From the introduction: Not so long ago, or maybe in the not so far future, not so far away, or maybe not in this world at all... A boarding school known solely as the Academy. Nine students facing their fears, hopes and destinies, involved in a series of secret duels. Machiavellian agents of a sacred order. A shadow cast by a decadent sect. An enigma of love and hate unfolds. A promise of the Revolution.