Lucius Cassianus Secundus is responsible for public order and safety as the prefect of the Beneficiary Guard in the Roman city of Colonia Agrippina. The preparations for Emperor Septimius' campaign in Britain present him and his beneficiaries with significant logistical and political challenges. In addition to the emperor's soldiers and other units, which cause trouble due to wine and too much leisure time, there are also the personal troops of Caracalla, one of the emperor's sons, who has his own plans at the border with the Germanic tribes. When a group of Germans ambushes the escort of some visiting Roman senators, Lucius finds himself caught in a difficult position. It is not only about his professional future but also the safety of his city and, last but not least, his family. An ancient Roman action thriller about power and intrigue.