In a future Europe, plunged into a new Dark Age by a terrible war, a power threatens to engulf the small kingdoms struggling to recover.

The armies of Greater Britain, divided into strict Orders with animal-headed helmets that reflect the brutality of their bearers, cross the immense bridge that connects their island to continental Europe, spreading destruction.

The young Duke of Colonia, Dorian Hawkmoon, is one of their victims. The Black Pearl planted in his skull is poised and awaits only a command from the laboratories of London to devour the mind of its host.

Thus, instead of enduring a martyr's death at the hands of the lords of London, he agrees to become an agent-slave of the Dark Empire and serve their purpose, which is the neutralization of the legendary Count Brass...

Thus begins the new epic of Michael Moorcock, filled with his fertile imagination. It awaits you...

[Excerpt from the text on the back cover of the edition]