The novel is set in an alternate universe where Aristotelian physics and metaphysics shape reality, leading to a world governed by the power of ideas and forms. The story follows Hieronim Berbelek, a former military commander turned merchant, who is drawn back into a life of conflict and intrigue. As he navigates a landscape filled with mythical creatures, philosophical battles, and political machinations, Berbelek must confront the nature of power and identity. The narrative explores themes of transformation, the influence of belief on reality, and the struggle between chaos and order in a richly imagined world.