Decimus stood at the top of the steps, he couldn't wait to see his pupil again, it had been so long since he had seen him. He was taller but not by much. He certainly had compromised with his muscles though. He looked like a real gladiator. His eyes gave off this spark, like I was beneath him. They shined brilliantly in the light of the sun. His hazel eyes became more of a light green, they were calculating but kind.
I greeted the boy enthusiastically, he also seemed happy to see me. Which made me even happier. I was like a proud dad seeing his son being promoted to centurio. I bet if Albus tried he could easily be a centurio. He's a great leader and has the skills to back it up.
''Long time no see my child, you should come visit the priest in a while, he misses you.'' I told him that solemnly but my heart was jumping up and down. I was just so happy to see my pride return to me! The best of the best! I wanted to say more but I was foolish, shy even. I wanted to ask him if he had eaten enough all those years. If his maid cared for him enough. If she didn't then I will!
'No, no, no. Teenage boys like their privacy. I wouldn't want to ruin his time if he had a girl around no one wants that.' Demicus thought to himself. What Demicus didn't know when he was deep in his thoughts that he didn't notice that he still had his arms around Albus. Almost crushing him to death.
''That's enough Demicus, you're killing me over here!'' Albus said softly. He could barely talk because of his rib cage being crushed. 'Oh no! I had hurt the boy, how will he ever recover! I must give him all my dates, prunes and raisins!' Demicus thought to himself. ''Man up boy, it would not be the first time you've broken your ribs.'' Demicus said disapprovingly. 'AAAAHHHHH, I've done it again! He must hate me now! Nooooo, I don't think I'll ever recover.''
Albus just laughed it off ''Haha that's for sure teach, shall we head inside to mingle?''. Demicus let out a sigh of relief. 'The boy luckily doesn't hate me, but I'll make up for it during the feast' Demicus muttered to himself.
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Albus always liked Demicus, he wore his emotions on his sleeve. He was a kind man not befitting of being a man that teaches people how to best slice open someone's throat. The guards outside of the temple seemed to recognise him and let him inside with a nod. When he got inside the scene was stunning. Everything seemed like it was made out of gold.
The pillars were made out of pure white like we were on Olympus and the seating area looked really comfy with grapes and wine being handed out to everyone present. The men with the highest of statures were being fed grapes by beautiful women. He recognised Festus sitting in a corner with his wife. Or it might be his 2nd wife, wait scratch that no it was definitely his sister.
Festus proceeded to kiss the woman by his side. Albus gagged, no it can't be his wife must be one of his new slaves or something like that. 'Yeah must be something like that' Albus thought to himself. Albus muttered farewell to Demicus and sat to the left of Festus. Across from Festus was Julius. Albus didn't think much of Julius but the few times that they did cross paths it wasn't an exciting conversation.
Julius had a cold calculating gaze taking up everything in his surroundings. Julius was a politician, which doesn't mean he doesn't know how to fight but what Albus frightened the most about Julius was his silver tongue. He could sway any crowd in his direction with minimal effort.
He used empty words to get what he wanted and he had enough followers to do his bidding. Albus sat down and greeted them both respectfully, Festus in a more jovial manner of course. Festus immediately struck up a conversation ''Hey Albus, my favorite midget! How have you been!'' Festus bellowed in laughter which resonated in the whole room. Many people stopped their conversation to glare at us for being so loud.
Julius responded for Albus ''It's not like you're so tall Festus, besides, you seem to be growing sideways.'' Albus gave out a small chuckle. ''He does seem to be getting a bit of an arse isn't he. Look out Festus or the entire higher tier will be chasing that behind'' Julius laughed at this remark and gave Albus a new look, like he had him pinned wrong.
''Now now Albus, at least I'm getting some. Or have you found someone to tickle your pickle?'' Festus countered, Julius just shakes his head at both of their antics. Albus laughed but still gave Festus a snarky look ''It's good to see you again old friend.'' ''Likewise'' said Festus.
''May I enquire who this beautiful lady is next to you Festus?'' Albus asked curiously. ''Haha, interested are ya? That's my beautiful sister Julia.'' Albus was bewildered ''Uhhh… Sister? But I just saw you snogging her.'' ''Yes we like to keep it in the family.''
Albus just shook his head 'I guess that's why his cousin looks like an overripe grape' he thought to himself. While Albus looked down he saw that Julius had some new sort of sandal that he never had seen before. ''Fancy sandals Julius where did you get those?''
Julius looked down and answered him whilst puffing his chest ''They're Nike Mercurials, a new model I would urge you to buy them too. ''Nike? Like the Goddess?'' Albus was intrigued. ''Yes! They're sandals of victory! And they are very comfy.''
During this idle chit-chat Albus felt a piercing gaze on him. When he looked to see who it was he could see the Emperor looking at him. The Emperor was a proud man, he had a look in his eye like he owned everything. Which was true in some way. Beside him was his son, Augustus. Augustus was looking at Albus and seemed to be absolutely seething. Like Albus was his worst enemy.
Augustus had his little gang, or more accurately, servants. That's how they acted anyways they listened to every command. Augustus headed in Albus' direction. Pushing away a servant while doing so who fell on the ground along with the drinks he was holding.
''Here comes trouble.'' Albus whispered to Festus and Julius. Julius' face twitched in annoyance when he saw who was coming but he quickly regained his cool. Festus also turned around and quickly took a sip of his wine ''I'm not drunk enough for this.''
Finally Augustus arrived, his cape billowed behind him. Augustus had short black hair and black eyes. He had high cheekbones which defined his pretty face if he didn't have such a nasty look on it constantly. He had small pencil lips which gave his face a weird ratio.
''Hello peasants, aren't you going to hail me?'' Augustus said gravely. He spread his arms to include other people his servants/friends agreed and said ''Yeah! Hail him!''
''I'm not hailing you Augustus, you're not Emperor yet'' Albus countered. Ooo's and Aaa's could be heard in the area. People had enough of this boring mixer, they were begging for a fight.
Augustus looked at Albus in disdain. ''How's that foreign slut you keep as your slave? I could easily send her to the brothel and let her work there, she might be of actual use then''
Albus was seething in anger, he didn't want to react to Augustus' petty remarks but they hit too close to home. Since they were 12 they've been fighting for the Emperor's approval. And since Albus is a better fighter which thoroughly pleases the Emperor since he used to be a gladiator. Albus has been appreciated more, sometimes even treated as his own son.
Augustus was jealous and clearly acting out now. But still, it didn't feel right, he had to defend Olivia's honor. ''At Least I don't rely on my slave to wipe my arse when I'm done shitting'' Albus said calmly whilst sipping on his wine.
Augustus visibly turned red and reached for his hilt where his sword was. It was a gladius made of pure gold. Not very functional, especially since gold is heavy and that small difference means everything in battle. Alas, everything to seem Godly.
''You want to settle this on the battlefield?! We'll settle this in games, first a race, then we battle it out!'' Augustus spat.
''You bet I want to settle this Mini-Emperor.'' Albus said confidently.