Atticus, the Commander of the Roman fleet, is regarded with suspicion by the legionaries and the Roman establishment. Prejudice and nepotism are rife, and Atticus worries about his desire to succeed in such a world. Yet his immediate concerns involve the Carthaginians - again on the attack. Their superior sailing skills and strength, combined with the Roman admiral's foolhardy attitude towards the seasonal Mediterranean storms, cause appalling losses to the Roman ships. However, when it is Atticus who is blamed, he must return disgraced, to battle the resurgent Carthaginian navy. But he's led by a man determined to complete the annihilation of the Roman ships, and with a personal score to settle with Atticus. The battle that ensues will determine the survival of the whole empire.