The Coffee Pot Book Club welcomes Dawn Empress: A Novel of Imperial Rome (The Theodosian Women, Book Two)

Book Title: Dawn Empress: A Novel of Imperial Rome

Series: The Theodosian Women, Book Two

Author: Faith L. Justice

Print/ebook Publication Date: 24th May 2020

Audiobook Publication date: 19th February 2021

Publisher: Raggedy Moon Books

Page Length: 354 pages

Audio Book Length: 12 hrs 41 min

Genre: Biographical Historical Fiction

Dawn Empress: A Novel of Imperial Rome

(The Theodosian Women, Book Two)

By Faith L. Justice

Audiobook narrated by Kathleen Li

As Rome reels under barbarian assaults, a young girl must step up.

After the Emperor’s unexpected death, ambitious men eye the Eastern Roman throne occupied by seven-year-old Theodosius II. His older sister Pulcheria faces a stark choice: she must find allies and take control of the Eastern court or doom the imperial children to a life of obscurity—or worse. Beloved by the people and respected by the Church, Pulcheria forges her own path to power. Can her piety and steely will protect her brother from military assassins, heretic bishops, scheming eunuchs and—most insidious of all—a beautiful, intelligent bride? Or will she lose all in the trying?

Dawn Empress tells the little-known and remarkable story of Pulcheria Augusta, 5th century Empress of Eastern Rome. Her accomplishments rival those of Elizabeth I and Catherine the Great as she sets the stage for the dawn of the Byzantine Empire. Don’t miss this “gripping tale” (Kirkus Reviews); a “deftly written and impressively entertaining historical novel” (Midwest Book Reviews). Historical Novel Reviews calls Dawn Empress an “outstanding novel…highly recommended” and awarded it the coveted Editor’s Choice.

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An Excerpt From Chapter 11

Imperial Palace, November 415

“What do you think Pulcheria Augusta wants of us?” General Ardaburius asked his father-in-law as they strode into the palace. They made a sharp physical contrast: Ardaburius’ dark countenance and stocky body with Plinta’s fair features and tall stature. But they were closely aligned in military philosophy and bound by family ties. They were also close in age, his father-in-law being only a handful of years older. “Does she mean to strip us of our commands?”

“I think not. She could have done that by decree. This meeting feels different. I think she wants to see for herself if we of barbarian heritage have horns and hooves. It’s been fifteen years since that idiot Gainas rebelled against Arcadius and occupied Constantinople. He tarred me and all who share his Gothic heritage with treason and rebellion. I believe the Augusta is rethinking that policy. She has reordered the civil government to her satisfaction and I believe she turns her eyes on the military.”

Ardaburius nodded. “She would do well to put her best generals in the field with the Huns stirring up dust in the north and the Persians restless in the east. We have sat on the sidelines too long, while those of lesser talent moved ahead.”

Arriving at the imperial family’s personal quarters, they were relieved of their swords and knives by the guards. Ever since the incident involving General Lucius over seven years ago, no weapons of any kind were allowed in the emperor’s or Augusta’s presence, except for the imperial guards. Ardaburius understood the restriction but felt naked without his weapons. The guard opened an elaborately carved door onto an odd domestic scene.

The musky scent of incense pervaded the Augusta’s antechamber, tickling his nose. Ardaburius stifled a sneeze. He knew of Pulcheria’s pious ways but was unprepared for the monastic atmosphere of her personal space. There was little of comfort in the spare room; the only object of beauty, a personal altar and gold cross in a niche. The Augusta herself dressed in modest woolen clothes and wore the diadem over a linen hair covering as proof of her imperial identity. She sat on a plain chair, at a serviceable wooden table, dictating to a scribe. Two other girls, minus the diadem but similarly attired, sat on a divan, sewing and talking quietly. They must be the younger princesses, Ardaburius thought, watching them closely. They seemed at peace with their religious vocation, but he was glad his own daughter showed no such inclination. It seemed such a restricted life.

Ardaburius followed Plinta’s lead, making his obeisance before the young Augusta. She seemed innocuous, slender to the point of gauntness, plain of features except for the brown eyes, which sparkled with intelligence and something more. Curiosity? Ambition? It was not hard to believe she outmaneuvered Isidorus and his faction at the tender age of fifteen. The military had a tradition of young brilliant leaders going back to Alexander the Great. Had she been the eldest son showing such promise, no one would object. But…

“Generals, you may rise.” She nodded to servants who brought two folding camp chairs. “Please sit. You may speak freely in my sisters’ presence.” She indicated the two girls sewing. “They have little knowledge of war and politics but keep me company.”

Ardaburius now looked on the two younger princesses with some interest. It was unlikely they were there as chaperones. Was the Augusta grooming her sisters for a more active role?

The men seated themselves, accepted the offer of well-watered wine, and declined the offer of food. Ardaburius appreciated the light vintage from Southern Thrace but wished for something stronger. He was used to drinking his wine undiluted.

Once the niceties of hospitality were satisfied, Plinta bowed his head slightly and asked. “Augusta, we are honored you asked us to join you. How may we serve?”

“I hope you will serve me well.” The Augusta’s steady eyes speared each man.

Ardaburius straightened his shoulders. Good! He was anxious to be back in the first ranks after several years under suspicion because of his barbarian Alan heritage.

“You know I’m purging pagans and Jews from my brother’s government and the army,” Pulcheria continued.

“But only from positions of responsibility?” Plinta gave a sweeping gesture. “If you dismiss the non-Christian soldiers, you will cripple the army. Many worship Mithras. Most who are Christian follow Arius’ teachings.”

“An army of pagans and Arians. I sometimes curse the day Emperor Constantius sent those heretic priests of Arius to convert the barbarians. A few years delay and you all would be orthodox and save the empire much strife.” Pulcheria gave a sour smile. “You are a Goth, are you not? And your son-in-law an Alan? I assume you are Arian Christian, as well?”

“We come from those tribes and follow those beliefs, but we are Romans first. That is where our loyalty and duty lie.” Plinta frowned. “We have served the empire honorably…when allowed.”

“From what I hear, General, you are the best in the field and wasted in your current administrative duties.”

Plinta allowed a small smile. “I’m grateful for the praise and strive to live up to it.”

“I believe Anthemius erred in his caution these last several years. Your peoples have lived in the city peaceably for a full generation. I have faith in the civilizing influence of our dynastic city.” She raised an eyebrow. “And I am not so foolish as to cut the heart out of the army that protects my people. My Uncle Honorius made that mistake and has battled barbarians that Rome trained for the past eight years. Arians are still Christian, if unorthodox. We both believe Christ died for our sins.”

Smart girl, Ardaburius thought. I had feared you too bound to your orthodoxy to act with such pragmatism.

She turned to Ardaburius, as if reading his thoughts. “And you, General? Can you speak for yourself?”

“I have pledged my honor and my life to emperor and empire.” He bowed his head. “I will serve you faithfully in any capacity you command.”

“Good. These are your new assignments” She handed each of them a scroll, sealed with the emperor’s imprint. “Anatolius will command the Army in the East. You will each be given an army in the emperor’s presence. If you serve us well, there will be honors and rewards.” She looked directly at Plinta. “Possibly even a consulship.”

“There is no higher honor than guarding the city and the emperor.” Plinta bowed again.

“Thank you, Augusta. Your trust is all the honor I wish.” Ardaburius flashed a brief smile.

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Author Bio 

Faith L. Justice writes award-winning historical novels, short stories, and articles in Brooklyn, New York where she lives with her family and the requisite gaggle of cats. Her work has appeared in Salon.com, Writer’s Digest, The Copperfield Review, and many more publications. She is Chair of the New York City chapter of the Historical Novel Society, and Associate Editor for Space and Time Magazine. She co-founded a writer’s workshop many more years ago than she likes to admit. For fun, she digs in the dirt—her garden and various archaeological sites.

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