Messenger

They've always said that with the night comes evil, and I'm inclined to agree. Straddling a roof edge, I sit and watch, motionless, the scene that plays itself out below me. Intoxicated fools weave their wiry path across the cobbles, seeking a place to urinate, to defecate or to fornicate. Any place will do, for when 'he' comes, they will all be his.1

When 'he' first assigned me this post I felt rebuked, as if I were being joked with. Now however I see the wisdom in this choice of place. Each night those miserable wretches tear themselves further from the light, coming ever closer to us. Each night I have sat and watched as more and more have lost their halos; it brings a smile to my face.2

Tonight, is finally the night! All over the world, from New York to Sydney, my brothers and sisters proclaim his coming, and my time is now. Spreading my pale white wings I prepare to swoop, I need only a place to land. There! Finally my time is upon me.3

As I descend, the fools are too far gone in their drink to notice me, and even as I land a few still do not see me. Soon, however, they scream, as they always do. I stretch my wings wider, drawing more fear in their hearts and once more I smile.4

"He is coming, as you have always known he would." I say the words with pride. I see people drop to their knees in prayer and I can't help myself. "Your prayers are useless, for you are all damned! Do not fear; if you follow 'him' you can achieve your greatest desires."5

In some faces I witness a glint of greed; they are already ours. Some others show resolve however, they refuse to join us, but I will work on them. "DO ONLY THAT WHICH WILL BRING THEM TO US," his order still echoes around my head. I have been forbidden to harm them; they are 'his' now. I have long studied them in preparation for this night and I find myself questioning whether they are already harmed; if not physically, then mentally. All that matters is that 'he' believes I have done no wrong.6

With one last glance at the pale faces around me I spring into the air. I will continue my surveillance until the sixth day when once again I will deliver my message. Three warnings, and then he will rise and all will be lost.