As triumphant Spartacus basks in the glory of his success, recovering Crixus thirsts to return to the arena. However, troubling thoughts threaten to evaporate the myth of Capua's former champion, and Batiatus has already purchased a fresh batch of slaves, eager to train them as gladiators. And before long, a tall, muscular, and overly ambitious captive catches Ilithyia's eye. Now, the old must clash with the new, and all bets are off. But only those who have proved their mettle as fighters deserve to bear the indelible mark of the Brotherhood.
—Nick Riganas