Grogard was expelled from the capital for drunkenness and debauchery. And so he is forced to languish in loneliness in a remote domain near the Shadow Mountains. Terrible! Terrible! How to dispel mortal boredom? There are many possibilities! Fall into a trap prepared by local spiteful critics; witness a human sacrifice; to find yourself in the Valley of Death, surrounded by a magical ring, where a cursed and forgotten sorcerer wanders aimlessly in the guise of an absurd fairy-tale monster... Or maybe it’s all a figment of the imagination? And there’s nothing? Author’s notes: A book at the intersection of the genres of dark fantasy and mysticism, with the influence of romantic literature of the 18th and 19th centuries. The story of the unusual adventures of Earl Grogar and his servant Lunga is full of psychology, references to mythology and philosophy. Recommended for leisurely and thoughtful reading, for those who are accustomed to enjoying style and noticing nuances. Thanks to Olga for high-quality editing and Kle{V}er for excellent cover!