It's springtime in the mighty Andiol Empire. Despite the apparent tranquillity and prosperity, all is not well in the realm. There is a never-ending war on the eastern border, the power-hungry Shadow Cross is plotting, and the emperor has not been seen in public for years. And something far more dangerous is quietly gathering strength. Meanwhile, 16-year-old Josel Sandkan and his friends - adventurous Franz, carefree Darren and quiet Bartos - are leading normal young lives in their hometown Paidos, in the peaceful south of Andiol. But a dark shadow hangs over the town, and strange secrets creep into Josel's life. Suddenly, Paidos is no longer a safe place to live, and Josel finds himself on the run. This will be a long story, set in a fantasy world I have created. The world's technological development roughly mimics the end of the 19th century. In the heart of the story are themes such as friendship and love. It is a coming-of-age story, an adventure story and a tale of a world filled with political intrigue, revenge and lust for power.