The year was approximately 400 BC and the place was Sparta in ancient Greece.
Sparta was a great city to life in, it was cultured, sophisticated, beautiful and structured. Structured mostly because Spartan life revolved around the military, focused on training and excellence in the army.
I was eighteen and in my final year of the 'Agoge'. Like all Spartian boys, I had started training at the age of seven. Being a small and clumsy kid at first. I was now the talles, fastest and most lethal soldier of all.
I was the era of King Leonidas the first, son of king Anaxandridas. He was said to be a descendent of Heracles. King Leonidas was a very proud man because of this, he would not tolerate weakness or shame. He lived for his honor and the honor of Sparta.
One evening he told his troops that we would be marching against Persia, they had insulted him and the strength of Sparta. So we would march against and defeat yet another enemy. I couldn't wait, finally I was of sufficient age to join the battle.
On the eve of battle, I was summoned to the house of King Leonidas. Where I was met by him, his wife Gorgo and their daughter. The daughter was princess Sulpicia, a tall woman, beautiful. With long golden hair and bright blue eyes that showed ancient wisdom in them.
She walked to me as soon as I entered and bowed, she then presented me with a shield, with the family crest on it. She looked me straight in the eye when she said; 'Ei tài, èi èpi tàs.'
I was shocked, the king's daughter just presented me with her shield, with her honor. I blushed and bowed low not knowing how to answer her appropriately.
The king stopped me before I had a chance to respond, to accept the honor presented. He told me that I was the most accomplished young man of my generation and he wanted me here. To protect his daughter, be her body guard, her shadow. To protect her from all harm even if it mend sacrificing my own life.
I didn't have to think twice and accepted the shield. From that day on I would guard, protect and serve the vision of beauty that stood before me.
The men and with them the king left for battle the next day and we knew it would be weeks before we heard from them. I lived at the kinds house, took care of M'lady Sulpicia, even becoming her friend and confidant.
When one night, the castle was penetrated. The rest of the guards in uproar, servants and guards getting slaughtered. The death toll rising fast. People were screaming every where, screaming that it was the work of just one man. A demon, the devil himself was upon us.
Quickly I was in M'lady Sulpicia's chambers, waking her up and watching over her. It took a long time and all the screaming had stopped, when the doors of the bed chamber flew open and he stood there. The devil.
His hair as black as the night and eyes were as red as rubies. His hands and mouth covered in blood.
'She's mine,' he growled as I took my sword and charged him.
He knocked me aside like I was that seven year old weak boy once more. Before my mind faded into the dark night I saw him taking M'lady and hearing her screams as he ran.
I woke up to a house in ruins and surrounded by dead servants and guards. Only the house of the king was in distress, the rest of the city was untouched. Unvisited by the demon.
For three days I walked around, burying the dead, aiding Queen Gorgo, who incredibly, had survived. On the third day after the attack word came from the king. King Leonidas had died in battle. The loss of the husband and daughter in such a short period of time was to much for the Queen. She died of a broken heart.
That night, after the Queen's funeral I sat outside, contemplating all that had happened. When a woman came walking toward me, it wasn't until she stood in front of me and greeted me that I recognized M'lady Sulpicia. My knees almost gave out in shock at the sight of her.
'M'lady….you live. But – but the devil'
I couldn't comprehend what had happened especially when she lowered the hood of her travelling cloak. Reveling that her once sapphire eyes were now crimson red. She put a hand on my cheek and I shivered at her cold touch.
'You served me well, my brave Felix. Would you remain to do so? Would you continue to see to my safety?'
I nodded at her request, she bend forward, toward me as to kiss my cheek.
This is how I came to be.