dressed in a sable loincloth, all the boys wore identical gray loincloths, for unity.

Their instructor, Alexander, was a muscular man with wavy ocher hair, dark brows, and clear brown eyes. He was naturally broad shouldered with massive arms. His left eyelid and brow flickered occasionally when he spoke. He moved around on the floor of the pit, ensuring he had the attention of all the youths.

"I have said this hundreds of times, and I will say it hundreds more until it is embedded in each one of your heads. Attack, attack, attack! Never think defense. Even when retreating, you must think of attack. Think only of offense and everything else will surely follow. If you are put into a hold, if you are in a position that seems inescapable, if you are surprised in an attack, whatever, attack back and allow your instincts to guide you to victory. Understand?"

"Yes, sir!"

Constantine and his good friend Anicius were next to each other. They were the smallest and youngest of the group. Ironically, Constantine was the most talented, even including the boys of eleven and twelve. Anicius, however, was the least talented.

Alexander nodded at Constantine. It was the boy’s privilage to be designated to lead. "You may lead the stretching exercises today."

"One," he commanded, trying not to show how proud he was.

The boys bent straight down and touched their toes without bending their knees. They continued, listening as their instructor walked by them, pushing a boy a little further with each stretch.

"Drills, time and again. We practice in this manner to make movements instinctual. Soak up the knowledge, the skills, like a sponge does water."

"Two."

The group changed position into another stretch. The instructor proceeded. "Relax and take in everything. Relax, and allow your body to move by itself in competition."

"Three."

"We do not drill today. No, we do round gladiator instead."

"Switch."

The boys smiled from the news, changing position while Alexander continued. "Constantine will start it, Eusebius will follow, and then all the others in order. Understand?"

"Yes sir!"