1 Prologue

Seville, Spain,

11:00 A.M.

It is said that in death, all things become clear; Ensei Tankado now knew it was true. As he clutched his chest in pain, he realized the horror of his mistake.

People appears, hovering over him, trying to

help. But TANKADO did not want help---it was too

late for that.

Trembling, he raised his left hand and held

his fingers outward. Look at my hand!

The faces around him stared, but he could

tell they did not understand.

On his finger was an engraved golden ring.

For an instant, the markings glimmered in

the Andalusian sun.

Ensei Tankado knew it was the last light

He would ever see....