XVIII century. Gavriil Lodya is a foundling raised by a family of Pomor fishermen. Having matured, he leaves his adoptive parents and goes “to the people.” An irresistible craving for something new, for knowledge, leads him first to St. Petersburg, and then to Europe, to the land of Hesse-Darmstadt. But the knowledge of science soon takes an unexpected turn. It turns out that among the learned people there are many who practice magic and witchcraft. The warlocks took a liking to the young, ambitious, brave and smart young man, and Lodier offered secret service in exchange for great knowledge...