I’m starting to wonder about the Romans again.

I know some of you will be pleased to hear that.

“Live by the Sword”

By Joseph Manno

From the bridge of Roma’s pride, SPQR Trajanus, General Antonius Galenius Aerus received first the confirmation of victory and then the capitulation of those vanquished.

He never felt more alive than in the midst of battle. Even obeisance from those eventually forced to acknowledge his mastery was mere gilding in his eyes—necessary for appearances, but hardly of substantive import otherwise.

Aerus’ mind wandered into antiquity even as Talaria’s fleet commander, one Saron ka Endar, yielded at last. How many such proud men had been humbled by Rome’s might?

Already, though, his thoughts had turned to mastering the next.