Why did you introduce a fictitious character into your travel memoir, In the Footsteps of a Roman Legion – walking the Via Egnatia?
The Lucius character is a Roman legionnaire on a quest that compels him to follow the Roman Via Egnatia. As a displaced person, he endeavours to make sense of today’s world and deal with his profound loneliness. Lucius provides the reader with insight into a period of Roman history while experiencing some of the challenges faced by modern refugees using the Via Egnatia route. Through his voice, I shed an empathetic light on their anguish. He also monitors Pat and me, viewing our struggles on the road from his perspective:
… we come to a graffiti-free blue and white chapel with a red tiled roof. It perches at the edge of the bluff upon which the city commands its position, and a refreshing breeze offers relief from the heat.
“Our temples were places of sanctuary. Is it the same with these Christian churches?” Lucius asks.
“Well, that’s the idea, but in reality – not always,” I say.
Lucius grunts agreement, then says, “You two need to be more careful.”
“Careful?”
“You know what I mean.” He frowns. “There is discontent in this country. Anger. Fear. People who feel this way sometimes behave badly. Be alert. Not like that foolishness in Arnissa.”
“Right. The smugglers,” says Pat.
Pat has a Saint Christopher charm,” I add to lighten the mood. “He’s the Christian saint who protects travellers.”
“Ah. Like our Mercurius.” Lucius smiles. “Good. You should make a sacrifice and ask him to keep an eye on you. …
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