Born somewhere in the Kyivan Rus in the late 15th century, Armand (at this time called Andriy) becomes an icon painter in a monastery.

Marius lives the extravagant life of a respected Renaissance painter, and mentors many boys who serve as his apprentices.

In addition to developing a sexual relationship, Amadeo sleeps in Marius' bed, is privy to special privileges, and becomes something of a "head boy" in the household.

During this period, Amadeo befriends and ultimately seduces Bianca Solderini, a wealthy debutante and courtesan whose primary role in life seems to be to throw nightly parties.

He tells Amadeo that they must always focus on killing evildoers; they assist Bianca by murdering her kinsmen who have been forcing her to poison those from whom they have borrowed money.

Marius sets out to train Amadeo, retaining high expectations of him, and forces him to continue his education in the arts.

Shortly after returning to Venice, the vampire Santino and his coven attack Marius' home, kidnap Amadeo and the apprentices, and burn the villa.

At the end of Memnoch the Devil, Armand rushes into the open daylight and appears to be destroyed in a conflagration.

Armand explains to David that by some means beyond his understanding he survived, and ended up on a rooftop in a stairwell protected from further exposure to the sun.