The Barge
I had never seen anything like it. For months rumors and intrigue swirled amongst the ludus of a special event to be held within the great coliseum of Rome. The emperor had a special event planned for these games unlike anything seen in ages past. My brothers and sisters along with myself had been hand picked as a representation of the best our ludus had to offer. Personally, I didn’t feel fit to stand amongst these titans. Nine other legends stood around me, all with lists of victories in the arena far longer than mine, but yet here I stood.
Weeks of training had lead to this singular moment, a moment which would be etched into the records of the Coliseum as none other than legendary….if we survived it. Four great ludi had been requisitioned into service for these specific games, ten of their best to represent each master. One shall stand, three shall fall, the winner to be showered in coin the likes of which have never been seen.
There would be no “Ave Imperator” on this day, for what little we knew of the details, We would be sent straight into the fight. I moved quietly in the halls of the catacombs below the arena floor as I always did, my mind an empty void. It was best to keep yourself unbothered by other worldly possessions or thoughts during this time. You could not predict what would happen, if you could you would not be a gladiator. There was only the moment before you, the roar of the crowd, the clang of steel, this is what I and all my brothers craved like an unquenchable thirst.
The armory was quiet despite all the noise of armor and weapons being readied. My brothers and sisters did not speak, each focused on their own rituals and customs. I grabbed my leg armor from the table and sat on the harsh wood bench. The leather straps interwoven around the back of my calf until they were brought tight and secured. Bracer and manica followed next, the jet black armor I was known for bringing a sense of comfort vanquishing any remaining uneasiness within the mind and heart. Finally, I held my gladius and shield in hand, my tools of destruction firmly grasped in their homes.
We gathered together, seven brothers and three sisters. Where normally we would prepare to eviscerate each other, today we prepared to defend one another. It was then that Polex stepped forward, the greatest amongst us, and our unofficial leader in this fight. He knocked his wooden spear against the stone at our feet, “Brothers and sisters, today I salute you all!”
Silence befell the room, our hearts hanging on every word. “Today we stand a chance to etch our names into the very foundation of this great building. This sacred ground shall be watered with the blood our lesser competitors, for none stand match to our skill, our tenacity, and our might! Many will fall this day, but by whatever gods you pray to my brethren, none shall be from within our ranks. Go forth this day and fight as one and we shall see all elevated to glory!”
On his final words he lifted his spear into the air, the roar of our voices swiftly following. The pack was ready for the hunt.