Classic chivalric novel. Dark gothic, mysticism, detective story. Early sixteenth century, middle Germany. A retired soldier returns home after nineteen years as a nonstop warrior. He dreams of a quiet, peaceful life, but, passing through the possessions of one feudal lord, receives an offer that he cannot refuse. He needs to restore order in the fief, and this is not easy to do, it is painfully influential and strong people and creatures are not interested in order. But the soldier is a strong-willed and brave person, for the sake of the award he is ready to risk it.