It is 1350 years after the destruction of the Kingdom of Atlan-Tzis, but still in the astrological period of Ix and when toxodon still grazed on the plains at the foot of the Andes.Being destitute and unable to return to his home country of Muluc, Manik goes to live in Aricea with his Uncle Tzec who has stumbled upon a powerful native drug which, if sold in the civilised markets of Iltar, will fetch a high price.In order to begin trading, Manik needs to return to the mountains and negotiate a deal with the remote Benhaki tribe who, it is said, ferment this unique potion. He is, however, mindful to make proper preparations - the last time he ventured above the clouds to the land of the pale-faced gods, he would have died if the mysterious and beautiful Lamat had not saved him.But the truth is, there is no way Manik can prepare for what is going to happen. Even now, with Einstein's explanation of earth crust displacement well documented, we continue to ignore evidence that the same cyclic catastrophe predicted by the Urshu will strike again in this astrological period.