Two years ago, the Year of Nero, the City-State of Syracuse, under the reign of Lord Amiran.
* * *
In the training field, Arete was having a duel with Chlorus. He attacked her with multiple thrusts of a spear. But Arete was quick. She easily dodged all attacks, barging close to him and kicked his jaw, a critical point.
He had to use force, pulling her closer and lock her down. He recognised that his strength surpassed hers, but he hesitated to inflict any harm on her.
She rolled out from him to escape his grip and hit his shin using the wooden shield and with all her might; she hit his knee and pointed her staff at his solar plexus…
“Enough with the training. Let’s continue tomorrow,” said the trainer.
“Gee, she’s fierce today, especially on Chlorus. Every strike is aiming at the cri
