Emperor Conrad is dead, and the empire has frozen in anxious anticipation. The young heir will have to bear the burden of power and ascend the throne. The knot of intrigues is tied so tightly that it’s unclear where the next vile blow will come from—there are simply too many unknowns in this equation. But there’s no bad without good, and the crew of the “Caligula” decides to return to the territory of the empire, believing the word of Prince Farial. Of course, for that they’ll have to work hard—but the indulgence is worth the effort. Will Jon and his companions be enough, or will they have to lay down their heads for someone else’s interests? Time will tell.