1 Prologue

"Have you ever heard of the Crimson Curse?" asked the Sibyl.

"My people have sung songs about legends and curses, but I'm afraid I have never heard of such curse." said Alexander. "But why must you ask me this?"

The Sibyl laughed. "It is only reasonable that you don't know what it is. However, I believe it is time you know the past."

"Thousands of years ago, long before men and the Elder Beings walked this Earth, a great battle ensued between the gods. The war lasted for nearly five centuries before Ambrosius finally conquered the forces of Mezcua. He cast them to a distant land believed to be located at the edge of the world and created a barrier so powerful not one of the imprisoned could escape."

"Mezcua was not one to put up with this kind of punishment. With his remaining powers he cast a curse upon us. When the time comes that the moon share the color of blood, a child will be born with his blood. Through the child they shall spread chaos and wreak havoc upon all immortal and mortal."

Alexander was confused, and for a time he fell silent, contemplating the words of the Sibyl.

At last he asked, "But that moon," he said, " it never appeared, didn't it?"

The Sibyl looked at him with grim eyes. "No, Your Grace. It appeared. And the last time it did was 20 years ago."