At the border between civilization and the magic-laden lands beyond, Rome's first detective is haunted by violence and visions of dark forces that defy all sense? Antonius Axia's disturbing investigation in the frontier colony of Britannia deepens...and with each disturbing new clue he uncovers, the farther his mind sinks into disarray! Connecting the clues behind the grisly rumors of horror in the empire's northernmost reach, Antonius must gain an ally as dangerous as the darkness that now surrounds him. But who is this mysterious new partner, and will she lead Antonius toward the bright light of truth and salvation?or into the cold flame of eternal damnation? Sense falls away to seduction as comics legend Peter Milligan (Shade, The Changing Man) and incendiary artist Juan Jos? Ryp (NINJAK) march Valiant's latest magnum opus toward its most insidious chapter yet!

On the fringes of civilization, the world's first detective is about to make an unholy discovery... Ruled by the Fates. Manipulated by the Gods. Commanded by Caesar. In the year 65 A.D., one's destiny was not his own. At the height of Nero's reign, a veteran of Rome's imperial war machine has been dispatched to the farthest reaches of the colonies to investigate unnatural happenings... In the remote outpost of Britannia, Antonius Axia – the First Detective – will become Rome's only hope to reassert control over the empire's most barbaric frontier...and keep the monsters that bridge the line between myth and mystery at bay... From comics mastermind Peter Milligan (X-Statix, Shade the Changing Man) and incendiary artist Juan Jose Ryp (NINJAK, Clone) comes a psychological journey into terror, temptation, and bloodshed – presented in an all-new prestige format limited series!