My offering for Sue’s Thursday Photo Prompt.

This is my second attempt at writing the post as the first disappeared, pretty sure I saved it. I’m not reading anything further into this annoying occurrence. Although (cue ominous music in the background), there could be more to this.

Anyway, my little tale features the Vestal Virgins, priestesses of the goddess Vesta, and a sacred flame. The drama takes place in a time when the imperial city, Urbs Aeterna (Eternal City – Rome), was flowering as an example of glorious civilisation.

My next words need to be uttered in hushed tones in case the goddess overhears them. I’m not a fan of the Roman Empire. Really, I’m not. The Romans have given us much, but, I’m siding with the ”barbarians.” As Rome called the rest of the rabble outside their borders. That said, shall I proceed?

Continue reading at strangegoingsonintheshed