It is the first century BC. After rebelling against Sulla and seeking refuge in Africa, the Roman general Quintus Sertorius is advancing through the Iberian peninsula without opposition. The Lusitanians have joined their forces and there are few who dare confront them, although there is a rumour that Rome has formed another army led by Pompey to try and finish him off. Contrebis Leucate, the White City, is the jewel of Celtiberia. Located on the edge of a cliff, it is practically impregnable. It is governed by a council controlled by Ambón, a commander who years ago faced Sertorius on the battle field, and who hates him intensely. Sertorius lays siege to the city, but the key to the resistance or fall of the last bastion of Celtiberia lies with a young boy, Kalaitos; a man who is not what he appears to be and on whom the future of Hispania depends.