A world where nobles are proud of their magical talent, princes are served by detachments of guardsmen, and orc serfs obediently work their corvee. A world where carriages are pulled by magomechanical horses, guns are made by sorcerers, and masons study genetics. A world where the 18th century is coming to an end, instead of the Bering Strait there is the Bering Isthmus, and Mother Empress Elizabeth Petrovna sits on the Russian throne. Konstantin Urusov must end the war with Frederick in order to return to his estate, complete the task of Death and try not to fall into the millstone palace intrigues. Cover author Ksenia Nikitina.