Sometime in the second century, the Ninth Legion of the Imperial Roman Army inexplicably vanished off the face of the earth. Were they annihilated in some unrecorded battle, or was their disappearance the result of something far more secretive?
Jack Reilly is nearly finished with an extended vacation in Rome. Alongside him is Mayleen Wu, former Chinese operative and Jack’s newfound love. Posing under aliases, they attend a private event set against the backdrop of the historic Roman Colosseum, one that features a remarkable display of artifacts once belonging to the elusive Ninth Legion. Among these treasures is the headpiece to the legion's quasi-sacred aquila, their revered eagle standard.
The evening takes a perilous turn as an armed unit storms the black-tie affair. The intruders are determined to claim what they believe is rightfully theirs. To do so, they need the headpiece. Chaos unfolds, and as the hostile force vanishes into the night, a cryptic message arises, invoking an ancient birthright.