Sitting in the tree, I could see everything. And as I stared into the crowd of unknown faces covered by velvet red hoods, I realized something. I suppose it was a decision I made long ago but even so it came very shocking and quick to me.

I hate Italians.

Maybe it was based on stereotypes, or maybe it was the shame I felt for them having had one of greatest empires to ever exist fall so suddenly. Either way I hated them. But I wasn't there for the Italians, not that day.

My name is Crystal and I have heard of a power, a power greater than any other thriving in secret in the city of Volterra. And I've come to meet its leader.

I released the branch I'd been grasping and jumped from the tree. The city was like a sea of red as the people celebrated some annual event. I drew my own red hood closer to my face and moved swiftly through the crowd. It was madness, masses of bodies entangling at the heart of the crowd, some staying put and others moving towards a tall dark structure. I cursed underneath my breath. From here I did not know where to go. The building I searched for was out of my sight and I needed someone to help me find it before it was too late.

I looked around. Then I saw what I was looking for. A woman stood off to the side in the shade with a few other people, smiling and pointing. Her beauty was breathtaking and I knew I'd found one.

The people left as I approached her. I tapped her on the shoulder and she turned around, her mahogany hair catching the wind and giving off a scent like vanilla. When she smiled her teeth gleamed white, such a contrast to the red lipstick coloring her perfect lips.

"Palazzo dei Priori?" I asked in my best Italian.

She smiled. "I speak English."

I returned it. "Was it that obvious I needed it?"

"No, I could tell you were American by your clothing You're very beautiful." She said and I knew she was lying. I wasn't wearing anything too special; fairly short shorts and a half-shirt that hung loosely around my frame. One white, one black with green converse. She, on the other hand, was stunning. She was wearing a strapless red dress that pushed her breasts slightly higher and topped right below her butt, exposing her long beautiful legs completely. I met her eyes which were an odd shade of purple. What did she think would happen if you put blue contact on red eyes?

I shook my head. "That's a huge compliment coming from you."

"I wouldn't say it if I didn't mean it." She was getting bored of the small talk. "Well the clock tower is in that direction." She pointed in front of us. "But hey, before you go over there, why don't you join the tour? It's free and we will actually pass by the tower before it's over."

I nodded. This was what I'd been waiting for. "Uh okay. I'm guessing you're gonna be the guide?"

"Yep, my name's Heidi." She said before walking in front of me. "Here, I'll show you where the others are waiting and we can start the tour."