This first novel in Jack Whyte's riveting Arthurian series tells how the story of Camelot may have actually come to be.

We all know the story-how Arthur pulled the sword from the stone and how Camelot came to be.

But how did it really happen?

The Roman citizens of Britain faced a deadly choice: leave to live in a corrupt Roman world, or stay amidst the violence of the warring factions of Picts, Celts, and invading Saxons.

For Publius Varrus and Caius Britannicus, there is only one answer. They will stay, try to preserve the best of Roman life, and create a new culture from the wreckage.

In doing so, they will plant the seeds of a legend. For these two men are Arthur's great-grandfathers and their actions will shape a nation...and forge the sword known as Excalibur.