“Why?”
“Because there was evil in the people. Because they had turned their backs on the gods, on Zeus, Apollo, on the sun.”
Gaius stepped to the edge of the cliff overlooking the valley, his crimson cloak lashing him in a sudden gust of wind from below. He planted his hastile for balance. Then he thought he could hear chanting on the wind, mingled with a stench of rot so foul bile rose from his guts.
Mithras, Lord of Light, he prayed inwardly. Our men are down there, I know. But I know not what we will find. As the sun sets in the westering sky, do not desert us.
“Form up!” he called out suddenly. We’re going down into the valley.” The men stood about, confused, fear etched on their battle-hardened features. Vitellius appeared beside Gaius.
“Optio, sir. Are you sure about this? What
