Eagle in the Snow - The Graphic Novel Vol. 3 (Eagle in the Snow - The Graphic Novel (Issue 1))

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Spring, 406 A.D.: Aquila, General of the XXth Legion, while guarding the Rhine River frontier, finds himself holding an unintended hostage, the daughter of Rando, King of the Vandals, Rome's most powerful enemy. Aquila continues to appeal to Rome and Treverorum for more men and supplies. Met with silence, Aquila resorts to desperate defensive stratagems, such as threatening to crucify Rando's Daughter if any more Vandals cross the river. Rando retaliates, assassinating Aquila's staunchest Frank ally, Prince Marcomir. Aquila's strength further erodes when Severus, one of his best officers, helps Rando's Daughter with an escape attempt. The escape fails and Aquila executes Severus to set an example. Later, a deserter seeks sanctuary in Treverorum's Basilica and commits suicide rather than face Aquila's punishment. To reinforce his hold on Treverorum and boost morale, Aquila orders the XXth Legion to march into Treverorum, but the soldiers wear out their welcome. Aquila marches his legion back to the Rhine, just in time to dissuade his officers who want to make him Emperor of Rome. Convinced that idleness causes desertion and rebellion, Aquila leads the XXth Legion across the Rhine to attack the barbarian host. Vastly outnumbered, they fail, despite superior discipline, tactics, and effort. Before the Romans withdraw, Julian sends a barbarian messenger to deliver an earring to Quintus - this is an earring once worn by Aelia, Aquila's deceased wife. Once they return, Quintus bitterly blames Aquila for an inconclusive battle resulting in irreplaceable casualties. Aquila, equally angry, confronts Quintus, accusing him of seducing Aelia while they were in Britannia on Hadrian's Wall. Quintus admits the affair but denies it was consummated. The two Roman leaders, their mutual trust irreparably torn, refuse to speak throughout autumn. Once they finally do speak, Aquila admits to Quintus his greatest fear - should the Rhine River freeze, Rome's fate is sealed.