The second installment of the thrilling maritime adventure; two mighty empires battle each other for control of the high seas. Atticus and his companion legionary, Septimus, are confirmed in their roles in the expanded Roman Navy. Their opposition, the Carthaginians are on the warpath, determined not only to reconquer Sicily, but also to take the attack to Rome itself. Hampered by the presence of a well-connected but treacherous young senator, and by the machinations of Scipio in Rome, the two and their vessel are both involved in a series of horrific running battles and dangerous political infighting. The book culminates in the battle of Agrigentum, the largest sea batle of the ancient world.