In 1293 Kublai Khan sent a fleet of 1000 ships and 20-30 thousand men under the command of Orlok Shihpi to Java. Their mission, to gather tribute and punish a recalcitrant king who three years earlier cut off the ears of Kublai's envoy. But on arrival Shihpi discovers that the king is dead and Wijaya, a rival for the throne, offers him an alliance and tribute for the Khan in return for aid in defeating his enemies. Shihpi agrees, but once the battle is over Wijaya reneges on his promises, attacks the Mongols, and kills three thousand men. Shihpi retreats and immediately returns to China. That is history, but what if Shihpi decides that he wants revenge? Shamed by his defeat and fearing punishment, Shihpi decides to redeem himself by capturing the spices that are Wijaya's source of wealth and presenting them as tribute to the Khan. On their way to the spice islands the fleet encounters Wayan, a trepang fisherman who reveals a vision. In it, Shihpi slaughters the savages who killed Wayan's brother, and in return, gains an empire. Shihpi must choose between his loyalty to the Khan and the opportunity to pursue his own destiny and create an empire in an unknown land.