PROLOGUE DRAGO SAW THE two Americans from yesterday up ahead. They had their backs turned to him, as they stood at the base of a large medieval wooden gate that led into Predjama Castle. His shoes shuffled upon a smoothed-by-time gravel path that led from Predjama’s only local gostilna, the Požar, all the way to the castle's front gate. The Americans turned around almost in unison to face him. He watched them with a caref...

To William Unrewarding sound ruins a peaceful sleep The time awakens my deepened soul, Every morning, without a doubt, scarring my life Hands of mine, Taint Mother Nature’s creation Back and forth, forth and back Lost mind wandering beaten tracks Mountainous regions, a hefty challenge to climb Body’s tear cries for comfort Temple of mine, defaced for no true man Limp, driftwood I become. Andrew Cole 30/06/2009

“He’s late,” Monica urged as a wintry wind hastily picked up out of the north. “Sam, we should go,” She insisted. As the wind rushed past, her shoulder length hair gently swayed. Her teeth chattered quietly. “But we came all this way to see it. Just ten more minutes, that’s all I ask,” Sam pleaded with just a hint of a smile. Through his half-glasses he remained in a permanent state of awe of his lifelong dream standing m...

‘Look at us, Sherlock. Look at what we have become.’ She nagged as I punished another swig from a bottle of gin firmly in my grasp. Here in yet another temporary Safe-house – I’ve lost count over the year – I stare out through a night filled window, a place where I have always found somewhat refuge in the ten-year sadness that consumed my new, shittier life. Mind you, it’s better than listening to her incessant nagging. ‘...