1038 AD Constantinople. Harald Sigurdsson has risen through bravery and glory in battle to become the commander of the legendary Varangian guard the oath-sworn protector of the Roman throne in Constantinople; The wielder of the emperor's axe. With the estranged Emperor and Empress consumed in a deadly palace war for sole control of the empire Harald must somehow keep the peace. In a city where everything is taken by subterfuge violence and deceit what must an honourable man do to protect the empire from both its enemies and itself? Harald might be forced to choose between his life and his oaths to take a side or become an enemy of all and watch outcast as the empire crumbles. Harald is a master of war but victory in battle will no longer be enough.