The ancient Greek philosopher Thales journeys to Egypt to learn the secrets needed to assemble an artificial replica of a human. He depends on Egyptian priests and Greek artisans and weavers to build a being he names Abax, but breaks with the Egyptians when they attempt to create drones. Abax is found to have the power to transmit thoughts and make leaps through time. He conflicts with hemithane ghouls in a past age. Thales takes him back to Miletos in Ionia, where he is sent back in time to deal with a mother and two daughters known to have metapsychic abilities. After the death of Thales, Abax builds replicas of himself who become the main staff of the scattered schools and colonies of Pythagoras and his followers, seekers of wisdom and inspiration.
