In this novel, Roland is an enigmatic sculptor who is known as the forbidden idol in his village. He becomes obsessed with creating a statue of a woman from obsidian, which catches the attention of the villagers. Roland meets a young woman named Elsie, who admires his work, and they form a connection. However, the villagers grow suspicious of Roland and confront him, leading to his banishment from the village.

Roland wanders and meets a group of travelers who encourage him to continue his art. He stumbles upon an ancient temple and is drawn to a cursed idol, which drives him to create a new masterpiece at the cost of a sacrificed life. Consumed by guilt, Roland isolates himself in the temple until he hears whispers leading him to another time and place.

In this new world, he enjoys wealth and privilege but is haunted by his past. One day, a young woman commissions him to sculpt her, revealing her terminal illness and desire to leave something beautiful behind. Roland realizes the importance of using his art to help others and invites her into his home.

Roland, a skilled sculptor, dedicates himself to creating a sculpture of a young woman, pouring his skill and passion into capturing her essence. As he works, the nightmares of a forbidden idol that once plagued him begin to fade. When the sculpture is complete, the woman is moved to tears, grateful for the masterpiece that immortalizes her. Roland feels a sense of satisfaction and redemption, realizing the true purpose of art.

However, temptation returns when a hooded man asks him to create another forbidden idol. Roland succumbs to the temptation, only to discover that the statue curses him, turning him to stone. He remains trapped until a group of travelers breaks the curse, freeing him. Roland continues to use his art to help others, but the curse still lingers, tempting him with darkness. He encounters a figure that haunts him, and the curse takes hold once again.