Locum

Let me introduce myself, my name is Eleisa. I am a seventeen year old teenager. I am a shy person and I do not socialise at all. My friends, Matthew and Susana, know that I am quite paranoid as I worry about my personal safety way too much. 1

I always told them that, if I had been born in another time, where they used standard weapons and survival skills, rather than guns and bombs, I would have been far more active, confident and daring.2

I would not have minded being a roman soldier, a pirate or even a knight. It was this twenty-first century world that had me really worried.3

My countless enemies at school and college always pick on me, they call me a freak. I just try to do nothing about the situation, get beaten, run home and stay safe in my bedroom.4

I do not drive, walk anywhere or even catch the bus. You never know who could be out there and what intentions they really had. I take danger very seriously; therefore, I always get a lift to school by either of my parents or a taxi. 5

I took martial arts training because my father said that this would improve my sense of security and it could prove useful should someone try to attack me.6

Even those lessons became too dangerous for me to cope with them. I reached a stage in which competitions were a must and, in the end, I dropped out of the course.7

I much rather hide, underneath the duvet of my bedroom, surrounded by soft pillows and with the windows and shutters closed.8

I love the safety of my house and I much rather stay indoors, reading books and learning a wealth of information about the past, other cultures, other countries and diverse lifestyles. It was far safer to read books and magazines than to travel abroad.9

After a long tiring day, I decided to read a history book rather than watch TV. The book that I selected from the shelf, at random, was focused on the Roman Empire beliefs and customs. 10

It was a long gone past, a time when slavery and cruelty were a harsh reality; when beating people was a normal feature of the daily life and slaves were actually considered and treated worse than animals. In those days, wars caused havoc and bloodsheds and invasions and conquests were always bound to introduce poverty, slavery and fear in the affected areas.11

I read about this little girl, a noble child called Alexandra, the only daughter of Alexander the Great, whose father died recently and who had been captured by the Romans alongside her mother, Roxana, at the time the queen of Greece.12

The emperor commanded that the girl was to be sacrificed to the gods and she was taken from Greece to Rome, alongside her mother. They were kept in a heavily guarded dungeon. 13

In the chapter that I was just finishing, the mother, Roxana, had just been killed by a spear whilst trying to free the poor girl and now, Alexandra’s time was up. The book was describing in chilling detail the whole ordeal, when I fell asleep. I so badly wished I had been there to do something about it. 14

Whilst my eyes were still closed, I met Locum, a powerful mage with dark forces whose realm was time. Locum transported me back in time, right to the scene that I had just read about and he offered me an unthinkable deal. 15

I was given the choice; I was to take the girl’s place and know that she would be safe and sound in 2007, where no harm would come to her, or I could just stand by, watch her die and then wake up and finish reading the book.16

I was so confused, shivering, trying to get a grip on the situation. I tried to stop and think of the consequences; however, time was running out fast and I had to make that final decision as to whether I would be going back or not. 17

Part of me was longing to wake up and continue leading a normal boring life. However, had I decided to return, the little girl of blue eyes and blonde curls would be damned. 18

I forced my way between the crowds and I held the priestess arm, just before she had the chance to slice the girl’s wrists. 19

At that point, I was directly interfering with fate and somewhat changing the past. Everyone and everything froze, as if someone was pausing a movie.20

I snatched Alexandra from the cold stone of the altar and told her that she would be fine with my family, who would take care of her. She offered her hand to Locum and disappeared with a big, grateful smile. 21

My jeans and t-shirt, somehow, turned into a long white tunic; I knew it was too late to retract from the deal, to take a step back. I had to remain trapped in that gruesome, cruel past.22

I laid on the cold stone of the altar and my hands became tied with the ropes. At the time, the priestess was still holding the dagger. 23

I took a deep breath; I stared at Locum to let him know that I was ready to go through with it. I nodded the head and then closed my eyes. He disappeared, with a big, evil grin on his face stating loudly: “let the game begin”.24

I was not crazy enough to die there and then on the table. I left the blade pointing outwards on purpose. As the priestess dropped hand down, ceremoniously, she did not notice that the dagger was twisted to a position which I conveniently used t to cut the binding ropes. 25

For any roman maiden, being a sacrifice was a great honour, but I, for one, did not share the same views.26

When the priestess realised that I had just managed to run off free, unharmed, she started cursing the city and everything that lived within its walls. The curse of the gods would remain until the victim was returned and the ceremony completed.27

She made such big fuzz over the escape that I had enough time to run into the middle of the confused crowd. Everyone was panicking, afraid of the oracles.28

All the priests and ancients started whispering and predicting evil things that would come against the city. After all, the morning offering had gone missing and the timings had gone astray.29

The emperor, tall, strong and mighty, appeared enraged at the incident. The victim’s getaway was a direct insult to the gods and his persona.30

It was a defiance which took place in front of his eyes, in the Coliseum, the most heavily guarded building in Rome, a place which was protected by his elite warriors.31

I was the first person to ever defy the emperor and the gods themselves by boycotting the religious ceremony so openly. 32

Deep inside, the emperor was very pleased. Life was so boring. He was so used to the absolute obedience of all those around him, priests, senators, soldiers, citizens, servants, slaves… everyone followed his instructions and complied with his wishes and whims to the letter.33

Finally one citizen had the bravery, madness and courage to stand up to him, to set him a challenge. This was becoming, indeed, the most exciting day of his life.34

The emperor ordered a full search and I knew that, for as long as I was dressed in those brilliant white robes, I would be very distinct and easily caught. 35

I followed the passages of the Coliseum, trying to find an exit or a good hiding spot, when I met Pericles.36

The youngster was thin and tall, very handsome, around twenty years old; he had white skin, dark hair and deep blue eyes. Just by observing his body language and examining his clothes, it was obvious that he came from a very rich and noble family.37

He recognised me straightaway and he took pity on me. He hid me in his carriage and took me to his house, where I had the chance to change into a fresh set of clothes. I had the opportunity to take a relaxing bath and eat food in abundance.38

He was very principled. He did not believe in bloodshed, be it for religious or political reasons. He did not approve of human sacrifices, wars or fighting.39

We spent the night talking about politics and social and moral issues. He was quite surprised at my wealth of knowledge. Women never used to engage in such type of conversations.40

Whilst we were talking and walking, he showed me the way around the house. It was so exciting. I had read about these residences in my Latin lessons but, to actually see them, it was breathtaking. 41

When we entered into the great hall, he sat on the marble throne, a hand carved chair, highly decorated in gold and precious stones. From that seat, he listened to the petitions from friends, neighbours and even slaves. He granted their requests, if he found it fit to do so.42

When the session finished and the room was again empty from guests, I walked up to him, bowed profoundly and offered him the only thing I had, my freedom. After all, I was in debt with him for his life saving, helping hand.43

He blushed lightly, looked down on me and told me to stand up. He acknowledged my debt but he stated that he would not, in any way, enslave me to his services. He wanted me to be just what we had become, honest, truthful friends. 44

He requested me to spend some time with him for he enjoyed my company a lot and, during the following months, we had a fantastic time. I noticed his kindness and goodness of heart first hand for he really looked after me and treated me well.45

Despite he was noble and rich, he was also very generous. He cared so much for everyone, even his slaves; he never hurt anybody or offended anyone. Slowly, we liked each other so much; I can say in fact, we were in love.46

He confessed his love for me and he promised he would always love me. He even organised a big party to celebrate our engagement. 47

I was in Rome because I had a job to do; I had to kill the emperor. It was the only way that cruelty would stop. But I couldn’t tell Pericles that I was ready for an almost suicidal mission, it would break his heart so I told him that I had unfinished business and, once my tasks were accomplished, I would return to him and we would get married.48

He offered support but, when I refused further help, he understood that, for the time being, I had to deal with my own issues by myself. We spent the rest of the evening and night together and I was free to continue my journey the following day.49

In the morning, I felt bad about the conversation we held the previous day. I should have told him that I would ask for his help when I really needed it, rather than brushing him aside. I was positive that his feelings got hurt.50

I wanted to apologise to him and offer him my friendship but by the time I woke up, he had already left the house. I ate breakfast quickly and went to look for him. The Forum, the main square, was a good place to start searching for him.51

Despite all my efforts I could not find him at all. Rome was such a busy and overcrowded city, he could have gone anywhere.52

Rumours about me soon spread around the capital of the empire. Some thought I was some kind of goddess, appearing and disappearing; others, a bad spirit wanting to trouble the city. Few considered me just a mad and desperate fugitive. 53

While I was walking around the market, I heard the bad news. The emperor’s spies found out that the fugitive maiden had been seen at the residence of the noble Pericles and he had been arrested. He had fallen out of grace with the emperor.54

I decided to go and find my love before it was too late. I already knew that he could not fight not because he did not want to but because he did not even know how to. When somebody needed to get punished, he hired torturers for that business. However, this only occurred in very extreme and rare cases.55

The day was already getting dark and, as the sun was falling between the high mountains, the torches of the soldiers started lighting. 56

I sneaked into the Coliseum yet again. This time I was out of the danger. With my new looks, nobody would recognise me. While I was lurking around the corridors and passages, I found the kitchen and further downstairs, deep underground; I found the dungeons, where all the prisoners were being kept.57

The captives were tortured and starved until their execution day. I could smell the rotting putrid flesh; I could see stains and puddles everywhere and I could hear the heartbreaking cries for help. 58

All the prisoners were thirsty and hungry. Some had been blinded, others lamed, but the vast majority endured days and days of suffering and despair; never seeing daylight, always living in the damp, cold, underground cells, without knowing when they would finally die or how.59

I felt so much pity for them that I stole the keys of a drunken guard and quickly opened as many doors as I could to let the prisoners run away. I saw so many people rushing around trying to avoid being caught.60

During their breakout, they created enough confusion to give me enough time to find my friend, if he was being kept there at all. However, I checked all the cells and I could not see him anywhere.61

Everyone was trying to get out of the building except for the gladiators; the slaves who were paid to fight each other to death. They were strong and ruthless and they lived on the lowest level of the dungeons. 62

I heard steps coming towards me so I hid behind columns. Suddenly, a group of twelve soldiers arrived to inform the master of the chambers that they would not need the gladiators at all for the rest of the month. They told him that the games had been cancelled because the sacrificial maiden had escaped and the emperor was furious.63

Letorius, the master of the chambers, was very grumpy. He was a rude, filthy, sweaty, middle-aged man, short and big built. His dark, long, scruffy hair, greyish teeth and loud, deep voice made him all the more unpleasant.64

His patience was almost none and he always complained that there were no decent gladiators anymore. They lacked passion, enthusiasm, skill and the will to live or at least put a credible fight.65

The soldiers also brought him the latest addition to his collection of slaves. He was a young noble man, whom the emperor had personally condemned to death on the arena in the next forthcoming events. I got closer, without being noticed, to have a glance at the mentioned lat and to my horror, I saw Pericles.66

Letorius lost his left hand during the war but, the fact that he was handicapped, did not stop him from being dominating, cruel and a really harsh master against those who dared disobeying him. He ordered the lad to pick up the sword and show him his fighting skills. However, Pericles refused point blank.67

Letorius was so angry about the loss of earnings that he decided to unload all his fury by chastising the young new arrival that had just refused to obey his command.68

At a clap of Letorius hands, the guards held the lad against the wall, with his expensive clothes ripped and his bare back on display; the youngster was about to receive a severe punishment, the lashes. 69

He pleaded for clemency but it was all too little, too late. The strong hand of Letorius was extended, with the whip all set for action. He raised the hand, ready to dish out his discipline, when I pulled the whip string backwards and stopped it from going any further.70

Call me crazy or what, I knew that I would get in big trouble, but I could not just sit down and watch my lover being ripped apart because he saved my life and then he did not want to fight.71

After all, during my martial arts training, I had sworn an oath to protect the innocent and I had to keep my word.72

Letorius turned around surprised and stared at my face. I offered a defying look and stared directly back into his eyes. He grinned evilly and prepared to attack me. He ordered his gladiators not to interfere in any way and told them to sit down, watch and learn from him. 73

I was dressed up in leather and prepared for battle and I improvised my armour by reusing metal pans that I stole from the main kitchens earlier on. I had drilled a few holes here and there, using a hammer and a few nails and tied the metallic plates using strings and ropes74

Pericles was horrified that I might get hurt or killed because of him but he decided not to reveal my true identity just in case that jeopardised my and his own safety. He was dying to protect me, to help me out, but he couldn’t. He had to keep quiet and watch everything from the distance.75

As the whip lashed forward, the leather and metals protected my skin, preventing any major injuries from occurring. During the fight, I used wooden chairs and table legs to defend myself. Jumping between columns, hiding behind furniture, we turned round and round the room for a good two hours. 76

He was surprised of my persistence; he got a few hits from me and I got a few lashes around the legs. I was able to move fast and jump quite high but it was not always enough to avoid being caught. 77

We were both growing tired and sweaty and none of us was ready to call it a day. I already had proven myself beyond doubt. I had the skill to resist, the will to survive and I was not ready to give up any time soon. 78

During the fight, he offered me to join his team.79

-“A man of your skill and passion would surely entertain the audience” he pointed out.80

-“I value my life too much to risk it this way” I replied.81

-“Yet you came here and challenged me?” He enquired.82

-“I try to protect innocents as much as I can” I responded83

-“Listen, I am willing to pay you two bags of gold per fight. I can cover you in gold” he said in a tempting tone.84

-“I much rather practice a safer trade” I answered back, whilst rejecting his offer.85

I was exactly the type of person that he had been desperately searching for. I had the spark, the energy flowing. He really wanted to get hold of me, one way or another and seeing that I was not giving in, he finally resorted to blackmail.86

-“This slave… is he your family member, perhaps?” he asked87

-“No” I responded quickly.88

-“Is he worth all this effort and danger?” 89

-“Yes” I answered sharp and shortly. 90

I stopped as I suddenly realised that I had just revealed my weakness. Letorius grinned satisfied; he parsimoniously sat down on the chair, right at the edge of the room; he took a golden cup and ordered a slave to pour more wine from the amphora.91

After sipping wine for a few moments, he proceeded to explain the situation.92

-“See, in my property, slaves either fight or die and he has already chosen not to fight, so, he is of no use to me any longer. Furthermore, a slave must never dare disobey an order from his master. It’s a basic rule which carries a severe punishment. It’s about time that he learnt his place.”93

- “I am sure we can find a reasonable agreement between us”. I stated, using a sensible tone of voice, almost foreseeing Letorius next words.94

-“I don’t do treaties, I do duties. It is my job to punish the rebellious elements before they corrupt others”. Letorius pointed out, knowing that he had the upper hand of the game. “Guards, fetch him and bring him through”95

At a raise of the master’s hairy hand, the thugs dragged Pericles to the judgement hall which was adjacent to the training area. It was a dreadful room where Letorius took the liberty to judge his insubordinate slaves and decide upon their fate. It also was used as a torture chamber. 96

It offered a sickening view; the stench was revolting, the walls, covered in stains, displayed a very diverse range of horrific instruments used to afflict all sorts of torments and even death. 97

-“What do you want us to do with him?” One of the servants asked.98

-“Stamp his body with the red-hot iron; he is my property now, he has to display the mark of my household, the shameful mark of slavery; then blind him and flog him and, if he is still alive, leave him hanging, no food or water for a week. That will teach him who the boss is”99

The crooks grabbed Pericles and enchained him to the pillar, stretching his arms and feet to an uncomfortable and definitely painful position. All the while Letorius grabbed a red-hot incandescent iron and pressed it against Pericles shoulder. 100

He screamed and I was close to do so too but I was so horrified and shocked that the voice would not come out at all. When the hot iron was removed from his arm, I could clearly see a black circle and, inside it, a black dot. It was the same tattoo that I had seen in every gladiator and servant of that residence.101

The guards then pushed Pericles to the ground into a kneeling position; they tied his hands to the back and held him down, steady, with his head forward ready to be blinded by the incandescent red iron. 102

Letorius himself was prepared to execute his sinister threat when I stepped in.103

-“Wait, I’ll buy your slave! Perhaps gold might convince you?” 104

-“Nah, I have plenty of that around here” Letorius pointed out, whilst he wrapped his whip around Pericles neck. “This worm doesn’t deserve to live, he’s not a man, he won’t even fight”105

As soon as Letorius, annoyed, kicked Pericles to the floor, the string of the whip started pulling and I could hear Pericles breathing become difficult. 106

- “I lack skilful gladiators willing to provide excitement to the arena. My business is not profitable any more because of that.” 107

Pericles face was turning red. If I did not do something quick, he would soon be dead, asphyxiated.108

-“ There must be a way I can redeem my friend, something we can barter”109

-“Well, what can you offer me besides gold?” Enquired Letorius in a very persuasive, tempting tone.110

-“I am a man of poor means, lord, all I have is myself, my own freedom.” I proposed.111

I loved Pericles, too much to see him get hurt, after all this was my entire fault for escaping from the altar in the first place. I would not let an innocent man suffer because of me and least of all my true love.112

I was ready to take responsibility for my actions and face the consequences. I was willing to give myself up to guarantee Pericles safety, after all, life was not worth living without him.113

-“Are you willing to trade his freedom for yours? His life for a lifetime of servitude?”114

-“I do”115

- “ Very well. You have caught my attention and interest, surrender, and I will let him go free”.116

-“If I lay down my arms, what guarantees do I have that you will not kill us both?” I asked coldly from behind a column.117

-“Listen, you either take his place, if you so wish or you are free to go and let me get on with my business. What is your choice?” He said in an inquisitive impatient tone.118

At this stage, Pericles was almost unconscious; I could see his dark red face signalling danger.119

-“I accept your proposition, let him go.”120

Letorious loosened the whip and I could hear Pericles coughing away. He was regaining his senses gradually. His breathing was still difficult but his face was turning lighter already.
Letorious picked up shackles and chucked them in the middle of the room. His men kept holding Pericles against the wall, this time with the sword by the hand, ready to kill him, should I try to make a false move.121

-“Hand yourself in then, obey your master” ordered Letorius.122

I stopped, yet again faced with another dilemma, weighting up the pros and cons of the situation. One of the soldiers sliced Pericles left arm. A stream of blood started dripping; the wound appeared to be quite deep. Pericles breathing became shallow and fast as fear was growing. There was no more time to think.123

I walked up to the middle of the room; I dropped my improvised weaponry, I picked up the shackles and waited. Pericles was released immediately, no questions asked. 124

-“No, no, no… don’t be foolish friend. I cannot let you go ahead with this.” Pericles said with tears in his eyes. “Lord Letorius, I beg you, don’t listen to my friend. I will fight for you; I will even die for you if you keep me. Just don’t listen to him” 125

Pericles was desperate. He was not prepared to face the fact that his true love was willing and ready to take his place. At the same time, Letorius understood that there was a strong bond between the two lads, a suspiciously strong bond. 126

Pericles sensed that he was jeopardising my own safety. Questions would be asked as to why each of us was willing to die for the other. He had to move on; he tearfully looked at me and promised that he would do anything and everything to rescue me as he walked away, distressed, ashamed.127

As agreed, I kept my part of the bargain, I took the shackles and enchained my own ankles and wrists, I went down on my knees and I waited for the master’s commands.128

With the whip now dangling in front of my face, placed around my neck as if it was a serpent, Letorius laughed loudly.129

- “You trespassed into the dungeons, set the prisoners, interfered with my discipline, dared challenging me… each and every of this acts would have cost you your life. I never offer anyone a second chance, but you have been so bold that I shall give you another opportunity. Join my team and I will reward you well, refuse my offer and your relentless, slow, excruciating death will certainly be unique”.130

-“So long I can live in my own quarters and keep my identity secret.”131

Letorius was thrilled, he expected a demand regarding high payments or eventual freedom, instead, he was being asked for anonymousness. Hardly a difficulty between gladiators. 132

- “We start training at dawn, your rooms are to the left, own door with lock and key, try to escape and I shall find and exterminate you, your friend and all his family members too” he threatened.133

I went into my room, put on fresh clothing and ate freshly made stew, baked bread and some wine before falling asleep. The bed was cold and hard, I could smell the moist soil and the wet woods. I wondered when I would wake up to reality again. This felt like a far fetched dream so far.134

This was not the case, I woke up with my back aching and, at first, I did not remember where I was or what was I doing there until I heard Letorius voice, calling my name. Suddenly, it all came back to my mind.135

Every morning we went to the arena and started exercising. The activities were tiring but if I did not keep up with my intensive training I knew I would not be ready to survive the battles ahead. I needed to prepare my body physically and mentally for the task of fighting to death.136

I learned many attacking and fighting skills, how to wield the various weapons correctly and avoid mortal blows at the same time. Letorius was proving to be an excellent teacher. Harsh but highly effective. 137

Letorius thought that my body was not strong enough to be the age I claimed to have, yet, my reasoning showed maturity of mind so he was very puzzled.138

After three months of intensive training, I was ready to face the battle ground. The occasion could not be more important than that of the emperor’s birthday.139

It was my first battle and I kept fighting round after round. I used the agility and flexibility of my body to dodge the blows and used the training received to disarm the opponents. I defeat them but I never kill them. I am no murderer.140

I received a few cuts along the way, some deeper than others, but none of them important enough to threaten my life. 141

Towards the end of the day, tiredness and weakness started taking over my body, it was a do or die position. I managed to take down the last of my enemies, leaving him with a wounded arm and leg. He lost his sword and I still kept the spear on my hand. I caught him with the mesh and raised my hand in victory. 142

He was a tough opponent and I was lucky enough to still be alive. I had admiration for the fallen warrior, he fought me well. However, the emperor decided to place the thumb down, a signal that the fallen hero had to be exterminated. I could not possibly comply so I fell on the sandy dusty arena, as if I had collapsed, remaining on the floor with my eyes closed. Letorius ordered the fallen soldier to be executed and two other gladiators picked me up and dragged me inside.143

Usually the emperor would place the laurels of victory on the winner’s head but, if I was awake, I would have to first kill my rival and then I would have to discover my face and jeopardise my identity. To avoid committing murder and, in order to remain anonymous, it was better to fake a black out.144

My skills were certainly proving useful; I was constantly battling in the arena for my own survival and trying not to kill anyone else along the way. Being a gladiator was not an easy job, constantly having to risk my life just to please the blood thirsty audience; never knowing when my luck would just run out and be the end of my career and life.145

My martial arts, the ones I learnt as a hobby, were certainly proving life saving techniques and left the audience fascinated. I hardly wore any armour and yet I was able to defeat any opponent that came across. Some started to think of me as a hero or a god.146

Letorius kept insisting on being trained by me; he wanted me to teach him my fighting skills but I refused point blank. He could kill me, tortured or punished me for my disobedience. However, he would then lose his most valuable asset. 147

It came to a point that the audience would attend all the big games and gatherings just to place bets as to how many rounds I would last unharmed. I really generated fame and revenue for him.148

As agreed, Letorius always kept my anonymity by letting me remain in my rooms when the nobles and the cheerful crowds wanted to take a closer look. 149

He, like everyone else, ignored the fact that I was indeed a female. Only Pericles knew and he would not jeopardise my safety by revealing the truth. If they found out about my gender, I would soon become the next sacrificial maid.150

All the ladies that were in captivity were deemed suitable for slaughter or sold as slaves, whilst their male counterparts had the chance to redeem themselves on a day to day basis by fighting to death on the arena.151

One by one, all those girls and women, all dressed in white and crowned with flowers, were murdered on the altars, slashed by the daggers, and then burnt in the horrifying ceremonies.152

The crowds and even the emperor himself witnessed it all from the comfort of his throne, never feeling pity or sorrow for none of those innocents. I had to find a way to put a stop to that entirely macabre sacrificial act.153

The emperor was so taken by the masterful skills of the unknown gladiator that he even organised additional games just to see more action, new moves and new victories. This was to cheer up the crowds, gaining more supporters and, more importantly, enjoying himself.154

He became so obsessed that, in the end, he decided to purchase the gladiator for his own personal use. The emperor wanted to fight the anonymous gladiator himself.155

Being who he was, he did not have any trouble. Not even Letorius dared to refuse surrendering his most valuable asset for the right price.156

I was taken to the palace, escorted by the emperor’s personal guard. I started sweating and worrying. How could I keep my secret hidden, with so many eyes around the palace? So many people, so many soldiers… I would have to be very careful.157

I stood in front of the emperor, Gaius, and then bowed profoundly. I would not dare getting him cross or offended in any way. I had learnt the price of such foolishness. 158

I was ordered to go to the main hall and prepare for the fight and I followed the instructions as if there was nothing to hide.159

I requested that we should fight alone as, should he lose, it could be embarrassing for him to lose a fight against a mere gladiator, as a precaution, the emperor Gaius followed my advice and we were left to fight alone. 160

- “Show me your face” he ordered161

- “Never” I replied sharp and shortly.162

- “I, your emperor and master, command you to reveal your identity” he responded arrogantly.163

-“Make me” I answered back, defying him.164

From that point onwards, it was war. As expected, he was well armed and I had nothing but my bare hands; this time I was left to fight without any armour to protect myself. That meant that I would have to use all the close range fighting techniques that I learned during my martial arts lessons. 165

Blocking techniques would be of the utmost importance during this fight, to avoid him getting at me. The fight went on for a good hour or so until I had my arm wounded by his sword. If I was not careful enough, next time it could have been my arm, my ear, my eye… I had to find a way of finishing him off.166

To his shock and surprise, I quickly disarmed him by walking a few paces away and performing a perfect three point mid turning kick. The force of the foot, combined with the sudden move, did not give Gaius a chance to react quickly enough and the sword was thrown from his hand and sent a few paces away.167

As his arm was half extended, I grabbed it and turned it with enough force so as to make him fall on the floor. I wrapped my legs around his neck, pressing down hard, holding his shoulders and arms downwards. He knew he had been defeated.168

He was disarmed and trapped, his lip was cut and his nose was bleeding after hitting the hard marble floor. His breathing rhythm was irregular, fast, shallow, and sweat pouring down his face. For the first time in his life, he had somewhat fear. 169

-“Don’t even think about calling in your soldiers or this will be your last breath. I will die, but you before me” I stated in a soft whisper.170

-“You dare threatening me? Reveal your identity to your master, you wretched creature!” he ordered angrily.171

-“Shh… not too loud, Gaius” I whispered “We wouldn’t want uninvited guests. Now you listen to me carefully, I have no intentions of harming you yet, but one single move and I may quickly change my mind. Just stay calm and listen” 172

-“What do you want from me?” asked in a sudden whisper.173

-“All I seek is anonymousness and the imperial pardon, you know, the one that you grant, in your mercy, to those who have been condemned to death.”174

-“I’ll find out who you are sooner or later and then I swear I’ll spend the rest of my life haunting you down for this blackmail,” He stated.175

-“Careful, you could be sentencing yourself already as we speak”. I warned him. 176

His face was turning red, with my foot still pressing on his neck, a bit harder, making his breathing difficult.177

-“This will be the last day your eyes shall ever see the daylight, you traitor, by the gods that I shall crucify you.” he said angered.178

-“I just want amnesty, to remain free and unknown so that I can live and travel in peace within your empire” I explained calmly.179

He saw that I was starting to grow impatient and, with a touch of more pressure, he started coughing while his airways were blocking up. He realised it was better to comply with my small demand. 180

-“When your services are no longer needed; I shall grant you what you requested”181

-“Swear it”182

-“Upon my life and honour”183

He took off his imperial ring and handed it to me as a token of trust and honesty.184

I grabbed it, stared at it, carefully looking at the golden carved eagle; it was the imperial seal; I walked off from him and I went to pick up the sword, whilst giving him the chance and enough time to sit up and recover. 185

The room fell in a dreadfully tense silence. I was wielding his sword; I calmly turned around and offered the sword back. 186

Suddenly, the soldiers entered in the room just to check up on us. Gaius was sitting on his throne, with a cold, icy, calculative look; he was quiet, thinking and his face showed no expression or emotion whatsoever.187

-“Small ambition for such a big notoriety” the emperor said aloud. “However, Rome doesn’t forgive traitors”188

At these words, my heart started beating fast. I knew that the whole thing had gone too smoothly; I would not get away with my actions that easily. I thought he would have ordered my execution for rebellion and for treason but he did not. He did not even mention the incident, as if it had never happened.189

One thing to point out is that gladiators only fight on a one to one basis. It was tiring enough as it was. Now, the emperor raised the stakes, a trial, a punishment for my previous actions.190

He called his best fighters into the hall, and I was left, unarmed, to fight all of them at once in a long tiresome fight.191

The soldiers turned around and closed the main doors again. We both knew we would be there for a few rounds. 192

Despite the wounded arm, I knew I had to keep going. One by one, I was knocking them out. It was important to kick high and low. The middle section attack techniques wouldn’t work because of their armour. 193

I got hurt, indeed I did, my arms, my thigh, my legs, even my face got caught a few times… cut by cut, the situation was becoming harder to control and it was more painful to move, to keep going.194

I managed to overpower my enemies and bring them to the ground using the only advantage that I had. The fact that they were well protected, so covered in armour that they couldn’t move as freely or as fast as I could. Their armour was very heavy and it tired them quicker as well as hampering their moves.195

After the whole evening went by, I was left weak, bleeding, thirsty, tired, wounded, yet still resisting, attack after attack, defending my identity and life as best as I could.196

The emperor was satisfied that my physical resistance and my fighting abilities did own up to the renowned fame. He did not wish me dead, at least not yet.197

He ordered the guards to enchain me so that I could not escape and I was then escorted back to Letorius. He had seen enough for the time being.198

Another week went by and this time, after all the fighting rounds, the emperor knew the truth; I still had a lot of inner strength left, it was not possible that my fainting was real at all. He called his personal guards to come and collect me and bring me to his presence in front of all the cheering audience.199

- “You must reveal your identity to your emperor, take your helmet so that I can crown you the winner”200

A very clever move, I had no choice left but to follow the rules of the game, I took my head cover off and to his shock and horror he realised I was a woman, in fact, the same mysterious maid that escaped from the altar almost three years before.201

For a woman to participate on the sacred Olympic Games, it was a big sacrilege. A crime punishable by death and escaping from the sacrificial stone altar, dedicated to Athena, during the ceremony was yet again cause of death.202

The emperor had finally found two reasons to have me killed and declare himself the most invincible warrior in the whole empire. 203

I was surrounded by guards, the crowds demanding my death and the emperor, smiling with victory, was sitting on the judgement throne. 204

I was standing in front of him waiting to hear my fate, when, between the crowds, a group of soldiers brought a little girl to the middle of the now empty and bloodied battle grounds.205

-“Oh divine one! We finally bring to you Alexandra, the daughter of Alexander the Great, and lawful empress of the Greek empire.”206

Gaius became enraged to see the girl still safe and sound, healthy and alive when he wanted her dead a long time ago. He stood up from the throne and walked forward, pointing towards the girl that was in the centre of the arena. 207

He already had forgotten about me altogether and he concentrated on having the girl slaughtered, immediately, to avoid future problems regarding her claim to the crown.208

The emperor was about to order the death of the child when I intervened.209

-“Stop!” I shouted as I set myself free and jumped to the ground below, sword by the hand and ready to fight 210

-“I won’t allow you to hurt the girl. You will have to kill me first”. 211

My sword was raised, blocking any attack and protecting the child. 212

-“How dare you, interfere with my divine judgement?” He stared at me in anger. 213

I knew he could not afford a public humiliation, and this time, it was my turn to bite the bullet. I took the girl, with a steady pace and I walked closer towards him, handing the child to his personal guards.214

I quickly knelt down in front of him and I kissed his feet. I stepped back and, with my head touching the ground, facing down, I begged him, loud and clear.215

-“I implore pardon for Alexandra” 216

-“That is not possible” Gaius shouted furiously.217

-“I call upon your word, oh divine emperor”, I said loud enough for him to hear but not the rest of the audience. “I give up my rights for her so you look after her as if she was your daughter” 218

I took the imperial seal, the ring that he gave me, and placed it on the girl’s hands. The emperor was astonished at the fact that he was bound by his own word of honour. 219

He stared at the little girl who smiled at him and cuddled his muscled hairy leg. 220

-“So be it” 221

Gaius requested the ring back and with it, he sealed the scrolls that granted the girl’s full pardon, from then on, known as Julia, and my final fate 222

Without offering further resistance, I allowed the guards to seize me, with the heavy cold chains dragging around I was taken up to the temple, this time, there was no escape. At least I knew that the girl would live safe and unharmed in the imperial palace. Thus my death would not be in vain.223

I gazed at my love, my fiancé, Pericles. He had become the right hand man of the emperor and he tried everything to save my life but he could not stop my fate. He was devastated. All those months and years he tried to free me, buy me off, he even negotiated with the emperor to get me out of Letorius hands and all that effort ended up in vain.224

I was dressed in white robes, white flowers crowning my head, my brown long hair floating in the air. I walked up the stairs of the temple. Once I reached the top, a cold silence took place and not one bird dared singing.225

I was lying on the altar, the priestess took the dagger and this time to make it less painful, one of the soldiers hit me on the head, my nose was bleeding, the pain was too much to worry about what was going on. I felt confused, drowsy, as the blood poured away, I could feel the body go cold, weak, faint, I fell unconscious.226

Locum picked me up in his arms and I looked at him, at his face carefully. To my surprise, it was Matthew. What was Matthew doing there? Had he known everything all along? Why didn’t he rescue her before? A lot of questions rushed through my mind… I was shocked, surprised, not knowing what would happen next.227

When I woke up, I was in the bedroom, laying flat on the floor, next to the bed, with a bump on the head. My nose was bleeding away and the blankets were all over the floor, the cold hard tiled floor. The book, a few steps away, was closed, I picked it up, and it said “Julia married Claudius, Gaius son, and they lived happy and ruled together for the years to come.”228

It felt as if it all was just a mere dream. When I returned to school, I went walking and Susana stared at me, shocked. Something had definitely changed.229

Matthew on the other hand was smiling. I asked him about Locum, whether it really was him, but he said nothing, he just grinned, like an accomplice. We both knew his secret dark side.230

When I returned home, I was eating dinner with my parents, quietly. I did not tell them that I went walking, it was my secret. Suddenly someone knocked at the door, I looked out the window and I saw a stranger, who looked very familiar. 231

He was very grumpy, rude, filthy, sweaty, middle-aged man, short and big built. His dark, long, scruffy hair, greyish teeth and loud, deep voice made him all the more unpleasant.232

He was wearing the army uniform and he took the bother to briefly inform my parents that, after they enrolled me in the voluntary sector of the army, I was accepted and I was due to start training the following morning. He came specifically to collect me and I would return home within a year.233

My parents thought that this was the best path to face my fears and get over them, but they never told me what they did as they feared an awful reaction, perhaps an escapade. 234

At first I was shocked, but I stared outside, at the camouflage vans and I recognised a lot of faces, a lot of familiar faces. I smiled and rushed out.235

I was introduced to my new partner, Derek, he looked so sweet. He took his jacket off and offered it to me because, being almost night, the wind was quite chilly. I looked at his shoulder, at his arm, and I saw a tattoo. The same tattoo. I knew I had met him before somewhere… I held his hand and happily jumped in the van.236

I no longer was a young, scared, weak, paranoid girl. Finally, I felt sure of myself, ready for action, ready to serve my country and defeat my fears. Since that day I never looked back.