Master mosaicist Crispin, grappling with tragedy, is summoned to the golden city of Sarantium. Bearing a queen's secret mission and a mysterious talisman, he embarks on a perilous journey across a land steeped in pagan ritual and dark magic. Once in the capital, Crispin must find his own source of power to survive its intrigues.

Crispin, a master mosaicist, is defined by his craft and profound grief. An initially quiet, artistic soul, he is thrust into a world far grander and more dangerous than he could have imagined.

This duology charts Crispin's evolution from solitary artisan to a figure navigating treacherous political currents and otherworldly forces. It's a journey rich with philosophical, artistic, and emotional depth, exploring human resilience, relationships, and the enduring legacy of art and power amidst imperial ambition.