Following a devastating tragedy in his family, Rufus, the adventurous younger son of Simon of Cyrene journeys to the mysterious kingdom of Egypt in answer to a call from God. He soon finds himself fighting for his life in an exotic land, his divine mission endangered at every turn. Under the direction of the Bishop of Alexandria, Rufus endeavours to carry the Good News up the river Nile, his courage and wits the only things keeping him alive. Amidst these perils he providentially finds romance once again, but stands to lose everything when disaster strikes. Rome has just been burned to the ground, and every day the Emperor Nero is executing the Christians he has accused of lighting the flames. Peter the Apostle is visiting his flock in Rome, and must be rescued at all costs. Rufus' knowledge of the Eternal City makes him the prime candidate for the job, and he is soon embroiled in a quest that holds the future of the early church in its balance. With Paul already in prison, only Peter remains to lead the Christians. Will Rufus succeed in liberating him before he falls into Nero's hands? Will Rufus ever see his beloved Miriam again? Only with unfaltering faith in God and dogged perseverance could he ever hope to turn this great trial into a triumph, and survive to ensure a future for the Bishop of the Nile.