Ten year-old Jonathan Quill is handed a precious relic by his mentor, The Codex. It opens the door to a shadowy network of powers seeking to alter history. Throughout his long life, Jonathan is haunted by revelations in the ancient document. With his archaeologist daughter-in-law Patricia and granddaughter Elma, they strive to stay one step ahead of dark forces seeking to control the world. Jonathan is kidnapped as a child by government agents seeking to thwart world powers during the Cold War and is thrust into making choices when torn from his family. He comes to realize the sordid nature of his family line, covering hundreds of years and including pirates, outlaws, inventors, and scientists involved with real historical figures of their different eras. His granddaughter, teenaged Elma, is the only one who believes his quest is the truth. In the end, they discover the treasure's "curse" may be the very thing that holds their family together.