Zane D Dowling

Brother's Keeper Zane D Dowling

Tired doesn't begin to describe how I feel. Dead tired would be more descriptive, if death were possible. That's right. That's what I said. I can't die. But, what does it matter; you don't believe me, do you? No one ever does, until they see it with their own eyes. By then, it's usually too late and they are the ones about to die. I've been called a wanderer, and even an Angel of Death, though I'm no angel. I've had many names since that cursed day. You can call me what you like, just don't call me Hatcher; the demons think it's funny, but I'm not a chicken. I don't know why I'm their channel into this realm - that was God's deal. I'm just His humble servant. For now, I'm Brother Shamus Felix, the Keeper, and I just want you to know... Death is coming, but not for me. Are you ready? God cursed Cain for killing his brother. The curse was that he would walk the earth without dying, and whatever violence done to him returns to that person seven fold, leaving Cain still alive and unharmed. Because Cain grows bored with life, he turns terribly bad. Eventually, even that gets old and he is sick of all that life brings to him. God calls Cain to fulfill a deal He has struck with Satan. God allows Satan to use Cain once a year as a door into our world for his Generals (it is very unpleasant for Cain). In return, Satan grants Cain the gift of smelling death before it comes (also not pleasant, but useful nonetheless). He can tell which approaching deaths are natural and which are a result of evil. All of this brings new meaning to Cain's life, and, in a personal way, brings him redemption. This new quasi curse couples with the original curse, and helps Cain become a hero. But, like Superman, Cain has his kryptonite. He is afraid to love, afraid of closed in spaces, afraid others might be hurt to get at him. Consequently, Cain must always be on guard and prepared for all possibilities. His long life has taught him they will come sooner, or later.