The Roman invasion of southeast Britain had brought much needed prestige to consolidate the new reign of Emperor Claudius. After eight years it has now faded. No significant financial benefits have flowed from the Province of Britain. Instead, the expensive Roman army, of which Claudius is the Commander in Chief, has been unable to suppress the army of the British in the West. The Province is a financial drain on the Empire and the lack of military success is becoming a serious political embarrassment to the Emperor. His enemies, including those closest to him, gather resources, eliminate loyalists and prepare to bring him down. The dramatic power of the action sequences and the description of the settings illuminate the converging paths of High King Caratacos, who with the hard-core remnant of the army of the British tries to maintain his political footing, and of Aurelius Victorinus of the Urban Cohorts, the police service of the City, who investigates financial manipulation.