The twentieth century has not yet begun, but the spirit of a new era is felt at every step: revolution is sweeping the world, electricity has penetrated into almost every home, feminists are demanding rights, and wars are being waged on all continents for the last oil and gas deposits. It is this time that retired military surgeon Robert Altmann chooses to visit his relatives in a corner of the Empire forgotten by the Spirits. Expecting from Fate a relaxing holiday in a quiet provincial town, he arrives in Gotzenburg - only to find himself drawn into police investigations, behind-the-scenes government intrigue and the forbidden world of secret societies... The first story, in which your humble servant is reminded that provincial towns are just like quiet ones waters are fraught with many dangers.