Sooner or later, a druid will inevitably come into conflict with one vampire or another. Or even entire legions of them. In fact, these bloodthirsty troublemakers have grown into a huge problem that cries out for a solution. This volume also includes the story "Prelude to War." Atticus could use some backup: the vampires led by their leader Theophilus need to be dealt with. However, his allies have their own concerns. The archdruid Owen Kennedy is haunted by his troll past, and Granuaile is desperately fighting to free herself from the brand of the Norse god Loki. When Atticus arrives in Rome as part of his battle against Theophilus, the Eternal City appears to him as a fitting place for the end of the immortal. But that comes at a price...