George Smythe spills his blood for The Cause before he has a conscious thought as to either its true nature or his role as its leader in the distant future. His mortal and immortal enemy nearly slays him whilst he's on holiday in Mexico touring pre-Columbian archaeological sites. The Nagual shaman who rescued him from deathrealizes his potential to wield Puramore for the thirteenth and last time as he brings him back to life.

General Sir George Smythe, Team Alpha, Juan and their quantum computer battle Wingtip, an avatar of China's first emperor, and spirit forces at his command to...