**Black clad figures nervously make their way into the Colosseum. It is dark except for soft light from the moon and the glow from torches. The participants are about to witness something unworldly and frightening.**At this time in history Pope Alexander VI is aging, the power in the Catholic Church changes and with it the political and social climate in Italy is turned upside down. A new priest has appeared in Rome. No one knows who he is or where he came from but he is gathering enthusiastic followers. This “holy man” conducts mystical rituals in the Roman Colosseum that include wine and chanting after which demons appear in the stands and call for the life of an “evil” man. Those named are soon found dead under mysterious circumstances and include cardinals. Leonardo has returned to Florence after spending a year as artist and engineer to Cesare Borgia (The Toys of War). He is allowed to return with the stipulation that he can be called upon at any time to return to Cesare’s service. That time has come, and Leonardo is commanded to investigate the mysterious deaths of cardinals in exchange for release from his contract to the Duke. Leonardo’s search for the source of this witchcraft and sorcery leads him to create his own magic which he uses to challenge and discredit the “priest.” The motive behind the deaths of those named by the demons will lead to the exposure of a powerful noble family leaving Leonardo exposed and vulnerable. Revenge is swift, and Leonardo finds himself alone and left for dead deep in the catacombs. This is a chilling tale of political ambition, sorcery, and murder designed to influence the election of the next pope. Enjoy this book now.