Growing up with Gladiators

Chapter 2

"Why, I would be honored to fight such a beautiful maiden such as yourself oh high and mighty Aeliana." He gave me a dramatic bow while handing me one of the wooden swords. I gave him my best cheeky smile before positioning myself in a defensive stance.  

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I faked right before twisting easily to the left, pivoting on my toes. Sweat was starting to drip down my face as I smirked at Felix who growled at me in frustration. So far I have been able to avoid any connection with his sword, instead favoring the twisting dance that takes me out of harms way every time. 

Before he could think through his next offensive move, I lunge swiftly underneath of him, bringing my sword up. He was quick to block me but I held the upper hand with my blade locked tighly with his. My smile widened as I watched his eyes widen, the look they always get just before I disarm them. With a slight twist of my wrist, I send his blade sailing through the air and into the crowd that has now gathered around us.

Following my own rules, I keep my eyes locked with his, knowing his weakness to break eye contact. The second he does, I set my foot between his legs. With one arm, I knock aside his dominant hand catching him off guard. Using his displaced momentum, I pulled my foot back to me, knocking his feet out from underneath him. I stepped back and felt arms wrap around me from behind.

I brought my elbow back into the gut of the person behind me and spun around before they could fully catch their lost breath. I had my arm ready to fly into a powerful punch but was able to stop myself after registering my brother in front of me. Marcus knows better than to stop me in the middle of a fight and non of the other gladiators made a move to step in. So why was he trying to stop me? 

I eased back into a normal stance, my breathing coming back to normal and the rushing of blood in my ears ceasing to drown out the crowd around us. I looked around as the gladiators parted ways and made way for the lanista to make his way through to us. I reached down and helped hoist Felix to his feet as Marcus straightened to his full height. The three of us stood their with smiles as our father stopped in front of us with a wary look to his wizened eyes. 

"Father, what is it? I thought you weren't due back until next week at the earliest?" Marcus spoke up for us. I had forgotten he left for Rome from a request from Emperor Nero. Being like a second father to the Emperor and loving him like he loves us, he took no time at all before rushing to his call. 

I have never actually met the young Emperor before, given how close he is with father and how much father adores him like his own child. I only knew from rumors of what the gladiators would bring home and fathers stories about the boy that has sat on the throne the past two years. I never really thought much of it until now. Father never came home early from one of his visits, but now he is here and looking at us like there might be some discussion we won't agree with. 

"Son, Felix, why don't we go talk in my private rooms? This isn't something that should be discussed out here on the fields." He turned to walk away.

"What about me, Father?" I don't find offense in his ways of sometimes leaving me out of discussions that are typically left to men, but this seemed like something more important that I had every right to be apart of. 

"Aeliana," he paused as he took me in. My long, dark hair plaited down my back, strands of it untamed and framed my face. My slender build that was covered in a simple practice tunic that gave me a modest covering but allowed for freedom of movement. He sighed before running his hand through is graying hair, "Yes, come along too. This does involve you as much as these two." He pointed towards Marcus and Felix before offering me his arm. 

Gripping his arm, we walked through the fields and up towards our house built slightly higher into the hillside. Slipping though the iron gate and into the garden before entering the main entryway. We made our way into his private office off of the front hall next to the staircase. Each of us taking seats facing his desk, we waited the news that would change our lives forever. 

Sighing, Lucius sat behind his desk and looked up at us. "We will be moving back to Rome by the end of the week."

He was met with silence as we all took time to digest what he just said. Rome? As in Roma? Our old home? "But why?" I didn't know I had asked the question until all eyes were on me, then back on Lucius. 

"We have been invited or more like requested to move into the palace with Nero. He is and has been of marrying age for some time now, but the responsibility of proving his worth on the throne of the years put a slight bump in that road. Now, however, people are beginning to wonder who will catch his eye and when their will be an heir. Being his mentor and trusted friend over the years, he has asked for my presence until he finds a suitable wife, wishing for my guidance in the matter." He paused letting us catch up in the understanding of the situation. 

"Why do we need to come too?" Felix spoke up this time. He did have a point considering we were all plenty capable of taking care of the Gladiatorial Center and the home since we have been doing it for years now.

"He has also asked for our best representation of gladiators willing to fight in the famous coliseum and he wishes to finally meet the three amigos that I speak so fondly of on my visits." He smiled at us when we all realized that we were requested by the Emperor of Rome, even if it was for a small thing as an introduction being related to his mentor. 

"Will I get the chance to fight?" Felix and Marcus both spoke up at the same time. Boys, always hoping for a chance to prove themselves. I'm not sure they considered the fact that they could die in the arena and winning on the practice fields and in small towns outside of Rome don't count towards the real deal. The mob is merciless and one small mistake could be the last thing one ever does. I shuddered at the thought. 

"I am not sure that is such a good idea, both of you fighting. We can't afford to lose you both." Lucius had a sad look, but he still understood the determined looks in the boys eyes as they continued to argue their sides. "Okay, we will see once we get there and after you both have watched the first days games. There will be a small series to celebrate the Emperors announcement of looking for a bride so their will be plenty of Ladies and Lords of great wealth vying for a chance to catch his eye." 

I snorted at this and all three of them looked at me. "What?" 

"Why'd you just snort?" Felix was giving me a perplexed look as he tried to figure me out. 

"Oh come on. Please tell me you don't think this whole Games series is a little over the top just because someone is looking for a wife? It's not like he even knows who she is yet!" 

"Well that's the point." 

"Don't roll your eyes at me Marcus. How is that the point for hosting a Games series?" I punched him in the shoulder. 

"Hey! What was that for?" 

"For rolling your eyes." I stuck my tongue out at him as he glared back at me. 

"You know, he's right Aelia." Felix said next to me. I turned and looked at him with my best 'don't mess with me' glare. "Hey now, let me explain."

"Fine." I grumbled as Marcus chuckled in triumph. 

"Well, Nero needs to host these Games to bring everyone together and its an excuse for those Rich people from around the empire to come and bring their beautiful daughters as options." 

"Oh, well I guess that makes sence." 

"Aelia." I looked back towards Lucius as he sat back with an amused smile on his face. 

"Yes, Father?" 

"You will be expected to dress up for the festivities each night as well. After all, you are my famous troublesome daughter." He emphasized the word to make it clear that I was among the fine ladies that were expected to be on display for the young Emperor to choose. 

"No way am I going to play nice, Father, and you know it. But I will amuse you and dress nicely." I smiled sweetly at him as he chuckled knowing that to push this topic any more with me would be a losing battle.