In 226CE Hadrian's Wall in Britannia (and the brave auxiliary soldiers who man it) provides the physical security for the northern frontier of the mighty Roman Empire. However, only some enlightened few understand the graver supernatural threats lurking among the dark forests and trackless marshes of the border region. Those few are yourselves, the Brotherhood, initiates into the Mysteries of Mithras serving among the auxiliaries at the Wall. Last year you successfully saved both your fort, Vercovicium, and the warriors of the Votadini tribe to the north from a terrible fate. Even so, you were surprised to receive an urgent plea for assistance from a senior Votadini druid. Details are sparse, but it seems that some ancient power has been disturbed and Romans may be to blame. It's likely, once again, that only you have the skills to solve the mystery before it's too late.

Smythe's Discreet Investigations is London's first, and so far only, all-female detective agency. The request from the Dowager Lady Carruthers to check into the background of the man who wishes to marry her orphaned great-niece -- heir, with her sisters, to the sizeable Carruthers fortune -- seems to be nothing out of the ordinary. Is Richard devoted to Dorothea or just after her money? Or will he impolitely simply disappear as her previous fiancé did?