Synopsis

Who ordered the massacre at the Scabbard of the Gladius, a new luxury brothel in the heart of Rome's infamous district? The prime suspect is Marcus Garrulus, known as Half-Axe—the sole survivor of the massacre and the owner of the establishment—who, however, has disappeared. Many are hunting him: among them, commissioned by the future triumvir Marcus Licinius Crassus, who has begun his social climb, the veteran Titus Annius, aided by a huge Roman Gaul with a heart of gold, and an old comrade consumed by memories and wine. Around the same time, Cecilia Metella, an influential matron, asks the young Cicero to defend her protégé, Sextus Roscius, against charges of parricide. A delicate case not only because of the seriousness of the charge, but also because of the vested interests and power struggles hidden within the case. Over both events, which will prove to be intertwined, looms the shadow of Sulla, the Dictator, whose enemies are increasingly restless. And while Titus must endure brawls, ambushes, romantic entanglements, determined women, and memorable drunken bouts to uncover the truth, Cicero will instead discover that at stake, in the forum, is not only Sextus's fate, but his own as well. And perhaps the very survival of the Republic.