Prologue
A man with no past and no hope for the future
walks through a playground. It is spring. He is cataloging all the
things he does not have in his life: family, happiness, love,
innocence. If he ever had any of these things, he no longer
remembers. His life has been one of fear and shame for as long as
he can recall.
This knowledge fuels a rage in him so profound he
is convinced that if he were to open his mouth wide enough, he
could spew flames like a dragon, scorching the laughing children
before him in a single, awe-inspiring fireball.
There are days when he longs for the power to
annihilate the world, and this is one of them.
Who is he kidding? He cannot annihilate the
world. He doesn’t even have the power to leave. But he could
annihilate a family. Perhaps that would satisfy the anger that
burns inside him, searing his heart with each peal of laughter he
hears.
Besides, if he says no, he will be left with no
one. He will be utterly alone in this world. He will have nowhere
to go and no one to care for him.
He cannot bear the thought.
The playground air smells like green. The sounds
of songbirds surround him. The sunshine is warm on his cheeks and
the air tastes of rain. A small boy squeals with delight as he
swings from one monkey bar to the next.
Yes, the man thinks. The boy is
perfect. He will be the one.