CHAPTER 2

A bald, broadshouldered man sits hoddled by the fire; he looks at you and you see he has a brown-leather patch covering his right eye, where a huge scar cuts from brow to chin. He extends a hand from shoulder to shoulder:

"Grell." he bears no smile "You are the one that heaves quietly through the night like death itself? The executioner of nightmares, killer of the locusts that plague the everyman?"

"That is what they think of me?"

"You've done it for long enough that you have gained a substantial fame, Stranger...Nightcrawler. You are a good peacekeeper, your crimes do not befit you."

"I have commited no crime at all, man."

"The powers at the Towers upon Metamor, Orlin and even Merlinbrad have spoken. They've put a bounty on your head, and for a reason that will not dissuade even if rebuked by the man himself, Aggaman. "

"Are you after me as well? Who even are you, cur?"

"I am the sheriff here, man. You werent told of my position to begin with?"

"I wasnt told of anything apart from the essentials."

"Then know that the will of the law is not the same as the will of the men themselves. A beast, animal it is; we are enforcers for we have the power to serve and enforce the law of God. But the law itself, while somewhat alive, is not truly living. As I see it, it will kill but only if given the power to reproduce. It is not like death's overwhelming gaze. But enough about that, I've said my piece. I will not stop you resting here with ramblings, it wont change a thing."

"It won't change a thing, you're right. I must keep watch today, I see. Not only for a shadow, a black rider, a legion but also for a misguided order of beheading!"

"Calm down now... I think they're going to hang you."

"You're saying I'm not important enough to be beheaded?"

"They don't behead executioners."

"Why?"

"Your kind's necks are too stiff for the axe, it just wouldn't cut. You see, executioners are the most overworked out of all!"

"I like you, man! See, if you catch a layabout shade of sorts, tell me!"CONTINUE