Year 61 AD in the untamed Roman province of Britannia, where after almost twenty years of brutal occupation, several tribes continued their struggle to maintain independence.
Foremost amongst them were the midland Coritani, whose warriors, following their wolf-head battle-stave, were much feared by their enemies; possessing territory only second in size to that of their northern neighbour, the Brigante; a restless people ruled over by their treacherous queen, Cartimandua. With an eye to exercising further control over this unruly region, Rome made the dubious offer of client kingship to the ageing Coritani king, Volisios; a move, if accepted, could create a formidable buffer zone against possible threats emerging from beyond the unmapped northern frontier.
Deliberating on what was best for the Coritani nation, set against a backdrop of growing unease concerning Rome's intention to attack the defiant Druidical stronghold on the Isle of Anglesey, would deeply divide Volisios' sons, prince Armet and his maverick younger brother Gort, leading to loyalties being questioned and eventual betrayal.
Straba of Catania, Greek slave to the youthful legate, Cerialis, ambitious commander of Rome's ill-fated Hispania legion, while exercising a dogged determination, bore witness to these unfolding events, gaining grudging respect from both Roman and Keltoi alike.
This is their story, shifting between the majesty of Rome and the half-built townships and fortresses of a volatile Britain, in the months which culminated in the bloody rebellion led by Boudiga, warrior queen of the Iceni.
