Caius was five when his father changed. It was such a sudden change that it was ingrained in his memory. Gaius wasn't exactly a present father, especially with his illness.
However, when he returned from Wresthal with Caius's grandfather, he was a completely different man. He was present now, but Caius wished he never was.
He was no longer allowed to play, and should he stray, he was punished with more lessons. A few weeks after he turned twelve, his father was especially wrathful with him.
It had been seven years, and still Caius could barely swing a sword properly. Taking him out to the field, his sick father had battled him and slashed his chin. His chin hadn't fully healed before he was sent off to the mercenaries. It was a hell he didn't like to think about.
