At the peak of Rome's might a dragon is born among eagles, an heir to a line both blessed and cursed by the Gods for ages. In Killing the Hydra, Lucius Metellus Anguis returns to North Africa, determined to investigate the death of his centurion and root out the treason that has infiltrated the ranks of his cohort. With his wife, Adara, safe in Athens, Lucius finds himself alone on a dangerous road back to the legionary base at Lambaesis. Praetorian spies and other unknown enemies are hunting him, and it is only with help from the Empress, a Punic prostitute, and an ancient group of warriors that Lucius is able to survive. But the Sibyl's prophecy haunts Lucius's dreams, and he clings desperately to the hope that he is making the right decisions for his men, for himself, and for his family. As his world is ravaged by pain on all fronts, Lucius Metellus Anguis must decide whether or not to make his move against the enemies that have plagued his family for far too long, including the most powerful man in the Roman Empire. How far will the Dragon go to protect his family and avenge the spirits of the dead? Only the Gods know...