Two complete novels in one volume—the beginning of the Belisariussaga.

An Oblique Approach: In northern India the Malwa have created anempire of unexampled evil. Guided or possessed by an intelligence from beyondtime, with new weapons, old treachery, and an implacable will to power, theMalwa will sweep over the whole Earth. Only three things stand between the Malwaand their plan of eternal domination: the empire of Rome in the East, Byzantium;a crystal with vision; and a man named Belisarius, the greatest commander Earthhas ever known.
In the Heart of Darkness: Having conquered sixth centuryIndia, the Malwa Empire is forging the subcontinent's vast population into aninvincible weapon of tyranny. Belisarius, the finest general of his age, mustsave the world. Guided by visions from a future that may never be, he and a bandof comrades penetrate the Malwa heartland, seeking the core of the enemy'spower. And when Belisarius leads the forces of good, only a fool would side withevil.