The Gladiator - Journey to freedom

He was, from a young age, captured into slavery. His village pillaged and burnt to the ground by the barbarians from the cold northern lands. Thrown into cages and the gladiator's ring for the amusement of his barbaric captors, his life was a constant struggle. Years past. And he grew from a scared and weak boy to a strong and determined survivor. Not wanting to remain a slave, he made allies within the ranks of the fellow captives. It wasn't long before they revolted and escaped from the arena. After 3 long days of trekking, they set up camp at an abandoned fort, thinking that they had shaken off their pursuers. But the barbarians caught up with them and in the ensuing struggle, he was separated from his group and escaped alone. He trekked for days across the northern lands, braving the icy winter and the fierce creatures that inhabit the land. Surviving an encounter with a giant reptilian, thanks to the skills that he had honed in the daily life and death struggles of the gladiator arena. On the 21st day of his escape, he crested a small rise and behold, a large vessel loomed into view. He approached it warily, but was soon put at ease by the sailors who welcomed him warmly. He now works as a mercenary guard for the vessel. Heading out aboard the vessel into the vast open ocean, the breeze of freedom blew gently upon his skin...