Volume #1 in the Roman Republic trilogy. In a dark cave, two young boys appeal to the Roman oracle for a glimpse of their future. The Sybil draws the blood-red shape of an eagle with wings outstretched: an omen of death. Thirty years on, Lucius and Aulus find themselves on different sides of a conflict, fighting to save the great Roman Republic. With barbarians at the gate and enemies within, the prophecy of the eagle might come true after all.