In this first book of a new historical fiction series, a crack Roman legion invades Britain in this brazen tale of military adventure, political intrigue and heroism It is the year 42 AD, and Centurion Macro, battle-scarred and fearless, is in the heart of Germany with the Second Legion, the toughest in the Roman army. Cato, a new recruit and the newly appointed second-in-command to Macro, will have more to prove than most. In a bloody skirmish with local tribes, Cato gets his first chance to prove that he's more than a callow, privileged youth. As their next campaign takes them to a land of unparalleled barbarity - Britain - a special mission unfolds, thrusting Cato and Macro headlong into a conspiracy that threatens to topple the Emperor himself. Filled with the kind of historical details that brings the adventure to life, Simon Scarrow's Under the Eagle is destined to become a military fiction classic. “A warmly welcome sequel looks assured.” ―Kirkus Reviews “...spectacular tale of intrigue, adventure, and glory in the Roman legions ... This enthralling historical drama is distinguished by its meticulously detailed portrayal of life in the mighty Roman army.” ―Booklist "The characters are so life-like they almost spring of the page.... An engrossing storyline, full of teeth-clenching battles, political machinations, treachery, honour, love, and death." -Elizabeth Chadwick, award-winning author of The Marsh King's Daughter. "Everyone has been raving about the film Gladiator, but Cato's story is its equal in bloody cut and thrust and has the bonus of conspiracy and intrigue to give it extra flavour." -The Northern Echo (UK) "A good, uncomplicated, rip-roaring read." -Mail on Sunday (UK) "Historically very accurate... The story also moves along very nicely, with plenty of action, and has a pretty twisty plot. If Cornwell or Forester is your idea of good reading, give this one a try." -South Wales Argus (UK) "A good story well written is a pleasure to read. Scarrow does this and more in his debut historical novel... Tightly paced... Fans of the historical novel... will appreciate Scarrow's detailed research." -Cambridgeshire Journal (UK) "A gripping tale." -Warrington Guardian (UK) Simon Scarrow teaches at City College in Norwich, England. He has in the past run a Roman history program, taking parties of students to a number of ruins and museums across Britain. He lives in Norfolk, England, and writes novels featuring Macro and Cato. His books include Under the Eagle and The Eagle's Conquest . Under the Eagle A Tale of Military Adventure and Reckless Heroism with the Roman Legions By Simon Scarrow St. Martin's Griffin Copyright © 2002 Simon Scarrow All right reserved. ISBN: 9780312304249 Chapter OneAn icy blast of wind swept into the latrine with the sentry. ‘Wagon’s approaching, sir!’ ‘Shut the bloody door! Anything else?’ ‘Small column of men.’ ‘Soldiers?’ ‘Hardly.’ The sentry grimaced. ‘Unless there’s been some change in marching drill.’ The duty centurion glanced up sharply. ‘I don’t recall asking for an opinion on policy, soldier.’ ‘No, sir!’ The sentry snapped to attention under the glare of his superior. Only a few months earlier Lucius Cornelius Macro had been an optio and was still finding promotion to the centurionate hard to handle. His former comrades in the ranks were still inclined to treat him as an equal. It was hard to register a respectful attitude to one who so recently had been seen emptying his guts of a skinful of cheap wine. But, for some months before the promotion, Macro had been aware that senior officers were considering him for the first available vacancy in the centurionate and had done his best to keep indiscretions to a minimum. For, when all his qualities were placed in the balance, Macro was a good soldier – when good soldiering was required – conscientious in his duties, reliably obedient to orders and he could be counted on to hold firm in a fight and inspire others to do the same. Macro suddenly realised that he had been gazing at the sentry for a while and that the legionary was shifting uncomfortably under his scrutiny, as one tends to in front of a silently staring superior. And officers could be such unpredictable bastards, the sentry thought nervously, first whiff of power and they either don’t know what to do with it, or they insist on giving bloody-minded and stupid orders. ‘What are your orders, sir?’ ‘Orders?’ Macro frowned for a moment. ‘All right then. I’ll come. You get back to the gate.’ ‘Yes, sir.’ The sentry turned and hurriedly made his way out of the junior officers’ latrine block, pulling the door to as the half-dozen centurions glared after him. It was an unwritten rule that no-one, but no-one, permitted their men to interrupt proceedings in the latrine. Macro applied the sponge stick, pulled up his breeches and apologised to the other centurions before hurrying outside. It was a filthy night and a cold northe