A collection of three novels of Roman Britain in one volume. "The Eagle of the Ninth" is set in the early days of the Roman province. "The Silver Branch" is placed during the time when the rebel general, Carausius, is proclaimed Emperor by his British troops. It is a time rife with plots, assassinations, and spying. "The Lantern Bearers" takes place when the last roman army has left, abandoning Britain to internal strife and the menace of invasion by the Saxons.