One day fate decides to smile on Brennus. He’s hunting in the woods when he is almost seen by a group of Roman soldiers returning to their encampment. He hides until they pass, then decides to bathe in the nearby stream. Naked, he finds a mossy rock on which to lie while the sun dries and warms him. It isn’t long before his instincts tell him he isn’t alone. He discovers a soldier watching him and leaps to his feet, ready to fight. But fighting is the last thing Cyprian, the handsome Roman soldier, has on his mind. Over time the men become lovers, finding happiness in a world gone mad. They agree to meet regularly and for a time, they do. Until one day Brennus is captured by the Romans. Where is Cyprian? Didn’t he see his handsome soldier as he was being led into the encampment? Or will he ultimately be betrayed?

His Pagan Love

Inside, at night, Eirwen, Cadeyrn, and even Vorgell would entertain with stories of long ago, of the gods and of the spirits. Sometimes, they’d sing, and Uncle Cledwyn and Aunty Wenda would join them. There’d be mead and beer, which would fuel the body and increase the volume of the voices singing. And after Cledwyn and Wenda had left, everyone would go to bed, exhausted but feeling warm and happy inside.


On the day of the winter solstice, they lit the Yule log and the whole village gathered for three days of feasting, singing, and praying to the gods and goddesses for their blessings in the year to come. It was a joyous time, though try as he might, Brennus found it difficult to give himself totally to the festivities. He wasn’t moping, nor was he depressed. He simply missed Cyprian.


Chapter 8