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

“We’ll head north,” said Cyprian. “As you told me before, there are no Red Devils in Pictish country.”


Cyprian laughed. “We know what you call us.”


They ran through the night, never stopping, but slowing to a walk whenever one of them needed a rest. By the time dawn broke, they’d put quite a number of miles between themselves and the encampment. On the way, they’d jettisoned their armour and helmets only to discover the night was a good deal colder without them. But the less they looked like Red Devils, the better.


They’d passed two villages and eventually entered wilder, hillier country. In the scant light of a new day, they managed to find a small overhang in an outcrop of rocks hidden by tall grass. Taking care not to flatten the grass, Brennus held it down so Cyprian could squeeze into the small space, then he stepped over it and joined him.


“I think this is what’s known as hiding in plain sight,” said Cyprian.


Chapter 12