Death’s Steed

There is found, in some obscure manuscripts and ancient writings, mention of Death’s Steed. What these stories describe cannot be defined as a mount in the usual sense. The “Steed” is commonly placed in the company of the Harbinger of Death or the Grim Reaper, if you will. Traditionally speaking and in the most widespread tales the Steed is thought to bear only the depraved and the foul. In more ancient tomes the “Steed” takes on a darker and more enigmatic demeanor. In every pre-Christian reference (and at least one biblical reference) the steed is called “The Sifter” though it must be noted that in more than three instances it has also been titled the “Dog of the King in Yellow” and also the “Childe of Stillborn Sorrows”. Even the tales that place the entity with the figure of Death have led to some debate over its purpose and relationship. Take, for instance, its appearance in Dante’s Inferno( this is actually unverifiable as this particular portion of the text has been lost over the years):

In this scene the character of Death seems hesitant to summon the Steed:

Dante’ A.- Must we walk this night through? Have you no mount?

Death- Would you have me rise up Ol’ Sifter? Nay, I would not! There are none so evil in this Hell that they should ride upon his terrible form or even glance upon his wrongful skins!

The Sifter is referenced in only two other verifiable texts, the nature of which I am bound by non-disclosure and cannot speak directly of, but they amount to a Sumerian passage that refers to the Sifter by name then adds the phrase “mate of the black goat” and the last and oldest occurrence in a section of Hebrew work that states:
“The Thrones of God do not fear him, but they weep in his presence. Not for themselves but for mankind.”

An interesting side note: In 1922 a self professed psychic named Harry Tyler Edmund claimed to have channeled a spirit that spoke of the Sifter saying:
“He dwelleth in the fading whispers of the dreaming city”
Mr. Edmund then proceeded to attempt a drawing depicting the vision which he had seen while in the psychic trance. A year later, after having suffered declining health at odds with the treatments of local physicians, Edmund expired. He left only a small handwritten note that stated:

“Destroy it and that which houses it! Oh God it has risen through mine own sight!”

Mr. Edmund's image appears to be an "in progress" work but his housekeeper claimed that there was also a painting, though it has yet to be found. There is land record of a crate discovered under his residence when it was demolished in 1924.It was placed in storage for his surviving relatives but was never claimed. Documents confirm that it is still present in the county wharehouse. Perhaps a more thurough examination of the artifact will yield results.

This was a pencil piece that was finished in CS3 and Sketchbook Pro.