In Manus Meas

Upon my return, I found a boy sitting on the steppes of my tower.

Insolently studying his hand, he says "Who are you?"

I stretched my wings, "I am the crucible and pauper. I am the nightmare man but also the bringer of dreams. Does that make sense to you boy?"

He glares at his hand.

"I am the end of all things. I am the penalty and the reward"

I lean, strut a bit, fold my wings and then sit next to him.

The skies above us churn, the faint rays of yellow sun run gray and then blacken.