Young Claudius

Young Claudius

By James Rankin

Year 342, First Era

Deep below in the basement of the Sky Fortress, the kitchen was alive with the flames of the ovens cracking and popping. Beef and Lamb simmered within the giant pots hanging over the flames, the succulent meat smelled of prunes and oregano as the chefs sampled their efforts, licking their lips in pleasure.

The kitchen hands slaved away behind them at the benches, slicing and dicing as they prepared the vegetables. In the centre of the kitchen was the real prize of the feast to come, a Boar, captured by the hunter of the household, the largest of the year so far. The Head Chef, a short and fat man had dismissed his apprentice for this job, not wanting any disturbances because he had been working on this pig since midday. Slowly cooking it over the flame, every chef and kitchen hand kept their eyes on the master at work, dreaming of a chance to get a slice of the meat, anticipating its tenderness, salivating over the smell of orange and rosemary.

In among the kitchen hands, the steward Claudius toiled. An alien amongst the kitchen workers dressed in the slightly finer garb of the stewards: a fine red tunic with brown pants. Unlike the kitchen hands that were dressed in shabby white shirts covered in sauce and food.

Claudius kept his green eyes on his duty, avoiding the temptation of looking at the prize pig, instead slicing through the potatoes that were being roasted. He knew as a young steward he would have no chance of getting a slice, only those within the household or the masters would get a chance to feast upon the prize. Either way, Claudius would most likely be sent away when the feast started.

Two years had passed since Claudius was brought to the Sky Fortress to serve under Chiron Lambros and his Household, the current ruler over Deltorum. In those past two years, he had been passed between different members of the household like mouldy cheese, each master bearing one similarity only: a large distance from the mainline of the family. Finally, he had been promoted in the last two months and placed under the charge of Master Clemens, Chiron’s advisor in all things business. Unique torture in itself, Claudius hoped that he would soon be promoted again and placed under the charge of someone higher up in the household.

He had little regard for the advisor Clemens, a short and overfilled porker, his balding, egg-shaped head and greasy skin a mark that all knew him by. He was charged with the finances of the Lambros estate, a job he left to his apprentice, instead spending his time with the merchants of Deltorum, making favourable deals that he left off the books of the estate. His greasy hands were in everything important in the city’s dealings, the rest of his time was spent finding new culinary delights. Claudius hated being associated with him.

Claudius’ current job in the kitchen, chopping up vegetables alongside the other kitchen hands was a consequence of a simple comment to his charge. He told Clemens that he should focus on his report to Lord Lambros, not on his culinary adventures. He didn’t take kindly to the implication, shouting at Claudius to go to the kitchen and make use of himself there. Smacking the boy over his head as he left the room, Claudius was glad to be away from him.

Claudius’ attention was broken as a soft hand tapped him on the shoulder, turning him to face a castle maid dressed in a simple homespun dress. “Claudius” she stated asking the name of the only boy in the kitchen not dressed in kitchen garb.

“Yes ma’am” Claudius spoke softly and with courtesy as he had been trained.

“Sword-master Silvanus has requested you in the lord’s courtyard” she stated quickly shooting Claudius a look of disgust at his appearance.

“Thank you” Claudius replied turning to place his knife down before walking past the maid and into the hallway trying to avoid the look of disgust that the maid was shooting him.

The look was something Claudius had grown accustomed to since he had arrived at the Fortress. It turned into a major source of gossip, Claudius: the ugliest boy alive. All those within the household turned from him on sight, he was from the slums and considered a beast to be avoided. His strong green eyes would have made him noticeable if not for his nose, disfigured after a fistfight and healed badly, it bent sharply to the side as well as grown in size from the wound. His patchy skin suffered from several old bruises from a history of fistfights and beatings that he endured.

Making his way into the upper floors on the eastern side of the Lord’s tower, the pale white stone became brighter as he entered the Lord’s apartment into the restricted quarters of the Lambros household themselves. He could feel the eyes of those he passed by them squarely targeted at him no doubt they thought he was a freak of uniqueness. On the very outskirts of the sector of the tower was the entrance onto a large courtyard, the stone floor gave way to rocky sand, and at its centre a large circle formed as a training ground for the lord’s household. Claudius looked above at the balcony entering into the lord’s suite where Lord Chiron and his wife would sleep.

Master Silvanus stood waiting at the centre of the circle, training sword in hand with its point to the ground. His posture was steadfast and strong like a statue, he was an aged man with a long history of battles behind him. Dressed simply in a brown tunic and short breeches a small sun crest, the symbol of the Lambros family was stitched into the tunic just below his shoulder. His face was withered and his grey hair cut short, the typical hairstyle of the guards of the Fortress.

“Boy!” He shouted his voice raspy but powerful, betraying his apparent age. Claudius jumped.

“Before me!” Silvanus pointed in front of him “Now!” He shouted again. Claudius didn’t hesitate, scampering like a scared puppy to where Silvanus pointed.

“Lord Chiron Lambros has asked that I train you to be his son’s training partner, Caldwell”

“I would be honoured my…” Claudius began

“Silent!” Silvanus barked “Do not speak unless I command you.” Claudius nodded and kept his gaze on the floor not wanting to anger the master any further.

Silvanus walked away, grabbed another training sword and presented it to Claudius.

“Copy what I do” Silvanus commanded “Nothing else”

Claudius nodded timidly and took the handle of the sword, its weight Claudius had not expected. Looking on as Silvanus took a stance, Claudius quickly did the same, not wanting to anger Silvanus again.

Moving around the courtyard Claudius copied every movement and swing of the sword. Silvanus glided around the courtyard with ease, a true misdirection of his withered face, his movement was disciplined and experienced from his accomplished career. Mimicking every motion as best as he could Claudius was becoming used to the weight of the blunted blade, Silvanus pulled away and Claudius continued to follow his instruction.

“Block, Swing, Parry. Block, Swing, Parry.” He shouted each command over and over, accenting each word. Claudius felt more stone than flesh as his movements were stiff and rigid.

Claudius drilled for well over an hour, sweating profusely he now understood why the soldiers of the keep dreaded working with Silvanus, his temper was only a match for his discipline. As Claudius kept going his muscles and joints began to tire, and Silvanus would not accept this. Walking to Claudius and striking his legs or sword arm as punishment for a tired or weak swing. This punishment was matched with an equal set of cunning and hurtful insults.

“How is he?” Claudius turned as he heard the voice from behind. The young firstborn son of Lord Chiron, Caldwell had entered the courtyard, dressed in his usual attire. A white tunic with a golden sun crest on its front and fine black breeches, his golden hair moved as he walked to Silvanus.

“Keep the stance!” Silvanus shouted again at Claudius, he did as commanded.

“I warned your father” Silvanus talked casually, not caring to mask his insult. “He’s a boy from the slums, we’d have better luck teaching the house maid’s to hold a sword properly.”

“You always were a bit harsh” Caldwell commented “Can I test him.”

“Go ahead” Silvanus stated “I could do with a show.”

Caldwell laughed taking the practice sword from Silvanus.

Standing before Caldwell, Claudius could indeed see why the girls of the castle were in love with him. His eyes, a strong sea-blue and soft skin gave him a very youthful look, he was a star attraction and considered heavenly by most of the girls of the keep. His mother had groomed him to be a man of quality in the hopes of attracting the best ladies.

“Stance Boy!” Silvanus shouted with annoyed urgency.

Claudius turned to see Caldwell charging. Claudius locked into his stance and blocked the strike approaching his head just in time, his arm was still weak barely able to give enough strength to hold the sword in place.

Claudius felt proud for only a second that he could react with such quick timing, His legs were strong and centred on the ground.

Taking advantage without delay of his opponent’s stance Caldwell took the opportunity to begin his assault, beating his sword into Claudius’ side and cracking against his ribs. Claudius flinched back as the thick training blade hit and grabbed his side trying to nurse the sharp pain.

“Don’t stop!” Silvanus shouted from the sidelines.

Caldwell didn’t falter rushing towards Claudius, the young steward blocked his swing. Caldwell reacted in time his swing strong enough that it pushed the young steward’s blade away, as Caldwell struck again with the pommel of his blade. Claudius only felt the sting as the wooden pommel met his cheek. Claudius fell back.

“Don’t falter!” Silvanus’ voice was powerful “Attack boy!”

Claudius held his cheek, anger setting in his blood began to boil, and he charged.

Claudius aimed his blade for Caldwell’s head but, his opponent retaliated in time. Moving out of the way Caldwell tripped him up and sent the young steward to the rocky floor.

Claudius returned to his feet. His face was bruised and his side aching, he was breathing loudly his body aching all over from exhaustion. He brushed the sand from his face and body before returning to his stance. He had saved this young Lord two years ago and now he wondered why he was being treated like a personal plaything. These feelings manifested in rage, he ignored Silvanus’ shouting and kept his focus on the blond-haired boy. Claudius dived at Caldwell again using what strength he had left, his blade heading for the heart.

Caldwell acted fast with the speed of a hawk, catching the blade in mid-air with his own. He pushed it back sending Claudius’ sword arm backwards. His balance thrown Claudius watched in shock as Caldwell followed with another move, pulling his sword back he struck with the pommel, Claudius shouted in pain as he felt his chest cave in. He caught himself with his back leg his balance off-centre.

Caldwell only had to push his opponent and Claudius landed on his rear end, his body tender all over and sweating heavily. He was about to stand before Caldwell placed the blade against his throat.

“Yield” he stated with confidence.

Claudius grimaced in agony, pain and anger plain to see across his face. He was desperate to attack the young brat, wanting desperately to slap him across the face.

Claudius turned as he heard clapping, the Lord himself, Chiron Lambros stood on the balcony overlooking the courtyard.

“Good form son” he stated his voice proud and dignified. “Master Silvanus has trained you well.”

“Thank you Father” Caldwell turned and smiled, gracefully bowing to his father.

“Join me upstairs” Chiron stated to his son “You as well Silvanus.”

As the two left the courtyard, Claudius was left behind his body bruised and aching, blood seeping from his wounded legs. His chest was in agony, he only had to guess that the pommel attack had broken a rib.

Rage fuelled him as his mind seeped in thought.

“I saved that spoilt lord,” Claudius thought to himself “and this is what I get in return.”

Year 340, First Era

The region that Claudius once called home was the gorge beneath Priminus Bridge, the large stone bridge spanned between the mainland that the city of Deltorum was built upon and the peaks of the Elinus. The giant mountain held within it a vast network of spring water which was praised by the people as a masterwork of the Gods.

The slums underneath the bridge that Claudius called home were constantly flooding either from the constant rainfall or the nearby ocean. The houses within were made of simple thatch and mud bricks, the only building made of stone was the small chapel. The people living within this damp valley were the most underprivileged, orphans and criminals, spending their days wandering the muddy streets looking for their next target.

Claudius like most mornings was making his way to the docks, walking through the muck beside the half-destroyed houses, the air filled with a stink that came from the shit that was dumped from the city above. The air cleared as Claudius exited the gorge, coming into the full daylight and the smell of the seawater nearby. He strode amongst a group of orphans and poorer children like himself, making their way to the docks to help the traders as they moved their morning catch and produce to the market square of Deltorum.

The port was bustling with activity, the traders unloading from their ships and loading their wagons, while the bodyguards stood by keeping an eye out for any potential thieves. The traders had just arrived carrying their early morning catch. The children of the slums ran into the thicket of traders, trying their best to look for a potential trader that could need an extra hand. They headed straight for the smaller boats towards the back, knowing that the larger ships that were owned by richer merchants would bat any children away before accepting a second hand.

Claudius tripped and landed on his back he stared up into the sky. His attention was now drawn to the higher peaks of the Elinus and to its highest landing where Deltorum’s castle, The Sky Fortress sat. The Lord’s fortress was made of white stone, and its tall peaks made for an impressive sight, clinging around the peaks of the mountain itself, an imposing sight of clever architecture. The best builders of the land helped the Lambros family construct it, every child of the slums only heard tales of what it was like inside ranging from the mundane to the fantastical. Not one ever entertained the idea of actually getting the chance to view it from the inside.

Claudius returned to his feet watching as a group of young boys ran off in amongst the crowd, the game was afoot. Claudius moved quickly, bolting like a rabbit into the crowd, his eyes darted quickly to overview every fisherman he could see. Only a few traders would recruit the slum boys so it was a true competition of speed and charisma to find quick employment. Claudius ran into the crowd dancing around the bodies of the traders and bodyguards before finally coming to a trader he knew.

An older man of short stature stood waiting by his catch, Claudius never asked him of his origin but he had guessed from his kind and charitable nature that he may have been a slum boy himself. The trader often made remarks about how he once for a day helped build the Sky Fortress, Claudius clambered in amongst two other boys. The old trader smiled before lifting a crate into each set of arms presented. Like many of the slum boys, Claudius did this only in the hope of a better breakfast

“Hurry to the market square boys” he commanded with a kind smile.

Claudius like the rest ran for the market square, the trading life was tough and the quicker you were to set up shop the better customers you got and the better prices you could barter for. Running up to the bodyguards they were halted, the men employed by the city to guard the docks were an unnecessary precaution. Most of the slum boys understood that robbing the traders would only be a horrible idea for even if they were never beaten by the guards, they would be recognised by the traders and would never get another chance for a decent feed.

The bodyguard, a tall and lean figure looked at the old trader as he slowly approached carrying the last of his goods.

“They’re with me” the old trader stated to the guard blocking the path into the city of Deltorum. The guard promptly stood aside.

Claudius and the other boys ran into the city through the wooden gate, running along the mud path before turning the corner into the market square as the path turned to stone brick, muddy from the boots of travellers. At its centre, the traders had set up tables, shouting to the passing crowds as they shopped for their families. The people of Deltorum proper were a varied bunch many of them pulled back as Claudius and the other slum boys ran past, pulling away from the impure sewer rats as they were sometimes called. In amongst the crowd were the civilians but, also the servants, employed by the nobles of the larger houses on the other side of the Priminus bridge.

The three boys came to the table where the old man’s son stood working, he was already bartering with a customer as Claudius and the boys approached. They were shouted at by the son as they started to open their crates, they stood back and waited instead. They knew their hands were considered tainted and to have them seen handling the produce would scare away the customers. The old man arrived and placed his crate down, he pulled it open and reached inside.

“Thank you boys” he stated lifting three large fillets from the crate.

He placed one in each hand and then pulled from his pocket three separate copper coins so that a local market cook would fry their fish for them.

Claudius and the boys were lucky, the old trader was generous. Most traders just gave the slum boys the cheap catches or small fillets that were beginning to dry out and not even a copper coin. The trader’s son had risen words of complaint about his father’s generosity before, that he shouldn’t have sewer rats helping him. But, he was always shut down.

“Have a good day boys” the Old trader shooed them away, leaving them to find a flame of their own to cook.

Claudius left the market square, his cooked fish in tow as he headed for the main road, known only as The Deltorum Gardens. It was past lunch but still a few hours before the main street would become busy with the workers of Deltorum, looking for dinner at the many taverns that lined the streets. Claudius instead took this time to wander the streets of the city, looking for further work. Hoping to catch a shopkeeper in need of a second worker, a small pay to get himself a simple dinner. All the orphans of the slums wandered the back streets and alleys looking for the same thing.

He had hoped to find a townsperson charitable enough to gift a copper to a starving child or a shopkeeper looking for a simple job that needed to be done. Many of the orphans that Claudius knew by name or face were lining the streets, cups in hand as they wandered, begging the citizens as they passed. They kept their focus on the women hoping to find a young impressionable mother, an easier target.

Claudius like the rest was unsuccessful. Wandering the side streets all evening he couldn’t find a single slice of charity. The single fillet of fish though delicious was small, and his stomach was already beginning to growl from hunger again. He considered the idea of turning back and returning to the slums, to receive one guaranteed meal, the sludge that was served by the workers of the Chapel.

Claudius instead decided to take his chances on the garden street. The sun slowly dipped over the city its light beginning to fade as Claudius entered the main street, the area like most of Deltorum except for the market square and upper ring was left unbuilt. The stone streets were only partially laid leaving gaps of mud and dirt, the only complete part was the stone canal, a large waterway made of white stone that matched the stonework of the Sky Fortress. The water flowed from the Elinus straight through into the well at the entrance of the city then split into the underground waterworks that funnelled back into the great mountain.

Claudius kept to the sides of the streets moving in between the townspeople, heading up the street towards Priminus Bridge. Tavern owners were already on the lookout for orphan children trying to sneak in for a feed, many of them standing at the entrance to their doors, mallets in hand. A particular Inn that Claudius knew to be less busy was further to the back, the owner would occasionally give leftovers to the children that came.

Luck was not with him though. As Claudius approached he watched as a child of the slums was thrown from the front door of the tavern, followed by the owner wielding a mallet overhead. Claudius couldn’t tell what he was shouting but as he came into view of the owner, The proprietor pointed his mallet at Claudius.

“Piss off kid!” He roared.

Claudius didn’t wait around, the children of the slums weren’t well-liked around this area. The town guards were the worst, beating any slum child they caught sending them back with severe bruises or dumping them in the canal.

Claudius ran a good distance away traversing over to the other side of the waterway, he took the opportunity to hide behind a group of pot plants as a patrol of guards marched by. Weapons were drawn looking for any potential victims, waiting for an opening Claudius continued down the street, using the potted plants and flowers that were placed near the street as cover. Darkness clouded the city, as Claudius continued to find only despair. All of the usual taverns that had occasionally either given leftovers or a meal for work sent Claudius on his way.

He dreaded the idea that for a fourth night he would have to go hungry, he had tried every night this week so far to get a meal at the gardens rather than stomach the slum gruel. His stomach groaned, he was in desperate need of a feed. He rested his back on the walls of the canal trying to set his mind to work to think of a solution, would he try to steal? Claudius pondered the option would he ruin his reputation just for a good feed?

“Help!”

Claudius’ focus was broken as the call was heard loudly.

“Help!” The voice came again and Claudius turned his attention to finding its origin.

The scream came from below, A young voice gurgled and spluttered as it kept calling. Claudius hung his head over expecting to see another slum boy drowning in the water. Instead, it was a noble son, his golden blond hair dipping in and out of the water, holding on to a brick sticking out of the stonework.

Claudius was the first to reach the edge of the canal leaning over and stretching out his hand, closely followed by other townsfolk running to the canal including a group of soldiers. Claudius reached as far as he could holding onto the edge of the brickwork fencing. The water was continuing to rise, the boy was barely able to hold on.

Suddenly the brick gave way and the young noble began to shoot down the waterway. Claudius moved forward reaching out a step further to reach for the boy but, his feet left the ground and his balance was thrown. He fell forward and landed headfirst into the water.

His body tensed as the cold sent shivers up his spine, Claudius rose from the water coughing up lungfuls of water as he tensed from the sudden ice-cold water. He looked forward and saw the golden-haired noble trying his best to fight the current, a bad idea. The boy would no doubt tire before the stream died away and drown from exhaustion.

Claudius swam forward allowing the stream to carry him, grabbing the well-born kid around the waist as he rushed past.

“Hold on” Claudius spluttered in between mouthfuls of water,

Pushing against the wall Claudius felt for a brick sticking out, even though the surging water was strong the slum boys knew the brickwork of the canal was shoddy, a lot of it was broken away leaving bricks and gaps to hold onto.

Claudius stopped them as he felt a brick sticking out and seized it. Still holding the noble boy their speed broke against the stone walls holding them both in place, Claudius pushed the boy in between himself and the wall. They had some luck as the bricks in the wall had given way leaving gaps to hold onto.

The water rushed around them, Claudius’ body was weakening from the strength of the water battering against his side. While the boy in his arms was shivering with intensity, trying his hardest to simply keep his head above water.

Claudius looked up as a crowd had gathered above them, looking down into the canal. It was deeper than before far out of reach of any passerby to reach in and pull a child out in what would normally be calm waters.

“Help” Claudius tried to shout but the cold was beginning to set in. His lips had turned blue and numb, and his body was trembling uncontrollably.

“Help” he tried again but his voice could barely produce a whisper.

Suddenly a rope dropped down landing in the water beside them.

“Grab it” he heard a voice shout down.

“Grab it” Claudius repeated to the boy in front of him. The young noble had little strength left, with all he had he reached and clung to the rope. Claudius acted swiftly slipping his arms underneath the boy’s armpits in front taking the boy’s weight. A task made difficult as Claudius was sapped of strength his arms trembled as he held tight.

The rope began to tug as it lifted them from the water, Claudius clung to it with all he had. They sagged on the line their full-body weight hanging low.

“Pull the line.”

The move was slow as each tug slowly brought them up, the boy being held in his arms had little strength in him. Just strong enough to hold onto the rope like a pair of dead fish on the line. Claudius kept a tight grip on the rope with every ounce of strength that his bones could give him straining against it, suddenly he felt a gloved hand grab his own followed by another grabbing his waist. He was pulled from the other boy and placed on the ground. Out of the water Claudius was in pain, the cold water sitting on his body still making him shiver. A blanket made of animal pelts was thrown onto him as another person rubbed him hard trying to get him to warm up.

It took some time to counter the effect of the cold water on his body, looking up Claudius took note of the people that had crowded around the blond-haired boy. A group of soldiers stood over him alongside a woman dressed in finery as well as a Magus, the representatives of the church dressed in red robes. His balding head was surrounded by a ring of hair, resembling a large egg in a nest. The Magus was kneeling over the boy green light emanated from his hands as he waved them over the boy, Claudius was stunned he had heard that some Magus were blessed with magical abilities but like others he doubted it.

One of the soldiers approached him, a short man with a large belly. Dropping down to Claudius’ height, he pulled his helm off revealing a scarred and pockmarked face.

“Thank you for your service to the Lambros family” he stated holding out his hand he held ten copper coins within it.

“Lambros?” Claudius asked his voice shaking from the cold.

“Yes, the young man you just saved is Caldwell Lambros, heir to the estate.”

Claudius watched as the young lord was brought to his feet and taken by the women and the Magus as they headed up the main street towards Priminus Bridge.

“Good luck kid” the soldier again stated before rising to join the rest of his battalion.

Claudius rose from the ground holding his reward tightly, it took him several moments before he headed away back towards his favourite tavern. Placing a single copper coin on the bench a bowl of beef stew was placed before him alongside a piece of bread.

His stomach growled as the aroma of the savoury meat crept towards his nose. Grabbing the bowl with heartiness, he eat viciously like any slum boy who thought the bowl would be taken off him. Guarding the bowl, like prized treasure from fairy tales of old he took several more spoonfuls before slowing. He savoured each bite, welcoming the tender beef alongside the decadent and herby broth.

Year 342, First Era

During the months that followed after Caldwell’s beating, he thought of little else. His mind kept focused on his memory of when he first met and saved the young lord Lambros from the canal. Remembering how a month after, he was sent to Priminus bridge by the Magus of the slums chapel, meeting the same scarred soldier who had rewarded him and was brought to the fortress to work as a servant.

After his wounds healed, Claudius returned to the courtyard, surprising the sword-master Silvanus. From then on he was drilled daily, in sword stances and movements, to perfect his body and work on his endurance and technique. Every day was difficult as he became more used to the weight of the blade and the stances he was shown alongside the techniques he needed. Silvanus drilled him hard and for every achievement he gained, he was rewarded with harder instruction and more beatings by Silvanus.

He trained with only one goal in mind, to rematch the spoilt lord and defeat him. To treat him the same as Caldwell did to him, in between his sword lessons, he watched his charge Clemens closely. He dealt with each business deal with efficiency, keeping his focus on the merchants and traders, Claudius couldn’t exactly tell. But, he had noticed that Clemens seemed to make better deals with the traders often not on the agreed term that came from Lord Chiron. Claudius was sure Clemens was pocketing the difference.

Finally, after six months to the day since his beating Claudius got his chance. As he was drilling underneath Silvanus, the young lord entered the courtyard, striding to the stand holding the practice swords.

“May I?” He asked of Silvanus who simply nodded his head in agreement.

Claudius took his stance, strong and stable he waited for Caldwell to make the first move. The young lord stood arrogantly not even bothering to enter a stance and he charged in swinging like last time at Claudius’ head. His effort was casual, believing that the steward was still no match. Claudius swung in time knocking the blade away and across Caldwell’s offside.

Lambros lost balance and revealed his back and Claudius grabbed his arm in mid-air and placed his blade against the back of the young lord’s neck. Claudius wanted to taunt the spoilt brat, not to hurt him, not yet anyway. Caldwell turned to look Claudius in the eye, who smirked in response to his wild and angry expression.

Claudius let go and stood back and Caldwell turned back towards his opponent and grimaced before rushing him. Swinging wildly like a petulant child Claudius danced around him, dodging and parrying his swings, Claudius realised quickly that the young master who he thought was a brute fighter, might as well of be a child swinging a toy sword. Claudius spun the lord around, almost driving him head-on into the courtyard wall. Outraged the young lord turned to swing his blade blindly, Claudius moved behind his sword and placed his foot behind Caldwell and pushed him over. Landing hard upon the ground Caldwell looked up at the steward, his expression a mixture of embarrassment and rage.

Claudius stood back as Caldwell returned to his feet. Exhausted and annoyed he jumped again at Claudius, his technique was even more clumsy, letting his rage control him.

‘Was he really, this unskilled?’ Claudius thought to himself.

Claudius had grown tired of it, this brat was no swordsman. Claudius stepped back as Caldwell went for his head once more, moving to the side Claudius went behind Caldwell’s guard striking him upon the wrist with the blunt part of his blade.

The lord screamed out as he dropped his blade, Claudius stood back.

“Yield” Claudius stated calmly, “you’ve lost.”

Caldwell clenched his teeth and spat at the ground towards Claudius, grabbing his sword he dove, the tip of his sword outstretched. Claudius stepped aside at the last second and struck the lord on the inside of his leg, Caldwell tripped again landing hard on his knee and turned to face Claudius.

“Damn you!” He petulantly screamed as he stood and stormed forwards.

Claudius caught his blade in between with his own and spun it, the force of the spin broke Caldwell’s grip and sent the sword flying to the side, landing outside the ring. Caldwell wasn’t ready to admit defeat, he attacked once more, throwing a punch at Claudius. The young steward just missed it and Caldwell tried again.

Claudius seized his hand before it could reach his target, their eyes met staring with viciousness. Claudius countered and directed his pommel at the face, for a moment Claudius saw fear in the child’s eyes just as the stone pommel approached. A sickening crack was heard as Claudius landed the strike, breaking the young lord’s nose, blood spluttered from his nostril as he fell back cupping his face. Blood poured from between his hands.

Claudius stood still, a proud expression on his face he hoped that this would teach his apparent superior a hard lesson. Silvanus finally interrupted, grabbing Claudius by his sword arm and striking hard. Claudius did not expect the fist across his face and turned back, his face red he just noticed in time who had entered the courtyard.

Chiron Lambros in his usual white and gold robes stood at the entrance, his gaze was directed squarely at Claudius, fury in his eyes. Caldwell rose from the ground and ran past his father, cupping his face from embarrassment.

Claudius looked to Chiron unsure of what to do.

“Return to your quarters” Silvanus shouted as he snatched the training sword from him. “Now!”

***

Claudius rested upon his pallet. When he had returned to his quarters that he shared with Advisor Clemens a few moments ago, the man waddled past him with an expression of disgust as he looked at Claudius. He realised quickly that Lord Chiron had probably called a meeting with Clemens and Silvanus, most likely to put them on the fire for Caldwell’s beating and to banish Claudius. His only hope was that Clemens could defend him.

Wrath continued to consume him, tethered to his bed his despair at the notion of being banished was overwhelmed by his rage at the pompous family of Lambros. Somewhat disgusted at the notion that they took the name Lambros after the god Lambert, the God of justice and mercy, they were anything but.

Claudius shifted up as the door to his room came ajar, he had expected a group of guards or perhaps even Lord Chiron himself, whip in hand. Instead, his portly master stood at the threshold of his room, dressed in his finer clothes he looked the boy up and down. Claudius was expecting a lecture, instead, his master motioned for him to join him as a group of servants entered into the sitting room of their apartment placing platters of food on the dining table. They took seats opposite each other.

Clemens didn’t appear bothered enough to stop his usual gusto as he eat, but Claudius sat unsure, worried about the lecture that was coming.

“Eat up boy” Clemens was irritated “No use talking seriously on an empty stomach”

Claudius did as asked and began to eat slowly from his stew bowl, taking quiet bites.

Clemens was the first to finish leaning to the back of his chair as he swallowed the last of his stew.

“So…” he stretched the word and paused as he chewed and swallowed a piece from behind his teeth. “Count yourself lucky my boy” he slurped.

Claudius didn’t’ answer instead he looked to Clemens to clarify.

“Silvanus acted out of character and supported you on Caldwell’s un-gentlemen-like conduct in the ring” Clemens answered as he chewed upon a small bit of meat in between his teeth “Chiron has agreed to a light punishment even though he still had the right to banish you”

“Thank you for defending me” Claudius stated with a sense of relief

“Don’t thank me just yet” Clemens replied “He’s asked that you be whipped”

“What!” Claudius shouted

“Ten strikes” Clemens clarified.

“You must be joking” Claudius was flustered “Caldwell’ the one who should be flogged”

“Calm down my boy” Clemens raised his voice over Claudius “Chiron had every right to banish you, so consider yourself lucky.”

There was silence as Claudius fell back into his chair infuriated, he looked to Clemens to continue.

“For now you get to keep your position you will continue to serve me and Silvanus has requested that you continue training in swordsmanship, which Chiron surprisingly agreed to.”

Clemens reached forward serving himself another portion of stew from the pot in between them.

“Now before what I say next, I must remind you not to feel boastful, the lord’s family has privilege beyond any other. Trying to win in the open never works.”

Claudius looked up with bated breath, curious as to what Clemens was going to say.

“In truth, I wish I could congratulate you. That brat has been deserving of a good beating for quite some time now.” Clemens smiled at his quip, “he won’t be showing his face in public for a while, with the broken nose you gave him,” He added.

Claudius smiled slightly, pleased that he could entertain someone over this.

“So tell me” Clemens began as he took a spoonful of his stew “you’ve been serving this family now for a time. What do you think of them?”

Claudius looked up and was somewhat confused at the question but, he had been trained to respect his betters so he answered accordingly.

“Lord Chiron is a kind and just man, and represents his family…”

“Claudius” Clemens cut him off mid-speech “I don’t want the trained answer, I could go to any housemaid and get that. I want the truth” He turned his head to the side giving Claudius a knowing gaze.

Claudius was unsure if he was looking into an ally’s face, but he was willing to take the chance.

“Well, Chiron is a pompous fool.” He spoke plainly. “Prideful and arrogant and too stupid to see how fast his own family is failing and Caldwell is even worse. So in love with his reflection that he will no doubt fail to see the blade that is destined to come for him.”

Clemens smiled and then laughed out loud.

“Too true boy” he answered in between mouthfuls of stew “too True.”

“I’ve been serving that pompous arse for the last few years. Trying to advise him to use his money better. A mule would be better at it than him, all he cares about is that monstrosity of a chapel in Deltorum square.” Clemens took a quick breath before starting again “So thick-headed that he is completely oblivious…”

“To the fact that you’ve been dealing behind his back”, Claudius finished his sentence.

Clemens stopped eating and looked on in curiosity, “Go on.”

“I’ve noticed that you’ve been undercutting the deals that you barter with the merchants and traders of Deltorum. There’s a difference between the money you take from the Lambros household and the settled amount with the traders”

“So you’re not just a strong arm” Clemens looked on in interest at the young steward he suddenly realised he had misjudged.

“Any guesses to what I’m doing with the difference,” Clemens asked curious to hear the boy’s answer.

“Well I can’t be sure,” Claudius answered he looked at the table as he pondered aloud. “But I have noticed that your style of living hasn’t changed, neither has your coffers so you must be putting it towards a goal. My guess would be you’ve been funnelling it into the shipping trade.”

Clemens looked on expectantly as Claudius continued his analysis.

“I’ve noticed the Schloss family has started to invest in new designs for their ships, they don’t have a large amount of money to invest in the venture, so they must have another backer.”

“You have an eye for details Claudius” Clemens complimented, “and you’re right. Lord Schloss is an old friend of mine you see. And he agreed to a deal that when the next war starts we will split the money he gets for his new ships when he sells them back to Lord Chiron”

Clemens sat back in his chair.

“Listen closely Claudius” he started “I believe that you have the potential to make it far here as long as you play it smart, so I have a proposition if you will listen”

He took a breath before continuing.

“Tomorrow you will be flogged before the court. It will be humiliating but, afterwards, I will teach you what you need to learn. In return, You will use your position to further mine in every way you can. Your position will eventually increase one day, and you may get vengeance upon the Lambros family.”

Clemens took a breath as he looked into the eyes of his focused servant. He went on.

“But for now I want you to remember something about playing the game of allies to these lords.” He stated as he leaned in. “Any man can grovel and ass-lick can tell a lord what he wants to hear.” Clemens leaned in further.

“The smart man advises the lord towards the better goal, but the smartest, advises him towards the goal that will only benefit himself. If you can master that, you will succeed.”

Clemens rose and came to Claudius’ side. Standing tall, he held his hand out.

“Agreed?” Clemens asked.

Claudius rose and grabbed his master’s hand tight speaking with confidence.

“Agreed.”