Silver Branch

Before Rome fell, before the last of the Legions were gone from Britain andRutupiae (Richborough), there were the Dark Ages. Justin had never beenconvinced that he was a soldier, even through his most courageous deeds, for heis mostly a surgeon. However, his medical expertise comes in handy when he issent by Lucinius, his Cohort Comander, to his post. Meanwhile, Rome isendangered because of civil battles within, caused by fighting from thegenerals seeking the title of Emperor. Also, the Saxons are pushing in allalong the coasts to invade. This story tells the tale of some real men,including Marcus Aurelius Carausius, Allectus the Traitor, the LegateAsklepiodotus, and of course Caesar Constantius. Upon Justin's arrival at hisnew place, he almost immediately meets a distant cousin. Their friendshipbecomes a valuable thing from the very beginning, when they first realize thatthe emperor they are defending, Carausius, has a traitor, Allectus, doingbusiness with the Sea Wolves (Saxons) behind his back. When they try to bringthis to his attention, Carausius pretends he doesn't believe them. He sendsthem away to a different post on the wall, which seems as a punishment.However, they later come to find that it was for their very protection. For twoyears after, Cullen, Carausius' servant, tracks them down and brings them aletter which explains that he knew they were right all along - and also that ifhe met his fate, he wanted to be sure that they would know that. As it was,Carausius was slain shortly after Justin and Flavius were sent to a differentpost. At this time, there are men trying to escape Allectus army, since he hastaken over and named himself Emperor in Carausius place. Throughout the story,Justin and Flavius are in it all together, doing whatever it takes to stayfaithful to their late Emperor and to save themselves and the Legions. RosemarySutcliff writes a historic, adventurous tale about loyalty, friendship, andstrength.