Dan McCaugh is a college student living in a sleepy mountain town who becomes inspired by his enlightened professor, Dr. Dean. Dan studies the philosophies of Emanuel Kant, David Hume, and Vico before researching ancient Greek history. Dan has an incredible dream that lands him in ancient Crete, which is the birthplace of Western civilization. He is guided through ancient Crete and Athens by H.G. Hutely. Hutely is a donkey who time-travels to places where freedom and democracy are threatened. Hutely is a Professor of Life and an honored animal of the Historical Guide Academy. Once in Crete, they are captured by Carian pirates and become slave laborers. They discover a plot to overthrow King Minos by his trusted general, Taurus. Taurus and an evil deity named Hadad attack the "Golden Age of Athens" from its roots. The seedling of democracy stands alone in a volatile world.