Publication of the sequels was delayed whilst Harris worked on other books, including his contemporary political novel, The Ghost, inspired by the resignation of Tony Blair.

After several false starts - including pledging to aid Pompey the Great, only to be snubbed - Cicero gathers enough evidence to prosecute Verres in the extortion court.

Part Two – Praetorian 68–64 BC Two years later, Cicero receives word that Rome has been attacked by pirates, along with summons to an emergency war council at Pompey's estate.

Pompey, supported by Julius Caesar, outlines a plan to divide the Mediterranean into fifteen zones, each with its own legate, responsible for clearing his area of pirates and ensuring they don't return.

Around this time, Cicero learns of the growing drama surrounding Lucius Sergius Catilina, a former governor of Africa awaiting prosecution for abusing his position.

Eventually, events take a dramatic turn when the young patrician Publius Clodius Pulcher lays charges against Catilina for his crimes.

The following day, Tiro takes a copy of the notes to Hortensius, while Cicero, in his opening bid for the consulship, launches a verbal attack on Catilina in the Senate.

Cicero celebrates his elevation to the highest office in the Roman state, and, with Pompey absent and the conspirators defeated, is optimistic about what the future holds.