<strong>Autolycus decides to make a run for it</strong><br/><br/><div class="floatright">(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v200/Prakkie/Medicus.jpg)</div>Why was he still here? Autolycus wondered as Ryann made her choices, Manius issued his commands and the gladiators took their place on the sands. When he'd joined the ludus, all those years ago, his terms had been clear. He wanted a stable position, a secure place where he might do his research. He'd asked the Dominus for permission to experiment on the bodies of dead gladiators - yes, an illegal practice, but in return for that, and in return for it being kept a careful secret, he'd offered his services as a Medicus. Manius had agreed, had kept his word all this time and now, in one stupid, rash gesture, he'd broken it.<br/><br/>His secret was out. His place here no longer secure...<br/><br/>He should get out of here.<br/><br/>"Come, Sor-kha..." he spoke softly, tugging the Picts chain to lead her off the balcony, down through the villa. When he reached the infirmary he kicked the bloodied and cleaved bodies out of the way with more force than was strictly necessary and stepped inside, locking the door behind him. He released Sorcha then, took off her gag, took the too-tight shackles from her bruised and bloodied wrists, from her ankles, took the collar and chain from her neck.<br/><br/>"There," he said, dropping the iron links to the earthen floor. "You can escape now."<br/><br/>Turning his back on her, he stepped into his bedroom, threw open his clothes chest and began to fill it with his possessions - clothes, blankets, a few personal things - then dragged the chest out into the infirmary and threw in herbs, salves, tools... Next would be his scrolls, years of careful research that he would not leave behind. He worked quickly, not bothering with careful, orderly packing, just wanting to get his things together as fast as he could. He would get out of here while everyone was distracted by the fight. And he'd be far away from this place before word of his transgressions reached the local magistrate.