Alexandros, slave to the richest man in Rome, has escaped the worst death the ancient world could devise. Swept away into the desert, forced to abandon his wife, he is wanted on both sides of the Euphrates. Now, the war he could not prevent is upon him. The world's two greatest empires, Rome and Parthia will meet in one of the most savage encounters of the late Republic. Alexandros and Livia will both be thrust into the bloody heart of the battle. On opposite sides. In the dramatic climax of the award-winning "Bow of Heaven" trilogy, brutal acts of treachery, betrayal, torture and murder all conspire to destroy the frail bonds of friendship and love. Silver-tongued Alexandros can talk his way out of almost anything, but who will listen when mindless war begins its rampage?