In a strange medieval-like world, James Rourke constructs an inquiry into false Messiahs and failed utopias. His central character, Konrad, an enigmatic visionary, arrives, a stranger, in Aln and soon secures the position of schoolmaster, beginning to enmesh the townspeople and the children in his power. Ambition propels him to Mayor but hubris brings his downfall when he declares himself king and Aln the New Jerusalem.