Leading on from Sword of The Boar, the concluding part moves away from the Antonine Wall and sees Velio Pinneius stationed further south at the home of the Twentieth legion, Deva Victrix. He leads his century on a final mission into the hill country of the northwest before he takes his retirement. However, what should be a simple inspection of a hillfort garrison quickly goes awry. Velio discovers a looting scheme operated by soldiers at the fort and is wounded and abducted by deserters allied to the local tribe, the Carvetii.Local tensions are also running high amongst the tribes at the growing exploitation of the lead mines and forests by the Romans. An uprising to defend their land their gods is imminent and Velio becomes embroiled in a struggle for his own survival and the maintenance of law and order as the mighty Brigantes tribe threaten to support the Carvetii.Meanwhile in Gaul, his two retired comrades (and new business partners) from the Twentieth legion, Gallus Tiomaris and Hanno Glaccus, have taken over the vineyard and stumble into a plot by the Roman administrator of the local town to steal the estate. Old soldierly habits die hard as they set about uncovering the truth and protecting their investment.As the series draws to a final, bloody climax, a host of new characters help Velio, Gallus and Hanno fight their separate battles to defend what is theirs; not all of them will succeed. Not everything will go to plan for the soldiers of the boar.