The Parthian hordes led by their king Artabanus had invaded the outer reaches of the Roman empire, destroying several Roman outposts along Parthia s border with Mesopotamia. The Parthian army had laid siege to the great Roman fort at Tadmor. Atticus had joined the legions of Rome. He stood a mere inch short of seven feet head to toe, a pure warrior, barely a man at the age of 18. A mountain of muscle and strength second to none. General Maximus of the Augusta Legions had witnessed, at first hand, the bravery and fighting skill of Atticus, and with the blessing of the Emperor, Augustus had installed Atticus into the Augusta Legion as first centurion of the first cohort of the Augusta Legion. Artabanus had sent envoys to the two client kings of Mesopotamia, inviting them to join forces with him to destroy Rome, which was at its weakest. One of the kings had disguised himself as a merchant and went to Rome to see for himself. Spies and assassins hid amongst the civilian population and were often paid handsomely for their services by the king of Parthia. Atticus would soon be unleashed upon the Parthians. His quest to become Rome s greatest warrior had begun.