Exciting and informative novel about a capsarius [combat medic] during Emperor Augustus's reign. The capsarius and his legion are transferred to Egypt from Galatia [modern Turkey]. The story covers how this legion fits in with the other legion sharing the same fort--the XII, especially Cervianus, who has been shunned by the other legionaries because of his seeming bringing bad luck, his scientific turn of mind, and perhaps jealousy. He does find two friends, Ulyxes, an outspoken troublemaker and an Egyptian auxiliary cavalry officer, Shenti. They undergo a harrowing anabasis south to Kush [modern Sudan] where they hope to take revenge on a Kushite attack on Roman territory. They take back a fort at the border. Their commander wants to push on into Kushite territory and defeat the Kushites completely. There are instances where we see what a capsarius does; Cervianus is just fulfilling his Hippocratic oath, even to men who have snubbed him and one who has been bitten by a crocodile for whom he cares, with no help from his own medical staff. The story ended on a cliffhanger--preparations for a further march south. If there is a sequel, I'd like to read it. ( )