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

As he neared the ridge that overlooked the village, Brennus noticed the clouds taking on a darker hue. Something in the atmosphere told him another storm was imminent. A sense of dread washed through him as he struggled on through the snow. Exhausted, it became more and more difficult to put one foot in front of the other. His whole body felt numb. His hands appeared red and his face burned.


He reached the ridge and half-ran, half-tumbled down the other side, where the snow wasn’t as deep. On all fours, he crawled until he could hoist himself into a standing position. For a moment, he wavered, unsure whether he could go on, but he knew he had to. He had to force himself.


Chapter 21