The Shieldmaiden's Throne (The Song of Britain Cycle Book 10)
James CalbraithIn the ten years since Odowakr the Skir took Rome from the last Emperor and made himself a King of Italia, no usurper, general or politician managed to gain enough support to oust him. That may soon change - as Dux Syagrius announces he is to march on Italia and take the Emperor's throne for himself. He's seeking allies in this endeavour - and he's asked Madron and her husband, Dux Honorius, to join him.
But before they can decide on how to answer this call to arms, there's trouble closer to home. Utir, brother of the late Dux Ambrosius, is stirring a rebellion in the north, and needs to be dealt with. There's only one trouble: Utir is not only a seasoned general, perhaps the finest commander in the province - he's also build himself a loyal and powerful army, and locked himself in the mighty Roman fortress of Dewa.