1st century AD. The Roman Empire at the peak of its glory. The wealthiest population of the empire indulges in luxury on the Mediterranean coast, enjoying the last days of the fading summer. The largest military fleet in the world peacefully anchors at Misenum. People spend money at seaside resorts in Baiae, Herculaneum, and Pompeii. It seems that nothing foreshadows the impending tragedy. The only one who understands that something is wrong is Mark Attilius, a hereditary aquarist managing the aqueduct that supplies the region with water. For the first time in many decades, the water supply mechanism fails, and the aqueduct rapidly dries up. Attilius promises Pliny, a scholar and fleet commander, that he will find the cause of the failure. For that, he needs to gather an expedition and head to Pompeii, where Mark believes the source of the misfortune lies. But Pompeii is not an ordinary city. Here Attilius faces not only nature itself but also people for whom his diligence is nothing but a hindrance...
