Phaedimus

Hebe & Ganymede Phaedimus

Hebe & Ganymede is set in Guntia (modern day Günzburg) on the banks of the Danubius (River Danube) at the close of the 5th century. Following the fall of the Roman Empire the town has become a focal point for Angles, Saxons and other northern Germanians seeking new territories in which to settle. The town's militia, under the directive of the king who is also of Saxon lineage and allegiance, have been conquering the neighbouring regions of Alamania to provide land for new migrants, and taking captives for slavery from the subjugated villages. But now Guntia is under threat of attack from another tribe, the Helvetians, who are enraged at the thieving of youths from their Celtic-blood neighbours, and seek retribution. It is feared a raid will bring death and destruction to the town, and that the king's soldiers and many of the town's folk will be slaughtered. Killian von Guntia is of noble birth, but landless, and is now in the pay of the king. His employ is the ritual slaughter of abducted Alamanians for the purpose of honouring the tri-serpent, a supernatural creature that is said to plague the river. His role makes him an easy target for reprisal if the Helvetians sack the town, and he is concerned for his safety. Furthermore he has thrown his mistress (Hebe) onto the streets, and become enamoured with a young boy (Ganymede), a move that has earned him the derision and condemnation of the burgeoning Christian power-base in the town. Killian von Guntia is alone and has no place to turn. If he stays in the town he will be subject either to the king's wrath or the savagery of a raid, and if he flees then he will be hunted down as a fugitive and traitor.