Corfu in the sixteenth century. Key to Asia. Repository of a magic older than history itself. No wonder the demon Chernobog must possess the island - for with it in his grasp, Chernobog can finally crush Venice and defeat his immortal enemy, the Lion of San Marcos, who thwarted his previous bid for absolute power.<BR>Now all hope depends on the derring-do of the small band of heroes who fought against the demon before - and the inner strength of one reluctant young heroine. For the ancient powers of Corfu care nothing for either Chernobog's lust for power, nor the human desire for freedom.<BR>And anyone who would wield the island's primordial magic must pay with a piece of his - or her - soul.