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

“What are you bringing him here for?”


The first man held up a hand. “He’s no Red Devil.”


Brennus nodded. “I’m one of you.”


“He escaped the Red Devils. He’s hungry and needs clothing.”


An older man, possibly the patriarch, stood. “We’re happy to help in any way we can, but you can’t stay here. We can’t risk you bringing those damned Red Devils down on us.”


“He knows that, father. He just wants some food and clothes.”


Brennus wondered how he could possibly ask for two sets of clothes with the family already being so kind. It was a question he’d have plenty of time to ponder. The family invited him to sit at their hearth, and as he ate the bread and meat he’d been given, he thought of Cyprian outside in the darkness and felt increasingly guilty with each satisfying mouthful he swallowed.


As it turned out, the gods must have been smiling on him, for after the meal, the young man brought him two sets of clothes andsome food “for the road.”


Chapter 13