After saving the Empire's richest province from a foreign army, Marcus Aquila and the men who protect him have been in hiding. If they are seen in Rome their lives will be forfeit.But five years later, everything has changed in Rome. Marcus's protector, the patrician legion commander Scaurus, is summoned home by his mentor Pertinax, a powerful senator who has decided he must save the empire from its debauched ruler Commodus's reign of terror.The city is a hotbed of conspiracy and treachery, and Pertinax is not the only contender for power. The emperor himself plans to destroy those he mistrusts. No-one is safe.Marcus has his own, unique role in the conspiracy. He will become a gladiator once more. But this time, his opponent will be Commodus himself.Praise for Empire:'A damn fine read . . . fast-paced, action-packed.' Ben Kane'Fast-paced and gripping "read-through-the-night" fiction.' Conn Iggulden