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    To Save a Life
    To Save a Life
    To Save a Life
    Ebook51 pages53 minutes

    To Save a Life

    By Hazel B. West

    ()

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    About this ebook

    Viggo Aulus Callias is a young legionnaire who is, in all truth, far from being the perfect Roman. He says what he means to everyone, and wishes for nothing but justice. When he and his brother, Flavius are invited to a part at the house of Tribune Laurus, Viggo foresees nothing more than three days of boredom and political speeches. But he makes the acquaintance of a young slave boy who, Hector, who has been cruelly beaten by the tribune. Viggo, having suffered at the hands of an abusive father, found he could not stand by and watch the boy's suffering continue, despite the consequences he knows will arise confronting the tribune. Soon the three days turn into a frantic count down for Viggo to figure out a way to save the life of a boy he is fast becoming to care for as a brother. But will he be able to after becoming enemies with the tribune's crafty nephew?

    This backstory to Hazel West's upcoming novel "By Blood or By Bond" is a look into Viggo's character, and introduces the heroes and villains from the novel.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherHazel B. West
    Release dateAug 24, 2012
    ISBN9781476069142
    To Save a Life
    Author

    Hazel B. West

    I spend a good bit of my time writing historical fiction about brave men and women who have graced the pages of history, trying to bring more light to their legacies so readers of all ages will enjoy them.My favorite things/hobbies: Writing obviously, listening to and playing Irish and Scottish folk music, practicing with all eras and types of historical weaponry, GOOD COFFEE, reading of course, dark (dark) chocolate, sketching/painting, hats and boots, collecting little old-fashioned things of all kinds, buying books, and don't forget dressing in period clothing!My favorite kinds of books: Good adventure (sometimes with a little romance), Epic historical series, anything having to do with brotherhood or camaraderie--I'll read anything if it has a strong brotherly bond between two or more guys, time travel novels as long as they are traveling back in time (and not in their own lifetime), good steampunk novels (heavy on the clankers and none of the weird things), military adventure, historical fiction that's either well-written or has unique twists, meaningful or bittersweet war novels, occasionally a good funny book especially ones that are spoofs off old stories or fairy tales, and classics--always the classics!

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      Book preview

      To Save a Life - Hazel B. West

      To Save a Life

      A Backstory from ‘By Blood and By Bond’

      By Hazel West

      To Save a Life

      Published by Hazel B. West

      Smashwords Edition

      Copyright 2012 by Hazel B. West

      All characters and events portrayed in this novel are either fictitious or are used fictitiously

      ISBN: 9781476069142

      This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

      To Save a life

      Flavius, you know how much I hate these house parties, Viggo complained. I get my first reprieve from the army and the first thing you do is drag me to one?

      It’s not a house party, Viggo, it’s an invitation from an old acquaintance of father’s, his brother, Flavius, replied with a longsuffering sigh.

      Well whatever you call it, I know what father’s acquaintances are like, Viggo grumbled. They’re all depraved fools who sit around naked in baths and discuss politics all day. Just like father.


      Viggo that is no way to speak of our father, Flavius said without much conviction. It was very generous of Tribune Laurus to remember us.

      Undoubtedly it was because father owed him money and he wants to sweeten us up so we will pay it.

      
Viggo, I swear to Jupiter, if you do not cease your prattling, I will send you home like a little boy and shame you, the gallant soldier, in front of all those politicians. Now, I know you soldiers have a long abiding hatred for anyone in politics, but please, be civil. It is only for three days.


      You would understand where the hatred comes from if you spent a month in the army, brother, Viggo told him. He had turned eighteen in the fall and had joined the eagles to get away from home and the memories that were left there. His father had never been a kind man, and had often beaten Viggo and Flavius when the drink was upon him. When Viggo left he was ailing and bedridden and when he heard word from Flavius that the old man had died, he could not say he shed tears for him. If anything, it left Viggo feeling more free than he had his whole life. Flavius was already married to a lovely woman when Viggo left home, or he most likely would have followed his brother into the eagles. Instead he sought a career closer to home in politics as their father much to his brother’s disgust. Viggo went on without him, though sometimes he missed his childhood companion and only true friend dearly. That was why he was so annoyed that the first time he got reprieve from the army to go back home, Flavius only suggested they go to this foolish party. He had hoped to spend time with his brother and sister-in-law in the villa out in the countryside and spend his time relaxing under Rome’s sun. Not talking politics with men he could not even keep up with, and, indeed, bathing naked with them and discussing even more political matters without even the courtesy of his clothing, until he would begin to consider falling on his sword.

      Please brother, Flavius nearly pleaded with him this time as they reined in their horses outside the massive villa they would be staying at and handing them and their baggage over to the slaves come to relieve them. For me, be civil?

      I don’t see why you wish to go into politics like father, Viggo said to him under his breath. Just because you are the eldest son does not mean that you must needs follow in his footsteps.

      
Viggo, Flavius told him with a tired look in his eye as they stopped to look at each other. "I know you do not approve of my choice, but it pays well, and it is a safe job. You have no ties and the Eagles are fine for you, but I have a woman now, and I cannot go off and soldier in far

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