December, AD 63

As former gladiator Leonidas approaches his one-year anniversary of freedom, his old trainer, Aemil, asks him to open the upcoming Saturnalian games. But before Leonidas can experience a qualm at feeling the arena's sand under his feet, Nero demands his presence. A senator has been robbed, and Nero commands Leonidas and Cassia to find the thief, at once.

The task proves much more complicated than they anticipate, plunging Leonidas and Cassia into danger once again on the chaotic streets of Ancient Rome.