From the introduction:
This is not quite the Earth you know. Some rare individuals are born different. Blame it on aliens, or planetary alignments, or some undefined mystical force, no one knows. They will each go through their lives unknowing of their potential until killed. After this first death they will rise again, immortal, untouched by age or illness. All immortals can sense the presence of another, and when one immortal kills another the result is a quickening. A transfer of memories, skills, and strength from the slain to the victorious. All immortals are told that ‘There can be only one!’ and speak of the gathering, a final battle in which the last immortal standing will gain the prize. What the prize is, none can say. But then, no one can say from where the story originates, or if it is even true. After all, how can there ‘be only one’ when new immortals are constantly being born? Perhaps you will find out.