56 AD e. Commander Corbulo concentrated a force of 20,000 men to wage war in Parthia. The second praetorian cohort, commanded by veteran tribune Cato and centurion Macro, is ready for combat. However, support units, poorly equipped and poorly trained, are not. Corbulo's army cannot set out before winter.

At the same time, the Parthians are already on the march. Warlord Desert Hawk attacked the outposts of Rome. What is his goal? And if he knows about the weakened state of the Roman troops, who provides this information?

Cato goes on a reconnaissance mission to Parthia. Even within his tiny squad there could be a traitor lurking. Death seems almost inevitable. But at least Cato left his old comrade Macro in the safety of the garrison. At least that's what he thinks... For Macron also faces an unexpected test that will test his courage and experience to the limit.