Marcus Varro and Caius Falco have revenge to take and treasure to reclaim. As soldiers in the Roman Army at war with Macedonia they own precious little. When a gold necklace as thick as a man's thumb is stolen from them, they undertake a plan to retrieve it. Their target is a beloved slave of their own Consul and under heavy guard. Yet they are undaunted. The plan goes awry. In the confusion, the slave is killed. Forgetting the necklace, Varro and Falco scramble to cover their misdeeds. All the while, guilt for the slave's death gnaws at Varro's heart. Soon suspicion falls on them. Both are imprisoned and face a trial certain to end in their executions. But salvation comes from an unexpected benefactor. Varro and Falco will be forgiven, but must first complete a deadly mission deep in enemy territory. Eager for redemption, Varro accepts. Can he lead his men through Macedonia and return everyone alive?