A Deathbed Story of Love

The night was cold and misty. Good old British weather, I thought to myself as I pulled my cloak further over my shoulders. I was at the East gate of Vindolanda waiting for Alaunus, my brother, to stop arguing with the Roman about the toll. I was not really listening; I was too busy trying not to look at the Roman centurion who was staring at me passionately. I smiled at him – he smiled back. What I did not know was that it would be the beginning of an unexpected relationship.

We met up whenever we could after that. I learned his name was Sabinus and he was a centurion of the Roman Army. After a month, things got serious and he proposed to me. But Father turned him away with curses at his back. Nevertheless, we met as usual, but in secret. Father was already trying to find another man for me to marry.

Then things got REALLY serious...