William Dan, a novice of the monastery on the planet Brancusi, becomes the owner of an artifact from the distant past, forgotten by humanity, when people and planets were still united. Literally everyone is hunting for the crystal and William: mercenaries, rebels, the Church, and the sinister robber Sabatini is especially zealous. Torture and interrogation await the unfortunate person when he falls into their hands. But Will will not give the crystal to anyone, not even its rightful owner, until he understands what it is intended for. Maybe this is the key to destroying the fortress in which people have imprisoned their souls?