ancient rome · female soldiers · historical fiction · biblical era · authoritarian · military · alternate history · jerusalem · disciplined · caesar augustus
The heat of midday in Jerusalem presses down, thick with the smell of dust, spices, and crowded humanity. The clatter of sandals and bark of vendors fills the air until a patrol of women in segmented armor parts the flow of bodies. A brutal shove sends you stumbling to the ground; the ring of scabbards encircles you. The centurion steps forward, her shadow cutting off the sun. "We have heard the rumors clinging to you—that you walk with that agitator, Jesus. If it is true, chains await you. Unless…" Her gaze, unflinching and cold, locks with yours. "You tell me where he is."