Before the Legend

Day 2: Boys Will be Boys

Scene 1

Nothing happened last night. There is nothing to fear. At least that was what Troy told himself as he awoke to a young female slave entering his bedroom at the first light of dawn. Trying not to complain, he allowed his personal slave to undress him and put on another fringed tunic before getting his unruly curls combed and his face washed. After saying his daily prayers at the family shrine, he was escorted away for breakfast.

"Where is Father?" Troy asked his mother as he reclined on the couches with his brothers.

"He will be coming soon," she said in a detached tone, before dabbing the napkin around her crimson lips. Several cooks arrived at the table with platters stuffed with the delicacies of the king. He could easily pick out the smell of fresh bread that often teased him every morning until he had a chance to gobble it. Along with it came honey, cheese, fish, scrumptious figs, and dates that adorned his plate. For some reason the food did not seem to be teasing him today. Troy tried to take his mind off the nightmare and the fight and concentrate on the food in front of him. He picked up the figs only to drop them back onto the plate.

"Not too fast, Barbarius! You do not want to eat like you are a starving savage," his mother reprimanded. Troy finally picked up a fig and popped one in his mouth before staring at the plate.

-End Scene-

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Scene 2

They would chant:

But one stood alone in the isles, waiting to be tamed.

Without warning, Apollus charged at Barbarius. He retaliated, pulling out his wooden sword from his sheath, aimed at Apollus' chest.

"I did not know we were playing with swords. You cannot change the rules when you want to. That is not fair," Apollus said, wagging his head.

"Well, if you are going to knock my horse from me, I am going to have to knock you off your horse! Surrender, Apollus," Barbarius cackled.

"Not a chance," Apollus challenged. Barbarius pursued him back to the house and into the courtyard. Troy galloped alongside them with his play horse between his legs. Apollus picked up his sword left on the benches, only to face the end of Barbarius' sword. Barbarius and Apollus continued sword fighting, as they competed for who was braver and stronger. As he was fighting, Apollus dropped his horse.

"Wait!" called Apollus. Just as Apollus knelt down to pick up his wooden horse, Barbarius poked him in the back of the head.

"You cannot do that!" Troy exclaimed.

"Troy is right. I told you to wait, but you still poked me," Apollus said, aiming his sword at his brother's chest.

"I can do what I want," Barbarius said, jabbing Troy in the arm.

"Ow that hurts! I quit!" Troy yelled.

"You cannot quit. What kind of soldier are you? A coward," Barbarius said, sneering at Troy.

"You are the coward," Apollus retorted as he jabbed Barbarius in the ribs. Barbarius clutched his chest, leaving his hands vulnerable to the blunt edge of Apollus' wooden sword. "You are always changing the rules for yourself," Apollus said, raising his voice.

"Am not, the rules were always in place. You are the one who changed the game when you charged at me," Barbarius snapped.

"You are no fun to play with!" Apollus retorted. With that, he turned and walked away. Deciding the game was no longer fun, Troy ran after him.