Thorgal has failed. Despite all his efforts, he wasn't in time to save his son Aniel, and was forced to look on as sorcery transformed the young, mute boy into a teenager with terrible powers - the reincarnation of the Master of Red Magic. The Viking, convinced there is still a chance, is still not ready to give up. But many threats are converging, from within the city and from afar, and the stakes may be much higher than he imagines...