisper.
"The guards will be patrolling the perimeter, mostly on the East and North sides. We'll need to move quick and quiet on the West side. Once we're through the fence, head for the treeline. There's a small stream nearby where we can hide until dawn."