|
For many years, Venetians talked about the presence of strange beings from the sea. Although their existence was never proved, they formed part of the city’s folklore as something real and existing.
Many years back, a terrible fire consumed some parts of the sestiere of Cannaregio, especially the vicinity of the parish of San Canciano. After a while, floods struck the area, which started to be abandoned by its inhabitants. The government didn’t have the resources or interest to help the inhabitants of San Canciano, who gradually drifted away from the rest of the city.
 Since then, there were strange rumours about a new cult thriving in Cannaregio, centred on the half-ruined church. No one will ever really know whether these rumours were true or unfounded. What is well-known is that, after the appearance of the Rent in the Sky, Cannaregio is a much more dangerous place.
All around town there are rumours of strange water men. In many a canteen there are men who claim to have seen one in person. And all of them say they barely got away safely.
The inhabitants of San Canciano have become more introverted than ever, and they even seem to be changing physically. No one knows what motivates the worshippers of Dagon or the repulsive beings that emerge from the canals. If they have a plan, only they know. But there’s no doubt that their acts are becoming increasingly bold, and now few people in Venice doubt their existence. In the past two years, nights have become more dangerous than ever.
|
