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The Bear and the Wolf
A short story of love and danger on the empire's most hostile frontier.
Senna, a native Briton married to a Roman auxiliary, accidentally uncovers a dreadful plan by the rebellious northern Maeatae tribe. Her husband Brigius, a Briton who now serves Rome, is torn when the imperial prince Caracalla arrives in northern Britannia with his unit of vicious, dangerous Numidian cavalry, causing trouble and endangering the couple's once peaceful life. Heedless of the danger to both them and their world, the pair see only one way to ensure the continuation of peace in the north, and it carries a horrifying risk.
From two acclaimed authors of Historical Fiction set in the world of Rome, The Bear and the Wolf is a tale for all ages sure to enthrall. Originally penned for the Alderney Literary Festival, this short story is available at this time only in eBook form.
Senna, a native Briton married to a Roman auxiliary, accidentally uncovers a dreadful plan by the rebellious northern Maeatae tribe. Her husband Brigius, a Briton who now serves Rome, is torn when the imperial prince Caracalla arrives in northern Britannia with his unit of vicious, dangerous Numidian cavalry, causing trouble and endangering the couple's once peaceful life. Heedless of the danger to both them and their world, the pair see only one way to ensure the continuation of peace in the north, and it carries a horrifying risk.
From two acclaimed authors of Historical Fiction set in the world of Rome, The Bear and the Wolf is a tale for all ages sure to enthrall. Originally penned for the Alderney Literary Festival, this short story is available at this time only in eBook form.
89 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 18, 2017
About the author
Ruth Downie
20 books764 followersRuth is the author of nine mysteries* featuring Roman Army medic Gaius Petreius Ruso and his British partner Tilla. The latest is a novella, PRIMA FACIE. She lives in Devon, England. A combination of nosiness and a childish fascination with mud means she is never happier than when wielding an archaeological trowel.
She is sometimes called R.S. Downie, but she isn't the person with the same name who writes medical textbooks, and recommends that readers should never, ever take health advice from a two thousand year old man who prescribes mouse droppings.
*The first four books have all had two titles. Ruth is still wondering how this ever seemed like a good idea. Since she is unable to wind back time, British readers may find it useful to know that:
Medicus was Ruso and the Disappearing Dancing Girls,
Terra Incognita was Ruso and the Demented Doctor,
Persona Non Grata was Ruso and the Root of All Evils,
Caveat Emptor was Ruso and the River of Darkness -
but SEMPER FIDELIS, TABULA RASA, VITA BREVIS, MEMENTO MORI and PRIMA FACIE only have one title each - hooray!
She is sometimes called R.S. Downie, but she isn't the person with the same name who writes medical textbooks, and recommends that readers should never, ever take health advice from a two thousand year old man who prescribes mouse droppings.
*The first four books have all had two titles. Ruth is still wondering how this ever seemed like a good idea. Since she is unable to wind back time, British readers may find it useful to know that:
Medicus was Ruso and the Disappearing Dancing Girls,
Terra Incognita was Ruso and the Demented Doctor,
Persona Non Grata was Ruso and the Root of All Evils,
Caveat Emptor was Ruso and the River of Darkness -
but SEMPER FIDELIS, TABULA RASA, VITA BREVIS, MEMENTO MORI and PRIMA FACIE only have one title each - hooray!
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 25, 2017
This was an excellent and quick story. As I'm used to with Ruth Downie and S.J.A. Turney, I really enjoyed it. I'd definitely recommend it!
November 7, 2019
The Bear and the Wolf is a novella of Roman Britain, from two acclaimed authors with award winning series on that background - and it shows.
What to Expect
A novella in two parts. The first part is written by Downie from the point of view of a Briton woman married to an auxilia soldier in Vindolanda. It tells of a visit by future-emperor Caracalla to Hadrian's Wall and the strained relations between the British tribes and the Roman legions.
The second part is written by Turney and switches point of view to her husband, a soldier, as he accompanies Caracalla on his sojourn beyond the wall.
What I liked
I love Downie's mastery of subtle sub-text in dialogue, her deep characterisation and delicate plotting that leave you empathising with the characters. Turney brings the Roman military to life, with brisk action scenes and all the inner turmoil of a soldier torn by conflicting loyalties.
Together they explore what was life like for natives on the Roman frontier, half integrated into the empire. Their demanding and clashing allegiances, histories, and desires that make this complex setting so riveting.
Summary
An excellent novella from two masters of the genre and era. Recommended reading for anyone who enjoys novels Roman Britain.
--
Assaph Mehr, author of Murder In Absentia: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.
What to Expect
A novella in two parts. The first part is written by Downie from the point of view of a Briton woman married to an auxilia soldier in Vindolanda. It tells of a visit by future-emperor Caracalla to Hadrian's Wall and the strained relations between the British tribes and the Roman legions.
The second part is written by Turney and switches point of view to her husband, a soldier, as he accompanies Caracalla on his sojourn beyond the wall.
What I liked
I love Downie's mastery of subtle sub-text in dialogue, her deep characterisation and delicate plotting that leave you empathising with the characters. Turney brings the Roman military to life, with brisk action scenes and all the inner turmoil of a soldier torn by conflicting loyalties.
Together they explore what was life like for natives on the Roman frontier, half integrated into the empire. Their demanding and clashing allegiances, histories, and desires that make this complex setting so riveting.
Summary
An excellent novella from two masters of the genre and era. Recommended reading for anyone who enjoys novels Roman Britain.
--
Assaph Mehr, author of Murder In Absentia: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.
July 3, 2018
Pax Romana? - 3.5 stars
I haven’t read any books by either author, so when I saw this short story I thought it would be a good way to try them out (as it were). The synopsis gives readers the basic outline, but can the authors follow through to give a good story when the book is only eighty-nine pages? The answer is a resounding ‘yes’.
The story is set in Britannia in A.D. 210, about a hundred and sixty-six years after the first Romans landed on Britannia’s soil, and yet the Romans still can’t afford to relax as there are pockets of unrest by the Britons, especially those who live on the other side of what is now called Hadrian’s Wall.
There are some wonderfully descriptive passages of the terrain that are so well done I could see them and shudder or admire accordingly. I didn’t find the two main protagonists, Brigius and Senna to be completely rounded, but the broad brush strokes characteristics of the Numidian cavalry and the Second Infantry are extremely well done. Caracalla, the only historical person in the story is very well portrayed in a few sentences.
I could see the ending coming and found it very nerve-wracking waiting for the climax, but the Epilogue soon settled jangled nerves.
I am glad I bought this book and it will be one I read again when I feel like a short story rather than a novel.
It is very well-written and edited and was easy reading.
I haven’t read any books by either author, so when I saw this short story I thought it would be a good way to try them out (as it were). The synopsis gives readers the basic outline, but can the authors follow through to give a good story when the book is only eighty-nine pages? The answer is a resounding ‘yes’.
The story is set in Britannia in A.D. 210, about a hundred and sixty-six years after the first Romans landed on Britannia’s soil, and yet the Romans still can’t afford to relax as there are pockets of unrest by the Britons, especially those who live on the other side of what is now called Hadrian’s Wall.
There are some wonderfully descriptive passages of the terrain that are so well done I could see them and shudder or admire accordingly. I didn’t find the two main protagonists, Brigius and Senna to be completely rounded, but the broad brush strokes characteristics of the Numidian cavalry and the Second Infantry are extremely well done. Caracalla, the only historical person in the story is very well portrayed in a few sentences.
I could see the ending coming and found it very nerve-wracking waiting for the climax, but the Epilogue soon settled jangled nerves.
I am glad I bought this book and it will be one I read again when I feel like a short story rather than a novel.
It is very well-written and edited and was easy reading.
May 12, 2017
Life north of Hadrian's Wall was tough enough for the tribes who lived there without having to deal with the cruelties of the Emperor's son and his equally cruel Numidian cavalry. In this short, what if tale, a Roman auxiliary, from a tribe that is loyal to Rome and his wife, whose tribe is on the brink of rebellion come face to face with Caracalla and his prized cavalry unit. It is an exciting story of divided loyalties stretched to their limits in the pursuit of peace with Rome. The duo of Downie and Turney combine their talents and their expertise in things Briton and Roman and give us a glimpse of life on that tumultuous frontier and though the story is fictional, it is one that is totally believable, and that is testament to the authors' creative abilities. 4.2 stars
August 5, 2017
Two good authors steeped in the lore of Rome and Britannia collaborated on this novella which speculates on what relations must have been like between native Britons of various tribes and their Roman conquerors and presents a bold plan undertaken by moderates to preserve the tenuous peace between the two sides. I quite enjoyed the characterizations and their well thought out motivations. The action scenes were memorable and different than most. Recommended. I will certainly return to read both authors again.
August 19, 2019
I really like Ruth Downie's world, enough to actually purchase this novella. The first half was written by Downie, from the female protagonist's point of view, and the second half by S.J.A. Turney, from the male protagonist's point of view. Interesting--I did enjoy the Downie half more, but in general it was an okay read.
January 29, 2023
Great, quick read from Ruth Downie (one of my favorite authors!) and S.J.A. Turney (first time reader). Uniquely presented as two parts -- first part is written by Downie from the female lead's POV; second part is written by Turney from the male lead's POV.
April 20, 2024
Good Roman Adventure
This was a well written, enjoyable tale. I love books about the Roman legions, especially well written books like this book. Get it. You won’t be disappointed.
Joe Corso
Author of The Last Gun-Shark
This was a well written, enjoyable tale. I love books about the Roman legions, especially well written books like this book. Get it. You won’t be disappointed.
Joe Corso
Author of The Last Gun-Shark
July 4, 2017
Good Short Story Read
Good read about a relatively unknown period of Romano British History. Ideal length for a short plane commute, so roll on the next one!
Good read about a relatively unknown period of Romano British History. Ideal length for a short plane commute, so roll on the next one!
July 12, 2017
Only people who follow this author would fully appreciate this story unless you are a Roman history buff
June 24, 2023
Excellent short story of Roman ruled Britania. I love Ruth Downie's writing but I am new to S.J.A. Turney. Will definitely look into his writings.
January 2, 2022
Very happily I stumbled upon this short novel by favorite author Ruth Downie and SJA (Simon) Turney while looking for some Anglo Saxon books. I did not realize there was such a book, but was very glad that she and Simon Turney had another collaboration. ( see " The Year of Ravens")
Here it is:"A short story of love and danger on the empire's most hostile frontier..from two acclaimed authors of Historical Fiction "
It read like a full length novel with depth of character and plot as well as very accurate historical detail. A quite marvelous authors' note tells of "Prince" Caracalla son of the Emperor Severus who was violent and without scruples.
The setting is Vindolanda on Hadrian's Wall, where Senna the main female character's tribe lived within a long day's walk. As a reader who has an anthropology degree and love this era, the landscape was meticulously described. "The Maeatae live next to the cross-wall ,which cuts the island in half", was how it has been explained, which suggests it is not the Antonine Wall .
Brigius, the main male character is Senna's man, of the Votadini tribe and a solider in the Second Nerviorum stationed at Vindolanda. There is a very intricate plot and a complex battle scene which I must reread now to get straight. ( I read too fast) I must also try to figure out which of Senn's family survive this event by rereading the battle.
I am hoping to read more collaborative novels by this duo and recommend both of their prior novels. Read them all!
Here it is:"A short story of love and danger on the empire's most hostile frontier..from two acclaimed authors of Historical Fiction "
It read like a full length novel with depth of character and plot as well as very accurate historical detail. A quite marvelous authors' note tells of "Prince" Caracalla son of the Emperor Severus who was violent and without scruples.
The setting is Vindolanda on Hadrian's Wall, where Senna the main female character's tribe lived within a long day's walk. As a reader who has an anthropology degree and love this era, the landscape was meticulously described. "The Maeatae live next to the cross-wall ,which cuts the island in half", was how it has been explained, which suggests it is not the Antonine Wall .
Brigius, the main male character is Senna's man, of the Votadini tribe and a solider in the Second Nerviorum stationed at Vindolanda. There is a very intricate plot and a complex battle scene which I must reread now to get straight. ( I read too fast) I must also try to figure out which of Senn's family survive this event by rereading the battle.
I am hoping to read more collaborative novels by this duo and recommend both of their prior novels. Read them all!
April 30, 2017
Ruth Downie is one of my favorite authors. This was a fun short story. I'm going to check out her co-author when I have time.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews