A tour. 57 B.C.

Nemis walked quietly by the Doctore, his small hands by his side as they made their way around the barracks. They did not enter the larger area with the practicing gladiators, but instead made their way to a smaller area on the back side of the large villa. There, a woman was practicing with her Gladius. No, she held two Gladius.

“Comella!” The woman stopped her swinging at the practice construct and lowered her weapons, bowing her head in respect to the doctore.

“Doctore!” She remained head bowed. Remis looked her over. She was of average height with unblemished skin and toned, bordering on extremely defined, muscles. Her skin was slightly lighter than his own. Her sandy blonde hair was tied in a tail and hung down to her shoulders. She wore armor of the same make as the Doctore.

“Not so formal child. Boy, this is my daughter Comella. She will be your training partner. She is also my daughter.”

Comella barely managed to not look disappointed. Barely. “Father, he is so young, will he not stunt my training?”

“If you wish to become a master, you must be able to teach and not allow the abilities or lack thereof of others affect your own skills. In other words, if teaching him stunts your own growth, that is your problem.”

“Of course father.”

“You will arrive here to train with myself and Comella promptly after your studies with Master Orelius. You will eat with Comella, sleep in the room next to Comella’s, and you will spar with Comella when you are not being actively taught by myself. Any questions as to your schedule?”

“No.”

Remis found himself on the floor, his cheek aching and the taste of dirt in his mouth.

“You will call me Doctore, boy. Master Orelius said no preferential treatment. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Doctore.” Pride was not something Nemis had obtained living under a mother who habitually demeaned him.

“My name is Marcio Flava. This will be the only time you learn and hear my name. From here on, I am Doctore, your teacher. Learn well here, or die later. The choice is yours.”

“Yes, Doctore.”