Ballista and a few of his men, have managed
to escape annihilation on the eastern boundary of the Roman Empire.
When Ballista arrives in Antioch he is surprised to find that Emperor
Valerian is in the city. Will he be able to speak to him to warn him of
the Persian invasion happening on the eastern edge of his empire?
Fortunately he is able to do so, but in telling his story he makes
enemies.
It isn't long before Ballista is appointed to lead a force against some
of the advancing enemy. But before he can leave, he is attacked twice.
Why would the attacker say something about a nobleman wanting him dead,
and which nobleman?
How was Ballista to handle the insubordination of a patrician cavalry
officer? Will Glabrio's impetuousness bring disaster or glory? Victory
is achieved, but not the complete victory envisioned by Ballista.
For a year, Ballista is out of favour with Emperor Valerian. Then, all
of a sudden he is called upon to persecute the Christians in Ephesus.
Why? There he is to condemn the Christians to death or forfeiture of
property and exile. It is not long before he is sickened by his role.
He stops the persecution and is recalled to Antioch.
Sometime later, he is sent as an ambassador to the enemy. However, a
truce was unacceptable to the enemy. Will the Roman army survive or be
annihilated?
Harry Sidebottom's historical novel is based on actual events, and is an excellent read for fans of historical fiction.
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