The kingdom of Anhara is on the brink of civil war. The King of Kings died, the royal line was interrupted, and now every prince strives to snatch a better piece. The most powerful usurper prince (he has already called himself the new king) is waging war not only against the old government, but also against the old gods. The new god - the One - favors the poor, and the crowd likes it, the mob no longer needs the Jackal of the Desert, as well as Atama, Usir, and all the other old gods. The usurper's numerous army is two days' journey from the capital, and refugees from all over the kingdom have long been flocking to it, filling all the squares and markets. The priests of the old cults are intriguing against everyone, the Council of Worthy cannot elect a successor...Kai Serisu, the priest of the Jackal Temple, has a difficult choice - to join the army of priests and oppose the entire people, or to try to convince them to accept the power of the usurper...