An alternative world where iron is not used by Western civilization, since rust is declared ungodly by all monotheistic religions. A world where Eastern countries that do not have such a ban pose a serious threat to Europe. And where the key to the future, by force of circumstances, ended up in the hands of a young British scientist. The mystery of a heretical manuscript, the machinations of enemy intelligence and the “friendly” Inquisition, war and peace, love and betrayal. He will encounter all this on the difficult path to the solution. But making the right choice in the end will be much more difficult than going through all these trials that befell him!