Johnny Wraith Stories

I wrote Brutus, a fantasy novel, many years ago. It was my first journey into literature. I won't carry on about it, but will let the condensed version I intend to publish herein, a part at a time, do most the talking. Long story short, Brutus is a gothic, violent, profane, but sensitive Christ figure and it is up to you to decide if the world is made a better place when it all comes crumbling down.

Johnny,

Having seen the sheer size of "Brutus" in it's binder, I cannot wait to see what you'll give us here in this forum.

Ronald

True enough. Just cutting the story down and posting it a bit at a time will be quite the journey. It will also be cathartic because I've been wanting to share this tale for a while. Now I have the means by which to publish it. And the courage.

Why is the story titled Brutus?

Brutus led the conspiracy to assassinate Caesar. Caesar, a tyrant and god, depending on who is telling the story, met his demise upon the final thrust of Brutus’s dagger.

“Et tu, Brute?”

Did Brutus kill Caesar to free Rome from hegemony, or were his actions sacrilege? Which is correct? Dante’s vision of Brutus being shoved feet first into Lucifer’s jaws, or the image of Brutus as a tragic hero, willing to sacrifice a power-hungry friend for the salvation of his fellow man?

And, the word “Brutus” turns to the word “Brute” when the “us” is replaced with an “e.”

Brutus is brutal, and unforgiving, bones snap and flesh tears, but with its destruction and ashes, it also offers Rome hope, a chance to finally and forever be freed from the shackles of the tyrants and gods.