The Leopard Sword

This is the fourth volume in the "Empire" series by Anthony Riches. 

Marcus' cohort has been transferred from Britannia to the border of Germania to deal with thieves and raiders.  When they get to their destination they discover that they have two types of bandits to contend with.  The first are the opportunists, who take what they can, when they can.  The second are organised; for the most part deserters from the Roman army.

Shortly after arriving in Tungrorum, one of Marcus' friends discovers his first love.  She has become a high class whore since he left, and is well protected by armed guards.  There is also tension between the unblooded soldiers of the city and the two cohorts that have marched in to protect it.

Marcus, Julius, Dubnis and Silus are secretly tasked with finding the organised  bandits' stronghold.  They find a secret bridge across the river, and lead the cohort in attack.  Unfortunately Marcus is taken prisoner in the ensuing battle.  Marcus is surprised when the bandit leader gives intimate details about him and the leadership back at Tungrorum.  Obduro, the bandit leader sees in Marcus a man with a common enemy, Rome!  Both are in reality outlaws of the empire, and he invites Marcus to join him. 

Marcus rejects the offer, and is then given a demonstration of Obduro's "Leopard Sword", which is made if the finest Damascus steel.  Obduro sends Marcus back with a message warning the Romans not to attack his stronghold.  Marcus also returns with a broken jaw, so can only communicate his thoughts via a wax tablet.

Treachery, double crossing, murder and vengeance fill the remaking pages of this historical novel.  Author Anthony Riches provides an exciting conclusion to his story.  Another read you won't want to put down.