'I wonder if, on your travels, you have ever heard of the Birds of Destiny?' he asked in a voice lowered almost to a whisper. John shook his head. 'No, never, ' he replied adamantly. 'Well these are those very birds. They are centuries old, and many lives have been lost by the greed of men wishing to take them to use their powers for the wrong reasons. Allow me to show you something no man save myself has seen for many years.' 'These are the Birds of Destiny. Once I put them in position it is imperative you obey the rules I explained earlier. Mark what I say, for you know the consequences. We are not playing a game. I am the Keeper of the Birds, yet even I could not save you in the event you do something foolish.