Set during the period of the late Roman Republic, the Western Dragon follows the trials and adventures of the centurion, Ateius Labeo. Ateius is captured after the disasterous Battle of Carrhae by the Parthians and transported as a slave thousands of miles eastward. There, he is forced to fight to the death for the amusement of others until he makes his escape further east to the lands of ancient China. Because of his talents, Ateius quickly rises through the ranks of the Han Imperial Army until intrigue puts his life and those of his friends in danger.