The candle flickered in darkened room of the apartment that used to belong to Draven Lee.
“There was a story that Sarah would tell her elementary classes and I think you should hear it, Mr. Midnight.”
“You see, it began with a scorpion that traveled far and wide. He wanted to see the beautiful Arcadian countryside. However, there was one problem, Mr. Midnight. Before him was a flowing river, one rushing with incredible force.”
“The young scorpion was terribly frightened of water. He could not swim and there was no logical point in the river where he felt it safe enough to cross. The scorpion decided to wait, in hopes that a solution would come his way.”
“In the not too distant horizon, the scorpion spotted another traveler making his way down the path. A frog hopped to the base of the river and was getting ready to make the plunge. Before he could hop into the water, the scorpion summoned the frog to his side. Reluctant, the frog approached, leery of the predator.”
“The scorpion spent some time describing his predicament to the frog. He offered a truce, one that would be mutually beneficial to both parties. The scorpion said he would be the eyes for the frog if he was willing to allow him to ride on his back across the river. The frog knew the scorpion’s nature, but he also knew the argument was sound. After a few moments of thinking, the frog finally agreed.”
“Carefully, the scorpion mounted the back of the frog. The frog took a deep breath and plunged into the water. The frog was incredibly nervous at first, however, the scorpion gave no indication of betrayal.”
“Suddenly, he felt a sharp pain in his back. He turned slightly and saw that the scorpion had plunged his stinger into his back. The frog called out, asking the scorpion why he had turned on him, sealing their fate. The scorpion simply remarked it was in his nature.”
“I know you’re probably wondering what the point of this was, Mr. Midnight. You see, I have known men like you all of my life. I can see your true nature. You approach me, stating you can offer me something that is mutually beneficial to us both. You convincingly state your case, telling me to trust you. You poke and prod, hoping to find a weak point, hunting for vulnerability.”
“Once the guard is down, you turn on them, leaving them for dead. Your so called ‘owls’ don’t yet understand that they’re merely pawns on your chessboard. People who surround you are nothing more than a way across the river.”
“I am not yet sure what you seek of me, Mr. Midnight. However, I will not be naive like others you’ve tricked into believing your lies. You have nothing to offer me but betrayal. There will be no partnership, there will be no truce. The fact is you’re already dead, you just don’t know it. At Ring of Dreams, the true predator will come from above. You will feel my sting. Quote the Raven…nevermore.”