Eagle in the Land of Dragons

Book excerpt: In 36 BC, Li Bi was the Prefect of Zhangye province in Han Dynasty China. He was called out of a comfortable retirement to join a military expedition against his old enemies the Xiongnu as cavalry commander. He would rather stay home in his new villa and enjoy the carnal pleasures with youngest wife Qingling. His past however beckons him and leaves him no choice. There are Romans in the Xiongnu army and perhaps, old comrades. Meanwhile as he prepares his men he writes a book about another war fought right around the world in Belgica. He traces the adventures of a young Centurion named Livy as he fights for Julius Caesar against the Belgae in 57BC. Livy leads Caesars band of mounted scouts armed with composite bows. The war is brutal but Livys life is complicated by the many exotic and seductive women he meets on the campaign trail. Caesar sends him on ever more dangerous missions but Livys understanding of the art of war sees him trough each encounter with the brave and determined enemy. The campaign climaxes at the River Sabis where Bodougnatus, King of the Nervii and 100,000 blood thirsty barbarians set up an elaborate ambush for the unwary Roman Army. Can Caesars vaunted tactical skills save the Roman Army from annihilation? Will Livys vaunted good luck finally run out? Meanwhile Li Bi rides west to face Chanyu Zhizhi, King of the Western Xiongnu with his newly raised cavalry armed with repeating crossbows. How will his Chinese troops fare against crack Roman infantry?