Justus Pilate is exiled in Parthia, his once favoured family all but destroyed by forces in the shadows of Imperial Rome. To say nothing of the love of his life who died a hero's death. Or so he thought. And the keys to his freedom? They are a curse he dare not use.

Until, one day, a message comes that forces his hand. Justus's brother Cassius lives! However, he soon discovers Cassius is not the man he once was. His path has turned to blind vengeance, his rage a winnowing fan at the embers of a new faith. A faith destined to cover the world, but not without bloodshed. The haruspex has seen it. Save Cassius does not believe in destiny, much less that he has a role to play in a much bigger game than he realises...