Mark Of The Thief by Leslie Nielsen

Set in ancient Rome, a resourceful slave boy discovers a mystical amulet that brands him with dangerous magic, thrusting him into a ruthless power struggle among senators, soldiers, and thieves who covet its power. With his sister’s freedom at stake, he must navigate treachery, arenas, and chariot races, forging uneasy alliances while evading a relentless general. As his abilities grow, he learns hard truths about loyalty and destiny, risking everything to protect those he loves and keep the magic from tearing the empire apart.