What Rough Beast — Shawn J. Pollett

With the death of Emperor Decius, peace returns to the Roman Empire and the Christians. But the reprieve is short lived. Dissension between Rome's generals sparks a series of civil wars that plunge the empire back into chaos. Barbarians are massing on the northern frontiers, and in the East, the powerful and brilliant Shapur, ruler of the Persians, is plotting to annex Rome's eastern provinces from his weakened neighbour. Never before has the empire been in such imminent danger of annihilation. Out of this maelstrom comes a new emperor with a new vision, a self proclaimed saviour, who promises to return the empire to its glory days and destroy the empire's enemies. All her enemies. Now Valens and Damarra must again fight for their survival. But not alone. A mysterious German warrior appears with a special message and a quest, which may help save their lives and re-breathe life into a Church torn apart by guilt. Follow Valens and Damarra on an epic journey into their darkest fears and nightmares, as they face the ultimate evil and make the ultimate choice: to deny the Christos and live out their lives together; or to proclaim the very words that demand a death sentence in their world: "Christianus sum . . . I am a Christian."