THREE GLADIATORS
Written By Lady Cat
Chapter IV
The headmaster gave the sign. The trainer opened the holding area,
pointing to Carus and another trainee. Carus' proficiency was in the
use
of the net, tricorn, and mace. Both men entered the arena, standing at
the
foot of the balcony. After saluting the guests, they began. Both
opponents circled each other, waiting for the right moment to strike.
Although only 16, Carus was built solid. His opponent struck first
with
the sword; Carus sidestepped blocking with the Tricorn. He then tried
to
throw the net but missed, having it blocked. They continued to circle
each
other. Carus struck this time with the tricorn. His opponent blocking
the
blow, but Carus got the net over him. The man became more entangled as
he
tried to get himself free. Carus then pulled the rope making the man
fall
to the ground. Carus knocked his sword away, putting the tricorn at
the
man's chest. He looked up at the spectators, hoping for a thumbs' up.
The
spectators gave the thumbs' down sign. Carus hesitated but knew if he
didn't he would be killed. Closing his eyes he pushed the tricorn
through
the man's chest. He walked back to the holding area, his head down,
sick
at having to kill someone for pleasure.
Marus and another trainee were lead to the arena. Marcus had seen the
look
on Carus' face. When he got to the middle of the arena, he saw the
dark
stain on the sand. Marcus knew what he was expected to do. He had
become
proficient with just about every weapon he handled. The headmaster
told
the general of Marcus' accomplishments. His wife had been right, he
thought to himself. He was a fighter. And judging by the size of him,
he
would be hard to bring down. But he did have doubts about his speed.
Marcus would be fighting with a sword and shield. He also had a club
fitted with sharp spikes in it. His opponent had a mace and shield,
with a
sword at his side. After giving the salute, they began circling each
other. It was a couple of minutes before either made an attempt to
strike.
His opponent was spinning the mace then he struck at Marcus, who
quickly
dodged it. In turn, Marcus struck with his sword, his opponent
blocking
the blow with his shield. It went back and forth for several minutes.
At
one point, Marcus was knocked down near the dark spot. He barely got
out
of the way of the mace, but quickly got to his feet, his temper
starting to
rise. When his opponent tried to hit him, Marcus blocked the blow and
cut
the man across his chest. It was just deep enough to make him show
blood.
Marcus took advantage. He kept striking at his opponent til he had
worn
him down. With a blow from his shield he knocked the man to the
ground,
putting the sword to the man's throat. Nearly out of breath himself,
he
looked up, waiting for the sign. He was given a thumbs' down. Without
hesitation he put the sword through the man's throat.
He walked back to the holding area, shaking from having made a kill.
He
saw Carus look at him. "You looked like you were enjoying it." Marcus
didn't say anything.
The general and his wife were very pleased with what they had seen. He
was
sure now he would have the best gladiators in all Rome. His coffers
would
start to fill. If Eugenius turned out with even half that, he would
definitely be the talk of the palace.
Eugenius had watched both matches. He too had gotten sick of the
spectacle, but knew if he was to survive, he too would have to do the
same.
The headmaster had Marcus and Carus summoned to the villa. When they
entered, they were told that the general was pleased with them, but it
would be a few more months before they would make their first
appearance in
the Coliseum in Rome.
Except where otherwise noted, this website and most of it's contents © copyright by Dancer Productions, Inc. 1999-2002.