In Kalidarr, one of the possible universes, four great Aeds went missing under inexplicable circumstances. Investigator Alder Mao investigates the mysterious disappearances: they look like parts of the same puzzle, although they are separated by years. After all, all four disappeared while studying the same runes. The threads of the investigation lead Alder to the capital of the ancient world, Xanthia, and break off there. Who or what is behind the disappearances of the masters of Aedic art - other Aeds, logicians, strategists? And is there a connection between the disappearances of the great Aeds and the death of Older Mao’s elder brother himself?