Operatives from an alien lifestyle struggle to survive in medieval Italy, in the SF sequel towards the astonishing Quietus.

The transdimensional empire, the Unity, has dissolved, its ruling powers forced into exile-but empires don’t die easily. The living planarship Ways and Means has arrive to medieval Earth and ended the Black Loss of life, but it keeps its motives to itself. Someone is trying to destroy its agent Osia, who is suffering through her personal exile. Spy-turned-anthropologist Meloku becomes a target, as well, when she catches Ways and Means concealing the extent of its meddling. While they combat to survive, Fiametta-an Italian soldier, mercenary, and heretical preacher-raises an army and a religious revolt, looking to split Europe in two.