Of Darkness And Light

Prolouge

Over the dark streets of Venice, a raven cast a sharp eye around. It soared above the buildings, glancing about, as if in search of something. The giant bird landed on the head of a gargoyle, stopping for a moment to preen its silky black feathers. It looked about from it’s perch, but then it’s eye settled on a window. It’d been left open, an odd thing in such a bad neighborhood. The raven watched for signs of life from within, but saw nothing. As silent as a shadow, the bird slipped from the gargoyle’s head and into an air current, riding the warm sea breeze down the windowsill.

Inside, the small form of a sleeping child could be seen curled up on a cot. The raven leaned forward, staring hard at the child. Suddenly, it’s eyes flew open, revealing green eyes that stared curiously at the bird. The raven blinked, and when it re-opened it’s eyes, they’d changed from smooth black to a startling shade of blood red. The raven tilted it’s head to the side, staring at the child curiously as it sat up. The green eyes followed the bird as it hopped to the floor. Shadows suddenly seemed to thicken around the bird, swirling and twisting to the height of a man. The child watched in bewilderment as a figure stepped forth from the shadows. The startling red eyes remained, but the were now set in the face of a man, with black hair and pale skin. The man grinned down at the child and said in a soothing voice,

“Do you wish to come away from this place?” The child stared, and then nodded slowly. The man’s grin widened, and he held out a hand to the child. Hesitantly, the child took it. He was never seen again.

At least, not in this world.