Short story set during the time of Caesar Augustus, a young man is at a crossroads when his loyalty is tested: Does he stand with the Caesar or with his own father? Well researched but plot fails to engage in an emotional level. ( )

Wow. I felt like I was standing there in the middle of ancient Rome wearing a toga and observing the conversations and other scenes develop. The dialog was appropriate for the times as were the scenes as they unfolded.

Lucius Antonius was expecting Emperor Agustus Ceasar to soon announce that he'd been selected as a new member of the Imperial Court. When he was summoned to the home of Ceasar instead of the court, Lucius felt that something was off. Janus was two-faced - one face of a God who grants new beginnings and the other, a bearer of bad news. Lucius prayed to Janus to help him gain this new position. Janus showed both faces to young Lucius on this day...so did Agustus Ceasar.

The laws and rules of the time are primarily for the commoners to follow. Nobility has its perks, except in this case. Ceasar places young Lucius in a precarious position in order for him to be selected into the Imperial Court. Failure to comply would cause Lucius and his family to be banished from the kingdom or possibly killed. He must pass a death sentence upon a noble citizen charged with adultery for violating Ceasar's young daughter - his own father.

The story is captivating and kept my interest throughout. It is also perfect in both grammar and formatting and flowed effortlessly. I highly recommend this short story to anyone interested in ancient Roman history. Excellent job in your research and application of your findings, Linnea! ( )