Munich, 1867: After the remarriage of her father, Miss Catrin Lybratte finds herself oppressed by an icy stepmother and an eerie governess. A seemingly nice young man appears to be willing to help with her plight. But perhaps her stepmother and governess see a danger she cannot perceive? Who are they?
And who are those women who meet clandestinely and fear the inquisitors of the Brotherhood of Light? Why is a rapacious giant spider searching for prey in the streets at night?
Young Mr Thorolf Treynstern is blissfully unaware of all this. He studies art at the famous Munich Academy of Art. He shares his lodgings with an Acolyte of a secret Arcane Lodge that trains magically talented young gentlemen. Thorolf finds he has to learn things about himself he did not suspect and does not wish to be true. Suddenly his world seems to be full of mighty foes.
