Salerno, 1239. Amidst the hallowed halls of the renowned Salerno Medical School, Rogerius, a prodigious student born into a world of art, embarks on a journey of discovery that will test his intellect and courage to their limits.

When an elderly magister whispers cryptic words on his deathbed, Rogerius is thrust into a web of intrigue and alchemy. 'Find the cylinder before they do,' the dying man urges, leaving behind only the enigmatic phrase 'sanguis draconis.' As Rogerius delves into his family's past and the secrets of the school, he uncovers a labyrinth of lies, crimes, and ancient grudges, all while grappling with a relentless thirst for knowledge and the elusive secret of Charaka, a medicine with miraculous powers.

But as political tensions between Pope Gregory IX and Emperor Frederick II escalate, Salerno becomes a battleground, and Rogerius finds himself entangled in a deadly game of power and deception, pitting him against cutthroats, ambitious scholars, and zealous clergy.

In this gripping tale of ambition and betrayal, Rogerius must navigate the treacherous waters of medieval intrigue to uncover the truth and secure his place in history.