Prologue Summary

Paulo is a thirty-eight year old, intelligent man who feels he has successfully completed his training to become a Master in an ancient and mysterious religious tradition. Paulo has survived many trials and learned many lessons in order to reach the point of being awarded a new sword: an emblem of his achievement. However, Paulo has failed to learn one final and very important lesson: what he is to do with his sword. As a result of not understanding this lesson, Paulo must undertake one final journey. If he does not succeed, he will not receive his sword and the title of Master.

On a January night on a mountain-top in Brazil, six people gather together to take part in a sacred ritual. The narrator is being ordained as a Master in the Order of RAM and will receive a special sword as...