Arrows of Fury

This is the second novel in the Empire series by Anthony Riches and sequel to "Wounds of Honour".

Marcus Tribulus Corvus has a new prefect in charge of his legion.  The new prefect has figured out that Marcus has a death warrant out for him, and he wants to know from the First Spear why Marcus is part of the legion and why he is still alive.  Marcus is surprised when he learns that the prefect is prepared to protect his identity.

To the north the tribes in conflict with the Romans are led by Calgus who holds hostages of King Brennus' family and other tribal leaders to ensure that they will fight alongside the Selgovae in future battles with the Romans.

Marcus' legion is in need of replacements, and when he and his friends go to get them, they find that they have been cheated out of a century of infantry.  They must take archers instead.  It will be difficult to train archers to be infantry.

Meantime Calgus attacks one of the Roman forts, destroying it and the men inside.  He also betrays the men who are loyal to Brennus, hoping the Romans will destroy them leaving Brennus with no support.  The Sixth Legion sets out to exact retribution.  The Romans find themselves in a battle to the death, and outnumbered, with only a narrow stream between them and the enemy.  Will Marcus and his friends survive to fight another day?

"Arrows of Fury" is an excellent read, which I thoroughly enjoyed.  Fans of historical fiction are sure to enjoy it, too.