*The morning sun had barely crested the horizon by the time Bakari had finished his morning ritual. He took great care in the way he massaged the perfumed oils into his leathery hide. Not only was it important for hygiene, but it helped in warding away the biting insects that were common to the deserts of Alexandria. The other soldiers of the barracks were similarly preparing themselves for the day ahead of them. Even though the sunset painted beautiful streaks of liquid gold across the flowing ...