Status Updates From The Gates of Rome (Emperor,...

Whoa:
“Put out his eyes and then hang him.” He nodded to the torturer, who removed a sliver of hot iron from the brazier, holding the darker end in heavy clamps. Orso struggled as his arms were bound with leather straps, his muscles writhing. The torturer was impassive as he brought the metal close enough to singe the lashes, then pressed it in, rewarded with a soft, grunting, animal sound.

“Have the men been beating you again?”

“A little, but it was my fault. I tripped on a rope and pulled a knot undone. I didn’t mean to but Firstmate said he would teach me to be clumsy. I’m already clumsy, though, so I said I didn’t need no teaching and then he knocked me about.”

I find this amusing..

“You can have Alexandria,” Marcus said, attempting a noble expression.

Gaius gasped. “A parting gift? What a generous friend you are!” …

Marcus nodded cheerfully. “She does seem to want me only for sex. Perhaps you can read poetry to her while I run her through the positions.”