While they believe Hebus dead, Lanfeust and his four wives go up the river Bilieux in search of the spice that can save the Magohamoth, and the magic on Troy. But they are surprised to discover an iron village: a refugee ship that has fled the space wars. At the same time, enchanted by the wise d'Eckmül, Hebus seems to be the only one in the city of the Conservatory to realize the danger that Lylth represents...