It happens that dreams come true, but not always the way you want. Peter Fontaine, the nephew of a rich merchant, dreams of getting rid of his uncle's guardianship. While he is studying in Malkud to continue trading traditions, he sees himself as a hero and traveler, not afraid of street boys. He is seventeen years old, and he goes with a trade caravan to learn the intricacies of the trade craft, but his fate is changed by a meeting with a gang of thugs - a fight on the road, captivity and slavery. Resale to the imperial treasury and participation in the war as a “official man” - a powerless state slave. What is it like to experience life from this side? And this is just the beginning, because powerful witchcraft forces are intervening in the matter.