Rome has lost its greatest warrior; Aulus Cornelius is dead. Although he is hailed as a hero the betrayal by cowardly governor Flaminus is not forgotten. Aulus' death has left his sons with grave responsibilities. While Titus swears vengeance against Flaminus and to become as great a general as his father Quintus chooses to pursue politics - under the guidance of Lucius Falerius now the most powerful senator in Rome. Despite his fortune Lucius is haunted by the prophecy that binds his fate to Aulus'. As he trains his son Marcellus he manipulates the Cornelius family to his own ends. Meanwhile the young Aquila considers his mother's deathbed revelation. With only a mysterious eagle amulet left to him Aquila joins a band of mercenaries. Unknowingly he heads straight into the heart of a slave uprising and closer to a destiny entwined with that of the Roman Republic.
Jack Ludlow is the pen name of writer David Donachie, who was born in Edinburgh in 1944. He has had a variety of jobs, selling everything from business machines to soap. He has always had an abiding i... more
David Thorpe
Narrator
David Thorpe has appeared in many stage plays, in rep and on tour. TV credits include The Brittas Empire, Peak Practice, and Jonathan Creek. Twice a member of the BBC Radio Drama Company, he has been ... more