Thirteen generations ago the ambitious first Duke of Magnussen made a fell pact with an unknown power who asked for but one thing in return: the thirteenth daughter born to a Magnussen duke. Now generations hence the daughter of Duke Magnussen XIII is stolen away by a hooded executioner riding a leathery beast. As it wings back across the city walls to drop behind the Duke’s mountain-top keep all who watch know it alights in the Magnussen family crypts where the devilish secrets of thirteen generations have been buried and forgotten until now…