Six months after the events of Soldier of Raetia, the 24th is invited on campaign with Rome's most famous general: Drusus Germanicus, the stepson of Augustus who will stop at nothing to subjugate the north. Dardanus and Valerian, after spending the winter isolated from the outside world, now find themselves facing the realities of their relationship: while Valerian tries to reconcile public duty and personal feelings, Dardanus struggles with his multiple roles and his admiration for two very different leaders. Drusus' ambition will call everything they have chosen into question, until both begin to wonder if love is worth the risk, and what price they will have to pay