AD 260, MESOPOTAMIA The Roman Emperor Vlaerian has been betrayed. Captured by the Sassanid barbarians, he must prostrate himself before Shapur, King of Kings. Ballista, Knight of Rome, vows to avenge those who have brought the Empire to the brink of destruction with their treachery. But first he must decide what price he will pay for his own freedom. Only the fearless and only those whom the gods will spare from hell, can now save the Empire from a catastrophic ending. Ballista, the Warrior of Rome, faces his greatest challenge yet.