and make him look more successful than Diocletian and Maximian). By luck, Justin and Flavius meet Evicatos of the Spear (an exiled Dalriad hunter) who convinces them that the danger is real. They attempt to race back to warn Carausius, but it is already too late by then. Faced with the prospect of capital punishment for desertion, the two cousins go into hiding with the help of a rebel leader. When he is betrayed, the two young men must take over the banner of rebellion and continue his work of protecting and smuggling away people who are disenchanted with Allectus, or who are in danger from his cruel edicts. Finally, the western Emperor Constantius and his aide, the Praetorian prefect Asclepiodotus, sail to Britain to attempt to put an end to Allectus's misrule. Flavius and Justin assemble a ragtag group of people prepared to fight on their behalf, but are much derided for their shabby appearance. When they are hiding at their Great Aunt Honoria's place in Calleva, they discover the lost eagle standard that was buried by their ancestor, Aquila, and which entitles them to call themselves a Roman legion. Despite their looks, the new 'legion' helps the main Roman force find their way and defends the helpless inhabitants of Calleva from the fighting. In recognition of their help, the cousins are pardoned by Constantius and praised for their efforts. The motifs of the lost eagle standard and dolphin signet ring reoccur in this book. Background The book is based around the 3rd century events of the Carausian Revolt, the subsequent life and death of Carausius and the defeat of the traitor Allectus. References 1957 British novels 1957 children's books British children's novels Children's historical novels Novels by Rosemary Sutcliff Novels set in Roman Britain Novels set in the 3rd century 290s Oxford University Press books