Ciaphas Cain is a hero of the Imperium, a stern but fair commissar of the Imperial Guard, who fought against the most terrible inhabitants of the Galaxy. He is also a very modest and shy person. In the sense that he doesn’t mind sitting behind a wall and is generally not a fan of getting into trouble. But the Universe, it seems, is sure that this fearless warrior simply loves to throw himself into the embrasure and get involved in the most risky enterprises, and therefore is trying in every possible way to provide him with such an opportunity. So this time, having taken under his guardianship the newly formed Valhallan Guard regiment, Cain found himself drawn into a cycle of diplomatic moves, political intrigue and military operations on the planet Gravalax. And any attempt to get away from another spoonful of steeply brewed porridge only brings him closer to the cauldron itself.