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

With tears blurring his vision, he knelt and pulled down the covers, fully revealing his lover’s face.


“Cyprian. Cyprian, my love.” He kissed the man on the cheek. “Is he going to be all right?” he asked, turning to face the woman.


She nodded, smiling. Brennus knew she hadn’t understood the meaning of his words, yet somehow, perhaps intuitively, she had deduced what would logically be asked in such a situation.


He made himself more comfortable, then held Cyprian’s hand, watching him sleep. Throughout the day, the blue people brought him water and food, though largely left him to sit vigil at his lover’s side.


That night, he slept beside Cyprian, his arm draped over his lover’s waist.


Chapter 22