AD 263 - the Roman Empire is in turmoil, with violent uprising threatening the balance of power. Ballista must undertake his most treacherous journey yet in a covert attempt to turn the barbarians against each other. He must face the Heruli - the Wolves of the North - the most brutal tribe of them all. Ballista is in a strange land, among strange people, but is it possible that the greatest threat may come from within his own familia?