Iron Shaft — John Hulme

Julius Caesar, the famous Roman general, politician and dictator, desperately needed money. To get it he spent a year in Spain looting everything that could not be hidden and taking from everyone who could not hide it fast enough. To protect his fortune he ordered that a new Legion of Roman soldiers be raised and trained. This is the story of the start of the Tenth Legion as told by a farm boy turned trickster and professional killer who was there when it all happened. In his second letter Iron Shaft reveals his rural origins, why he is taught how to steal, what happens to the family farm and why he has to join the Legion. With a total lack of modesty he tells us of his successes in training, making his enemies fear him and making women love and lust for him. He was called Iron Shaft for a good reason, and this letter tells us why.