GLADIATOR:

Echoes in Eternity

Prelude

Note: Since I have slightly altered the back-story for this piece, I’m including the re-junked scenes that would apply.  Obviously, as stated later in the story, Maximus’ wife is dead (sorry, folks, but it makes the plot go better).  Two main scenes would change in the movie because of this, so here they are.  Also, in his prayers, Maximus would only mention his son, as in “watch over my son with a ready sword…” 

 Thanks go to everyone at the Gladiator SKG fan site for the script compilation (especially Mimi). 

Setting: After the battle; party inside the tent.

QUINTUS: General!
MAXIMUS: Still alive?
QUINTUS: Still alive.
MAXIMUS: The gods must have a sense of humor.
QUINTUS: The gods must love you.
VALERIUS: Back to barracks, General, or to Rome?
MAXIMUS: Home. The son, the farm, the harvest.
QUINTUS: Maximus the farmer. I still have trouble imagining that.
MAXIMUS: You know, Quintus, dirt cleans off a lot easier than blood.

Setting: Inside the emperor’s tent

MARCUS:  Maximus, let us whisper now. Together, you and I. You have a son? [Maximus nods.] Tell me about your home.  

MAXIMUS: My house is in the hills above Trujillo. Very simple place, pink stones that warm in the sun. Kitchen garden that smells of herbs in the day, jasmine in the evening. Through the gate is a giant poplar. Figs, apples, pears. The soil, Marcus, black ...black like the night sky. Grapes on the south slopes, olives on the north. Wild ponies play near the house, they tease my son. He wants to be one of them.
MARCUS: Maximus, when was the last time you were home?
MAXIMUS: 2 years, 264 days and this morning.
MARCUS: I envy you, Maximus. It is a good home. Worth fighting for? [Maximus nods yes and Marcus rises.] There is one more duty that I ask of you before you go home.