Posted from Spain to one of the legions surrounding Hannibal's position in southern Italy, Quintus encounters an old enemy, Centurion Pera. Threatened from within the camp by Pera, and without by the Carthaginians, he must walk a dangerous path with death threatening at every turn.
More than a decade since the conflict began, the two sides prepare for a final bout. Rome has superior numbers and intelligent, committed generals. Carthage, despite being outnumbered, has not just Hasdrubal Barca and his elephants, but Hannibal, the most brilliant military mind of the age.