Years of provocation and deception have incited the Emperor Trajan to restore the honour of Rome on the eastern frontiers of the empire. Shameful memories of past humiliations from broken treaties and the dishonourable losses of Roman legions compels the emperor to subdue the frontier territories and to impose Roman hegemony. Senior Tribune Cletus steadily elevated by battlefield actions of bravery and courage through the Legion Gemina ranks fins his allegiances tested as he climbs the ladder of power during the arc of the expansionary campaign.