The Count of the Saxon Shore; or The Villa in Vectis. A Tale of the Departure of the Romans from Britain

"The Count of the Saxon Shore; or The Villa in Vectis" by Alfred John Church is a historical tale unfolding as Roman power fades in Britain. The narrative immerses the reader in a world of clashing cultures and political ploys, zeroing in on Count Ælius, a leader tasked with fending off Saxon invaders as Roman legions prepare to leave. The story jumps into a Roman military camp riddled with unrest over unpaid wages, where Gratianus, a hesitant emperor, faces a mutiny that ends in his death. As Constantinus steps up to lead, themes of loyalty, cultural identity, and duty take center stage. We learn about the lives of Carna and a young Saxon whose beliefs and background are challenged as the Empire tumbles around them.