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W

BLACK ONYX &

GOLDEN

HUED

by MICHAEL FLEMMING

The dark youth was directed into the huge reception room. Already he was aware of his coarse hunting clothes, but his concern became more acute at seeing the handsome young Roman languidly idling in a gilded chair.

"You are Arius, Prince of Laodacia?" the Roman asked, looking up slowly from some state document.

"Yes, and you are the new governor, Martius Romanus," the youth replied, embarrassed at the noise his own voice made. "Should you make any attempt on my life, my people will avenge me."

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