As the fourth episode of Spartacus: House of Ashur unfolds, Achillia finds herself honing her skills in the training yard, her eyes set on facing the formidable Brother's Ferox. With two swords at her side, she knows she must not only excel but also exhibit ruthlessness. Tarchon's taunts and Dominus's urgency to see her step up her game add a sense of urgency to her training, especially with the imminent arrival of Crassus still looming on the horizon.
Meanwhile, Opiter confronts Cossutia over the six dead men discovered the previous night, including Fides. Cossutia feigns ignorance, while the conversation swiftly shifts to the upcoming games. True to his word, Opiter champions the House of Ashur, deciding to petition for them in exchange for information on the finest Egyptian linens being imported. Cossutia taunts his "ill-timed" foresight, reminding him of Korris's injuries and uncertainty about his ability to work with him.
Opiter visits Korris at the House of Ashur to discuss the attack. He learns that Fides was at the forefront of this assassination attempt, and that Korris did not slay him. There is a tender moment between the two, where Opiter's obvious affection for Korris is clear as he promises to do whatever it takes to help him. The two eventually kiss.
As for Dominus, he arrives to see Proculus, proclaiming that he has a new champion to fight the Brothers. However, he is met with food being thrown at him and chants of "f*ck the Syrian" for his efforts.
As they returned to the training grounds, Achillia continued to be shunned by most of the men, despite bearing the same mark of the Brotherhood. The lone exception was Celadus, who offered her a bit of wisdom, explaining that Tarchon was his son but blinded by his own arrogance.
Dominus returned soon after, furious over how he had been treated by Proculus. He took it out on the prospective gladiators, demanding they step up their game. Achillia did just that, and the next time she trained with the men, she emerged victorious. Tarchon was not pleased and confronted his father about it, reminding him that he was in charge while Korris was away. He mentioned Tarchon's arrogance and eventually put the boy in his place.
Crassus also put Dominus in his place, sending over his belongings ahead of time and forcing him to deal with this. He also wanted Dominus to pay 30 denari for the privilege, which he obviously didn't have.
Meanwhile, while Viridia and Cossutia were shopping in the streets, she was kidnapped. Fortunately, Dominus and Korris happened to be there and saved her. This only solidified Viridia's belief that Dominus was a hero rather than a villain.
As for Korris, he actually saved Cossutia's life. She was obviously shocked when this happened, and the irony was not lost on her. In the aftermath of the fighting, it became clear that the assassins were Cilicians.
When Gabinius found out about Dominus and Korris' efforts, he promised them a good spot in the arena games. This also meant that Korris no longer needed to deal with Opiter. While Dominus saw this as an "unwanted task removed," Korris obviously didn't quite see it that way!
Back at the villa, Dominus announced this to the men before receiving word that Crassus was arriving. Only... it wasn't Crassus; it was actually Julius Caesar himself.
