The young senator Decius Lucilius Metellus the Younger is summoned to Rome from distant lands by his numerous and noble relatives. Summoned in the dark, troubled times of the death of the Republic, where democracy began to crumble under the onslaught of opposing usurpers of power. He is called upon to investigate the mysterious death of his relative, consul Metellus Celer. According to generally accepted opinion, he committed suicide by taking a portion of poison. But shortly before his death, Celer received the proconsulship of Gaul, which was claimed by such greats of this world as Caesar and Pompey. Only death can prevent such an appointment, and, as a rule, from someone else’s hand - Decius is convinced of this...