Northern Italy and Gaul, 58 BCE. Marcus Falerius Fronto commands Caesar’s Tenth Legion as the general prepares to intervene against the Helvetii and Ariovistus. Fronto understands campaigning, but Caesar’s ability to manufacture political opportunity makes him wary of the motives behind an invasion presented as necessary defence.
The legion’s advance into Gaul tests Fronto’s loyalty to an old commander whose brilliance is matched by ambition. Tribal diplomacy, Senate politics and rivalry within the army are as dangerous as open battle. Standing close to Caesar offers honour and influence, yet Fronto begins to see how easily a professional soldier can become an instrument in another man’s rise.