The Cleansing Fire

The villain Cleander has fallen, his wickedness gone from the imperial court, but his influence lives on. Amongst the Praetorians, a network of spies, killers and thieves remain, clawing on to the power they have enjoyed.

Rufinus, returned to the Guard at the hands of the devious Frumentarii, Rome's imperial secret service, is intent on bringing the entire web of villainy to justice.

But Commodus's reign falters and Rome is in peril. Wolves are at the door and every man with power prepares to make a bid for the purple. In a world of chaos, Rufinus is about to learn that Rome does not harbour corruption. Rome is corruption....