The Patriarch has finally recovered—and immediately set off on a journey. Alexander, meanwhile, heads to the Imperial hunting grounds in search of a creature that proved too much for even the Empire's most seasoned gamekeeper.

The task seems simple enough: study the animalistic aspect of magic. However, its natural pair is necromancy, which complicates matters somewhat. Once again, the peaceful profession of an artificer leads Alexander into trouble—and into another world. A world of shifting sands and buried secrets.

As his magic evolves, new creatures join Alexander's growing magical menagerie. Meanwhile, someone is scheming behind the Count's back, determined to ruin his reputation. Before it's over, Alexander will face a surprise inspection, chase down a thief, take over a department, and finally settle matters with the darkness that started it all—barely avoiding the loss of a client and a friend.

But as always, everything ends well—even if new intrigue is already waiting down the road.