Jeffrey Connolly

Whispers from the Sands Jeffrey Connolly

Trajian, a Roman soldier, is plagued by voices he cannot understand. Deeply concerned at having to leave behind thousands of his comrades to the mercies of the Parthians after the battle of Carrhae Trajian finds life difficult. Along with Gustinus, his best friend, and eighteen other survivors they are sent to Carthage to spy for Caesar. Trajian finds that at first drink helps to keep at bay the nightmares that bother him but when the whispers begin he thinks he is losing his mind. After years of spying it comes as a relief to sneak away and join in at the battle of Bagradas River but this too is a disaster with many legionaries killed and wounded left behind. It is not until Caesar comes to North Africa that Trajian can hope that his fortunes will change. However, even though Caesar claims the battle at Ruspina as a victory, Trajian saw the bodies of many legionaries lying on the battle ground as he led his raw recruits out of danger. It was not until the battle of Thapsus that Trajian fought in a victorious army but even then his comrades massacred thousands of the enemy when it was not necessary. Sent into the desert Trajian fights the local Amazigh and is lost in a sand storm. Alone and thirsty can Trajian find an answer to the whispers before he dies of thirst?