In the sequel to THE SERPENT PASSAGE (a sci-fi adventure in the times of the ancient Maya) the bloodstone is dying and must be revived in a ritual in the abandoned kingdom of Palenque. Along the way, William is confronted by demons, hostile feathered serpents, and other bizarre creatures that are determined to stop him. While William sleeps, he takes over the body of an owl, and tries to help the Mayans who were abducted by the Grey Ones.