Book excerpt: Six years have passed since the cataclysmic series of events culminating in Pierre Hartford’s victory over the Entity and the formation of a new realm. New Earth is a thriving planet, an idealized conception of Pierre’s old home. Pierre, in particular, seems quite well-adjusted to his new lifestyle…perhaps almost too well-adjusted. When his world is once more turned on its head and he is again thrust into the center of events, Pierre is caught off guard, afraid and confused, and faced with a series of foes the likes of which he has never encountered before. Surrounded by enemies and left with few allies, Pierre must come to terms with his divisive past and quickly adapt to his new situation. For this is an enemy unseen and unheard, striking only from the shadows, with a name spoken only in hushed tones. And as events spiral toward their seemingly inevitable conclusion, Pierre will come face-to-face with the most terrible choice of all. Can Pierre still prevail in the face of overwhelming odds? Or has he finally met his match?