Young Aulus Spurinna8217;s homeland, Etruria, has fallen prey to a rebel league of soldiers lead by Manlius, an experienced and dangerous Roman warrior. When his uncle dies under a cloud of mystery, Spurinna must take his uncle8217;s place as the landowner of all Etruria. In order to save his homeland from Manlius, Spurinna travels to Rome to seek help from a Consul, Cicero. On his journey, Spurinna teams up with Cicero8217;s daughter, Tullia, and together they unravel a conspiracy that could overthrow the Roman Empire. Spurinna soon finds himself thrust into the midst of a deadly battle 8211; and a fight to save his life, his home, and Rome.This first novel by classical scholar Jack Mitchell is a gripping tale that vaults over the centuries to bring ancient Rome to thrilling life.