Ion Fortuna returns to the New Human Empire bearing a secret document from Cardinal Caterina Sforza. But when he arrives, he finds his grandmother murdered, his family mansion burning to the ground, and himself framed for arson and murder! He is quickly ushered into hiding under the protection of Astharoshe Asran, where Aran pledges to bring him safely to the Empress Augusta Vladica. But how will he know if she's the Empress or an imposter?