In a post-apocalyptic world, a visitor to a technologically advanced town learns about an annual time anomaly that may be connected to the fall of the ancient civilization. Longer summary

The story is set in a post-apocalyptic world where advanced technology is rare and poorly understood. It follows Meical Dorn, a Lorekeeper from Great Rabda, as he visits Tal Aivon to trade for a 'sunblessing' (a functioning piece of old technology). During his visit, he learns about a mysterious annual event where time seems to move backwards for an hour. The Chief Lorekeeper of Tal Aivon, Fin Lerisas, explains his theory that this anomaly is a remnant of the ancient world's attempt to control time, which may have led to its downfall. The story ends with Meical leaving with a 'mather' (calculator) and a newfound fear of the mysteries of time. Shorter summary