Rome at the end of Commodus’s reign. Marcus Valerius Aquila and his protectors return from hiding as powerful senators begin to consider open action against the emperor. The city is filled with conspiracy, informers and men preparing for the consequences of regicide.
Marcus sees a chance to complete his private revenge, but the fall of a tyrant will not by itself restore order. As several factions move at once, personal justice becomes entangled with the wider question of who will control Rome when Commodus is gone.