In a parallel Venice mermaids swim in the canals, flying stone lions patrol the skies and wispy phantoms inhabit magic reflections. Armies of mummies, led by a reanimated ancient Pharaoh, besiege the city, and plot to capture its protector: the Flowing Queen of the lagoon. Merle manages to save the Queen, but her friend, the attractive pickpocket Serafin, is caught. As Hell - in this world, a real, geographical place - opens in St Mark's, Merle and the Queen flee the inferno on Vermithrax, one of the last talking stone lions, towards the mountains...