Part the First. (other parts to follow)

I awoke to the sound of rushing wings and the glow of an intense light.
I gazed upon the impossible when my eyes could again see.
Could see what I thought I saw.
But what I saw couldn't be what I saw.

An angel from heaven stood before me.
Though I had been deafened by the wings and been blinded by the light there was none of that now.
Just an old man in a grey cloak and hood.
There was no doubt in my mind however.

"Come," he said, and I was afraid.
"There is no need to fear. Come."

I took his hand.
"What is your name, Spirit?" I asked.
"That is not important." replied he.
"Have I died?"
"No."
"What do you want of me?"
"You have been chosen to see."

I knew not what he meant, but I was too bewildered to press further his unexplained presence.
So I followed.

We walked along a road of pure light, colour and song.
I wept for joy at the very sight of this road and feared to look upon the buildings which lined the streets for fear my heart would burst.
We were walking steadily upwards.

"Where are you leading me, Spirit?"
"All will be made clear with time."
His voice was soothing and carried a familiar accent. Mediterranean. Lilting. Calming, like the sea.

We walked long in silence and the air grew colder. I pulled my dressing gown tightly around myslf and shivered.

Finally we stoppd at the top of a great precipice.
I clung to the garments of the spirit as my head reeled from the height and I saw in my mind's eye my dreadful plummet into the abyss.

"Be not afraid," said my guide. "You have been brought here so that you may see."
"But what am I to see?" I asked, tears still clouding my eyes.
"You are to see the land of eternal punishment and deathless life. You are to see that which men must fear. You are to see."