Merle never knew her parents. She grew up in an orphanage, and when she turned twelve, she was apprenticed to the mirror maker Arcimboldo - his magical creations were known throughout Venice. But her apprenticeship was not destined to last long. Merle learns that she is one of the Consecrated by the touch of Queen Fluiria, the mysterious spirit of the waters of the Lagoon. And the girl has to flee from her native Venice, saving her own life and the life of the Queen. A path full of dangers awaits her, because the world is ruled by the armies of the Pharaoh who has risen from the dead, and only the lords of Hell dare to resist them. Fortunately, Merle is helped by sea maidens and a winged stone lion...