The Stone of Discipline

Silvus’s voice pried me from the pillows before the cock had sounded off even once. “Up and wash youngster. It is time to make a man of you.” Just as I found my feet, he and Emander grabbed me under the arms and hustled me down the corridor to a tub of water. In one move they removed my tunic and threw me in. I came up coughing and shaking like a an old goat who rammed a rock. “You don’t look awake!” They shoved me back in. This time I kept my head above the surface. Emander moved to push my face under. I grabbed his arm and pulled. “Nice that you could join me, Master Emander!”

Like a whip crack, Silvus spoke, “You both move too slow. Now dry off and report to the field!” I looked and Emander and grinned. His stern look shut any playful feelings I had.

Silvus was waiting for us on a closely cropped field surrounded by a low white washed stonewall. At each corner of the field was planted a spreading mustard tree and under each tree sat a barrel of water or oil and a table of some sort. “I need your eyes, HERE!”

“Yes, Master.”

“You are large for your age and you have a ready mind. Inside the flame of anger smolders under shame and doubt. If you are going to survive as a gladiator, I will end up tearing you apart and rebuilding you. If you can focus and follow my teachings to the letter, you will become a man who leaves people in awe. If you do not have the will to do this, you will live in ditches until you die. Now, look me in the eye, Benjamin. Will you do this?” His gaze held me with pride, arrogance, challenge and promise. His words had stirred my insides.

“Yes.”

“Meet your first friend.” Silvus pointed to a stone, rough-hewn, as high as my chest. It was covered with red patches, which I soon learned were blood. “This is the stone of discipline. You are going to break your will and anger on it. Benjamin, you must break this stone with your bare hands. As you can see, no one has managed it, but has instead been broken by it. No matter, I command you to break this stone. Report to me when it is done.” He turned and walked off. I had committed myself to a crazy man.