It's not easy being the son of a king.

Octa never wanted to be a mighty warrior, or a great ruler of men - he'd much rather be a clerk or a priest - but he's resigned to his destiny as the son and heir of the first king of the Iutes. There is only one problem: under his father's peaceful reign, there aren't many opportunities for a youth to gain experience in combat and leadership.

So when a Roman legate arrives in Britannia, for the first time in a generation, bringing dire news from across the Narrow Sea and requesting help in the coming clash between rival Imperators, Octa jumps on the chance to prove himself before his friends and his father - no matter the consequences...

What follows is an epic journey across Frankia and Gaul in the twilight of the Empire, filled with battles, intrigues and romance.