- Maximus is in his tent, praying to his ancestors in front of a set of little statues. He wants to see his family again.
- The scene flashes to his wife and son, who are clearly somewhere much warmer than Maximus. (They're in Spain.)
- Maximus finishes his prayers, and calls his assistant (Cicero). He tells him they may not be able to go home after all.
- Uh oh, sounds like Maximus's really considering accepting Marcus Aurelius' offer.