Serapis — Volume 01

A quiet, moon‑lit night blankets Alexandria in 391 AD, yet the city holds its breath. Soldiers patrol the streets, and an uneasy tension hangs over every doorway, hinting at a menace that has kept the populace on edge. Into this atmosphere slips an unassuming old man, drawn to the modest House of the Holy Martyr, where the promise of shelter for the needy and a faint, cryptic inscription stir both curiosity and caution.

Inside, the inn bursts with life: monks arriving from distant deserts, the clatter of games, the scent of roasting meat, and a chorus of psalms mingling with lively songs. The newcomer is welcomed by a young reed‑maker and a matronly host, while the bustling courtyard hints at hidden agendas and whispered conversations. As the night deepens, the stranger’s purpose remains veiled, inviting listeners to step into a world where faith, fear, and mystery converge.