The Land of Shadow

Usually the dreams I see are not particularly pleasant, so I am happy to wake up. This one, however, was very interesting. I wish I could see what happened next.

I followed my guide through the twisted, distorted city. On both sides of the broad street we were following there were houses, or what re,ained of houses. Each of them was an eclectic mix of classicism and gothics, with countless towers, arches and elaborate high reliefs. Behind some of the arched windows there was watchful darkness: through the other loomed colourless sky. There were thumble-down walls with stone gargoyles clinging to crumbling cornices, stairways spiraling to nowhere, towers broken off, but still floating in the air. This place was devoid of colour.
It was completely silent. Our footsteps were the only sound that could be heard. At the beginning it seemed disturbing, but now I felt peace, as if my soul was finally put to rest. I would be happy to stay here if I didn’t have a mission.
We came to an immense building, which resembled a gothic cathedral, with countless ribs of flying buttresses. We entered its dark hallway and turned to the stairs. I could see only the man walking in front of me and the rib vaults above me, but in front of us there was complete darkness.
As we slowly ascended, I gradually became aware of myself. I ended up in this shadow realm, with my soul and body. For this reason I could escape. It was my mission to escape, for my king and my people needed me desperately. My companion was the gatekeeper of this place.
The stairs came to an end. We found ourselves in a long hall with bookcases on both sides of it and tables in the middle.
“Are you sure, Lord Chancellor?” the man asked. His vice was soft and quiet. “You will not be able to return as a human. You will have to hide in shadows, hated and scorned even by those whom you love.”
I pondered the question. Will my king understand me? Or will he draw back in fear when he sees my new form? Whatever his reaction might be, I must protect and guide him. I swore that I would be by his sight till my last breath. So be it.
“I am ready.”
The gatekeeper sighed.
“Wait here please.”
He went along the hall till he disappeared in the dark.
I heard flapping of countless wings. Only at that moment I noticed that the hall was full of tiny birds,
I used to feed birds in the every morning in the garden. I loved these little creatures, and never thought if imprisoning them for my pleasure.
I searched for something to give them and found a couple of pignoli in a vase on a table. I put them on the palm of my hand. Immediately a willow warbler landed on it. I felt its claws gripping on my hand and smiled.
“You are a good person, Lord Chancellor.”
I slowly turned my head, trying not to scare the bird off.
The gatekeeper made a gesture, inviting me to follow him.
“Everything’s ready.”