The third novel in this brilliant series, set at the end of the Roman empire, sees Constantine battling for supremacy against the tyrant Maxentius.

Centurion Aurelius Castus has been promoted to tribune and seems settled in a life of comfort with his new wife and young son. But Rome is in the tyrannical grip of the usurper Maxentius, and Constantine is forming a plan for a surprise attack from the west, in order to take the city.

Castus, who once saved the emperor's life, is called upon to play a key role in the campaign. Once again he is caught up in events far beyond his control, where nothing is quite what it seems – not even his new marriage.