He brushed his knobby fingers over the withered spines one by one, savoring the touch and texture. Breathing in deeply, their sylvan smell surrounded him. With an effort he worked the chosen tome out from between its brothers. It gave with a dry sound and a cascade of debris. When he scored his hand over the books cover it cleared of yet more decay, beneath his palm it felt gritty.

              Truly ages had passed, for he knew this had begun eternities ago. He knew that there was no real beginning because there was never an end to what had been before. He and his books were proof enough of that.

Everything was about to change. One family and their sins would tip the scale. Send balance chasing after her fallen pearls. His face cracked as he smiled. Yellow teeth parted, allowing a cackle to escape and dust fell from his mouth. He would enjoy this.

              Opening the book, he turned the page.