Lessons for a child.

Orelius limped along with pathway towards the gladiators barracks, Nemis stepping quickly along with him.

Nemis kept careful attention to his surroundings as he followed the unfamiliar path. All of his life, the gladiators barracks had been off limits, but today, he would start visiting them daily. To learn to be a warrior. Nemis has a very rudimentary understanding of what that was, but it sounded fun.

The pathway was a paved walkway, like a great deal of Rome. It was surrounded on both sides by sand and rocks, so unlike the villa in which he was raised which had large gardens. The barracks itself, as it came into view, was a large, two-story structure. Outside the front, was sand, surrounded by 4 walls in a large 30’ by 50’ area. There were a few wood man-shaped constructs that we’re currently being slapped by wooden swords being carried by large, muscle-bound men. Each one looked as if they could break him and his father in two - at the same time. Their large, muscled forms were covered in grit, bruises, scars, and in one case, fresh blood.

His father stopped before the large black iron gate, which promptly was opened by a tall, well-muscled, but lean man clean-shaven in form fitting leather armor, his bare legs resembling the muscles legs of a hunting cat in the muscle movement.

“Doctore.”

“Master Orelius. Welcome. I see you have brought the boy.”

“I have. I will visit in the mornings to continue his education. He does not sleep with the gladiators, and until he is grown his interaction should be at a minimum with them. However, he will stay in the barracks and you will train him without restraint and with no preferred treatment except what I already stated.”

“Permission time speak master Orelius?”

Orelius eyes him and then sighed. “Fine. What is it?”

“Why does he not stay with you in the house? This is no place for a child. Let him train, and then let him sleep comfortably. It will aid in his body’s recovery.”

“The boy will be worthy of this house only if he survives this training. By order of the Dominous.” Orelius hesitated. “My wife is also not partial to the boy. She will only serve to crush his will if he stays in the house.”

“Of course Master Orelius. Do you have a preferred weapon for him? I could teach him the spear and gladius as your father taught you.”

“Teach him every weapon he shows an aptitude with. You have 8 years after all before we even decide what his role will be.”

“Si, Master Orelius, we will begin today.”

“Make it so.” Orelius turned and walked away, his dragging foot making a slight scraping sound as he left.

Remis didn’t even notice him leaving. The Doctore was eyeing him like meat, sending chills down his spine.

“Come boy. Let me show you around.”