Flaccus had done a pretty decent job of the games, thought Vitulus, meandering his way to the front of the arena. Only five chariots in the race, but then maintaining a chariot team wasn't cheap. Mind you, despite pleading poverty in the previous gladiators games, fellow Tribune Gallus had not one but two teams racing! And not just average teams but, from the look of the field this year, the pick of the crop. Yet again, it seemed that Vitulus's entry wouldn't quite be up to the challenge.

Still, if Vitulus won not only the court cases but the games, no doubt the muttering would begin against the Tribune, with some bound to suggest that he needed taking down a peg or two. And, after all, a day out at the races was an enjoyable event whatever the result. Locating some of the free wine, Vitulus settled down to watch the races begin.