Javan is a Magi priest who is asked by King Cyrus the Great to gather information about the different empires he will visit while he leads a caravan of scholars to the great learning centers of the ancient world. When in Egypt Javan is notified that Cyrus requests his return, and a warrior named Issam is sent to accompany him back.

When preparing to leave, Javan finds that a rare artifact has been hidden in his baggage and he debates whether he should give it to the authorities, however, the possibility that it might be intended to help finance Cyrus’ army prompts Javan to leave it hidden. With Issam at his side Javan returns to the king, fights with the army, obtains a position of high standing in the king’s court, and is given the gift of betrothal. But it soon becomes evident that the artifact he brought back from Egypt holds a deadly curse.