The Last Legion

In AD 475, the young Romulus Augustulus prepares for his upcoming coronation as Emperor of Rome. His tutor, Ambrosinus, a Druid, is secretly on a quest to find Julius Caesar's legendary sword and seeks a ruler worthy of its power.

The day before Romulus's coronation, Odoacer, commander of the Goths, confronts Orestes demanding one-third of Italy. Orestes resolutely declines, foreshadowing the imminent clash between Roman authority and barbarian forces.

On the same day, Romulus encounters Aurelius, the leader of the Nova Invicta Legion, who is an old friend of the senator Nestor. This meeting emphasizes the friendships and alliances that underline the political tensions of the time.

Following Romulus's coronation, Rome suffers a devastating attack during the Battle of Ravenna. Aurelius bravely leads his men, but the battle ends with heavy losses, leaving him presumed dead, a significant blow to Roman military morale.

Orestes and his wife fall victim to Odoacer's lieutenant, Wulfila, during the chaos of the attack. Their deaths mark a pivotal turn in the power struggle over the Western Roman Empire.

Captured during Odoacer's rise to power, Romulus is imprisoned along with Ambrosinus by Wulfila. They are confined to a villa on Capri, signaling a dire change in Romulus's fate as he becomes a pawn in the new regime.

While imprisoned, Romulus discovers a hidden chamber in the villa containing a statue of Caesar holding his sword. An inscription suggests the sword is meant for 'he who is destined to rule,' sparking hope in Romulus of a brighter future.

Aurelius and three surviving legionaries plot a daring rescue for Ambrosinus and Romulus. They intend to escape to a seaport that could lead them to safety in Constantinople, although betrayal looms overhead.

As they attempt to flee, Aurelius and his group discover that they have been betrayed by the Senate and Eastern Empire. In a twist of fate, Mira, an agent from the Eastern Empire, decides to join their cause.

Ambrosinus advises Romulus to seek refuge in Britain, where loyalties may still exist among the Legio IX Hispana. This journey marks the beginning of a quest to regain power amidst dangerous pursuers.

The group arrives at Hadrian's Wall but struggles to find the loyal legionaries who had settled as farmers. They must convince them to rally against the warlord Vortgyn and the pursuing Goths.

Vortgyn, seeking power, learns of Romulus's lineage and aligns with the Goths. His intimidation tactics against the villagers, particularly Igraine, set the stage for a conflict fueled by ambitions for domination.

The clash between Aurelius's forces and Vortgyn reaches its peak. As battles rage, alliances form and loyalties are tested, culminating in fierce confrontations that will determine the fate of Britain's future.

Romulus defeats Wulfila using Caesar's sword, but ultimately decides to renounce his claim to power. He embeds the sword in stone, symbolizing his rejection of the relentless ambition that brought so much turmoil.

Years later, Ambrosinus, now known as Merlin, recounts the tale to a young boy named Arthur. The story reveals Romulus's identity as Arthur's father, bridging the legendary past with a hopeful future.