Rome AD 68. Vespasian is tasked with the impossible: should he quell the revolt in Judaea as the emperor Nero has instructed? If his conquest succeeds he risks becoming the sole object of the emperor's jealousy. If he fails then his punishment will be severe. But Nero has committed suicide. Sabinus Vespasian's brother is caught between the warring factions of Aulus Vitellius a cruel opportunist and the noble Marcus Salvius Otho who finds himself severely outnumbered. Seeing no aid on the horizon Sabinus must rely on wit to ensure the safety of his family. With a contested throne now may finally be Vespasian's time - to ascend to conquer and to take control of Rome itself.

Part of the Vespasian Series series.