Prophecy: Death of an Empire: Book Two (Prophecy Trilogy) Read online

  PROPHECY: DEATH OF AN EMPIRE

  M. K. Hume

  Copyright © 2012 M. K. Hume

  The right of M. K. Hume to be identified as the Author of the Work has been asserted by her in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

  Apart from any use permitted under UK copyright law, this publication may only be reproduced, stored, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means, with prior permission in writing of the publishers or, in the case of reprographic production, in accordance with the terms of licences issued by the Copyright Licensing Agency.

  First published as an Ebook by Headline Publishing Group in 2012

  All characters in this publication are fictitious and any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

  Cataloguing in Publication Data is available from the British Library

  eISBN: 978 0 7553 7149 5

  HEADLINE PUBLISHING GROUP

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  M. K. Hume is a retired academic, who is married with two grown-up sons and lives in Queensland, Australia. Having completed an MA and PhD in Arthurian literature many years ago, M. K. Hume has fulfilled a lifelong dream to walk in the footprints of the past by retelling the epic tale of Arthur in a magnificent trilogy, King Arthur: Dragon’s Child, King Arthur: Warrior of the West and King Arthur: The Bloody Cup.

  M. K. Hume’s Prophecy trilogy about the life of Merlin begins with Clash of Kings, which is available from Headline Review as a paperback and an ebook.

  By M. K. Hume and available from Headline Review

  King Aruthur trilogy:

  King Arthur: Dragon’s Child

  King Arthur: Warrior of the West

  King Arthur: The Bloody Cup

  Merlin trilogy:

  Prophecy: Clash of Kings

  Prophecy: Death of an Empire

  About the Book

  Determined to uncover his father’s identity, Myrddion Merlinus sets sail from Celtic Briton with his band of loyal companions. Their journey through war-ravaged France, Rome and Ravenna to Constantinople will test their skills and strength to the limit.

  The Roman Empire is under attack. Attila’s barbaric army is causing death and destruction and, bound by a healer’s oath to relieve suffering, Myrddion must serve under General Flavius Aetius at the Battle of the Catalaunian Plains. But a deadlier conflict between Emperor Valentinian of the West and Senator Petronius Maximus awaits, and Myrddion must use all his resolve to survive the death of an empire.

  Table of Contents

  Copyright

  About the Author

  Also by M. K. Hume

  About the Book

  Dedication

  Acknowledgements

  Dramatis Personae

  Prologue

  Chapter I

  Chapter II

  Chapter III

  Chapter IV

  Chapter V

  Chapter VI

  Chapter VII

  Chapter VIII

  Chapter IX

  Chapter X

  Chapter XI

  Chapter XII

  Chapter XIII

  Chapter XIV

  Chapter XV

  Chapter XVI

  Chapter XVII

  Chapter XVIII

  Chapter XIX

  Chapter XX

  Chapter XXI

  Chapter XXII

  Author’s Notes

  This novel is dedicated to Dr Tom George and Dr Warwick Sapsford, two healers of the modern age to whom I owe a great debt. They have always believed in me even when I doubted myself. Without their unfailing support and faith, I could not have created my Myrddion Merlinus.

  M. K. Hume, March 2011

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  This book was very difficult to write, for I had to spend many hours researching the tangled and half-remembered history of Europe in the period between ad 450 and ad 456. As a novelist (rather than an historian) who is used to finding and deciphering information quickly, and then building on pre-existing knowledge of ancient cultures, I felt a little over-awed in this new world of the Franks, the Goths and Constantinople without my extensive Arthurian historical data at my fingertips.

  However, I rediscovered my passion for discovery as I became aware of the lives and times of fascinating persons who were influential in shaping the world that we now know. I was particularly interested in the latest arguments concerning the effects of lead poisoning and its importance – or lack of it – in Roman life.

  My thanks must go to several key people who helped me to understand the details of my research. First, to my editor, Clare Foss, who has taken on the task of mentoring me with so much enthusiasm and who is so supportive. Writing is a solitary pastime and it is all too easy to become dispirited and certain that you are chasing mares’ nests as you hunt through computer data, piles of books, photocopies and reams and reams of paper. Clare’s encouragement and praise have lifted my spirits during my occasional difficult days via her emails and messages.

  Thank you, Clare.

  Thanks again to my sounding boards, my friends Pauline, Penny and Robyn who are so very patient with me when I become over-enthusiastic.

  Jolene Hill is a treasure. She is a towering support with my writing career and I must thank her with a full heart. Jolene has so much talent and handles all the bits and pieces that I need, to be an effective novelist. Jolene, Michael and our IT man Simon are the staunch walls at my back that give me the technical support that keeps me going as I chase the elusive dream of all writers – to be successful at what we love best.

  Then there are the many people who are virtually anonymous except in their own communities, especially in England and Wales, whom I met in my travels across Europe, Asia and Britain.

  To Gwylym, the elderly gentleman whom I met at the Hole in the Wall, a pub in Caernarfon, my thanks for giving me a name to add to the dramatis personae of this novel.

  To Inga, Ken, Anan and David in Glastonbury, many thanks for easing my time among strangers, making me laugh and giving this Aussie a bird’s-eye view of life in rural Somerset.

  To the wonderful people of the Coach House Inn at Chester where I became aware of the existence of the Tempest family: your advice remains with me.

  To the many kind people of Carmarthen, thank you too.

  I wish I knew the name of every bus driver, newsagent or passer-by who helped me so I could thank them personally, but be sure that I carry your faces and your voices with me as I sit at my desk, several oceans away, and work through the long night hours.

  My thanks also to Dorie Simmonds for making me feel welcome at Christmas when I was far from home, and the people of the Premier Inn chain in London, Nottingham and York. The generosity of people sometimes takes my breath away and I am grateful for every smile and every kind word.

  M. K. Hume, March 2011

  DRAMATIS PERSONAE

  Aetius Flavius Aetius (c.396–454) was the last of the great Roman generals. Of Scythian descent, he was raised among the Huns and remained friendly with them for life. While in the service of Rome, he was elevated to the rank of magister militum by Galla Placidia, empress and regent of the Western Empire and became the protector of Placidia and Emperor Valentinian. In 451, his forces defeated Attila the Hun at the Battle of the Catalaunian Plain near Châlons in France, where he fought the forces of Attila to a standstill. He slowed Attila’s advance into Italy and was present at Pope Leo’s meeting with Attila at Mantua in
452. In 453, he arranged the betrothal of his son, Gaudentius, to Valentinian’s daughter, Placidia. In 454, Aetius was assassinated by Valentinian III, prompting the famous description that the emperor cut off his strong right hand with his left.

  Ali el Kabir A minor Arab king of a small tribe near Damascus, he was the uncle of Yusuf el Razi.

  Ambrosius Ambrosius Aurelianus was a High King of the Britons in the early fifth century. He was the son of Constantine III and the brother of Constans II (who was murdered and succeeded by Vortigern) and Uther Pendragon, all of whom held the throne at various times. Ambrosius went into exile for some years, but eventually returned to Britain and reclaimed the throne in his own right. He succeeded Vortigern and became the last of the Roman kings.

  Annwynn A female healer who resided in Segontium. She was well versed in herb lore and accepted Myrddion as an apprentice when he was still a young boy.

  Ardabur Aspar While on a covert mission to Britain, Flavius Ardabur Aspar (400–471) raped a young Celtic girl, Branwyn, who rescued him after he was shipwrecked near Segontium on the west coast of Britain. At the time, Aspar was in the service of King Vortigern. Branwyn became pregnant and Myrddion Merlinus (later Emrys) was the issue of their coupling.

  Ardabarius Flavius Ardabarius was the father of Flavius Ardabur Aspar.

  Avienus Consul Avienus was part of a delegation, led by Pope Leo I, that met Attila at Mantua and convinced the Hun king to leave Italy.

  Ardaric King Ardaric (died c.460) was a minor ruler of the Gepid peoples who served under the command of Attila the Hun.

  Attila the Hun Attila the Hun (406–453) was the ruler of the Hunnish Empire from 434 till his death and was a fierce enemy of both the Eastern and Western Roman empires. He invaded the Balkans twice. He also invaded Gaul (France) and rampaged as far as Orléans before being defeated at the Battle of the Catalaunian Plain near Châlons in 451. Subsequently, he attacked the forces of the Western Roman Empire in 452 and took northern Italy, thereby threatening Rome. After a conference with Pope Leo and a delegation dispatched by Emperor Valentinian, Attila abandoned his attack and returned to the north.

  Bleda Brother of Attila the Hun. He was murdered by Attila after a dispute between them.

  Bran The Celtic god of regeneration.

  Brangaine A Celtic camp follower who joined Myrddion’s healers in the journey from Segontium in Britain to Constantinople as a servant.

  Branwyn Myrddion’s mother. She was the daughter of Olwyn and Godric, and the granddaughter of Melvig ap Melwy, king of the Deceangli tribe.

  Bridie A Celtic camp follower who joined Myrddion’s healers in the journey from Segontium in Britain to Constantinople as a servant.

  Cadoc ap Cadwy A warrior in Vortigern’s service who came from the Forest of Dean. He became Myrddion’s assistant and apprentice and travelled with his master from Segontium to Constantinople.

  Captus A captain in the Salian Frank army who was an escort for Myrddion’s party when they were captured by the Franks near Châlons in France. He became friendly with Myrddion.

  Catigern The illegitimate son of King Vortigern and a servant girl. He was the younger half-brother of Vortimer and the elder half-brother of Vengis and Katigern.

  Ceridwen A Celtic enchantress. She possessed the Cauldron of Poetic Inspiration.

  Childeric Prince Childeric (440–481) was the son of Merovech, king of the Salian Franks, and succeeded his father as king.

  Cleoxenes A Byzantine nobleman, Cleoxenes was a diplomat in the service of the emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire. Initially, he was sent to Valentinian’s court in Rome as an envoy, and then joined Flavius Aetius at Châlons. He was at the Battle of the Catalaunian Plain as an observer. After the battle, he returned to Rome and was present at the meeting between Pope Leo I and Attila in Mantua.

  Clodio King of the Salian Franks. He was the father of King Merovech.

  Constans High King of the Britons, succeeding his father, Constantine III. He was the older brother of Ambrosius.

  Constantine Emperor Constantine (c.285–337) became emperor of Rome in 311. He divided the Roman Empire in two, with the capital of the Western Roman Empire in Rome and the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire in Constantinople, a city that bore his name.

  Constantius Emperor Constantius (died 421) was the emperor of the Western Roman Empire and the consort of Galla Placidia.

  Emilio An innkeeper in Constantinople.

  Erasistratus A noted Alexandrian physician.

  Erikk Horsebreaker A Gepid warrior who acted as a courier.

  Ferreus A thug, also known as Iron Bar. He was a wrestler and bully in Rome’s subura.

  Finn ap Finbarr Also known as Truthteller. A forward scout with Vortigern’s army, he became one of Myrddion’s assistants and travelled with the healer to Constantinople.

  Flavia The daughter of Flavius Aetius, she married Thraustila, a Hungvari nobleman who served in Emperor Valentinian’s guard. She seduced Myrddion and had a brief liaison with him while on a journey from Ravenna to Constantinople.

  Fortuna The Roman goddess of chance or luck.

  Freya The Norse goddess of love and fertility. She was the most beautiful and propitious of the goddesses and was called upon in matters of love.

  Galen A Roman philosopher and physician.

  Galla Placidia The daughter of Theodosius I, Galla Placidia (392–450) was married to various husbands before eventually becoming the empress consort to Constantius III, the emperor of the Western Roman Empire.

  Gallica Lydia Wife of Petronius Maximus.

  Gaudentius The son of Flavius Aetius, he was married to Valentinian’s daughter.

  Gorlois The Boar of Cornwall who is the king of the Dumnonii tribe. He is married to Ygerne, and is the father of Morgan and Morgause.

  Gwylym Gwylym ap Gwylydd was a Celtic mercenary who served under Flavius Aetius in Gaul.

  Hengist A Saxon aristocrat who served under King Vortigern as a mercenary for a number of years before leaving to re-join the Saxon invaders. He eventually became the thane of the Kentish Saxons.

  Heraclea The sister of Thraustila Minor, Flavia’s husband.

  Heraclius Chamberlain to Emperor Valentinian III.

  Herophilus A famed Greek philosopher and physician.

  Hippocrates A famed Greek philosopher and physician. He is remembered for the Hippocratic Oath.

  Honoria Princess Honoria was the daughter of Emperor Constantius and Galla Placidia, and the sister of Valentinian. During Attila the Hun’s forays through Gaul and Italia, she sent a letter to Attila offering herself as a marriage candidate. The failure of her machinations caused Attila to attack the Western Roman Empire.

  Horsa Brother of Hengist and a mercenary in Vortigern’s forces.

  Isaac A famed Jewish healer who practised medicine in Rome and Ravenna.

  Leo I Pope Leo I was a distinguished and competent pope who was appointed to the papacy in 440. Among other successes, he led a delegation to Mantua in company with two delegates of the Western Roman Empire at the behest of Emperor Valentinian in 452. Their task was to meet Attila the Hun and intercede with him on behalf of the citizens of Rome.

  Licinia Eudoxia Wife of Emperor Valentinian.

  Marcian The emperor Marcian (392–457) was a protégé of Flavius Aspar. He became the emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire in 450 through the influence of the magister militum. He succeeded Theodosius, and was married to Pulcheria.

  Magnus Maximus Legendary Roman ruler of Britain. He was the grandfather of Ambrosius.

  Merovech The king of the Salian Franks was also known as Merovius (415–451) although dates are problematic. He was the father of Prince Childeric, and was reputed to be one of the leaders of the coalition who defeated Attila the Hun at the Battle of the Catalaunian Plain in 451. His mother was believed to have been impregnated by a sea-monster.

  Mithras An obscure deity in Zoroastrianism. He represented the father figure and was adopted as the warrior god of the Roman
soldiery.

  Morgan Eldest daughter of Gorlois and Ygerne, sister to Morgause and half-sister to Arthur, who becomes High King of the Britons.

  Morgause Daughter of Gorlois and Ygerne, sister to Morgan and half-sister to King Arthur. Husband of King Lot and mother of Agravaine, Gawaine and Geraint.

  Myrddion Emrys He was named after the sun. His name means Lord of Light.

  Olwyn Daughter of Melvig ap Melwy, mother of Branwyn and grandmother of Myrddion. She was killed by Vortigern at Dinas Emrys.

  Optilia A Hungvari captain in Valentinian’s guard. He was involved in the plot that resulted in the emperor’s murder.

  Petronius Maximus A senator who later became emperor. His reign was short-lived and lasted for only two months before he was torn apart by the Roman mob after the Vandals commenced their attack on the capital.

  Phoebe Wife of Emilio, innkeeper in Constantinople.

  Pincus Cleoxenes’s manservant.

  Placidia The daughter of Emperor Valentinian III and the granddaughter of Galla Placidia. She married Gaudentius.

  Praxiteles A servant in Constantinople who entered Myrddion’s employ.

  Pulchria The healers’ landlady at their rented premises in Rome’s subura.

  Pulcheria The wife of Emperor Marcian of the Eastern Roman Empire, the empress was the sister of Emperor Theodosius who preceded Marcian on the throne.

  Ranus A Frankish horse trader in Gesoriacum (Calais).

  Rhedyn A Celtic camp follower who became a servant for Myrddion’s healers on the journey from Segontium to Constantinople.

  Rowena The second wife of King Vortigern. She was of Saxon descent and was the mother of Vengis and Katigern.

  Sangiban King of the Alan nation.

  Theodoric King of the Visigoths, who died at the Battle of the Catalaunian Plain in 451.

  Theodosius Theodosius II (401–450) was the emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire. He was succeeded by Marcian.

  Thorismund The son of Theodoric, Thorismund succeeded his father as king of the Visigoths.