"Open the door," I ordered. The towering gate of the prison opened slowly. A few ravens fluttered down on the top of the prison walls. Raven, standing for death and unluck that's not a good sign.

Brian and I followed the stairs down to the dungeon, passing a long, narrow corridor that could not be seen to the end, with flickering flames writhing against the walls. This was the most secure place of the prison where was planned for those who had committed unforgivable crimes against the state.

The guard led us to the door of Austin's cell. Austin was lying in bed humming a song and seemed in a...