PREFACE

The twelve immemorial travelers sat in their ancient thrones and silently stared at the massive, double doors. Mankind’s world, the world they had ruled, lived, and loved it seemed to be seeking its own destruction. There was nothing they could do to save the human race. They could strike thunderbolts, move mountains, change the flow of rivers, steer the depths of oceans, control the fury of the wind . . . but they were utterly powerless to change the course of the fast approaching doom. They had summoned the Alloterrs, who regulated inevitably the affairs of life and ruled both gods and man, to appear before them, to reveal the next torch bearer of Hope through their intricate tapestry.
In front of them, an old couple sat by the enormous marble table, looking intently at the dimly flickering light of Hope. They had kept its flames burning in the hearts of humans for a long time. The time had come to step down, to hand the torch to the new Messenger of Hope – to become his guardians, his teachers. Patiently, they waited, too.
The double doors opened silently. Both gods and men rose and respectfully bowed their heads as the Moirai entered into the immense room, placed their living web of life onto the table and, in solemn faces, looked at the old couple.
The long silence became eery, unbearable.
“Have you decided who my successor is?” asked the old man, humbly.
“Yes!” the Moirai spoke in unison. “A boy not yet conceived.  On the day of his birth, the Amulet of Hope shall be delivered into his hands. His name shall be known as “Hopewatch.”