Maxima Library

This excellent novel continues the story of Strahd the magically talented vampire extraordinaire by recounting the time Azalin made his entrance into the Mists of Barovia. Azalin, an opponent whose power dwarfs Strahd's, realizes that he needs Strahd ( for a while anyway) in order to escape this plane. Strahd in turn bides his time by assisting Azalin and acquiring more magic skills from him, until the moment he can rid himself of Azalin and liberate Barovia from the plane of Mists that hold it captive. And so the two reluctant adversaries make a delicate truce to reach their common goal of freedom. But all the while they engage in an intense yet subtle game of cloak and dagger. Each of them covertly endeavors to learn the other's strengths and weaknesses, waiting for the moment to strike.