This is a novel broken into posts. Not always coherent, and not always in order.
The Road to Rome - Sunset- Sunday, September 12th, 800 A.D. They talked as they rode up the road. It was a warm day. the sun hung low over the western horizon “Andreos, tell me about yourself.” ”I was born in Macedonia. I am the son of a merchant. My father taught me mathematics and letters. When I was seventeen I joined the forces of the Empire. Because of my ability to read I was given a commission. I have recently returned from three years of duty on the Persian frontier.” “You have fought against the Saracens there?” “I fought against the Sheilcs with general Niccphorus at Heraclea. The Shiites are a fanatical sect of Saracens warriors. They call their acts of violence ‘Jehad’...” “I know the word, it is sometimes interpreted as 'Holy War’; though it has a complex nuance to it that make the translation as 'Holy War' easily simplistic but far from truthfully to the intent of those who speak it.” “They fight as if they are empowered by the devil himself. I have heard they