octōgintā novem

"What is that out side there?"

The Duke called firstly but there was no response. Then he clapped some of the Gladiators in. One of them seemed to have his heart in his mouth but really didn't know how to hide it.

As a Gladiator, he was not supported to show his fear. He was supposed to hide it. Hide it the best way he could. At least from the Duke.

But at the moment, he simply couldn't do that. And the Duke wasn't going to ask him any question any more. He had asked the question before the fellow stepped in. All he was expecting was an answer.

"The fellow changed into a sword again and then into a man. Then he ran away."

The Duke stood up and walked towards him. The Gladiator didn't know whether or not to run. How could he possibly think of running away from the presence of the Duke. Dimwitted.