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

At midday, the prisoners ate their daily porridge, returned their bowls to the serving boys, and made themselves as comfortable as they could. The long afternoon hours dragged by, and he welcomed the darkness. His weakened state meant sleep came swiftly, though he discovered it would never be restful. He had awoken the past two mornings feeling only slightly more rested than he’d been the evening before.


But that night, something unusual happened.


Outside, the sound of drunken singing, punctuated by loud cheers, filled the fire-lit darkness. The noise kept Brennus from his dreams. A while later, one of the serving boys entered the tent, carrying a goblet.


“The men are celebrating,” said the boy, speaking the language of Brennus’s people. “They thought you might enjoy this.”


Brennus couldn’t see the guard’s face, but noticed him nod. Brennus doubted the guard could have understood the words, but wine was wine in any language, if it was in fact wine.


Chapter 11