A trip to Ethiopia unexpectedly puts Askara Timlen in possession of a powerful, sought-after artifact and sets her on a preordained path. Askara Timlen lands the opportunity of a lifetime when her boss sends her on a buying trip to Africa in 1974 to purchase heirloom Ethiopian jewelry. At Jubilee Palace, she views the emperor's collection. She holds his prized possession, a small bronze cup that once contained the prayer flame of the ancient high priest Zarathustra. The legendary cup wields immense power for good or evil, depending on who possesses it. After leaving the palace, Askara discovers someone has smuggled the precious cup in her