Aurelius Castus has fought long and hard for Rome in the service of Emperor Constantine. Now he is enjoying retirement on his Dalmatian country estate, with his beloved wife Marcellina and their young daughter.
When the summons comes to command an army once more, he knows he must obey, but it is with a heavy heart. Is he still the fearsome fighting machine of old? Will his young, ambitious officers follow a great soldier of former days, now grown old and stiff from easy living?
In the pitiless heat of the Syrian desert, engulfed by whirling sandstorms and facing a fearless, treacherous foe, Castus will go into his greatest test knowing that it might very well be his last on earth.
When the summons comes to command an army once more, he knows he must obey, but it is with a heavy heart. Is he still the fearsome fighting machine of old? Will his young, ambitious officers follow a great soldier of former days, now grown old and stiff from easy living?
In the pitiless heat of the Syrian desert, engulfed by whirling sandstorms and facing a fearless, treacherous foe, Castus will go into his greatest test knowing that it might very well be his last on earth.