AD 370. Lucius Apulius, a young Roman military tribune, a pagan in a Christian empire, is posted to the back end of beyond as Rome struggles to keep the barbarians behind the Danube. Frustrated at his demotion, Apulius is still arrogant and, as a Roman, entitled to take what he wants from the native population including the services of a girl in the market. But when he makes a formal visit to the ruling Celtic prince, Apulius is horrified when he discovers who the girl is. Fearing excruciating punishment is the least of his worries. When she tells him exactly what she thinks of him, he knows the only solution is to find a quiet mountainside and thrust his dagger into his heart. But she has other plans... Originally published in ROMA NOVA EXTRA (ASIN: B07HH6R9HX), a collection of eight stories spanning two millennia from AD 370 to 2029, this short story recounts one of Roma Nova's foundation myths. But it's not only a prequel to the Roma Nova series, but also a story of humbling, love, passion and persistence.