Late summer 211 BCE. Trouble is brewing for the Republic as a new front threatens to open up in the long and bitter war between Rome and Carthage for dominance of the world. As a newly minted legate of Rome working for the Senate and his patron, the young Publius Cornelius Scipio, Flavius must undertake the arduous and dangerous journey to the far-flung Tin Islands, a semi-mythical land beyond the sea. His mission: To maintain diplomatic relations with the local Celtic tribes and to protect vital Roman and allied interests.

But Carthage too has set their sights on the precious resources of tin that are helping fuel the war industries of the belligerents. Determined to protect their ancient trade with the Tin Islands and thwart growing Roman influence the crafty merchant masters of Carthage have decided to send one of their best.

In the mist shrouded isles in the far north Flavius will soon discover something far more precious than gold.