Merle, the Flowing Queen, Junipa and Vermithrax the stone lion are in snow-bound Egypt, surrounded by ice, mirrors and sphinxes.

They encounter Seth, the Pharoah's dangerous chief priest.

Why is he offering to help them? Meanwhile, Serafin, Eft the mermaid and Lalapeya, the sphinx with a secret, are travelling to Egypt to help the others.

They carry the knowledge of the Glass Word, which will enable Merle and Junipa to walk through mirrors to confront the evil Professor Burbridge one last time, and perhaps ultimately to save their own lives.

But the Son of the Mother has awoken, and there will be a terrible final battle and a necessary sacrifice. And Merle will find out who she really is...