"Tale of Rome" is a short story by the “Wrinkly Wordsmith,” Rex Anglorvm. While I can't comment on the state of this prolific writer's skin, I can certainly vouch for his work with that iconic quill pen. In this latest epic, we follow the life of one Lucius Ulpius Verres, a young Roman legionary from humble beginnings who, like so many others of his more obscure countrymen, has a chance to make a name for himself when he joins the rank and file of the Sixth Legion. Throughout the story, the characters and elements surrounding the protagonist are developed and explored along with young Lucius as the saga progresses.
The tale begins in the streets of Rome, where our protagonist, then a boy, struggles helplessly against a pair of cruel and belligerent bullies. Over the first few chapters, readers are introduced to Lucius in flashbacks; covering the main theme of his time in the legion, then returning to boyhood. Thus, in a common but creative manner, the author is able to connect and develop various aspects of the protagonist without having to adhere to the monotony of mere chronology. Able use of this technique can also keep readers guessing, eager to find out more about the main character or characters and their “background.” Producing this effect, however, requires some skill. Oftentimes, “flashbacks” become disjointed and confusing, interrupting the story rather than contributing to it. This is one more reason why I find Rex's work here so commendable. He uses the “flashback” tool very well, inserting a “background” chapter at just the right time, and including just the right amount of relevant details. Each is placed specifically to expound on an element of the main theme, while also leaving plenty of mystery to keep us reading more.
As one continues on, he or she may realize that a modest knowledge of Classical Roman history is almost necessary to fully appreciate the more finite details of the story; geography, context, location, titles of officers, geopolitical forces at play during the time in which the story takes place, social structure, etc. While I found this to be an engrossing facet of the story, some readers might initially find themselves searching for context or syntax as new themes and places are introduced. Hence, I will leave it to individual judgment whether the historical detail is a strength or weakness here. Whilst Rex brings his considerable knowledge of the Roman Republic and her legions to bear, he also adds familiar dimensions to help the story break free from a strictly historical context. For example, the author adds dynamic tension between field commanders and the bureaucracy and politics that ultimately control the former to a great extent; a phenomenon well-known to leaders of a more modern sort. This element adds a wealth of depth to the story, and of opportunity for new characters and plot developments that Rex seems so adept at in order to layer and move the narrative along. Rex introduces another important facet of the saga, exploring individual characters or themes to introduce or explain new developments, including senatorial intrigue and a Gallic perspective. Thus, in characteristic fashion, the author continues to layer his story in a manner that becomes more intricate and yet makes the general plot clearer and more effective. This is first used to bring an emerging “villain,” Senator Olvidus, into the tale while also leaving readers eager for the next installment. By the fifteenth update, the dubious mystery of this ruthless opportunist, the plebeian gangs of the Roman inner city, and the web of past drama that connects it all together begins to read like a television drama.. Rex brings his readers this same possibly professional level of an episode-based storyline, and by all appearances, they love him for it.
The story continues to build in intensity as Lucius and his comrades confront not only a dark past in the streets of Rome, but none other than Hannibal Barca himself in the woodlands and countrysides of the Italian peninsula. Each new chapter brings an almost viscous level of love, loss, betrayal, and vengeance. Finally, past and present collide in a final battle that will decide whether Lucius shall triumph over his past or fall to the demons that so haunt his every move. With that, the story leaves our brave protagonist and his towering Greek companion Andronicus fighting for their lives in pitched combat. Does such a finale indicate a deliberate end to a tale left in perpetual turmoil, or an unfinished work, awaiting further inspiration? Perhaps if the reader cannot decide, only time will tell......