Arena Of Life

The wagon carrying Durus and the boy came to a halt at its destination. The boy gazed in wonder at the house before him. Like all Roman villas, it was a large house with white defensive walls surrounding the perimeter. The only entrance to the villa was a gate between the walls. Durus stopped the wagon. From where the boy sat, he could see only parts of the grounds. In the center of the forum, which was built before the house, stood a large fountain with a statue of a mighty warrior dressed for battle. Gold was painted on the helmet, armor, and shield of the warrior. By his side was another statue of a wolf; it was magnificent and fierce-looking. Both the warrior and the wolf stood with grim silence-- as if they were waiting for their next opponent.

Suddenly the boy felt the back of his eyes burn. His throat tightened as he remembered that his father’s armor looked exactly like the one the statue wore. His father was dead now. The boy tried not to think about it.

“Hurry boy!” Durus suddenly commanded. The big man had already gotten off the wagon and handed the horse reins to the stabler. He was quickly striding toward the house.“

We are late.” he said from over his shoulder.

Durus’ voice startled the boy out of his tears; he quickly jumped off the wagon and followed the ox man to the house. As the boy followed Durus and they entered the grounds--the boy noticed more things about the villa.

Inside the forum was a lush garden with tall trees. He saw a few slaves tending the trees. However, the slaves paid no attention to him or Durus. The boy noticed that it was oddly quiet in the forum. Durus marched past them silently, the boy following him to the front foyer.

There was a slight cool breeze as they entered the foyer. The villa was mostly an open place with large white columns supporting the roof. The boy could hear their footsteps echoing as they walked farther into the villa.

“Durus!” A voice suddenly called out. They were greeted by a slave dressed in a white tunic and brown sandals. The slave was tall and lean with dark skin. He looked to be only a few years older than the boy himself.

“We have been expecting you. Lord Lycaon wants you to meet him in his chambers.” The teenage boy said. He looked down and smiled warmly at the boy.

Unable to help it, the boy smiled in return. Durus chuckled.

“It looks like you still are as charming as ever Serpens.” Durus jibbed. “If you were half as quick with that smile as you were with a sword, you would have been a top fighter already.”

Serpens shrugged his shoulders and gave a small wink. “What can I say? I am more of a lover than a fighter.”

Durus rolled his eyes. “Alright, loverboy Serpens, lead us to Lord Lycaon. We have much to discuss.”

Serpens grinned, then turned and began walking farther into the house. “Follow me,” He said from over his shoulder.

Durus and the boy followed behind him. The boy gazed at everything in amazement. He was unsure what was in store for him, but he felt assured that he was in good hands.

The trio made their way up a small flight of stairs that opened into a large and spacious commons area. Women were on one side--they had long black hair and smooth white skin. They wore beautiful robes and were talking amongst themselves. One of the women caught the boy’s eyes and looked at him curiously. The boy glanced away quickly. He felt his face grow hot in embarrassment.

Serpens led them to the opposite side of the commons area to a large brown door. Serpens knocked quickly and placed his hands on the door. Then, he pushed it open and ushered Durus and the boy inside. Once both were in the chamber, Seprens began closing the door behind them. The boy looked back nervously--he didn’t want the kind boy to leave. Serpens looked at him and smiled. “You will be fine. You are in the Wolves’ Den now. And my master will look after you.” Then the door closed shut and the boy was alone once more with Durus.

“Don’t be afraid. Lord Lycaon is our protector. Be brave and speak the truth when he asks you his questions.” Durus advised. His voice low and rumbling. The boy took in a deep breath and nodded; he suddenly felt very nervous. The chamber was dark and kind of warm. There was a small fire going -- it cast shadows over the table and chair that were facing them. There wasn’t anything else in the room to hint as to what the master of the house was like-- it felt as if he just entered a wolf den. And he was about to see a wolf.