The stench from the burning captives pervaded the streets around the forum.  The screams had quickly subsided. None of the four wanted to talk or even think about had happened. But it provided proof – if proof were needed – of the Vortigern’s cruelty. Not that the Empire or its Catholic Church was blameless. Germanus had seen enough oppression and cruelty to last a lifetime. If only the old order could be re-established – the Pax Romana. That had to be the ultimate goal, even if he had to become a Christian to achieve it.

Germanus did not need to wait for Aureliana to show him the way back to the safe house. He could lead the way, even through the back streets of the city. They were almost empty; no doubt everyone was at the celebrations in the forum. But as they...

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