1880. Sir Robert Cargrave, a London-based research physician, is known for his revolutionary work, mostly in what is considered the cutting edge treatment of paralysis. He rushes off immediately to the region of Gorslava on the central continent upon receiving a letter from a former love, Baroness Maude Sardonicus née Randall, in a request from her husband, the Baron, to meet him. Mr. Randall forbade Maude to marry Robert, he not yet having made a name for himself, in favor of someone of substance (i.e. with money), hence her marrying the Baron. The reason for Robert's haste in his reunion with Maude is her stating that her well-being is at stake. Upon arriving in Gorslava, Robert senses that the Baron evokes fear among those around him, and that even the Baron's faithful one-eyed servant, Krull, operates in that fear. Robert also learns that much of Krull's work is doing experimental research of his own on the Baron's directive, despite Krull having no background in such. The Baron is ultimately up front to him about the reason he summoned Robert. Beyond the threats he issues, the Baron displays a certainty that Robert will do what he wants. What Robert has to figure out is not what to do, but come up with a contingency if he fails in his task which will have major consequences for himself and Maude, whom he still loves.—Huggo