The Lantern Bearers

Children's Literature - Jean Boreen

This novel is book three of "The Roman Britain Trilogy;" originally published in 1959, this story follows the adventures of Aquila, a young Legionnaire whose loyalty to Rome is tested when his Roman commander announces that all legions left in Britain will leave the island country within three days. Aquila, whose family is descended from the Marcus Aquila of Ninth Legion fame, feels more British than Roman, and he knows that he cannot leave Britain, much less his father and sister, Flavia, on what seems to be the even of the annihilation of all he knows as Saxon raiders are pressing the British shores. Aquila deserts his legion to defend his family; the Saxon raiders kill Aquila's father, and, he thinks, his sister, and leaves Aquila to die. However, a unique tattoo of a dolphin on Aquila's shoulder attracts the attention of one of the Saxons, and he takes Aquila home to his family as a slave. Eventually, Aquila is given the opportunity to return to Britain—still as a slave—and is shocked to learn that Flavia is still alive, but married to a Saxon. Further adventures follow after Flavia helps Aquila escape. But can Aquila ever come to terms with what has happened to him, his family, and his country? This novel is a strong end to the trilogy. Reviewer: Jean Boreen, Ph.D.