From the courts of King John of Spain and Isabella of Portugal to the legendary lost civilisation of Afar, a cast of characters as diverse and fascinating as the two countries embark on a dazzling and fearsome journey.

Rui Perreira, a young adventurer born in Lisbon in the beginning years of the modern age, learns of the legend of the lost civilisation and gold of Afar and discovers a map to the ancient city. Bereavement nudges him to break with the past and seek the gold. Catalina, unknown to Rui, travels incognito in search of the truth of her ancestry, to find her brother and return the Caliph to Portugal. Mbemba, Rui's friend, is driven to murder in pursuit of his father's throne and ambition to change the future of Africa. Dela Eden has a destiny determined by her calling, foretold by her grandmother, Ramla.

All are drawn into wars and terrors in their respective quests. All learn the power of retributive justice. All experience their individual gates of hell in this multi-faceted tale of misdirected ambition, greed, war and ultimate resolution.