Hammer of Rome: Douglas Jackson

In the far north, Gaius Valerius Verrens` destiny awaits...

AD 80: Gaius Valerius Verrens is back where he belongs, at the head of a legion. But this is no ordinary legion. His command is the `unlucky` Ninth, tainted by four decades of ill fortune and poor leadership. A unit regarded as expendable by his superior, Gnaeus Julius Agricola...

Yet all that can be swept aside by a single moment of glory, and the invasion of the north of the province provides the perfect opportunity. Valerius leads his men to a devastating victory against the Brigantes, infuriating Agricola... Soon, even greater honours beckon with the death of Emperor Vespasian and the succession of Valerius`s friend, Titus.

All Valerius can do is forget the great prizes on offer, concentrate on defeating the savage tribes who lie in the path of the Ninth, and ignore Agricola`s intrigues.

But watching his every move is another enemy - and this one is the most formidable enemy he has ever faced...