Another gripping novel by Turney. In this one, Rufinus has taken on a new identity since he was declared dead, and is part of a cabal to get rid of the evil chamberlain Cleander, led and coordinated by Septimius Severus, the future emperor. Also, he carries out personal vendettas against the men remaining alive who had killed a frumentarius. Rufinus' "wife", Senova, was insufferable in this novel. I was glad she only appeared minimally and hope she will appear only seldom in future [and maybe be killed off--or is that too much to hope for?]. ( )