He won’t ever be used of being a slave. Here, or there, in this house or another… It has been a few years, and still, his freedom felt like it was just right in front of him. Behind those walls and those streets. Just a few steps away. And yet here he was, sold again a few weeks ago, following his new dominus wherever he goes, coming back with him to his ludus, bringing the wine in his arms to the kitchen. Then, his duty would bring him to assist Doctore, taking care of the equipment, assuring the water whenever it was needed.
The men were training, gladiators and recruits. Kade observed them carefully. A part of him – only a part – envied them. Training to fight, to become stronger… If he could forget about the arena for a moment, he could remember how were his mentor’s lessons.
I am a feather in the eagle’s wing. A living dagger, plunged from the sky into the heart of chaos. I am a truth unknown, a scabbard unfilled, a son of the Nile, and a defender of the people. You cannot kill me, for I walk among the dead. Come forth by day, and I will guide you home.
He was repeating those words every day, once each morning, fearing to forget them if he ever skips them. A teaching he wouldn’t hear in this place where the gladiators fought for the glory, the rewards. “Wine and women” as they say, laughing. And nobody was laughing louder than Gannicus.
Kade looked at him, of course he knew his name. The favorite gladiator of House Batiatus. The man was a legend here. And he was fighting and fighting, two swords, no shield, like he always does. He was better than his opponent: stronger, faster, more agile… it was like watching a cat playing with his food.
Doctore gave an order, and Kade obeyed. He brought water in the courtyard; in a few seconds the men will be allowed a break.
