PROLOGUE

There is an eagle perched on my windowsill. It's totally unheard of. No eagle has ever been sighted in this isle, a tiny square of land too flat and unfit for a majestically highflying bird of prey.

It's staring at me with fierce amber eyes, motionless. As if it's waiting. For me?

I gaze back at it. Strangely enough, I'm not scared. Somehow, there seems to be something familiar in this unexpected winged visitor.

It reminds me of you. It's proud and untamed, it gives off a combined sense of danger and fascination. But for some reason, I don't feel threatened by it, just as once upon a time I didn't feel threatened by you. Something deep in my bones tells me it is here for me, but it means me no harm.

There's a compelling wild beauty about it. I would like to see it soar high in the sky. I would like to soar with it.

Was it sent by you? Some folks believe birds can be sent to collect the souls that are ready to leave the world of the living, and if indeed you would send a bird to carry my soul, this magnificent creature would be the kind of messenger you'd choose.

Yes, I think it comes at your bidding. Or maybe I just want to think so, but that is not important. One thing your story definitely taught me is that no-one can escape their fate and that when our time comes, be it morning, evening or high-noon, we're left only with the choice of whether we want to meet our end standing tall or crawling like cowards.

I'll face mine with my head held high. Whatever the world may think of me, I am proud of myself. Let's say I learned from the best…