The coming man of historical fiction'. - Saul David. Britain. 179AD. The centurion Rufus Atticus is intent on finding Gaius Maximus - a fugitive and friend. Whilst doing so however Atticus finds trouble - in the form of the brutal Meriadoc clan. The Emperor, Marcus Aurelius, wants to offer the former praetorian a pardon. Atticus also has important news for Maximus, which will change his life. But as well as offering the soldier a pardon the Emperor has summoned Maximus to ask him to complete one final mission. He must venture into enemy territory and assassinate Balomar, king of the Marcomanni. Maximus will not only need to best barbarians and the king's bodyguard to fulfil his mission however. To succeed - and survive - Maximus will have to defy the future Emperor Commodus and defeat a band of Roman mercenaries. Kill or be killed. 'Sword of Empire: Emperor' is the third and final book in the bestselling series of historical novellas. For fans of Simon Scarrow, Ben Kane and Conn Iggulden. Richard Foreman's books have been widely praised. Praise for 'Augustus: Son of Rome' 'Augustus: Son of Rome forges action and adventure with politics and philosophy. This superb story is drenched in both blood and wisdom - and puts Foreman on the map as the coming man of historical fiction'. - Saul David, author of the Zulu Hart series. Praise for 'Raffles: The Complete Innings' 'Classy, humorous and surprisingly touching tales of cricket, friendship and crime.' - David Blackburn, The Spectator. Richard Foreman is the author of numerous best-selling books, including 'Augustus: Son of Rome' and the Raffles series of historical crime novellas. He is also the author of 'Warsaw', a literary novel set during the Second World War. He lives in London.