Before leaving the hotel, Maximus spoke slowly and clearly with Pullo. Dino had come through and everything was there, now he must place it all into his student's open hands and hope that the past month had been a sufficient orientation. He opened his briefcase and set the items carefully on the table.

"Passport. Birth certificate. Social Security card. Credit card. Wallet with," Max fingered through it, "three-hundred American dollars." He leaned back and watched Pullo inspect the items. "These are all important, my friend. They explain your existence in this world."

Pullo nodded, folded the wallet closed and tucked it into his hip pocket as he'd seen Max do several times. "How did you get all this? Are we sure they will pass?"

Max grinned. "They will pass. Here is your flight itinerary. Are you packed?"

"I am," Pullo lifted the passport and a folded sheet of paper dropped out. He opened it and carefully read. "Who is Dino? I haven't heard mention of him before."

Max stood and gathered his luggage. "You will meet him soon, Pullo. We must leave for the airport."

But Pullo was re-reading the note, a wicked grin on his face. He might like this Dino. The note read…

Titus Pullo,

Welcome to the circus my friend. You're all squared away here. I'll see you soon. Get old Maxie to bring you up to New York before heading to the vineyard. We'll catch a few strip clubs and have a few laughs.

Dino

He folded the note, tucked it into his new wallet and lifted his suitcase. "Shall we go to America, General?"

***

Max kindly explained to the flight attendant that his companion did not like flying. They clipped into first class seats and were immediately served rather strong drinks. It was his hope to spare Pullo the terrifying first experiences Maximus would never forget…take off…and landing.

But the man surprised him, obviously enjoying it. He was relaxed and calm, comfortably chatting with the attendant and only sipping his vodka. Max leaned his window seat back and closed his eyes.

Slowly the confusion he'd been suffering to hide drifted away like the morning mist over his vineyard. Maximus was beginning to clearly see not only the hundreds of questions in his heart, but the answers.

So many times in his life, he'd been ready to die, prepared for it, seen it as an inevitable fact. And never had he actually been taken, even when he was meant to die in the arena. But this time…this time…

So much burned in his brain; all he knew of himself and what he was learning of himself through Pullo's eyes. He had forgotten too many things. He was not Dominus, as Pullo had stated. Not the father or leader of his odd family. He was simply Maximus; a man like all his brothers, struggling to live life in a strange place and time. When had he lost track of himself? His mind drifted to Natalie and her terrible ordeal. How he tormented himself for not being there to convince her not to make such a drastic attempt. But had he not in fact attempted the same?

He permitted his memories to travel over the past few years in the twenty-first century. He had enjoyed his work for a long time. Was it so strange to come to the end of that road? To decide to choose another way to life? It was not. He'd heard Pullo's recounts of leaving the Thirteenth and seeking work. Of wanting the do the right thing and remain a part of his Roman world. He recalled the story of Pullo's request to be recognized as a veteran of his great legion, and being refused. Was that what was bothering Max? That he could not find men like himself, with common experiences and similar memories?

He had in fact gone to the Coliseum to cross through his portal. And…he had indeed hoped for death, for surely he could no easier survive in his time alone, than Pullo could in this time. Death had seemed the only reprieve.

And what had the gods given him? Were they mocking him for the fool he was…or were they answering his prayers? He turned a glance at Pullo, listening to music on the headphones and falling asleep. The answer to his prayers, or punishment for his foolishness? Max grinned. Either way, he would now have purpose.

His family did not need him; they would survive well with or without him. Thorne & O'Leary would go on fine enough without him. Life is not about battles or victories. It is not about winning or losing, plotting or planning. Life is about life. Every day and every moment. Perhaps he had attempted something imprudent. Had he succeeded in passing through the portal, he would have most certainly missed his family. Their faces slid behind his closed eyelids and his smile broadened. And he would miss more than that. He would miss life. Had Natalie learned the same lesson? He hoped. Soon he would see for himself. According to Dino, she was still staying at the Inn.

For now, he would think of his land, of the soil and the grapes, the olives and the horses. He would think of the future. Pullo had voiced an interest in joining him as a vintner, but as with all children, he might quickly change his mind…and that would be good too. The entire world was opened to Pullo. And Max realized for the first time the honor he had been given by the gods.

***

Pullo fingered his luggage stub and awaited the baggage claim carrousel with everyone else.

"Are you tired?" Max asked as the machine began and travelers closed in on them. "We can stay the night here and make the last leg of the journey tomorrow."

"I am tired of traveling. Let's get to the end of it."

Max heaved his bag. "Then we will drive on."

Another hour passed before they were settled into the rental car and finally on the highway. City melted away and they were surrounded by snow covered mountains.

"Beautiful country, is it not?"

Pullo nodded, looking out his window. He had seen so much in his life, so many terrains and so many cities. And now, he was seeing even more. He'd watched the ocean from an eagle's eye view. Indeed the journey had been long. Very, very long. His body ached from sitting for many hours on the plane; he twisted his back bringing a crackling sound and a groan of relief. He was extremely tired and wished only for a blanket and pillow. He released a long sigh and turned an exhausted scowl to Maximus.

"Are we there yet?"

Max grinned and chuckled. "Not yet, my friend. Not yet." His grin became a smile. "Not yet," he whispered and pressed the gas pedal.