Prologue
The Maxim Drinkus was a top-denarii bar, owned by a retired Lanista/Primus Palus by the name of Theo. The place was shining, gold-lined tables sparkling in the morning sun. It had to be clean. The Emperor was visiting, and an Imperial Spectacula was being held. That meant top quality service for top quality people.
One of those quality people entered. The badge on his tunic announced him as a lanista. The man searched the near-empty tavern, then settled down next to a rather hairy fellow.
The shaggy man didn’t even look up from his drink when he gruffly grumbled, “Farcecus. Long time no see.”
“Zoo. Same to you. How’re the kids?”
“Well, I bought them some new cages, but good rhino food is so hard to find these days. Still up to your old tricks?”
“You know it.” Farcecus laugh. “Say, where are Donkus and Stahlitte?”
“Donkus is washing down his prize Samnite, a smelly fellow by the name of Fecus.”
Both lanistas chuckled heartily. It may have been a while since the last munus, but not much had changed.
“And Stahlitte?”
“Well, no one’s heard from him since he set out to Egypt to collect some beasts.”
“You don’t seem to sad about it.”
Zoo shrugged. “Hey, you win some, you lose some.”
A grim laughter followed.
After a moment of silence, Farcecus stood and straightened out his spotless tunic. “Well, good luck old friend.”
“Really?”
“No.”
Zoo smiled broadly. “Well don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll win.”
“Really?” Farcecus seemed surprised.
“…No.” With a deep, bellowing laughter, Zoo turned back to his wine. Farcecus narrowed his eyes, sniffed, and hastily exited the Maxim Drinkus.
tee hee
