Batiatus is pleased with himself having arranged for Gannicus to appear in the primus of Quintillius Varis' games. He is not however prepared for the return of his father Titus who arrives home to find his son cavorting with Gaia and Lecretia. He treats his son with disdain and has heard of the mess he's made of things with Tullius. He laughs when he hears that Gannicus will represent the house in the games and sets out to undo everything they young Batiatus has managed to arrange. Titus arranges a peace of sorts with Tullius and for several of their gladiators to fight one another in the arena. One of those selected to fight is Crixus, not yet one of the brotherhood of gladiators. While father and son are away, Varis returns to the Batiatus home with a friend, Cossutius, expecting to again experience the pleasures of his previous visit.