DAVENPORT, Iowa, May 24, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- In a new novel set against the backdrop of the Roman Empire, Cave Canem (Beware of Dog) (now available through AuthorHouse), author Richard B. Schmidt presents an epic of the interweaving destiny of three lives.
Set in the first century, the book follows the exploits of three characters whose very different lives intertwine in an ironic tapestry of fate woven around several compelling mysteries that do not unravel until the climatic end. The first character is a beggar who meanders throughout the empire around the Mediterranean Sea. As the novel opens, he is walking along the Adriatic coastline of Italy. Here, he helps a youthful, shackled prisoner escape a gruesome death in a sinking ship. From the bench of the destroyed vessel, he carves a "proper beggar's bowl," which seems to thrive when the beggar is near the sea and directs the course of his life. The slave, thankful and indebted, goes on to become the most ruthless bandit in the empire who is constantly hunted by the ship's disfigured whip master.
The beggar and the bandit's lives diverge and reconvene a number of times throughout the novel as their adventures carry them to different places. The beggar ventures to Germania and North Africa before resting in Judea. Here, while gathering alms at Antioch, he acquires a stray puppy, which he brings with him to Athens where fates again cross paths.
The third character of the story is a poor, slum boy who grows to become a famous matinee idol of Rome. Although, he has finally found riches and love, he is still plagued by a lifelong curse. Since birth, he has been despised and attacked by every dog he encounters. At night, he is tortured by terrifying dreams of Cerebus, the mythological canine with three heads that guards the gates of Hades. His life is further complicated by a slew of characters, from a vile, aristocratic critic to a scheming servant with a hidden agenda to the bloodthirsty hands of vengeful husbands. As the beggar makes his way to Athens, the answer to the curse follows closely at his heels.
A tale of a beggar, a bandit and an actor, Cave Canem is an enthralling epic of fate, destiny and the thick tapestry of life.
Schmidt lives in Davenport, Iowa. He has read extensively on the Roman Empire, which adds a deep sense of authenticity to Cave Canem, his first book.
AuthorHouse is the world leader in publishing and print-on-demand services. Founded in 1997, AuthorHouse has helped more than 18,500 people worldwide become published authors. For more information, visit www.authorhouse.com.