Roman Britain, 208 AD. The Emperor Septimius Severus has arrived in Britain, intending to conquer the troublesome barbarians in the north of the island once and for all.To Memnon, an African scout serving with a cavalry unit, the British expedition seems at first a continuation of his ordinary army life: he will continue to fight the Empire's enemies and plan elaborate jokes with his fellow soldiers. On a journey north, however, he saves the lives of a senior member of the Emperor's staff and a beautiful young attendant of the Empress. Through them he becomes aware of tensions within the imperial house, where two spoiled and arrogant princes are engaged in a ruthless struggle for power. The bitter war test all of them to the limit, and if any of them are to survive, it can only be through their friendship.