A masterful novel of war, history and political intrigue, beloved by readers. 'Vivid military action, inner circle intrigue and Dumas-style characters' 'A++++' '[Riches is] head and shoulders above his contemporaries' 'Excellent historical adventure with a twist' 'I absolutely LOVE this series' ONCE MORE THE ROMAN EMPIRE HAS BEEN TORN APART BY A WART OF IMPERIAL SUCCESSION. Following the Year of the Five Emperors, three are left in the field. A final bloody confrontation is inevitable as the ruthless Septimius Severus advances through Cappadocia and Cilicia on the heels of the retreating legions of the Emperor in the East, Percennius Niger . Co-opted into Severus's legions are two veterans who, after long service, now crave peace: Gaius Rutilius Scaurus , restored to legion commander, and his client, the tribune Marcus Laticlavius Aquila . Unknown to all but a few, Marcus is an emperor killer. Perhaps this fate beckons him again. As Niger retreats towards the impregnable fortress of Antioch, thus threatening to extend the conflict for years to come, it falls to these two men to plan a series of daring raids to delay the enemy.

But it is not long before they are cornered on a climactic field of blood. And on this sanguine soil, one of the imperial pretenders must be annihilated.