Synopsis: Brampton, Iowa, A quiet, peaceful, sunlit place, where children play happily in the streets and shopkeepers know all their customers by name. Brampton's secrets are well hidden. The dark man is coming: Mister Magister. Clad in black, proprietor of a shooting gallery unlike any Brampton has ever seen. Cut out of darkness, filled with universal night, Mister Magister comes to Brampton on a golden autumn day to test its soul. And find it wanting. The dark time is coming. (adapted from the back cover of the first edition)