The Lantern Bearers

Aquila's journey in The Lantern Bearers unfolds amidst the chaos of post-Roman Britain, driven by a powerful desire for revenge.

In The Lantern Bearers, the remnants of the Roman army have departed from Britain, leaving the land in turmoil as civil war brews alongside the looming threat of a Saxon invasion. Aquila, a young soldier, makes the fateful decision to desert his regiment and return home, only to discover that everything he holds dear has been ravaged. His family and his way of life are destroyed, casting him into a world of chaos and despair.

As Aquila grapples with the loss of his home, he is thrust into a relentless struggle for survival. The years that follow are marked by hardship and conflict, as he navigates the treacherous landscape of a Britain in disarray. The once proud Roman influence is fading, and Aquila must confront not only external enemies but also his own inner turmoil. Amidst the violence and uncertainty, one driving force remains: his insatiable thirst for revenge.

Rosemary Sutcliff's The Lantern Bearers is a powerful tale that captures the essence of a tumultuous period in history. With her masterful storytelling and vivid attention to detail, Sutcliff brings the Roman age to life, immersing readers in the struggles and triumphs of her characters. This Carnegie Medal-winning book is a poignant exploration of loss, resilience, and the enduring quest for justice, marking a significant chapter in the acclaimed The Eagle of the Ninth trilogy.