The Mask of Command

It is 317 AD and Aurelius Castus is with Emperor Constantine in the east where he and Licinius have just reached a new treaty after heavy battling.  Resting in camp, Castus learns that his wife, Sabina, has recently died.  He needs to get home to look after his wife’s will and their young son.

Having returned home to Rome, Castus finds himself appointed to the head of an army headed to the northern frontier.  He takes his son, Sabinus, with him and accompanied by Ganna, a slave woman who has been with his son since his birth.

Included in the cavalcade is Crispus, son of the emperor, Constantine.  He is only fifteen and on his way to learn how to be an emperor.  However, Crispus would not travel as far as Colonia Agrippina, where Castus would take up his appointment.

It doesn’t take long for Castus to realise that his posting is undermanned and that in reality it is a businessman by the name of Rufus that is really the power in the area and not the governor.

Within a day of arriving at Colonia Agrippina, the enemy have crossed into Roman territory and are on the march.  Victorious in battle, Castus negotiates a treaty with the enemy.  They provide him with hostages as a surety to peace.  Will the peace hold and can trust the local business community, let alone his own troops?

Can Castus, his son, and Crispus survive in an environment of mistrust, and treachery on all sides?  Author Ian Ross has plenty of action, double crosses and battles ahead for all in this intense historical fiction.  Well written and thoroughly an enjoyable read.