SWORDS
AGAINST SORCERY

Foul sorcery had slain the Emperor.  Now the army of Videssos, betrayed by one man's craven folly, fled in panic from the savage victors.  But there was no panic in the Legion, mysteriously displaced from Gaul and Rome into this strange world of magic.

Wearily, Tribune Marcus Scaurus led his men through the chaos and enemy hordes in search of winter quarters, to regroup and seek to join up with Thorisin Gavras, now rightful ruler of Videssos.

But in Videssos the city, capital of the beleaguered realm, Ortaias Sphrantzes, whose cowardice had caused their defeat, now sat upon the throne.  There, behind great walls that had always made the city impregnable to storm or siege, he ruled with the support of evil sorcery.  Overthrowing him seemed impossible.

Grimly, Marcus Scaurus began the long march through hostile country toward that seemingly hopeless attempt.

A HERO's
REWARD...!

Since the Roman legion had been mysteriously transported to this world of magic, tribune Marcus Scaurus had served the rulers of war-torn Videssos well.  He had been largely responsible for ousting the Pretender and putting Thorisin Gavras on the throne.  That, of course, made him a hero.

Rome or Videssos, however, Fortune was a fickle goddess.

Now he and the legion were returning in triumph to Videssos the city after defeating a well-entrenched army of rebel mercenaries.  But Marcus, betrayed by the one closest to him, was returning to be seized, dragged before the Emperor, and questioned under truth-drug like a traitor.

Of the court, only Alypia Gavra stuck by him - but consorting with the Emperor's niece was dangerous.  It could lead to exile - or death!

Yet Alypia was attractive.  And Marcus was lonely...