Sebald stretched out his arms, almost like he was drawing curtains, and within a flash what appeared to be the inside had become the outside.

"These creatures are my pets," the man grunted shutting the door behind him. Lifting his heavy hand toward a spare chair he introduced himself as Sebald.

"I helped these two fellows off the street. Both were badly hurt in the great earthquakes, but of course even before that they were vicious little scavengers. My kindness in time warmed their cold bellies and I have been rewarded with their insightful ditties. They speak the truth, these birds have been sent for you from the one who is known. many have been sent to help you but these birds have something special."

As he enters he is welcomed by two swaggering fellows who begin to introduce him to his new surroundings.

'the birds are your friends, they will help you reach the end'

'but remember to look out for those, smaller than your nose, as they may help you even further'

The boy moved briskly forward. Darkness slowly creeped in all around him. Frightened and cold, he summoned up the courage to knock on the only house that appeared to have life within. The door creaked slowly open... An old man clutching a straw hat and line of fish appeared. "Do come in" he croaked, "we've been expecting you..."

the boy was lead by the man across the bridge to a town cloaked by the shadow of the moon, everything was silent. All the boy could make out was the faces of empty buildings staring back at him. In a gentle tone the man spoke,

"this is where i must leave you now, go quickly on your way."

"Mind as you go boy, the wind gets mighty strong by this way."the figure spoke. Uneasy and determined not to stop he tried to slither past. Lowering his gaze he avoided eye contact with the unsettling creature.

"No please, I insist take my hand, it is my job to ensure safe passage!"called the man presenting a hand.

The Secret Rope Bridge looked so long it appeared to reach the end of the world. But he could not cross it. A man he felt he had seen before stood blocking the entrance.