It is 261 AD. Across the fractured and tottering Roman empire three brothers, separated from each other for years, but irretrievably bound together by a single terrible deed, struggle to survive in a harsh world which is growing darker and more brutal. Munatius, an outcast warrior and son of the northern light is searching for a new home in the Germanic wilderness beyond the imperial frontier knowing that a death sentence is hanging over him for crossing swords with the women of power who rule the free tribes.

Meanwhile in Britain Veda must juggle defending the ancestral farm on the isle of Vectis from hostile forces with his job working for a great Roman banking house, where he is given all the dangerous and dirty jobs no one else wants to do. While Corbulo, the eldest brother, now prefect of the equites foederati Germanica, leads his veteran soldiers to war against the remaining usurpers Balista and Quietus who are still holed up in the East. His efforts aiding the rise of the city of Palmyra to astonishing greatness.

Fate pushing the three brothers into becoming guardians of empire. Ordinary, unknown but determined men, still uncorrupted by power, fame and money, reflecting the greatness that once was Rome.