The imperial throne has been usurped, unrest is mercilessly suppressed, persecutions and executions are endless... Meanwhile, the empire, which is on the verge of civil war, is also threatened by external enemies. To avert trouble and preserve the state, a new leader is needed. And such a person is the governor of the island of Kalavria, who was appointed to this post by the legal ruler. After long and painful deliberation, he agrees to challenge the cruel usurper...