Tintin meets Professor Alembick, a sigillography specialist – the science of seals. The professor’s pride and joy is the seal of King Ottokar IV of Syldavia. Hoping to add to his collection, the professor is planning a trip to this small mountainous country. Tintin decides to go with him as his secretary, but someone is trying to stop him, even planting a bomb in his apartment. On the plane, Tintin studies a brochure about Syldavia, its natural beauty and history. His attention is drawn to a curious tradition that originated in the 14th century during the reign of Ottokar IV. The scepter is considered the highest symbol of power there: a king who loses it must abdicate. A series of incredible events leads Tintin to believe that a conspiracy is being plotted against His Majesty Muskar XII, the reigning King of Syldavia. And Tintin does everything in his power to thwart it.
