As we delve into the gripping narrative of 'Those About to Die' in its sixth episode, a dust storm roars through the ancient city of Rome, shrouding it in a veil of obscurity. In the midst of this turmoil, Titus emerges as a beacon of compassion, resolutely accommodating refugees fleeing neighboring cities. His selfless act of kindness leaves no stone unturned in extending a helping hand to those in need.
Meanwhile, Antonia's audacious act of extinguishing the eternal flame at the temple of Vesta has incurred the wrath of the gods, resulting in the matron's grim punishment. Domitian, keenly aware of Kwame's simmering hatred towards Flamma, orders a rematch between the two, mindful of Kwame's intent to kill Flamma before the devastating volcanic eruption. Kwame is confined in solitude, deprived of sustenance, as his strength slowly wanes.
Amidst this political intrigue, Marsus and Antonia seize the moment, plotting to strike when the iron is hottest. Marsus orchestrates a clandestine senate meeting aimed at opposing the emperor's regime. Jula, loyal to her cause, disseminates this vital information to Tenax. With Elia's assistance, Jula safely navigates through the labyrinthine streets to the House of Marsus, where an instant bond is forged between the two.
Elsewhere, Tenax discreetly relays the details of the secret meeting to Domitian, who swiftly brings Titus into the fold. The trio, Domitian, Tenax, and Titus, listen intently from an underground tunnel, eavesdropping on Marsus's treasonous pleas to the senate, ultimately ordering his arrest.
Meanwhile, Elia and Gavros, the stalwart stable keeper, engage in a heartfelt conversation. Gavros reminisces about his past as a racer, a dangerous sport that claimed the lives of many. His eyes betray a deep-seated sadness as he recounts watching fellow racers perish.
Elsewhere in the dead of night, Viggo sneaks in with food for Kwame, whose fight against Flamma looms large in five days' time. Domitian, keen to restore stability and placate the masses after the devastation, advises Titus to double the grain ration and reinstate the popular racer Scorpus in the race, a move that Titus, grateful to his brother, readily agrees to.
Domitian shoulders the responsibility of orchestrating the expanded inaugural games at the Flavian Amphitheatre, and Tenax cunningly manipulates him, convincing him to appoint Tenax as the maestro of the festivities. Subsequently, Tenax employs his persuasive skills to lure Scorpus back into driving for the Gold faction, enticing him with the promise of a meager salary increase. Antonia, in a plea for mercy, visits her daughter, but her daughter remains unmoved, clinging to the grudges against her parents for imprisoning her in a life of "golden shackles."
In a separate realm, Elia and Jula embark on their first intimate night together, sharing moments of profound connection. Meanwhile, Tenax cunningly secures the special, lightweight chariots and ingeniously tricks the inspectors by using water to give the illusion of their heaviness. It's no surprise that Scorpus emerges victorious in every race, his triumphs a testament to Tenax's devious scheming.
As Tenax receives the cryptic signal from Ursus, instructing him to deposit the illicit funds, Domitian, greedy for his share of the spoils, makes his demands known. Cala, desperate for assistance, visits Antonia's daughter, but the young woman, already aware of Cala's affiliation with the criminal Tenax, refuses to lend a helping hand.
Elsewhere, the shadows of deception and betrayal loom large. Tenax and one of his trusted lieutenants confront Ursus, but their plan is foiled by a child's innocent disclosure. Tragically, Tenax's accomplice betrays him, ultimately meeting his fate by Ursus's merciless hand. Ursus, victorious, leaves Tenax to perish as he sets the place ablaze. In his final moments, Ursus reveals a shocking truth to Tenax, informing him that their mysterious master was, in fact, Tenax's father, who had concealed him as a slave within his own household. "Patrician blood flows through your veins," Ursus taunts before vanishing into the night.
