Five years after Quintus lost his arm fighting the Picts (described in Roman Sunset) he decides to travel to see what has become of the Roman Empire. But first he must escort a princess and her husband, to Ireland. However, from the beginning, fate intervenes and Quintus, unwittingly, finds himself involved with people who shaped Western Europe in the death throes of the Western Roman Empire. He meets St. Patrick (Padraig in the story), Niall of the Nine Hostages (ancestor of the High Kings of Ireland), Count Constantinus (father of King Arthur) and the forefathers of Charlemagne. The old soldier's erratic adventure takes him through the rapidly changing world of fifth-century Europe. His actions will alter the course of events and have far-reaching consequences. Many changes will happen but Quintus is an unwitting catalyst in these events.