It's AD 178, and barbarian tribes once again threaten the borders of the Roman Empire. To make matters worse, Lucius' promotion in his auxiliary cohort has been denied, and instead the governor has appointed a moody, mean-tempered Roman to become the new centurion of the Septem Gallorum — and, incidentally, to trample all over Lucius' ambitions.
Tall and burly, Centurion Caius Florius Corvus might be way too good-looking for Lucius' peace of mind, but the man has also made it abundantly clear that he doesn't trust Lucius as his second in command. Yet as they are swept into war and each has to shoulder his responsibilities, a reluctant respect begins to grow between them, which soon grows into friendship — and, perhaps, more?