Triumph in Dust

Constantine, Emperor of the Roman Empire, has promised to protect Christians no matter where they are in the world.   With that in mind, and since the Christians in Persia are complaining about their treatment, he plans on going to war with Persia.

He wants Aurelius Castus to prepare the army, even though Castus had retired ten years earlier.  Although Castus had left the army in conflict with Constantine, he decides to accept the task.  He hires Diogenes, his old friend, as his personal secretary.  When they arrive in Antioch, Castus realises that his task will not be easy for a number of reasons.

While on patrol to examine the preparedness of the forts at the edge of the empire, Castus’ group is attacked.  How did anyone know that he was there?  There must be a spy somewhere in his travels passing on information to the enemy.

When he meets with the leaders of the small tribes who support Rome, Castus is surprised when one of the leaders is a woman.  Hind is the regent for her young son, and she wants to be named overall leader of the tribes.

Within days, a second spy is discovered.  The note sent by this spy accuses Castus of being old and weak.  This spurs on second thoughts for Castus as he heads back to Antioch.  Shortly after arriving there news arrives of the death of Constantine.

Who is in charge now?  His three sons and their cousin?  Will they share power or fight amongst themselves?  What of the war that was planned with Persia?  Within a short time news arrives that Persia is on the march against the empire.  There is only one thing to do and that is defy the dead emperor’s orders and prepare to repel an invasion.

Castus marches east with an army.  He finds that one of his commanders has disobeyed orders and taken on the might of the Persian army and been decimated.  His only hope is to hold the fortified city of Nisibus and hope that more troops will come to their aid.

The Persians will use ingenious methods to try to break into the city besides countless men.  Can the Roman garrison and the citizens stop them?

Author Ian Ross’ historical novel is well researched, exciting, full of battle scenes, which will get the reader’s heart racing.  A thoroughly enjoyable read based on historical facts, and hard to put down.