being a slave was not something I was used to. I was captured from my families fishing boat for being too close to Roman waters. We were taken to some colosseum and split up. I don’t know what happened to my mother and father, but I was given to Domitian, emperor to be, as a slave.

I have done nothing right. Not as a sign of defiance, I just do not know how to do the things he asks. I can’t cook or clean or see clothes or bathe him. I’ve only been here about a week or two and I’ve already been punished, beaten, starved and locked up. Today, I was dragged from a cell and practically trust to another slave who would teach me before I become useless.

“I am Hermes.” he says softly, looking very different to me. His robes were pristine and white, while mine were tattered and dirty. “don’t worry, I will teach you. First, robes. Strip.”

I blink, clutching the rags in some pathetic attempt to shield myself. He senses my panic and touches my arm.

“So you can change. You will be punished for those robes alone.” i starts to guide me to a private room. “come.”