In Medieval Europe, rival factions struggle for power. States feud with states and civilians are the casualties of the endless, brutal conflicts. When the scholar Antioch is ordered to find and collect the mysterious beasts of legend, he knows his path will take him to the unknown lands of the East. He takes with him an interpreter, Venn, famous for his special gift with language. Far away, a young woman leaves her home, summoned to the Emperor s court. The paths of the two expeditions will cross at a moment of great danger, revealing the secret motives and hidden passions of those who are brought together.