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

It was an essential education, for Cyprian especially. It would help him blend in. And blend in is what he would need to do.


Eventually, they came to another village, much larger than any they’d encountered previously. The surrounding fields were being ploughed, the fresh furrows a rich brown against the dull brown of the unturned earth. Women with aprons full of seed followed behind, scattering the seeds for what would become that year’s second grain crop.


Brennus grinned. “This will be a good opportunity to practice your pronunciation.”


They entered the open gates and walked along a path that appeared to curve through the village centre, splitting it into two neat halves. On either side of them, people went about their daily business, though many of the passers-by eyed the two strangers suspiciously.


“Something’s up,” said Brennus. “We’d better be on our guard.”


Chapter 14