Thump, Thump, beats the heart of the battle-maddened Crixus. Sword bangs against shield as a blood-thirsty crowd howls in excitement, but Crixus hears only one sound: Thump, Thump. A spear, aimed for the abdomen, is narrowly avoided and knocked away. Crixus delivers a deadly counter blow, Thump, Thump. Before his opponent can even fall to the ground, a ravenous lion, 200 kilos at the least, springs from a nearby pit pinning Crixus against the dirt, Thump, Thump! The beast opens its maw wide loosening a roar of such might that the spectators feel it in their chests and return a roar of their own, Thump, Thump! The lion’s claws dig deep into Crixus’ shoulders, he responds, tucking his legs up under the belly of the beast, and with a powerful thrust he throws it off his right side, Thump, Thu