Emperor: The Field of Swords: A Roman Empire Novel [Paperback]

From the author of the bestsellingThe Dangerous Book for Boys
 
With an army made in his own image, Caesar brings a daring charge through Gaul, across the English Channel, and to the wilds of tribal Britain.

Having proved his valor in the slaves’ revolt, the time has come for Caesar to enter the political battleground of Rome. Strengthened by the love of an older woman—and by the sword of his loyal friend, Marcus Brutus, Caesar battles the armies of the wilderness and forges his legend. All the while his political adversaries in Rome grow ever more powerful. So that when the fighting is over, Julius will face the greatest threat to him yet—a man who wants Rome for himself.“What Robert Graves did for Claudius, Iggulden now does for the most famous Roman emperor of them all—Julius Caesar.” —William Bernhardt, author ofCriminal Intent

“Delightfully entertaining historical fiction.” —BooklistConn Iggulden is the author of three novels about Genghis Khan, as well as the Emperor novels, all of which are available in hardcover and in paperback from Dell. He is also the coauthor of the #1New York TimesbestsellerThe Dangerous Book for Boys. He lives with his wife and children in Hertfordshire, England.Chapter One


Julius stood by the open window, gazing out over Spanish hills. The setting sun splashed gold along a distant crest so that it seemed to hang in the air unsupported, a vein of light in the distance. Behind him, the murmur of conversation rose and fell without interrupting his thoughts. He could smell honeysuckle on the breeze and the touch of it in his nostrils made his own rank sweat even more pungent as the delicate fragrance shifted in the air and was gone.

It had been a long day. When he pressed a hand against his eyes, he could feel a surge of exhaustion rise in him like dark water. The voices in l1