Ryan Arthur stared at the monster in front of him. Breathing was difficult. He began to quake. "This can't be happening to me," he thought. "This can't be true." For as far back as Ryan could remember, the comings and goings of the cowled monks fascinated him. He could not wait to join their ranks. He would be a scribe and learn the secrets of the church. His older brother, Gareth, was to be the knight.