It is the Olympics of 460 BC. Nico's best friend, Timodemus, is a competitor in the pakration, the deadly martial art of ancient Greece. Timo is a hot favourite to win; his only serious rival is Parmonos from Sparta. When Parmonos is found dead, it is obvious that Timodeus must be the killer - who else could have killed the second best fighter in all Hellas? The Judges of the Games sentence Timodemus to be executed as soon as the Sacred Games are finished. Now, Nico and his partner-in- sleuthing, the annoying clever priestess Diotima, have four days to save their friend.