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Update – The Thrice Named Man IV

I estimate that I have completed 60% of the 4th book in the series.

I place a lot of value on following surviving ancient records, actual geography and local customs/folklore.

This is, in some instances, a drawback, as I have spent an inordinate amount of time researching the Limes Transalutanus, the Roman province of Dacia and specifically the area the Romans called Transsilvania.

With that in mind, the fourth installment might be called “Transsilvanian”, although I am worried that it will create an expectation of vampires and the like.

The good news is that most of the research is done and my writing is gaining momentum.

You will be kept updated.

Historical note – Thrice Named Man series

My intention is to include a historical note in the final book of the series.

Why do I not include a note at the end of each book?

I have given it much thought, coming to the conclusion that it might be a spoiler for many of my readers.

When you read the books and are momentarily left thinking “this is a bit far-fetched”, know that most probably, I am being true to the actual historical record.

I believe that Lucius Domitius Aurelianus was the greatest Roman who ever walked this earth.  One of those men in history who profoundly changed the course of events.

In time, all will be revealed, but for now I will leave you with a few quotes from the surviving records.

From the English Translation of the Historia Augusta Volume III:

“Aurelian, born of humble parents and from his earliest years very quick of mind and famous for his strength, never let a day go by, even though a feast-day or a day of leisure, on which he did not practise with the spear, the bow and arrow, and other exercises in arms.”

 “… he was a comely man, good to look upon because of his manly grace, rather tall in stature, and very strong in his muscles; he was a little too fond of wine and food, but he indulged his passions rarely; he exercised the greatest severity and a discipline that had no equal, being extremely ready to draw his sword.”

“…”Aurelian Sword-in‑hand,” and so he would be identified.”

“… in the war against the Sarmatians Aurelian with his own hand slew forty-eight men in a single day and that in the course of several days he slew over nine hundred and fifty, so that the boys even composed in his honour the following jingles and dance-ditties, to which they would dance on holidays in soldier fashion:

 “Thousand, thousand, thousand we’ve beheaded now.

One alone, a thousand we’ve beheaded now.

He shall drink a thousand who a thousand slew.

So much wine is owned by no one as the blood which he has shed.”

Sasanian paperback

I have ordered a proof of the paperback version of Sasanian today.

In this part of the world delivery takes time.

As soon as I am happy with the quality, the paperback will be released.

You will be kept updated.

The Thrice Named Man III

“The Lion of Persia is stirring from a slumber of half a thousand years.  Its greedy gaze drifts west… to the Roman throne, upon which sits a boy.”

The Thrice Named Man III – Sasanian, available within days…