Belisama

Belisama (modern day river Ribble) is a Historical Romance centred around the Roman fort of Bremetennacum (modern day Ribchester, Lancashire) in the early spring of 122 CE as Emperor Hadrian rules Britannia and the vast Roman Empire. Rumours of a summer visit by Hadrian abound along with whispers of a great wall in the north to divide the tribes of Britannia and bring lasting peace to the troubled island. However, a plot to unite the northern tribes in a rebellion is fermented by Festus Crassus, a greedy treacherous Roman, to drive the Romans south of the Belisama and rule over a Confederation of tribes for his own profit and gain.

Sabina, a slave woman to Festus at a fishing port on the Belisama estuary, overhears the plot, and vows to tell the Romans in an attempt to prevent a war that she believes will end with terrible consequences for the tribes, slaves, and civilians. Regulus, a Roman Cadet River Pilot on the Belisama thwarts a surprise attack. Regulus and Sabina, along with their fledgling forbidden romance, are plunged into a dangerous world where only the strong and swift-on-feet survive.

Soldiers and civilians at Bremetennacum stand alone, outnumbered, and unaware of the grave danger that is fast approaching.

Author Biography

Alan Richard is a former professional musician, and teacher of English. He lives in the rural Bowland area of Lancashire, close to where much of the novel is set. He enjoys foreign travel, fly fishing, chess, music, and reading.