357 AD. Numidianus is sent to Gallia with an Alemanna chieftain's daughter, Gunda, who it is thought will be helpful in untangling tribal politics. He also is to keep an eye on the Caesar Julian, and to "save him from himself" in the words of Numidianus's superior, Apodemius. Numidianus is caught up in intrigue, discovers Julian's personality now revealing itself, and is at the Battle of Argentoratum [Strasbourg] between Romans and tribes.

The battle is exciting and well described. There is also a horrible massacre of Alemanni, ordered by Julian but carried out by the disgraced Tribune Bainobaudes. The temperamental Gunda reveals herself to be deceitful and untrustworthy. Can the Romans trust her intelligence about the enemy forces at the battle? Can victory be snatched from impending defeat?

I didn't think this installment as gripping as the others in the series but for the incidents I mentioned. I still think there is too much repetition of past events and the story dragged at times. Someone should have picked up this error: "Aurelian's Wall in Britannia" on p. 207. It should be "Hadrian's Wall in Britannia". Numidianus's moaning about his parentage so much has become annoying. I take it now as self-pity. I do not mind his reading to the old senator, for example, and other facets of his life in the Commander's family or on campaign.

Highly recommended. ( )