After Jean-François Champollion deciphered Egyptian hieroglyphs in 1822, the ancient gods of Egypt revealed themselves to the people. Since then, the world and history have changed. Christian and Muslim shrines were dedicated to other gods. People no longer feared death. On the contrary, they now strive for it—for only there, among the golden reed fields, can one find eternal life and bliss. Aging gendarme Viktor Govorukhin, young barber Alexas Osmiy, and his resurrected lover Ana find themselves embroiled in a series of arsons, mysterious conspiracies, and terrifying discoveries. Will they be able to stop those who encroach on the sacred—and survive? And who really hides behind the mask, lurks in mirrors, and calls themselves Sargon of Akkad? Denis Lukyanov, a young writer, journalist, and short story author, is now making his debut in long-form prose.