Baen, New York, 1990, 1^st pr.  ISBN 0-671-72021-X.  MMPB, 340+ pages.  Very good; light edge and cover wear, tiny corner bends, light reading creases; binding tight with a slight lean; numbers stamped on bottom edge.  Interior clean and unmarked with tanned pages, three small spots on fore-edge page block.  ‘The wizard thinks he’s in control.  The gods think that’s funny…  It started in the 12^th century when their avatars first joined in battle.  On that occasion the sorcerous Hasan al Sabah, the first and Chief Assassin won handily against Thomas Amnet, Knight Templar and White Magician.  There have been many duels since then, and in each the undying Arab has ended the life of Loki’s avatar.  But each time the avatar is reborn, and the Assassin tires….  It is now the 21^st century.  Loki’s time approaches, and Ahriman, Lord of Darkness, must fall.’ (from rear wrap)