The villain Cleander has fallen, his wickedness gone from the imperial
court, but his influence lives on. Amongst the Praetorians, a network of
spies, killers and thieves remain, clawing on to the power they have
enjoyed.
Rufinus, returned to the Guard at the hands of the devious Frumentarii,
Rome's imperial secret service, is intent on bringing the entire web of
villainy to justice.
But Commodus's reign falters and Rome is in peril. Wolves are at the
door and every man with power prepares to make a bid for the purple. In
a world of chaos, Rufinus is about to learn that Rome does not harbour
corruption. Rome is corruption....