Let me say first off that it was never my idea to write this down. The information in this journal I intended to take to the grave. I was all but forced by my dear Emily, who insisted on sharing this knowledge with the wider world. She said people have a right to know of the battles fought in shadow, just out of view. I’m not so sure, but the request was one I could not deny.

Although it doesn’t really matter, as I doubt anyone reading this would believe it anyway. Regardless, everything written here is true. Whether you believe it or not can’t change that.

So, let’s start with introductions. I’ll be brief. I am called Ziel Adara, but that is not my true name. I am older than most men, I know, though I have lost count of all the years gone by. But I must say I don’t look it. My life is one that I would not wish on anyone else, but it was necessary. I don’t mean to boast, but you may have never been here to read this if it weren’t for me.

Of my compatriots, there are far too many to list all at once, so I won’t bore you. For now I will only mention my most faithful companion, Hyk. Although you wouldn’t know it by looking at him, if you could see him at all, Hyk is one of the greatest allies the human race has ever known. Just don’t tell him that, unless you’re eager for an earful of protest.

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

And then there is Emily. Sweet, sweet Emily. The sole reason you are reading this at all, for this journal was her dying wish. Perhaps later I will go into detail regarding her and her demise, but for now the wound is still too fresh.

And now let us truly begin. The first of my adventures that I am willing to discuss began one calm night in the beginnings of summer, 1863. I was lounging inside of my estate, which is in a location I’m not at liberty to disclose, while Hyk was getting his piano practice in. It was very impressive considering his small stature. He was hopping across the keys at incredible speed, to the point where it almost sounded like an actual tune.

He was interrupted when a thunderous knocking came from the front door. Hyk was mid-leap when he slammed down on the lowest C, startled by the knocks. He jerked his head around, anger clear across his tiny green face.

“Aw, dammit. Somebody’s got bad timing!” Hyk spat in his squeaky voice.

“Thank goodness,” I said, standing up. “Any more of that and I would have slammed the fall-board down on you myself.”

Hyk stuck his long tongue out at me.

I grinned and sauntered to the door. When I opened it I came face-to-breast with an enormous beast. It had the head of a bear, its body covered in matted black fur, hands like a man but for the sharp claws jutting from the fingertips, dozens of needle-like teeth sticking out of its maw. Its unearthly emerald eyes locked with mine, and a low rumble escaped its throat.

“Ah, hello, Beran,” I said. “It’s been a while.”