I am a huge fan of Gillian Bradshaw's Historicals. I never find any fault with them regarding historical accurateness and a thrilling plot. Again she wrote a winner. The story is about an african soldier (scout) in Britain fighting the barbarians and at the same time uncovering an intrigue within the imperial house. While doing this he has to cope with the prejudices and the superstition of the 'Barbarians' and the Romans as well who are not used to dark skinned people.