After years of military service, Gaius Petreius Ruso and his companion, Tilla, are summoned away. When a mysterious note consisting only of the words "COME HOME" arrives in the mail, Ruso is forced to give up his career as a doctor and head back home to his family - in Gaul. But all is not well on the home front. Tilla's reception is unexpectedly icy, and no one will admit to having sent for Ruso. It's hard to imagine an unhappier reunion...