An intricately woven tapestry of history, legend and folklore that propels us back into a mysterious time; alongside one of the most famous personages to wield a sword. The saga of the famous Roman war hero and dragon slayer, George, comes to life in an epic confrontational drama with the powerful despotic Emperor, Diocletian.
In 297 A.D., at Rome’s apex of expansion and power, a hero emerges; George, loyal tribune to the Republic of Rome. George’s daring mission against Goth armies has caused him to be horribly wounded and left for dead. But, he is miraculously healed. When he appears alive before Emperor Diocletian, he is honored as an omen of great favor and is promoted to lead the Imperial Guard. Yet, soon after, George’s restored personal faith will make him an enemy of Rome, and the Empire itself, after Diocletian decrees an evil agenda.
With constant pressure from invading armies and economic turmoil, the Emperor slips into a state of madness. Declaring himself a living god, he enacts his draconian “Edicts of Intolerance” and wages a bloody campaign of religious genocide throughout the Empire.
Siege of Alexandria, Egypt
Honored as a war hero, George and his men must accompany Diocletian’s army into Alexandria whereby they witness firsthand his maniacal mass slaughters and torture. George renounces allegiance to Rome and flees with his men to the African Sahara. During their long desert sojourn, George pits his warrior skills and nerves of steel against a ferocious river dragon to save a beautiful princess from certain death.
Word spreads of a Roman tribune named George who slays mighty dragons. Upon hearing this news, the Emperor dispatches his most powerful sorcerer to track down George and his rebels; even to the distant frontier of Britannia.
In the midst of chaotic persecutions, George encounters a fiery resistance fighter, Crocus, a German chieftain and eventual ally of the famous Constantine. They join forces in a revolution against the might of the Roman legions and duel against the Emperor’s fearsome wizard. He is a cunning and vicious opponent, conjuring hellish demons from the underworld into a host of terrifying dragons. Fighting for their lives, the battle sweeps across the Empire to the very heart of Rome itself.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF ST. GEORGE
The legendary hero for 1700 years has become a hallmark in cultures from the Middle East, Europe and America. His impact upon Western civilization will never be forgotten.The emblems, symbols, and writings representing this outstanding hero have become the standard for chivalry and honor.
Throughout the world, vast numbers of churches continue to honor the heroism of St. George; including 365 in the nation of Georgia and over 200 in Egypt. Saint George is esteemed throughout most of Christendom; including Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Anglican and Lutheran. By the Eastern Orthodox Church he is referred to as “Great Martyr” and by the Coptic Church in Alexandria as “Prince of Martyrs.” In the Middle East, Muslims revere him as a great dragon slayer and often identify him as “Al-Khidr,” a term ascribing immortal qualities.
In accordance with biblical scriptures, heroes of faith are to be honored, remembered and held in esteem as role models, especially those tested and tried in adversity (Hebrews 11:4-37). The Roman tribune, George, fought and died as a resolute freedom fighter and is worthy of honor. His disciplined life and noble exploits were instrumental in bringing freedom of religion and peace to the Roman Empire. Many historians have claimed this peace to have lasted nearly a thousand years.
Around the world, Saint George has official recognition as a revered saint; including England, Catalonia, Aragon, Portugal, Romania, Georgia, Serbia, Greece, Russia, Ukraine, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Lebanon, Israel, Iraq, Egypt, Ethiopia, Palestine and India. In addition, vast numbers of churches, schools, cities, parishes, clubs, coins and geographical sites are dedicated to him: especially in European countries and former colonies.
Saint George is highly honored in England. His red cross forms the national flag of England as well as the Union Jack flag of the United Kingdom. The nations of Canada, Australia and New Zealand all include the cross within their Union flag designs.
An apparition of George gave inspiration to the Franks at the siege of Antioch in 1098 and again in Jerusalem the following year. Well-known as the patron saint of battles, he is said to have rallied troops in two instances when he appeared to the Christian army before the battle of Antioch and also to King Richard I, (the Lionheart), during his crusade against the Saracens.
The Council of Oxford appointed April 23rd as his feast day in 1222 and after the battle of Agincourt in 1415 he became the patron saint of England. During this period his feast day was as popular as Christmas.
In 1497 during the reign of Henry VIII, John Cabot flew the pennant of the Cross of St. George on his voyage to Newfoundland. It was also displayed by Sir Walter Raleigh and Sir Francis Drake and was flown on the Mayflower when the Pilgrims arrived in Massachusetts.
History testifies that George battled a dragon in Libya. In addition, legends claim he travelled to such venerated places as Caerleon and Glastonbury in Britannia where he slew another ferocious dragon. The young tribune, Constantine, witnessed the brutal and epic martyrdom of St. George which sparked the first flames of faith in the future Christian Emperor. Later, he ordered a church to be built over the grave of his friend. The entire history of Western Civilization was greatly impacted by the life of this noble warrior, George.
ABOUT THE NEW NOVEL
This historical fiction novel has been carefully researched and many of the facts and legends have been meticulously incorporated to bring this hero to life. From his heroic life in the Roman army to his duels against men and dragons the story moves with intrigue and action to showcase his warfare skills, wisdom and character. His final triumph eventually culminates in his martyrdom at the hands of the sinister Emperor Diocletian. The closing details center on his source of empowerment and character. True to the veneration of thousands, over 17 centuries, this work will freshly inspire many. It is a tribute to the exploits of the original and fabled dragon-slayer. Again, a beautifully woven tapestry of accurate history, folklore, and legend.
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Links for historical background of Saint George novel:
Timeline of Roman Tetrarchy (284-313)
Hyperinflation and Tyranny in Diocletian’s Roman Tetrarchy
“NIGHT OF THE DRAGON: THE SAGA OF SAINT GEORGE” by Brett Stortroen is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License.
