Emperor

by Richard Foreman

Book 3 in the Sword of Empire series.

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In 179 CE Rufus Atticus travels through Roman Britain searching for the fugitive Gaius Maximus. Marcus Aurelius is prepared to pardon the former praetorian, but only if he accepts one final mission: crossing into enemy territory to assassinate Balomar, king of the Marcomanni. Atticus also carries personal news that may persuade Maximus to return.

The operation is opposed by barbarian guards, Roman mercenaries and Commodus, whose future succession threatens the loyalties built around his father. Maximus must decide whether the emperor’s offer is mercy or another form of command. The final novella moves between Britain and the continental frontier, ending the series with a conflict between service to an ageing ruler and survival under the ruler who will replace him.