Sign of the Pagan

In the fifth century, the Roman Empire is split into two halves, with Valentinian III ruling the West from Rome and Theodosius governing the East from Constantinople. The division weakens central authority as external threats loom on both borders. This fragmentation sets the stage for clashes between emperors and the encroaching Huns.

Marcian carries Valentinian's warning about the Hun invasion to Theodosius. On the way, he is captured by Attila's forces. Attila shaves away the arrow wound in his leg, and Marcian is left unconscious as the Hun leader takes him hostage.

Attila holds Marcian as a hostage for days to extract information about Rome's defenses. The Hun leader is impressed by Marcian's honesty and courage, but his strategic need remains to anticipate Theodosius's moves. Marcian's captivity becomes a pivotal source of political leverage for both sides.

The Huns capture a local king's family, and Attila takes Kubra, the daughter, as his wife while ordering the others killed. Kubra's position in Attila's court highlights the human costs of conquest and her own longing for peace. Her presence foreshadows personal and political turmoil within the Hun alliance.

While in Constantinople, Marcian steals Attila's celebrated stallion and flees back to the city. The daring act fuels pursuit and reshapes the balance of power within the capital. Marcian's bold move also intensifies Attila's need for leverage over Rome.

General Paulinus befriends Marcian and reveals that Theodosius intends to join forces with the Huns against Valentinian. The revelation deepens palace intrigue and pushes Marcian to consider his next moves in defense of Rome. Theomosius's plans become a central thread in the unfolding crisis.

Pulcheria confesses her love for Rome and names Marcian the captain of her guard, asking him to protect her from Theodosius's mutiny. The appointment elevates Marcian's status and entwines his fate with Pulcheria's political ambitions. This alliance strengthens his path toward influencing imperial decisions.

Theodosius hosts a feast to welcome the Hun leaders, but Attila arrives uninvited and asserts his dominance over the proceedings. He instructs Marcian to teach the Huns how to use Roman weapons, prompting Kubra to train first before Marcian withdraws her to the harem pool. The moment cements Attila's control over the ceremonial and military negotiations.

Pulcheria tries to secure Marcian's release from his duties, but Attila kisses her and later meets Theodosius, who agrees to pay monthly tribute in exchange for peace. The political bargain tests loyalties within the palace and shifts the balance of power toward the Hun alliance. Marcian observes the uneasy compromise that暂时 averts immediate catastrophe.

Marcian boldly tells Attila that Rome's Christian faith will endure and not fall to external conquest. Attila scoffs at the notion, but Kubra's subsequent moment in the church reveals a yearning for spiritual peace that complicates his aims. The encounter sows seeds of inner conflict within Attila.

A bolt of lightning strikes a tree, an omen that frightens Attila and his seers as the campaign against Rome begins. Attila rationalizes the omen as a good sign for victory, yet the Christian symbols begin to haunt him. The omen foreshadows a shifting dynamic between faith and conquest.

With Theodosius's authority waning, Marcian and Paulinus plot to rally the army and install Pulcheria as empress to defend Rome. Their plan hinges on dethroning Theodosius and empowering Pulcheria to unite the empire. The maneuver reframes the line of succession during crisis.

Marcian arrives in Rome with battalions, while Valentinian leaves the city, choosing to withdraw into the outskirts. He retains two units to bolster the defense, strengthening the resistance against the Hun assault. Pulcheria's leadership grows as they prepare for a decisive stand.

Pope Leo I arrives to declare Rome the temple of God and forecast Attila's downfall, delivering a moral shock to the Hun army. The message unsettles Attila and cools his ardor for the assault, creating a pause before the final confrontation. The papal intervention acts as a turning point in the siege.

Attila dies in a prophesied moment when Ildico drives the fatal dagger into his chest. The sword's handle forms a shadow of a cross, symbolizing a divine judgment in the climactic downfall. Days later, Pulcheria reunites the halves of the empire and names Marcian emperor to the relief of the Roman people.