Emperor Nero's grip on power is weakening. In every shadow he sees an enemy, and his paranoia settles on the figure of Gnaeus Domitius Corbulo, Rome's greatest General who leads the imperial legions in the East. Gaius Valerius Verrens, Hero of Rome, has been given the power of life and death over Corbulo, a soldier he worships. Now he must decide whether to complete his mission or risk incurring Nero's deadly wrath.