Sheba and the Gladiator Page #3

I've fought many a battle

alongside you, Marcellus.

-How are things?

-Optimism prevails in Palmyra.

Even at the palace?

Zenobia is convinced

that Rome is panicking.

And she's acting accordingly.

Rome might not be panicking.

But it is concerned.

In a few days I'll have

two legions available.

It's the most Rome

could allocate to me.

A third of Zenobia's troops.

But Zenobia doesn't have

weapons like ours.

-The catapults?

-And I have other surprises.

However. Rome relies heavily

on Marcus Valerius.

I must see him

as soon as possible.

I'll contact him.

The Queen awaits you.

I'm going.

All that shouting annoys me.

Consul Mrcus Valerius

is outside.

Call Semantius at once.

You seem at ease

in that attire.

Because it's similar

to what I'm used to wearing.

To me, slave's rags

are the exception.

Perhaps.

I'll be more useful like this

than if I were in chains.

I hope captivity didn't quell

your fighting spirit.

Are you wishing me safety?

No, it's a promise.

Even my army has ranks

worthy of a Roman consul.

Then I'll achieve those ranks.

Did you send for me?

I have news for you.

Come forward.

What's all the noise outside?

Speak up.

Batsheba's escape,

the sacred flame's extinction

and the poor harvest

could forebode famine.

So the people raided

the supply carts.

I thought I had

sufficient reserves.

But they are needed for war

in case of a strong

counter-attack by Rome.

You haven't yet established

new bonds with Persia.

The bonds with Persia would be

as onerous as those with Rome.

I'm fighting

a difficult battle.

Rome was a burden as an ally

and is even more so

as an enemy.

I'm relying on you, Valerius.

At your orders.

Before betraying us

Lator spoke in secret

about a Jew

who multiplied

bread and fishes.

I wonder whether

you can do likewise.

As for the bread and

the fishes, I don't know.

But I will succeed

in multiplying our troops.

That's all we need.

My people want indepedence

but they're not prepared to make

any sacrifices.

The harvest was poor and

I have a war think about.

I'll promise a reward

for the capture of the virgin.

Her sacrifice

will placate the people.

This food is a sign

of the elegance of my court.

You're generous to your guests.

My cooks' talents

are unsurpassed.

They can create

most delicious dishes.

There's nothing they can't do.

Do you think

they could turn...

a Roman into a Syrian?

I wish you weren't a Roman.

I wish I could touch the moon

by stretching an arm.

You're the only man I know

who has a taste for life.

Maybe because I've come

so close to death.

I'm so fond of life.

It's your right to enjoy it.

You're young, beautiful,

powerful....

And lonely.

Men would be happy

to fall at your feet.

Of course.

But being able to choose...

is nothing

compared to being chosen.

I wish I'd never been

your enemy.

That Roman

is a poisonous snake.

Don't worry, Erika.

I'll crush him.

What are you waiting for?

For him to conquer power

in addition to her heart?

She's lost her head

over him.

Let her satisfy this whim.

One day, upon waking up

beside Valerius

she'll find Persian soldiers

surrounding her love-nest.

Take the road

that leads to the river.

Here is the situation.

The Queen has set up an army

to confront the Romans.

There will be

a battle in the desert.

The Palmyrians will win it

but will be so exhausted

that they will not stand

a second onslaught.

That's when King Shapur

will attack Palmyra.

You generals

will have an easy task.

What if the Romans

are not defeated?

-We'd be facing two armies.

-Impossible.

With my plan they'll be

attacked from all sides.

-The'll have no way out.

-I see.

All the waterholes

have been filled in.

To survive the desert

the Roman legions

will have to march non stop

towards the river.

They'll get there exhausted

and find our troops

waiting for them.

You'll score a memorable victory

in the history of Palmyra.

What's your opinion

Marcus Valerius?

Marcus Valerius

is no longer an enemy.

So?

A very clever plan

but for one flaw.

It's too simple.

You've anticipated everything.

Even your opponents' naivety.

I overlooked the ingenuity

of Roman leaders.

However,

we've defeated them before.

Semantius!

He's right, Zenobia.

Indeed I was defeated

but I only had six cohorts.

This time it's diffrent.

You'll have no room

in which to maoeuvre.

That will be an advantage

for the Romans.

Your plan poses

too many risks, Semantius.

So it would seem.

And that's exactly,

what I rely on.

The Roman consul

will have the same impression

and will take

victory for granted.

But he'll be confronted

by only part of our army.

The bulk of the troops

will be hiding...

Here, behind

the Jaffa Gorge.

And once the Romans

are engaged in battle

our cavalry will surprise them

from behind.

It'll be a massacre.

And this time

no one will be spared.

Do you still find

my plan naive, Valerius?

I see you've learnt a lot

by fighting the Romans.

Only a miracle can deprive

your troops of victory.

You mean "our" troops.

You'll be in charge

of the Royal Guard.

We'll fight side by side.

-What do you want?

-We've found you, at last!

Lator!

Is the sun in Rome as strong?

Rome's climate is like

an eternal spring.

-Would you like to return?

-No?

Rome is dominated

by lust and intrigue.

But i would go back

to my villa in the hills

where the pinetrees

reflect into a clear lake.

The desert also

has its charm.

Sometimes my days seem

empty and meaningless.

Only my love for Palmyra

make me feel alive.

I know that Rome

is strong and civilised.

I rebeled only because

my land was languishing.

Humbled and subded.

Can you understand that?

Yes, Zenobia.

I can understand.

My aim

is my people's well-being.

Not only of those

living in towns and villages.

But of all the desert tribes

who live in extreme poverty.

Will you help me

to fulfil my dreams?

-Of course.

-Don't abandon me, Valerius.

How can I reassure you?

What is it, Zenobia?

At sunset the dunes

look like gold.

In this place, time

is a word without meaning.

The ruins of ancient cities

crumble into dust.

Piece by piece.

-Whose tombs are these?

-The ancient kings of Palmyra.

They also loved

life and the sun.

But their passions also

subsided in a tomb.

By thinking more about death

they'd have enjoyed life better.

Had they enjoyed

life too much

we'd have no relics

of their glory.

And now Palmyra

would not be striving

for a better future.

Didn't you say everything

eventually turns into dust?

The power of kingdoms

and the pride of kings.

True, Valerius.

I'll turn into dust

but my remains will be sacred.

Provided my country

is great.

A queen's loneliness

does not affect

her people's fate.

What's that?

A desert nightingale.

Its sound always foretells

a happy event.

What happy event?

Happiness for the one

who hears it.

Look.

Even the desert

grows pretty flowers.

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