Synopsis: From the back cover of the Ace first edition: Around the fires, in the cold of winter, the old tales of the Time of Madness are still told... Tales of the MageLords, sorcerers near godlike in their power, who looked upon ordinary men with contempt. Who fought great battles among themselves, violent conflicts that nearly destroyed the world. Who have not been seen in the land of Reykvid for thousands of years, but who are still feared and hated. But now, it is time for a new tale... A tale of a prince named Gavin, who fears he has set a horror loose upon the kingdom he loves. A tale of a hunter named Bjorn, who carries within himself a part of the forbidden power. A tale of one who calls himself Valerian, who may be a nightmare come to life. Listen: it begins...