significance of The Great Tarnov Crystal

Guarded by generations of Charnetski men, the Great Tarnov Crystal has long been hidden in the Charnetski family home in the Ukraine. Scholars, mystics, and kings have searched the world over for this crystal, which is reputed to possess strange and wondrous properties. However, the darker side of its legend indicates that the crystal also possesses the power to drive men mad and turn friend against friend. Because of its potential for misuse, the Charnetski family guardians swear an oath to keep the crystal hidden. If the crystal's hiding place in the Ukraine is ever discovered, the Charnetski men are sworn to turn it over to the king of Poland for safe-keeping. As the story begins, one of Pan Andrew's servants discovers the crystal in the Charnetski home and sells this information to the Tartars, thus prompting Pan Andrew to seek out the king in Krakow.