From the introduction: The Bandit King lay dead, slain by my liege. “We have sacrificed much,” he said, his words echoing in the gloom. Above us the great idol stared down at the carnage unmoved, jeweled eyes glittering. Simeo the rogue eyed them. "Short work, this," he said, slipping the dagger from his sheath. The sound of metal on stone roused doddering old Jedder from his scrolls. The magician had time only to raise his hand before the hall filled with the brightest of lights, the loudest of noises. I awoke I do not know how much later. My eyes burned. I smelled blood, brimstone, burning parchment. I called out in the darkness, but neither my liege nor his companions replied. I was alone, and alone I would have to find my way to the...