Lazare peered through the second story window. He was perched on the fire escape and would’ve been visible to any passersby except for the spell he’d cast to make himself dim. He was invisible to the human eye — that is as long as no one looked in his direction for too long. If they did a creature obviously not of their world would seem to appear out of thin air.

The troll shifted his feet uncomfortably on the steel grate. His long toe nails clicked loudly and he flinched. The troll’s bumpy skin was a deep shade of purple, with orange circles around his wide set violet eyes. His eyes were large – twice as large as any humans’ – with long lashes. Lazare’s lips were thick, and when he smiled his mouth opened to reveal 32 ragged teeth; an ordinary number for a human. But his were huge and pointed.

At his full height he was only four feet tall, and had powerful arms, and equally powerful stubby legs. He stared through the window at Glenda. As if she felt his gaze she stirred restlessly in his sleep. The girl was fourteen with chocolate colored skin and full lips. He thick kinky hair was braided and spread out now against her pillow. She slept in a bed she shared with her mother Pearl. In the next bedroom, her brother Henry Jr. slept.

Today was his 12^th birthday, and Pearl had scrapped together enough money to make him a yellow cake. Henry had also received a card with $10.00 inside. Henry Jr. had been very disappointed – he’d wanted a video game. Pearl worked at a drycleaners and the children’s father, James, in another city as a mechanic.

Even though their parents no longer lived together, James sent money each month. But it wasn’t enough. It was never enough. The tiny two bedroom apartment was expensive. Then there was electricity bill, the telephone, food, clothing…

Lazare surveyed the streets below. Except the cars moving up and down the street it was deserted. Good.

He clamored down the fire escape, surprisingly fast for his girth, and scurried up the street, turning into the first alleyway on his right. The alley was filled with homeless who had bedded down for the night, under blankets and makeshift shelters made of cardboard. Some were too mentally ill to notice he was different, but he was still careful to time his excursions after they fell asleep.

The troll climbed inside his own shelter and pulled his dirty blankets around him. Faery but it’s cold! I can’t wait ‘til I’m finished here!

Check the next part of the LuneWing anthology installment for the continuance of ‘The Vistor’ and accompanying illustration ^_^.

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