Five long years have passed since the annihilation of three Roman legions in the wilds of Germania. Varus, the general who led the ill-fated army, is long dead, and the bones of his 15,000 legionaries moulder in the forests. But not all the Romans were slain in the ambush. Centurion Tullus, a seasoned veteran, survived, and now he lives for revenge upon the tribal chieftain Arminius, who masterminded the ambush. Tullus will stop at nothing to kill his bitterest enemy or to recover his legion's lost Eagle.
At first, fortune seems to be with the Romans. Germanicus, the general appointed to lead punitive campaigns against the tribes, is resourceful and courageous. His armies are vast, dwarfing those of the enemy, and the initial clashes are won by the legions. Yet Arminius is far from defeated. Charismatic and determined, he gathers together thousands of warriors for a second time. Their purpose is to visit death and destruction upon Rome's legions, to repeat what was done five years before. Stalking Germanicus' forces day and night, they watch and wait for the perfect moment to strike.
Can Tullus prevent another disaster? And will he ever recover his legion's Eagle?