I own nothing. Special thank you to Aragorns Arwen for agreeing to beta :)
This is the story of Neith, the Steel Lotus of Egypt, the first and only Gladiatrix of the house of Batiatus.
Born in Alexandra and named Sharifa, origins of the young woman who would become a fierce warrior was not what one would have expected. The daughter of a philosopher and inventor, she was raised in a modest home filled with love. The youngest of three children, Sharifa had an older brother and sister, all encouraged by loving parents to cultivate knowledge through the study of multiple languages, the written word, calligraphy, mathematics, science and philosophy.
Her life changed soon after her 12th birthday however, when her father was offered patronage by a wealthy Roman, Marcus Crassus. Her family made decision to accept the welcome offer and left their home, their friends, the life they treasured to move to the heart of Rome. Despite the comfort a small villa provided, the move was not an easy one for Sharifa and her sister, who both now stood unable to continue pursuit of knowledge. While their brother was yet able to attend lessons, the girls were given a tutor who taught music, sewing and dance, but mostly subjects pertaining to the running of a household. It stood as bitter pill to swallow, showing what life for women were like within the vast republic.
Within time, they discerned rhythm of new life and settled. While they were sheltered from matters of business, Sharifa often heard the name of Senator Metellus within the walls of their home, an instant dislike between her father and the man. It was not unusual thing to hear him called a rabid jackal from fevered tongue of her father. Once seed of hatred had taken root, her father did all he could in attempt to bring disrepute to the name of Metellus. In unwise choice, he foolishly made public claims that Metellus had gained favour with the senate through murder, bribery and blackmail.
The truth of his words were never able to see light of day. One night, when moon yet rose to its zenith, her father was silenced forever. The killers burst through the door of their home, slaughtering all within sight. Her father, not a man skilled with the blade, had made attempt to protect his family. Attempt stood futile when he was swiftly sent to the afterlife, throat brutally slit. Her mother and brother followed swiftly, stabbed in the back while she wailed in horrified despair.
Sharifa and her sister were the only ones to survive massacre, hidden in the larder but later discovered by Metellus himself. He later claimed their huddled fear, their arms wrapped around one another had softened heart and moved mind to accept they posed no danger. Instead of death, he would have them sold to slavery - a thing Sharifa realised years later, was no kindness at all.
The very next morning, with sun blazing and humidity rising, the sisters were presented at the market, shoved in line with other young slaves. A young man, yet in his early 20's selected her sister as gift for his betrothed. With reality of separation upon them, the girls clung to one another, breaking words and begging that they not be separated. But she was taken, Sharifa shoved back, landing in the dirt. Misery flooded being and there she lay sprawled, crying until a firm but gentle hand helped her to her feet.
Salvation came in the form of an man already long into his life. Aulus Nautius Plancus was a wealthy land owner from Ostia who had come to Rome for business. With white hair and kindness in his green eyes, he had made decision to buy Sharifa when witnessing pain of separation between the sisters. Though not necessary thing, he made promise of a good home so long as she faithfully and obediently served his house.
A mere house slave, she was assigned to duties within the kitchen. Sharifa worked hard, grateful to be given opportunity where she may yet draw breath, one day perhaps to be reunited with beloved sister. By day she would work, but at night she would read books, any she might be able to steal absent notice. But Aulus was no fool and caught her reading a book on natural sciences. Instead of punishment, he realised she had previous education and noticed her inquiring mind. He offered her position as personal companion, her only duty to provide stimulating conversation by offering inspired debate upon many things. She would read to him, sometimes sing songs and pen letters to friends.
For two years she lived in relative comfort and looked to Aulus as a second father. Aulus had children of his own - a son Mamercus who stood spitting image of his father in all ways and a daughter Matilda, who had married a wealthy merchant and lived in Rome. Sharifa had understood early on that the man Matilda married was not one her Dominas approved of.
Despite generous heart and joyous spirit, Aulus was not a healthy man and died suddenly after complaining of pains in his arm and light handedness. Upon his death, Mamercus inherited his father's business and promoted Sharifa to head of the household slaves. For a further two years, she lived content, even happy, able to roam with relative freedom. Mamercus stood as kind as his father and soon she found herself in love with her Dominas and he with her.
But happiness fled upon swift wings. Mamercus entered ill fated business venture with his brother in law, While initially profits trippled, it was not sustainable. Before first year had passed, Mamercus stood barely able to stave bankruptcy. Suspecting his brother-in-law of theft he invited him to break words, planning to confront him. That evening, Mamercus returned to the villa a corpse, his business partner claiming he was thrown from horse.
After his death, his brother in law inherited land and property and enjoyed lavish spending. But his opulence was short-lived when the gods no longer bestowed favour. Once fertile land began to die and become barren. Crops that had once sprouted shrivelled and became inedible. The house that had once been filled with joy and laughter was now filled with terror and sadness as new master turned anger upon slaves and eventually beloved wife.
In order to save self from increasing debt, he sold what little land was left, including faithful slaves. Sharifa stood among them.
It is here where the story of Sharifa, philosopher's daughter and prized house slave ends, and story of Neith, the Gladiatix champion of Capua begins.
Gratitude if you would read and review
