Caesar Dies

In the reign of Commodus, the eastern jewel of Antioch sprawls beneath the citadel, its marble‑lined avenues buzzing with chariots, market stalls and colorful crowds. Beneath the glittering facades, however, a network of spies and informers watches every whispered remark, for any hint of disloyalty can bring torture and confiscation. The city's prosperity rests on a fragile balance between Roman taxation, extravagant games, and the ever‑present fear of being accused of treason.

Into this tense tableau rides Sextus, son of Maximus, accompanied by his loyal friend Norbanus and the swift Arab mare Scylax, a former slave turned trusted companion. As they head toward the summer resort of Daphne, the trio finds themselves drawn into whispered conspiracies and uneasy alliances among the city's elite. Their journey promises a clash between personal honor and the ruthless demands of an empire that brooks no dissent.