Prince of Aethiopia Author:Melvin J. Cobb The young Ethiopian knew that his time was coming. The merciless Roman guards moved him up from the dungeon to a holding cell adjacent to a solid iron gate leading directly to the arena floor. Though the walls of his small cell were made of thick bricks, Kenyon could hear the roaring crowd as if he were standing in the very midst of the arena. ... more » He tried to close his eyes in order to relax, but his efforts were futile. Everything about the dank dungeon stimulated his senses in a way that pumped him full of fear. A few moments before, two men convicted of a callous murder were led past his cell. The Roman guards covered the men from head to toe with a thick, oily pitch. Once they were out in the middle of the arena, they were set ablaze as human torches. The masses laughed and applauded as the men cried out and were charred beyond recognition. Kenyon silently resolved in his heart that he would at least die an honorable death. If he were to fight a gladiator, he would rush upon the sword. If he were thrown to the dogs, he would simply lie flat. The shadow of a massive guard appeared at the door of his cell. "Ethiopian, it is time."« less