Following the death of Nasca, Empress Chimalma wants the blessing of the people for her upcoming marriage to Prince Heumac. Xipec, Governor of the Gold Region has come looking for slaves, and challenges the match. Otolmi the blind man suggests that Prince Heumac undertakes the perils of the Stone Cage to prove himself worthy of the title Emperor. Keelag, a mad recluse, is chosen to embalm the body of Nasca.