In the ancient city of Rome, where the mighty Tiber River flowed, a young servant named Marcus lived a humble life. Yet, he possessed a curious nature and a deep fascination with the legends and myths that surrounded the powerful Roman gods. Little did he know that his inquisitive spirit would soon lead him on a journey that would test the very limits of his courage and faith.

One day, while tending to his daily chores, Marcus stumbled upon a hidden scroll that spoke of a forgotten ritual, a ritual that could summon the ancient deities of Rome. Overcome by a mix of excitement and trepidation, Marcus decided to uncover the secrets hidden within the parchment, determined to witness the power of the gods firsthand.

Gathering the necessary materials, Marcus began the ritual, chanting the ancient words with a fervor that echoed through the silent streets. As the last syllable left his lips, the ground trembled, and the sky grew dark, thick clouds swirling above. Suddenly, a blinding light flashed, and the towering figures of the Roman gods appeared before him, their faces etched with a fury that sent shivers down his spine.

Trembling, Marcus fell to his knees, begging for forgiveness. But the gods were not merciful. They unleashed their wrath, sending powerful storms, earthquakes, and plagues to ravage the city of Rome. The people, terrified and bewildered, turned to their leaders, pleading for a solution to the divine calamity that had befallen them.

In a desperate attempt to appease the gods, the Roman authorities ordered Marcus to be brought before them. Facing the judgement of the mighty empire, Marcus confessed his actions, knowing that his fate was sealed. The gods, however, had one final twist in store for the young servant. As the Roman guards led him away, a blinding light once again engulfed the city, and the angry deities vanished, their fury seemingly sated.

The people of Rome were left to rebuild and restore their city, forever haunted by the memory of the day when the wrath of the Roman gods descended upon them, a lesson in the consequences of tampering with the divine.

10 Free Response Questions: 1. What was the main conflict in the story? 2. Why did Marcus decide to perform the ritual to summon the Roman gods? 3. Describe the appearance and actions of the Roman gods when they appeared. 4. How did the people of Rome react to the divine calamity that befell their city? 5. What was the fate of Marcus after he confessed his actions to the Roman authorities? 6. What do you think was the significance of the gods' disappearance after Marcus was taken away? 7. What do you think the moral or lesson of this story is? 8. How does this story incorporate elements of ancient Roman legends and myths? 9. Imagine you were Marcus. How would you have reacted to witnessing the power of the Roman gods? 10. Do you think the story would have been different if it was set in a different time period or location? Why or why not?