From the introduction: Mystery of the Ancients begins four months after the Great Earthquake thundered through the Tyr valley and the events of The Cerulean Storm novel unfolded. It's the Year of the Desert's Fury in the 190th King's Age, but most people from Tyr call it Free Year 11. With the advent of the Great Earthquake, a series of problems has plagued Tyr, which the Tyrian Council of Advisors has yet to bring under control. Streets, buildings and other structures throughout the city-state have been damaged aby thequake and the continuing aftershocks, requiring the launch of an extensive repair and maintenance effort. The natural disasters have turned a significant portion of the population into a frightened mob. This has led to looting, violence and incidents of panic in the streets. It has fallen to the Council to restore order and bolster the confidence of the citizens.