In 223CE Hadrian's Wall in Britannia provides the physical security for the northern frontier of the mighty Roman Empire. However, only some enlightened few can understand the graver supernatural threats lurking among the dark forests and trackless marshes beyond the border. Those few are yourselves, the Brotherhood, initiates into the Mysteries of Mithras among the auxiliaries guarding the Wall. After your success a few years ago in defeating a grave threat to your home fort of Vercovicium, you gained a measure of respect from the officers and no good deed goes unpunished. So now you are being sent into the barbarous lands north of the Wall to investigate what has happened to one of the remote outpost forts, amid confusing rumours from the area. You wouldn't be so concerned if the auguries weren't telling you that something very bad is about to happen... .

Few people understand what Owen McMahon is working on at Oxford's Mathematical Institute, but he has not been at his desk for several days. And a new exhibition celebrating the life and work of the Reverend Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, better known to most as Lewis Carroll, has been thrown into turmoil; its prize artifact, a copy of Alice's Adventures In Wonderland illustrated (and signed) by Dali, is nowhere to be found. Meanwhile, students looking for a way to improve their memory and concentration are being tempted by mysterious bottles labelled "Drink Me"....