After the death of her husband, overworked scientist Helen Adler needs an escape. When her young Alexander proposes a trip to Greece-- somewhere he's always dreamed of visiting-- Helen agrees. In the ancient city of Mystras the only resident is Elias, a tour guide living on the city's edges-- both physically and temporally. In 1237, Elias's mother promised his eternal service to the Profitis Ilias in Mystras in exchange for surviving a terrible illness. During his 800 years of labor he has had one common enemy: the noble Lusignan family, a line cursed by a deadly disease that worsens with each generation. A prophecy hints that Elias's blood is their only hope for a cure. When Elias runs into Helen, he unwittingly puts both her and her young son in danger. -- adapted from back cover