Despite all the obstacles, Crispus gains power and becomes Autokrator of Videss. But only a few days pass, and it becomes clear to him that holding it in his hands is no less, and perhaps even more difficult. Enemies are everywhere. In the west, Petronius, the uncle of the former Emperor, who practically ruled the empire for almost ten years while his royal nephew indulged in revelry, now rebelled against the new ruler. And in the north is Arvash the Black Cloak, the leader of the barbarians who invaded the country in the hope of easy profit. And Crispus begins to realize that his reign may turn out to be extremely short - and extremely bloody...