In an alternate Victorian Age of the 19th century, the race of the Eldarions, once the rulers of mankind and the other races before their overthrow, are slowly dying out due to poisoning by Terramagica magical energies. In desparation, a group of cultists seek to fufill the dark prophecy of the Destroyer King, who will bring down the old gods from the heavens and shatter the nations of mankind, enslaving all the races under Eldarion rule once more.

Jonathan Goldspear, descendant of the Nubian kings who are now English industrialists, has the black birthmark which has been fortold. After a kidnapping attempt by Professor Bella, an undead archeologist, he flees with his grandfather with an expedition to the last wild place on earth not ruled by humans. They are betrayed and taken prisoner. Bella leaves Jon under guard and continues to the entrance to Xibalba, but Jon is rescued and leads a group to rescue the others. After many adventures, Jon is recaptured by Bella, who continues on to the so called 'Entrance to hell'.

Bella's plans are crushed when the Guardian proves to be far more than anyone expected, and Jon must make a deal with an ancient Maya deity, the 'Lord of the Night', to save them. His feet are set on a path even darker than that of the 'Destroyer King', and Jone will spend all of this book and the ones following, fighting that future as best he can.