From the Realm of Time: A Novel of the Fourth Century Roman Empire: The Sequel by Prill Scott Douglas

Author:Prill, Scott Douglas [Prill, Scott Douglas]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Scott Douglas Prill
Published: 2020-08-28T00:00:00+00:00

After reading the letter, Valerias read it again, more slowly. He turned his attention back to Claire, who was visibly distressed, tears still falling down her cheeks. He put the letter on the table and reached out to take her hand.

“My love, we will deal with this together.” Valerias smiled, but he spoke with the fierce determination of a general.

XXXVII

THE WAY BACK

W inter gripped the Villa in early 384. In his past, Valerias did not mind the season, but he intensely disliked this harsh winter. His knees and elbows hurt, he had frequent headaches, and the pesky bump on his leg caused him more pain than usual. He admired Wolf because nothing seemed to bother the dog. Maybe I will come back in my next life as a dog , he mused.

Because it was the first year of operation for the Warriors’ Palace, Valerias and Bukarma experimented with a winter training program. Valerias strongly believed that winter conditioning was important, so that became the focus of the hearty individuals who stayed.

Claire was deeply upset by Joseph’s murder, Eustice’s death, and the approaching Saxon invasion. The invasion posed a grave threat to Drostan, the Branodunum hermitage, and Britannia. She felt helpless, which drove her into melancholy.

She spent most of her time in her room. In her absence, Valerias was left to run the estate. Alena and Elsha grew increasingly concerned for their mother, although Alena had grown equally despondent about her loss of Gulic’s attention.

One cold afternoon, when Valerias was in the Great Room with several soldiers warmed by the Villas’ underfloor hypocaust, Elsha appeared at the door. She caught his eye and he quickly excused himself. They met in his study.

“Father, I am sorry to take you away from your meeting—I could have waited.”

“Nonsense,” replied Valerias.

Elsha spoke frankly. “I am becoming very worried about Mother. She once was a force around the Villa. Now she acts like a haggard old woman. She is not an old woman!”

“No, she is not,” he replied. “Recent events have taken a toll on your mother’s spirit. The turmoil in Britannia is especially hard on her. I ask you not to despair. She will return to the strong, vital force you know. In the meantime, I have a favor to ask of you. Talk to your sister. She, too, needs her spirits raised. These things will work out. Trust me, Elsha.”

Elsha gave Valerias a tearful hug and left. Valerias stayed in his study and silently asked Joseph to help his family—not a prayer to the dead, he insisted to himself, but a mere plea to a friend.

Several weeks went by, and although Claire thought the situation was hopeless, Valerias did not see it that way. His passion for leadership was rekindled. People at the Villa and in the nearby countryside noticed the transformation. He was no longer the old man the children followed. They once more referred to Valerias strictly as the General. In that role, Valerias knew he had much to do.

During a cold winter’s evening, Claire retired early.

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