Britain, 44 AD. The land is far from being a peaceful Roman province. With the support of Emperor Claudius, a native king returns to the throne of the Durotriges, but hopes for peace, an end to the hatred of the local tribes towards Rome, and reconciliation with Roman rule are still nowhere in sight. Optio Horatius Figulus has battle in his blood. His fellow soldiers tease him because of his origins, but it is precisely the Celtic resilience and tenacity that help him survive in the legion. However, his character and abilities will be put to a severe test, especially when he is sent on a mission deep into enemy territory. Figulus understands the local Celts. He knows that even in a situation where they have been utterly defeated and the druids driven from the conquered fortresses, the Britons would rather die than surrender. Legionary Figulus has already appeared in the highly successful Scarrow's historical novels about the colorful fates of Prefect Caton and Centurion Macron; in this book, however, he becomes the main hero for the first time.
