October 12, 1980

“But, I don’t understand, Grampy, mommy said…”

“I know what your mother told you, but I need you to listen to me. Someday you will understand all of this, Bobby, I promise you that.”

It was a chilly day today, a little too cold for October. There had been an unnatural chill since yesterday. Roberto Moretti, now three and a half years old, walked in the yard next to Gustavo Rizzo, his Grampy. Gus looked down at Bobby and saw the young boy give a small shiver. “Here, let me fix that.” Gus said as he bent to straighten the grey woolen scarf and matching hat. Gus looked deep into Bobby’s eyes. “Bobby, I am going to tell you something that is very important. You need to pay close attention.” They continue their walk, just small circles around the front yard, and talked.

Bobby had originally come outside to play when Grampy had showed up to the front gate. With a playful laugh, Bobby ran to the gate to greet him. Bobby was happy to see him. The mood soon turned to a not so pleasant one when Bobby had looked at Grampy’s solemn face.

Grampy said, “Bobby I sacrificed myself to save you, and you must never be sad by my sacrifice. Ah…sacrifice is when you love someone very much and decide to do something very brave to save your loved one from harm or pain. I did that for you Bobby. But you need to remember something very important. I found out when I was a very young man, only a few years older than yourself, that I was very special, as you will become very special just like me.

“There was one day in 1947 that I looked up to the sky to see a total solar eclipse. Now you don’t have to know what a solar eclipse is, but just remember what I say here. The strange part was that no one else saw the eclipse, just me. I thought I was going crazy, but I soon realized that that day had changed me forever. I was able to develop magical powers over many years that I used for fighting evil. I was not like Superman, but more rather like someone who could do some special things that no one else could do. And those things helped me save you, and maybe save us all in the future.

“I was once given a vision that told me to protect you, my grandson. I know you will one day become like me, and become Darcaza. The vision I had told me that you would be captured by a distinguished looking older man wearing a black leather vest. Attached to that vest are four chains that are then attached to four collars. Each collar is tightly closed around a child only a few years older than you are now. You see, I know that this vision was meant to tell me that you would be one of those children in the collar if I did not found a way to stop it.

“I did find a way to stop it, and therefore I ended up sacrificing myself to save you. I have lived my whole life, and you need to take my place eventually. If you were to be one of those children captured and chained, I truly think that Dragomir would get away with it. Be aware, Dragomir has a vast network of informants. Choose your friends well, and you should always be on the lookout for imposters.

“Over my travels since 1947 I have found a couple of neat artifacts. I have a safety deposit box setup in your name at the 1st National Bank of Omaha on 3rd street in Omaha, Nebraska. In it you will find a tool to help you, but use it wisely since there are only so many uses it can be used before it is no longer any good.

“When the time is right, you will remember this conversation in full detail. Until then, you will forget it.” Grampy said some strange words that sounded like blistful bird calls, motioned with his right hand, and set a bright orange freshly turned oak leaf on your forehead.

“Remember, Bobby, remember.” Gus gave Bobby a kiss on the forehead and playfully pulled his hat over his eyes. When Bobby pulled the hat back up, giggling, Grampy was gone.

He looked quickly around the yard, then back to the front door of his house. “Grampy must have gone inside to see mommy” he concluded and proceeded to head up the stairs to the front porch. As he reached for the door handle, he heard his mother inside.

“Yes, thank you (sniff) for calling.” “Yes, (sniff) it was sudden.” “No, no there is nothing we need. Thank you (sniff).” “Ok, good buy.” As he opened the door, his mother, Anita, was hanging up the phone. She placed the receiver on the cradle, leaned heavily on the phone for a second, gave another sniffle and looked to Bobby. “Son, where have you been?”

“Outside, talking to Grampy.” Anita’s face went pale. “You’ve been what?” she asked. “Talking to Grampy. He came to visit. Didn’t he come inside?” Anita began to cry, composed herself and walked to Bobby. “Mommy, what’s wrong? Maybe Grampy can make you feel better. I’ll go find him.” Anita stopped him with a hand on his shoulder. “Bobby, I told you, Grampy died yesterday. He is in heaven now.” “No, he’s not, he was outside just now. He talked to me.”

“That’s impossible, Bobby” Anita sniffed. “No, he told me…” “BOBBY, that’s enough.”

Bobby bowed his head and started to cry and whispered. “But he told me how he died…..”