Autumn 217 BC
Losing the war against Hannibal, the desperate Roman senate appoint a Dictator, Fabius to command their legions.
A wily Hannibal uses Fabius's avoidance of pitched battle to trick him then succeeds in tempting his second in command to fight and ambushes him not far from Geronium where a savage battle ensues.
Captain Baldor Targa, having fought bravely at Ager Falernus and Geronium now seeks his woman, Lasairiona and the men who abducted her and robbed him. The trail leads him and his comrades, Andulas and Armaco back into Roman territory and to a new enemy. Meanwhile, an old enemy becomes an ally, while yet another plots his death.
Summer 216 BC
Resting over winter and spring, Rome raises more legions under two new Consuls. With a huge army, they follow Hannibal seeking the right ground to bring him to battle in a bid to end the war. Baldor's nemesis Cornelius Scipio, whilst suffering horror at Geronium and frustration at his nation's recurring defeats receives good news from home and a promotion to Tribune. Against this background of savage war: friendship, love, hate and feud will play out whilst both nations approach battle on the plain of Cannae.