eretreat.”WhiteFairygedintoapuffofsmokearaighttothehilltops.

ThefleetofshipsledbyCyclopshadbreachedthedefensivewebofarrowssetupbyMedusa.Theyhadpassedthemiddleofthekeandweregraduallymakingfortheshore.Standingatthehelmofhisboat,CyclopscouldseethelineofsoldiersformedonthebeafrontofKingDimitri’spaeethim,preparedforbattle.Hesawtheirleaderridingonaspiritedsnowwhitesteed,standingintheforefront.HeughedoutloudandsaidtoVio,

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“InthewholeofKingDimitri’sKingdomMedusaistheonlygeheyhave.Idon’tthinkthereisanotherleader.Lookwhotheyhavesentoutagainstus,ateen-agegirlstillwetbehindtheears!Youjustwatdseemecaptureandenjoyher!Ha-ha-ha...”Thelibidinouscreaturetohisoldtricksagainandwasedwithlust.Butwheookacloserlook,hiscoessdissolveduponseeingKingDimitri’sswordatthefemalegeneral’swaist.Shestoodthereimposingandawe-inspiringandbelligerent.Cyclopshadusedthemagicswordondkspower.Itcouldsshthroughgoldandjadeandcouldoppedbyanyhindranatterhowhardy.

“Therewillbeahard-foughtbattlewheheshore”hethought.“Iwillhavetobecarefundcautious,keepmylongspearoutofthereachoftheedgeofthatswordahingshouldbealright.Good.Iwillcapturethatyounggirl.”Cyclopswasfulloffidenceofhisownpowers,itgtohaveagoatherandshowoffhisstrengthandskill.

Cyclops’boatwasrgerthanthoseoftheothersoldiers.ItcouldholdfourpeoplewithtwosailorsrowiforCyclopsandVio.JustthenanarrowflewintotheboatinspiteofCyclopsdefensivemovesandhitonesailorihroat.Hefellintotheke.Cyclopsorderedtheothersailortoquithespeed.

“Arewewithintheraoshootbackatthem?”askedVio.

“Yes,weshould”repliedCyclops.

“Givetheandtoshootthen”andedVio.CyclopsgavethenecessarysignaltoshootandthebarbariansoldierslighteduptheirarrowsandshotatKingDimitri’space.Thesoldiersonthehilltopsalsoraineddownarrowsattheybarbariansoldierswereshotandfellintotheke,butKingDimitri’spacehadalsocaughtfireandstartedtoburhebuildingafmedistractedDorna,whowasgreatlydistraught,butwiththestrongandformidableenemybeforeher,shecouldnotdispatchtroopstoextinguishthefire.LuckilythetroopsthatWhiteFairyhadorderedtoedownreachedthebottomofthehill.SomeofthemquicklyprotectedQueenAishaandtheseriouslywoundedMedusaretreatintotheforest.WithWhiteFairyandKingDimitri’stwotigersleadingtheway,theirretreatshouldbesafeaful.Therestjoiheranksoftheirradesonthebeastantlyswellingtheirnumbers,raisingthemoraleofthetroops.Thefirespreadfast,quicklyengulfingthewholepace.DornahadtogiveuphopesofputtingoutthefmesandpreparetofightadecisivebattleagainstCyclopswithherbacktothewall.

Dornalookedbackatthepace,burningbrightlybehihepcethatheldsomanyentedmemoriesforherwasnowpletelyoverwhelmedinfmes.Angerfilledherheart,hereyeswerespittingfire.Cyclopslefthisboatandcameashorefollowedbythebarbariansoldierswhodisembarkedfromthehundredsofboatsbehindhim.Dornacouldnotwaitanylonger.Sheattackedbeforetheenemycouldgainafirmfoothold.DrawingKingDimitri’smagicswordfshingwithchillingbrillianderthesun,shecried,

“Brethren!Lifeordeathdependsonthisbattle.Onward!”Theshoutsofthewarriorsechoedtotheskiesastheyrushedagainsttheinvadingbarbariansoldiers.Cyclopstookouthisthick,longspearandwieldeditalroundhim,causioanyonewhodaredtofronthimorwhowasunfortunateenoughtobewithinreachofhison.Soonthegroundaroundhimwascoveredwiththedeadandthewounded.KingDimitri’sarmysufferedahugeloss.Itseemedthatwithonemanatthepass,noonecouldgetpasthim.Justthen,ayounggirlseatedonasnowwhitesteed,flourishingKingDimitri’smagicswordrushedintothefray.Cyclopsdidnotdaretotakeherlightlyandtratedcarefullyondealingwithherstrategically.Hisspearattackedlikeasofitshole,slyanding,butwouldnoteintodiretactwiththeswordforfearofbeingtopieces.HishugehandmeanwhileclutchedatDornawheneverpossible,causingtheyoungandinexperiencedgirltofluster.

“Ifthisgoesonmuger,Imightbedraggedfrommyhorseauredbyhim.Thatwouldbeterrible!”shethought.SoshecalmedherselfdowermiomeetCyclops’attackcautiously.Thewhitehorseuooditsrider’sdilemma.Jumpingout,itranincirclesaroundCyclops,nowclockwiseandthenterclockwise,givingDornaacetoattacktheehus,Dainedgroundbybeiiveattacker,fCyclopstobeonthedefensive.KingDimitri’ssoldiersuoodthatlifeordeath,victoryordefeatdepehisbattle.Toprotecttheirwivesandchildrenhidinginthemountainsfrombeingmassacredbythebarbarianiheyhadtofighttothedeath.Theirrighteousdeterminationtodefendtheirhomendandprotecttheirtrygavethesoldierstheimpetustofightbravelyandferociously,theirmoralehigh,ftheeoretreatbatothewaters.Suddenly,LightningneighedloudlyaotheskiesandDornaquicklymadeuseofthesurprisingturstomakeaswingforCyclopshead.Greatlyarmed,Cyclopsraisedhishandstoprotecthishead,enablingDornatocuthisspearinhalf.Dorna’sswordslippedthtcuttingoffCyclopshandatthewrist.Hisedroarofpainstoppedalolefield.DornawasjustabouttostrikeagainatCyclops’headwhensheglimpsedabrightsparkflyingtowardsher.SheimmediatelyraisedherswordtohittheflyingobjedfounditwasoneofKingDimitri’smagicarrows.Onlythismagicswordcouldstopthismagicarrow.Nootherordinaryonwasstrongenoughtowithstanditsmightaeritfromitsunerringpath.DornahadglimpsedthatitwasViowhoshotatherfromherboat,butwheurolookforher,shehaddisappeared.ThefactwaswhenViosawthathersurpriseattacktosaveCyclopshadfailed,sheimmediatelyshranktothesizeofafiocealherselfmoreeasily.Cyclopspickeduphisseveredlefthand,hastilyreattacheditandwasrushedbacktohisboatbyhissoldiers.Withtheirleadersinfullretreat,hebarbariansoldiershadthehearttofighton,soallscrambledtowardstheirboats.KingDimitri’ssoldierswouldhemoffsoeasily.Theyrushedtocutofftheirmassiveretreat,evenjumpingintothewaterafterthem.Achaoticfightensuedonallfronts.Dornathought,

“SolongasQueenAishaissafeandMedusa’swoundishealing,thedaywouldeillmakeaeback.Weshouldpreserveourstrength”Soshegavetheordertoceasefighting.WhenCyclopsandhisfleethadsailedfaraway,Dornaorderedhersoldierstotidyupthebattlefield.Theytreatedthewoundedandburiedthedeado,markingthegravessothattertheywouldeandmovethemtotheireteringpdsetupamoasmemorialtothedeadsoldiers.TherestofthesoldierswenttojoinQueenAishaandMedusa.

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Dayandnightintergeintheskies.Nowtheever-rotatihwasgraduallyturningtowardsnight.Thesunhadjustsetandthemoonrose.Fromtheearliesttimes,whenthesuhemoo;whenthemoohesuhisalternationfromsuntomoonwaslikeanintricateinstrumentoftheuniverse,movingsilentlyandsoundlessly,showingthatthegreatearthwastumultuousaless.KingDimitri’spacewasedihisgrandandmagnifitpacecrackledasitburned.Whenthepilrscrasheddown,therewereearth-shakingnoisesandthegroundshivered.

Highintheskiesthetwobeautifulnymphs,ClementineandCharmaine,livedinthepathemoon,oftenthinkingofKingDimitriandtheiroldpanionsintheKingdomofDreams.Musiotesfromtheharpfilledthepacewhichwasbuiltofsnowwhitejadeandpureclearcrystal.Notfarawaytherewasayounggirl,dressedinawhitetunic,withonlyabeltatherwaist,dispyingherbeautifulfigure.Herlusciouslonghairfelltohershouldersasshehadjustbeenbathinginthenearbyriver.Inherhandwasabamboobasketofmulticoloredfreshflowersshehadjustpicked,addingbrightnessandgaietytotheeretchofpurewhiteofthemoon.ThegirlwasCharmaiheonepyingtheharpwastheothermistressofthemooine.Charmainewalkedbarefootedonthesmoothwhiteground.Shewentupthestep,pushedopenthedoorain.Pigaflowerfromherbasket,shestuckitinthehairofthegirlpyingtheharp.Clemeoppedpying.Sheloweredherhandstoherpandwasstill.

“What’swyou,Clementine?”askedhersister.“Fromyourmusihearyouareperturbedandupset.”

“Yes,yht.SomehowIfeeltense,nervousandafraidtodayandIdon’tknowwhy.IamafraidsomethinghashappeoKingDimitriandhisKingdom.”

“No,Idon’tthinkso.Perhapsit’sbecausetheyarealwaysonyourmind.Whydooyourmirroraheyaredoing?Thatwillsetyourmindatrest.Wehaven’tseenoursistersinthepaceforquitesometimenow.”

“Yht”noddedClemehetwoofthemwalkedovertothewindowsandlookedintothemirroronthedressingtable.TheyweregreatlyarmedtoseethatKingDimitri’spacewasinfmesandhebeautieswereanywhereinsight.Theysawthatgoldpacehadbeenstrippedofitsironcoatingandwasglowingbrightlyuhemoon.I,alotofbarbariansoldiersweremovingabout,talking,ughiinganddrinkingiion.

“Ohno!”saidCleme’sjustasIthought.Thingshavegoerriblywrohepacehasbeenburntdown.IwonderwhathashappeoKingDimitriandthebeauties.Whatshouldwedo...?KingDimitriissomeoneourfatherZeusthinkshighlyof.Charmaine,whydon’tyoureporttofatherZeusthatKingDimitri’spacehasburneddownandhiswhereaboutsunknown.Iwillgodowntothemundaneworldaishappening.”

“Good!That’sagoodidea.”Sayingso,theybothleftthepathemoon

ViosatohroneuherounddomeofthegoldpacewithCyclopsstandingguardoher.Myriadsofcampfiresdottedthesquareoutside,whileshadowsofpeopleinsidebusilywalkingtoandfrocouldbeseen.Acctothesofthesebarbariantribes,everyoheredtocelebrateamajorvictory.Theywouldeatanddrinktoexcessandindulgeinsexualieswheretheycoupledwithmultiplepartnersmadlyandwithabandon.Atthismomenttheyweregatheredingroupsaroundthecampfires,immersedinalcohol,lustandfranticrevelry.Viosatsilentlyohroallyingupthegainsandlossesoftheday.Ontheplusside,KingDimitri’spacehadburntdowntotheground,thepeoplehavebeendrivenintothesurroundinghillsandmountains,Medusahasbeenbadlywoundedandisoutofissionfortheermsofarasbeingaforcesheandustrewithised.ButMedusa’swoundthoughsevereisnotlife-threatening.Itwillheandonedayshewillbebackforherrevethehought,

“Ihavehernemesis,themagicbowandarrow,sowhydoIofearher?“HerthoughtsturoMr.Finger.

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“IwonderwhatmagicpowerheusedtostealtheseonsfromthepadhowhemadeDornaflytothegoldpahermagianddeliverthemtous.Thislittleguyisreallysomething.Heisetridhasallkindsoftricksuphissleeves.Iobeonmyguardwithhim.KingDimitritreatedhimverywelsagoodfriend,buthewaswillingtohelpmeruinhisKingdom.Oneday,hemayturnhisonaroundandhelpKingDimitrileadwhatremainsofhisarmyandterattackme!Itwillbehardtosaywhowinsandwholosesthen.Mr.Fingerisofnofurtherusetome.Heismoody,otdistinguishbetweengoodandevil,rightandwrosonhiswonwhimandisfickleandgeable.Heotbetrustedtoremainloyaltomeforever.IhadbetterfindawaytodispatchhimsothatIbeonguardallthetimeagainstfuturetrouble...”Thinkingso,Viostoodupfromherthrone.

“Whereareyougoing?”askedCyclops.“Doyouogowithyou?

“No”answeredVio.“Youhavebeenbadlywoundedaorest.I’llbegoneforjustalittlewhile.It’salright.”

Cyclopslefthandhadbeenseveredbythemagicsword.Thoughithadbeeached,itwashastilydoneduringthemassretreatfromthebeach.Asaresult,theattatwasslightlyoffandhisleftwristtwistedabitoutwards.Nowthatthemusclesandfleshhadgrownfirmlyoverthebohingcouldbedone.Viorowedasmallboattowardstheoppositeshore.

Lustrousmoonlightshonedownonthequietearth.Mr.Fingerwokefromhisdruupor.Openinghiseyes,hesawthatKingDimitri’spacehadgoneupinabzeoffirethatreddenedhalfthesky.Hewasgreatlystartledandscrambledupfromhisbed.Hewalkedouttothesideofthekeandlookedoverattheoppositeshore.HerememberedthatwhenDornabroughthimhisfoodandwim,hestuckatuliponwhichhehaddrawnatalismaninherhair,usinghisnewlyperfectedfeatofplugflowersfromtheair.HethenmumbledintationstoorderDornatoflybacktothepadstealKingDimitri’smagicbowandarrohuskymanwithahornonhisheadcaughtthemandviotookthemfromhimandshotatMedusa.Medusawaswoundedaotheground.ButWhiteFairyswipedthetulipfromDorna’shairandhehadnotbeeoseepeerthat.AtthetimehewasionenjoyingthefabulousMao-taiwineDornahadbroughthim,buthisblearyeyesseemedtohaveseenthatmanwithahornonhisheadleadafleetofboatstowardsKingDimitri’space.Afterthatheheardloudbattlecriesandear-deafeningdrums,buthehadfallenintoadruuporandknewnomore.Nowhehadwokenupandfoundthatthesituationwasgraveandcritical.Worriedandfearful,hewalkedaroundincirclesrubbinghishandstogethersaying,

“WhatshallIdo?WhatshallIdo?HowIfacemygoodfriendKingDimitri?Iwasthecauseofallthisdamage.foundit!Alistherootofallevil.Iregretcausingthisgreattragedy,butnowit’stoote.WhatshallIdo?WhatshallIdo?”Bythistime,Mr.FingerhadgraduallybeguntorealizethatfromtheverybeginninghehadbeendupedbyVioandfellintohersextrap.Stepbystep,sheledhimonuntiltodayhehadnowayout,nopossibilityofredeeminghimself.Mr.Fihought,

“WhenIfirstsawhowsetshewasonavengiherIpromisedtohelpher,neverrealizingherabnormambitions.ShenotonlytookDimitri’sKingdom,butalsoburntdownhispace.Vioisbeautifusaflower,butherheartisdeviousandpoisonousasaserpent.It’smyfaultthatIlovedrinkandsex,soIwasvulnerableandfellirap.HowohdoIhavethegalltofacemyoldfriendDimitri?Damnit!It’smyownfault...”

Mr.Fingerheardthesoundofpaddlebreakingthesmoothsurfaceofthewater.Helookedcarefullyandsawthatthewomanrowingtowardshim,jumpingashoreandtyingupherboatwasVio.Asshecamecloser,Mr.Fingersawshewascarryingherbowandarrowacrosshershouldersandhadaswordatherwaist.Hisheartlurchedatthesightandthought,.

“Whywouldshearmherselftotheteethtoeandseeme?Shehasmadeherselftalsanormalwoman.Ifshewantstodomeharm,thereisnowayIdefendmyself.Ihadbetterhideasheisupto.”Mr.FingerhidamongtheflowersandlookedfixedlyatVio,alkingsilentlyontiptoestowardsKingDimitri’sstrawhut.Whenshewasaboutanarrow’sdistanit,shestopped,surveyedhersurroundingscarefullyandtookthreearrowsshehaddesignedherselffromherquiver.Shelightedthemandshotthemonebyoothehut.Thehuthadastrawroofandaframemadeofbamboopsteredwithsolwhichhaddried.Allthreeingredientswereextremelysusceptibletofire.Onefieryarrowwouldhavebeensuffit.Threeofthemcreatedaragingfirethatreducedthestrawhuttoashesinnotime.Mr.FingerwasscaredandshockedthatViohadeexpresslytokillhim.

“Isupposeit’snotmytimetodieyet”hethought.“It’sjustaluckycethatIwokeupandwalkedoutofthehutbecauseIwascurioustofindoutaboutwhatening.Otherwise,Iwouldhaveburnttodeathinthatinferno.Thatwomanreallyhastheheartofaserpent.Notonlyisshenotgratefultomeforhelpingher,shewantstokillmeinstead.Siissoandyouareheartless,don’tbmemeifIreciprocateinkind.Wheimeesdon’tcryfoundaccusemeofbeingdmerciless.“

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Viowaiteduntilthefirewasoutbeforestandinguptoleave.Suddenlyshethoughtofsomething.

“IfMr.Fingerisnotihehutanddidnotdiethere,hewouldknowthatImeanhimharfheseeksrevengeagaiwouldbehardtainst.Iotlethimoffthehooktonightoritwouldmeannoendsoftroubleiure.”Shesuddenlythoughtofsomething.

“Ifheisnothere,wherecouldhebe?Hm-m-m-hatisahidingplyheandIknowabout.Whydon’tIgoandmakesureheisnotthere.”SayingsoViowalkedintothepatchofflowers.Shewasveryfamiliarwiththespotandmadeherwaytheresecretively.Soonshecametedeadtree,whoseburntbarkandbranchesshowedsignsofhaviruckbylightning.ThiswasanotherofwilyVio’ssecrethide-outs.Mr.Finger,herex-loveraenemyfollowedcloselybehindher.Viostoodsilentlyinfrontofthewitheredtreeforquitesometime.Shehadthoughtdowreehouseaartwithaste,butthehought,

“Ihavespentyearsoftimeaofurnishacozyhomeformyself.Itwouldbeashametoburnitalldown.AlsoifworseestotheworseandIamdefeated,thistreeholewillbeasafehavereattoasastresort.”SoViowaiveredinherdecisiontoburheredtreeandthought,

“Whydon’tIgoinandseeifMr.Fihere.Ifheis,atthistimeofthenighthewouldbedeaddrunkanditwouldnotbehardtokillhim.”Takinganarrowfromherquiver,sheshaveditdowntothesizeofatoothpickwithhersword.Shemadethreeofthemandchosethesharpestoakewithher.Shegedherselftothesizeofafinger,brushedasidethewildgrowthctheholeaered.

Mr.FingeruoodthatViointeokillhimwiththesharp-pointedwoodenspikeshejustmadeandwasveryangry.

“Good!Iwilldothesametoyou!”hethought.HejumpedoutoftheshadyflowerpattothebrightmoonlightandpickedamongthewoodenspikesViohadleftbehindlookingforthesharperohelyhidhimselfagainamongtheflowers.Viocameoutofthetreehole,grinningwidely.Shedidn’tfindanytrar.Fingerinsideandcludedhemusthavediedinthefirethatedthestrawhut.Throwingdownthewoodenspikeinherhandontotheground,shewasjustabouttoturnbacktoanormalwomawhensomeonesuddenlyjumpedoutoftheflowerpatdrushedather.Beforesherealizedwhathadhappened,asharpwoodenspikewasthrustintoherchest.Viowasthuruck.WhensheopenedhereyeswideandrealizeditwasMr.Finger,shewasfuriousandshouted,

“You...youdaretobetrayme...?You...youdaretokillme?”

“Itwasyouwhowaokillmefirst”Mr.Fingerughed.“Itwasyouwhobetrayedme.Sowhatdon’tIdaretodo?”saidhethrustingthespikedeepintoherchest.Viofelltothegroundwithbloodgushingfromherwound.Mr.Fingercppedhishandsandthehemoutsaying,

“Good.Good.Everythingissettledthen.IwassohappythatIfinallygotawife,butnowIkillherwithmyownhands.KingDimitri’spacehasbeenburnttotheground.Thereisnoreasonformetolingerhereanymore.Ihadbettervamoose?Thehoughtofsomethingandsaid,

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“Yes,ifIshouldeverseeDimitriagain,IowjustifymyselftohihisgiveandtakemakesusevenandIdon’thaveanythingmoretodowiththismess.AstowhatenmityexistsbetweenhimandVio,hasnothingtodowithme.Imustextricatemyselfpletelyfromallthis.Thesituationnowis1-1=0.It’sasifnothingeverhappenedandhasnothingatalltodowithme.:Sayingso,heturnedandwalkedrapidlyawayonhistwoshort,sturdylegsintotheflowerpatch.ThingsonthiseartharestraheyareplicatedandnotassimpleasMr.Fihought.OnlyMr.Fiwistedbraincouldeupwithsuchabsurdlogic.Thingsohotbesolvedbysuchsimplemathequationsas1-1=0.Sometimes1-1doesnotequal0.ThatissomethingMr.Fingercouldnotuand.

WhenMr.Fingerleft,Vioyonthegroundinherownpoolofblood.Shewasasp,butdead.Shethought,

“Whenoneisonthepointofdeath,everythingequalszero.WhatistherethatIhavetohave?Whatisworthfightingfor?Everythingequalszero.ButIamodie.MymotherisinfieryGehennawaitingformetosaveher.MymagnifitgoldpacehasjustseenthelightofdayandIhaven’treallyeyet.No,Iotdie...Withsomuresolved,Iotdie.”Suddenlyshethoughtofsomething.“Igethesizeofmybodyatwill.IfImakemyselfbigasanormalwoman,thatwoundIjustreceivedwouldbejustascratch!”Sosheimmediatelygedherselftersizeandwonderofwohatlittlewoodenspikewasstucklikeathorn,hurtingherfleshbutnoneans.Shepluckedoutthespike,threwitontheground,pickeduphersword,bowandarrowsandwalkedtowardsthesideoftheke.Untyingtherope,shelookedbackatthewildernessaroundhersayingwithdeephatred,“ThatslipperyMr.Fingerissuretocausetroubleiure.”Butthesituationbeingsuch,therewasnothingshecoulddo.Rowi,Viowentbacktoherbelovedgoldpace.

Thewelepartyforelle,AngeliatalieandLotushastilyendedandElinadroveDimitribacktohisstudioapartment.Itwasonlythedurationofadinner,butintheKingdomofDreams,earth-shakishadtakehepacehadbeenburnt,thewholeKingdomhadbeenseizedandoccupiedbyCyclopsandVio,butnoonehereknewanythingaboutityet.Thecarransmoothlyaroundtheke.

“Thefogisheavytonight”saidElina.“Itlooksinsolubleandmakesthiskeseemallthemoremysteriousaic.HowIwishthistripcouldstforeversowedriveslowlyihickfog.”

“Thesewordsdooefromyou”saidDimitriwhowassittingbesideher.“Theyarethewordsofapoet.”

“It’snotonlypoetswhowritepoetry.Weordinarypeoplealsohavepoeticthoughtsinourmindsas,onlywedon’tknowhowtomexpressthem,that’sall”

“Yht.Yht.”

NomatterhowmuchElinawishedtheshorttripwouldstlohecarhadreachedtheredlightiviewofDimitri’slittlestudio.

“Hey,Dimitri!”excimedElena.“”There’ssomeoneclimbingintothewindowofyourapartment!”

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“Oh,that’salright”repliedDimitrismiling.“It’sprobablyoneofmyoldfriends”

“Whydotheyjumpthroughwindows?Whydon’ttheyusethedoor?”

“Thesefriendsofminedonotalwaysobeythewsofsociety”saidDimitricalmly.“Buttheyareveryloyaltomearuefriends.”

“Really?“Thetrafficlightsturnedgreen.Elinacrossedthestreetandstoppedatthedrive-inoftheoldapartmentbuilding.“Whatdoyouguysdowhenyougettogether?”

“Nothingmuch.Wedribroiledmeatandchat.That’sall”

“That’siing.IwishIcouldjoininyourall-maleparty,too.”

“Whynot?Therearelotsofopportunities.imewewillinviteyou.DoyouknowwemadeanewfrielycalledDwarfMickey?He’sarealdwarfbutheisuhatheisextremelyknowledgeableandknowsalboutastronomy,geography.Heknowseverythingthatwenton50oandforetellthingsthatwillhappeni500years.Talkingtohimisiing.Heknowsalotoffasatingstuffandtellyouaboutstrangeihatyouwouldneverknowotherwise.It’sreallyintriguing.Youeahimimeandlistentohisstories.”

“Thatwouldbegreat!Lifewillbemoreiingthisway.Ithinkaman’sachievementisnothowmueyhehasorhowmuchpower.Asuccessfulmanmusthaveafewgoodfrierustwithhislifeandsharethegoodtimesaswelsthebad.Onlythenislifeworthliving.”

“Yht.Friendsarepartofmywealth.”JustasDimitriwasgettiogetoutofthecar,Elenasaid,

“Bytheway...Ohnevermind...We’lltalkaboutitime.”DimitrinoddedandcautionedElenaashealwaysdoes,

230页

“Turnonthefoglightsanddrivecarefully.”Elenadroveaway.Whatshewasabouttosaywas,

“Iamsideredoneofyour24beauties,buthaveneverbeenphysicallyintimatewithyou.Howlongdoyouwaowait?”DimitriuoodElena’sthoughtsverywell.Hekheotherbeautieshadthesamequestionintheirheartsbuthedidn’tknowwhattodoorhowtoaheirquestion.Hewasdetermiclosuretotheproblem.Hefelthecouldnotimpedeaheirbeauty,theiryouth,theirfutureandtheirquestforalife-lingpanion.

AsDimitriwalkedinthecorridorleadingtohisunit,thesmellofbroiledmeat,thesoundsofughteraiversationreachedhisears.HeopenedhisdoorandfoundMr.Kaffee,Big-O,RichardandJamazmakingthemselvesathomeinhisroomcooking,drinkingandtalking.Theyallstooduptowelehimandmaderoomforhimtosit.

“Weheardthefourmorebeautiesfromydomhaveeback.Howarethingsthere?”

“Nottoowell.ThatambitiouswomanViogottogetherwithCyclopsandoccupiedGiantMountairippedofftheironcoatingandmadethegoldpacebrilliantanddazzlingagaihesun.Theirepissaidtobemypatheoppositeshore.”

“Let’sgo!”criedMr.Kaffee,Big-O,RichardandJamaz.“”We’lllgoandhelpprotectthepadydom.We’lltakeonCyclops.Whywait?”

“Don’twuys.Don’tbeimpatient.Attagthepaceiseasiersaidthaheyhavetocrossthewideexpaar-MooheyhavetodealwithMedusawhoselethaleyescouldturnthemalltomstoneandsihebottomoftheke.Idon’tthinktheydaretoaccosther.”

“ThentheKingdomissafeforthemoment?”askedMr.Kaffee.Dimitrinodded.

“Forthemoment,everythingseemsfiit’shardtopredictthefuture.”

“Thenthingsaren’ttoobad”entedMr.Kaffee.“Sit.Sit,everyo’seatanddrinkfirst.”Dimitrifelthungry.Attheparty,hewaswaboutthecrisisinhisKingdom,butheregatheredtogetherwithhisgoodfriends,heseemedtohavefoundhislostappetiteagaichedupambchopanddranksomewine.

23

“Hey,where’sDwarfMickey?Whyisn’theheretonight?”

“Idon’tknowwhat’seoverthatlittleolddwarf.Hehasn’tbeenaroundforquiteafewdays.Wonderwherehewentto.”

OutsidethewindowcamethestrangecragughterandDwarfMickey’ssqueakyvoicesaying,

“Youguysaretalkingbehindmybackagaihereanyoneirongenoughtoeoutandcarrymein?Whyaren’tyouwaitingformetosharethewinea?”Richardimmediatelyjumpedoutofthewindow,grabbedtheolddwarfbythewaistahimonthewindowsill.DwarfMickeyjumpednimblyintotheroomandRichardjumpedbaafterhim.DwarfMickywavedawhitebagatthemsaying,

“LookwhatIhavebroughtyouguys!”Somethingwasstruggling,kigandmovingihebag,andanotherfamiliarvoipined,

“Youolddwarf!Yousdrel!Youson-of-agun!Whydoyouputmeinthisbag?WatchwhatI’lldotoyouwhe.I’llkillyou,youoldwretch!SeeifIdon’t!”DwarfMickeyhatedtobecalledold.Whenthatvoisidethebagkepttauntinghimwiththatword,hegotmadandshouted,

“Iwoyouout.Whatareyougoingtodo?I’llsmotheryoutodeathihebag.Whatyoudotome?”Dimitrireizedthevoidasked,

“IsthatMr.Fingerihebag?Lethimout.Don’treallysmotherhim.”DwarfMickeyrelutlyloosehemouthofthebag,shookitandoutrolledMr.Finger.Hesomersaultedoable,stoodupandpointedafiDwarfMickey’snoseshouting,

“Youolddwarf!Youputmeinthisbagandalmostsmotheredme.Whatdoyouwanttodo?Whydoymetothispce?Whatisthispce?DoyouknowKingDimitriismygoodfriend?Youdaretobullyme.WatchwhathewilldotoyouwhenItellhim.”DwarfMickeywasold,buthistemperwasasfieryasever.Herolleduphissleevesandsaid,

“Isavedyourlifeandyoudaretoshoutatme?Watchmebeatyoutoapulp!”

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“What’ssospeciaboutthat?Ygerthanme.Shameonyoufortakingadvantageofsomeonesmaller.I’lskDimitritopunishyou.”

“Good”saidthedointingatDimitri,hesaid“Lookwhothatis!”

Mr.Fingerlookedtowardswherehepointed,andwasshockedtofinditwasDimitrihimselfsittingthere.Heimmediatelycoveredhisheadwithbotharmsandcroucheddownoablesaying,“1-1=0.1-1=0.Ipaidyoubackmeasureformeasure.Idon’toweyouanymore.1-1=0.”Mr.Finger’saswerelikethoseofanostrich,thinkingthatburyingitsheadinthesandwheninaperiloussituationwouldletitescapethedanger.Hisicaadeeveryoheroomugh.

“pened”askedDimitri.DwarfMickeytoldthemthatthesestfewdayshewentbacktotheKingdomofDreams.Hethenproceededtotellthemofthetesthappeningsthere:howMr.FingerusedatalismanandintationstomakeDorhemagicbowandarrowandflyitothegoldpadthrowthemtothegroundthere,howVioshotMedusawiththearrowwoundingherbadly,howCyclopsledthebarbariansoldiersagainsttheKingdom,howaftershewokeupDorhewarriorsandfoughtbravely.ShecutoffCyclops’lefthandatthewristwiththemagicsword,anddrovetheenemiesbatothewaters,thussavingthelivesofthepeopleoftheKingdor.Fiillhidhisheadbehindhisarmsmumbling,

“1-1=0.1-1=0.Titfortat.Idon’toweyouanythinganymore.Ihaveavengedyou,soyoudon’thavetogetevenwithme.”

“Ok.Ok.We’reeven.Iwoleatswithyou”saidDimitri.“Bmingyouwon’thelpmatters.sideruseven,how’sthat?”WhenMr.Fingerheardthat,hestoodupoableandsniffedaroundbecausehesmelledwine.

“HaveyouseenQueenAishaandDorna?”askedDimitri.“HowisMedusa’swound?HowisDeanna?”

“Aren’ttheyallyourwomen?”saidMr.Fingerarrogantly.“Whathavetheytodowithme?Whyaskme?Whethertheyliveordiehavenothingtodowithme.Givemewine.Ifeelmycravingingon.”Everyohislittlemanwasoneofakindandsodidn’ttakehimseriously.Richardtookabowl,pouredMouTaiwioitandasked,

“Howaboutit?Waodropyouinorwillyouclimbinyourself?”

“Nonsense!OfcourseI’llclimbinmyself”saidhe,givingRichardawhiteeyeandclimbedintothebowlofwineandstarteddrinking.Afterawhile,hesimplyydowninthewineanddrank.

23

“Don’tworry,Dimitri”saidDwarfMickey.“QueenAishaandDornahavereturhemundaneworld.Medusahasbeenbadlywounded,butWhiteFairyandDeanakinggoodcareofherandarenursingherbacktohealth.Sheisrecnicely.WhiteFairyisbusygatheringintelligendDeannaistheliaisoweenthechiefsandelders.Theyarehereandsotheyebackatthemoment.IamsureQueenAishaandDornawillsoontactyou.”

Dimitrinoddedhisheartfinallyatpeace.Hethought,

“ThemagicswordisinMedusa’shands.Onlyitstopthemagicarrows,soMedusaandmypeoplewillbesafeandwillnotfaceextin.QueenAishaandDornahavealsoreturned.Iworryanymore.”SuddehoughtofsomethingandaskedDwarfMickey,

“HowdidyougetholdofMr.Finger?”DwarfMickeythentoldthempehewilderness:howViotriedtokillMr.FingerbyburningdownDimitri’sstrawhut.Luckilythelittlemanwasodieandhadjustgottenoutofthehuttowatchthepaceburnandsoescaped.HealsotoldthemhowMr.FingerpiercedVio’schestwiththewoodenspikethatshemeantforhimahertheretodie.ButwhatMr.Fingerdidn’tknowwasthatterViogedinterform,therebyredugthewoundtoherchesttoaminordrowedaway.

“IwasafraidthatwhenViofoundhimagain,hewouldnotbeabletoescape,soIsnatchedhimup,puthiminmybagandbroughthimback.”

“What!”excimedMr.Finger,sittingupfromhisbowl.“Shedidn’tdie?Whatluckthatwomanhas!Womenarereallyhardtouand.Vioismorebeautifulthanaflower,butwhyisherheartmorepoisonousthanaserpent?Ireallydon’tuandwomen.IthinkIwillremainabaywholelife.”Heydownagaininthebownddrankhiswine.Hiswordarousedanotherroundofughter.Mr.KaffeekhatDimitrihadbeenpguedbyinsomniaforalongperiodoftime.NowthathismainproblemabouttheKingdomhadbeensolved,helookedtiredandsleepy.ThereforeheroseandsuggestedtheyleaveaDimitrirest.TheyalljumpedoutofthewindowwithRichardcarryingthebowlofwiurnedandsaidtoDimitri,

“Mr.FingeroncesavedmylifeandthatofJamaz.Wewilltake”

“Good”repliedDimitri“itisasitshouldbe.”Jamazjumpedouttooandclosedthewindow.

Dimitrireedonhissofaandinafewminuteswasfastasleep.Heseemedtoetoapcewherenaturepaintedafabulouspicture.Anendlessseaofmulti-coloredflowersbloomed;birdsflewaboutandsanginthebrarees.Thewarmsunshonealloverhisbodyasheyonthegrouhinginthefragrarassandthearomaticperfumeofflowers.Sleepnow,sleepheresafeandsecure.Letyourbrainwaveremaiablehorizontallywithoutwavering.Lietherequietlywithyourbrainwaveonastraighthorizontallinodreamsdisturbyou.Howeverbeautifundperfectthedreamsare,theyultimatelywillendandleaveyouiiness.Sleeponwithodisturbyou.Letyourbrainwavealwaysremainonastraighthorizontalline.DimitrisuddenlysawhishandsomeservaivitywalktowardshimhandinhandwiththebeauteousImagination.Theybowedrespectfullytohimasking,

“Master,isthereanythingwedoforyou?Doyouhaveanyordersforus?Doyouwantustobuildyouanotherevengranderpace?”

23

“Master”askedthefemaleservantImagination,“Doyouwantustogetyoumorebeauties?”

“No,no”repliedDimitri.“Idon’tneedanythingfromyou.Idon’tadbeauties.Pleasest.Ionlywanttosleep.Don’tdisturbmeanymore.Leteverythingbeezero.Ionlywantabyspace.Lettheuniversereturntoitsstartingpoint.Givemeundisturbedslumber.”

“Yes,master.Wewon’tdisturbyouanymore.”Themanandthewomanboweda.Dimitriytherequietly.Alroundhimwassilence,brokenonlybytheslightrustleofleavesinthewindandthechirpingofbirdsirees.Dimitriseemedtoseehistwoservantsdangamongtheseaofflhingandchasingeachotherinthemeadow.

“Yes,theynolongerhavetoworkandspeimeonpy.TheyseemedtohavegonebacktotheGardenofEden,tothechasteandnaiveagebeforeeatingtheforbiddenfruit.Theydidoworkandcouldspendalltheirtimeonpy.Idonotneeddreams,Ionlyneedsleep.IneedherImaginationnorCreativity.WhatIneedisemptybnkness,astablelevelhorizontallimesleeponsecurely,mybrainwaveonastablehorizontalline.

HeavyvelvetcurtainspletelyblockedtheearlymwintersunlightfromtheroomwhereAishawasstillsnuggledihick,warmdownforter,fastasleep.Theinsistentringingofthebedsidephonejarredherawakeandsheunwillinglytookupthereceiverandmutteredgroggily,“Hello”

“ThisisacollectcallfromXXXtyjail”saidtheauthoritativemalevoiceofanautomaticmessage.“Thiscallwillbemonitored.Ifyouarewillingtotakethiscall,pleasesay‘yes’...”

“MustbeawronghoughtAishaandhungupthephone.Sheturnedaroundinherbedandpreparedtogobacktosleep.Afewmier,thephagain.Therecordedmessagecameonagain.Curioustoknowwhatitwasalbout,Aishasaid“Yes”.Thecallwasectedandthevoiceofayounggirlcameontalkingfastandurgently,

“Idon’tknowwhyIammakingthiscallorwhereIgotthisnumberfrowasarrestedstnightfortheftandamnowatthexxxtyjaiwaitingtrial.TheysaidIcouldbereleasedifsomeoedbailforme.Pleasehelpme.Please.Please.Thisprisonisreallyuntenable!I’tstayhereaminutelonger.Ibegyou,pleasegetmeoutofhere,mydeargenerousdy.”

“YousayyournameisDorna?”askedAisha.

“Yes,itis.”

23

“What’syourstname?”

“Idon’thaveone.Idon’tknowwhomyparentsare,sotheycallmeDornaX.Yourvoiceissosweet.Youmustbebothbeautifundkind.Pleasebailmeout,dy.”

“Alright.Don’tworry.Whichtyjaildidyousayyouarein?”Doredtheinformation.“Gotit.Iwilleforyou.Howmuchwasthebailsetfor?”

“I’mnotsure.Ithinkitwasfor10,000becausemineisaminormisdemeanorforpickpocketing.”

“I’llbethere.”

“Thankyou.Thankyou,mydeargenerousdy.”

Aishahungupthephone,wideawakeandsatuponherbedthinkingabouttheyounggirlcalledDorna.

“Thenamesoundssofamiliar.WhoissheandwheredidIeacrossit?”Shegotoutofbed,pulledonherdressinggownandwalkedintothekitforacupofwake-upcoffee.Walkingbacktoherbedroom,shepassedherstudyandsawthatthelightsonherputerwaswerestillon.Sherememberedshewasreseargsomematerialonthewebstnightaboutthesiteofanabattlegroundthathadjustretlybeendiscovered.Ithadbeenburiedunderwindandsandforoverathousandyearsandhadolybeendiscoveredbyarcheologists.Theyfoundaburntoutpace,skeletonsofwarriorsandtheknivesandarrowsusedbythemscatteredalroundthepceasifafiercebattlehadbeenfoughtthere.Shesuddenlyrememberedthatinherdream,shesawayounggirlholdingKingDimitri’ssword,whosenamewasDorna.

“Ahyes!”SheledthewarriorsandfoughtbravelyagainstCyclopsandhisinvadingarmyofbarbariansoldierssothatIandthebadlywoundedMedusacouldretreatsafely.Yes,yes.That’sDorna.Couldthegirlwhojustcalledbeher?CouldIhavebeenlivinghalfasleepandhalfawakethesestfewdays,dreamingbutstillw?AstrangeexperiehatgirlturnsouttobetheDornainmydreams...Imustgoandbailheroutatonce.”Aishalookedattheclock.Itwasonly7:30a.m.Regardlessoftheearlinessofthetime,shecalledherfriendandwyer,askinghimtomeetheratthetyjaindbailoutagirlcalledDorna.

Aishaandherwyergottothepeiaryearlyinthem,buttheprocedurestheyhadtoghweresloainstaking.Alotoftimeentontingthecashandverifyingitsauthenticity.terfeitmoneywasrunningrampantandthepoliceweretakingnocesofbeingdupedandughedat.WhenDornaknewsomeonehadetobailherout,herimpatienewnobounds.Shefeltlikeasmallbirdinacage,frantictorushouttoherfreedom,butthecold,solidwallsoftheprisonfencedherin.Shecouldonlypahercellrestlesslyandanxiously,fidgetyatthedey.Itwasn’tuntilnoonthatshewasledoutofhercelltothewaitisidetheprison.Dornalookedaround.HereyesimmediatelyzoomedinonawomanstandingbytheFrendow.Amidaroomfulofpeople,allfriendsaiveswhohaveetobailpeopleoutofprison,hernobleademeanorstoodoutabovetheothers.

23

“Why,that’sQueenAisha!”sheexcimedtoherself.MeanwhileAishaalsosawDornarunningtowardsherandreizedherasthenaughtygirlshelovedasadaughter.Dornastoppedbeforeherandformallysalutedheracctopaceprotocolsaying,

“Thankyou,yourmajesty,foringtobailmeout.PrisonisreallyaterriblepceI’tstandtostayin.Thankyou,yourmajesty.”TheoodupandthrewherselfintoAisha’sarms.Theyhuggedandkissedeachother,happytobetogetheragain.Dorna’soutndishbehavireatlyshockedandsurprisedthewyerstandingbyandhelookedatAishaquestioninglywithraisedeyebrows.Aishatriedtoughitoffbytellingawhitelie,

“Oh,Dorna’sjustbeingpyful.SheandIarerehearsingforapyandthat’spartofherdialogue.”

“YoumayleaveMissDorna’scaseinmyhands”saidthewell-dressedaremelyprentleman.“Iwilltakecareofeverything.Ihaveanotherappoiafterlundhavetoleavenow.”Hebowedandtookhisleave.

AishaandDornawalkedhandinhandoutofthereceptioowardstheparkinglot.WheintoAisha’scar,sheturoDornaandsaid,

“Well,littleapple,Ithinkyoumustbehungry.Whatdoyousayaboutsomelunch?”

“Oh,youknowmesowell”excimedDorna.“Iamso-o-ooooohungry.Prisonfoodissobadit’sreallyinedible.Quick,quick.Let’sgoa.”Aishasteppedonthegasandtheywereontheirway.

“Howdidyougetintothismessandndinprison,Dorna?”askedAishainthecar.

“Ireallydon’tknow.LastnightIsuddenlywokeupandfoundmyselfalohestreetsasifdream-walking.Everythingwasunfamiliartome.ItwassomepceIhadneverbeentobefore.Thetimewasabout10p.wasclosed,butthelightswerestillon.AcrossthestreetwasasmallgrocerystorewheretwoArab-lookioodtalking.NotfarawaywasaKoreanmarketstillopenwithersgoinginandoutbuyingcigarettesandwine.Drunkeaggeredaroundorjustpassedoutontheground.Stilycdprostitutesloitereduhestreetlights.Itwasreallyfrightening.Iwasbothcoldandhungryandwasjuststandingatastreeterintendingtogetmybearingsanddecidewheretogo,whenabadlydressedmiddle-agedguycameoverandstoodbesideme.Heeandtriedtopickmeup!Iwasangrythathetookmeforaprostituteanddecidedtoteachhimalessonwithmyspecialty...”Dornamadeafunnyfaddidapick-pocketmotionwithherhands.

“WhatIdidn’texpectwasthatguywasaoisseur.BeforeIkhehadgrabbedmyhandwhichhadhiswalletinitandIwasbusted.Caughtred-handed!Hequicklyhand-cuffedmeandtwuyscameover,probablyalsoundercoverpolidtheyarrestedmeandtookmetothepolicestation.SomehowtheyfoundthatIhadrecordsofpriorarrestsfortheft.It’sreallyunfortunate.IsupposeIhavemyselftobmeforfallingintotheir”

23

“Youknow,Dorna”saidAishasmiling,“youarereallyanaughtygirl.Ikhatthemomentyouleftmeyouwouldgetintotrouble.See!Youjustgotbaundaneworldandthefirstthingyoudidwastogetarrestedandndinprison!”AishastoppedherfrontofanexpensivelookingFreaurant.

AishaandDornasatiheexclusiveFreaurant.Aishawassedatelysavhersad,asmallportiosandacupoffreshlysqueezedejuice.Dorna,oherhand,hadorderedescargot;freshly-bakedcreamrolls,Frenionsoupandawholelobstercookedwithcheeseandwaseatingwithgusto.Whenshewasdone,Aishaaskedher,

“Whatareyourpnsforthefuture,littleapple?”

“Pns?Thesameoldpnofcourse.ItwasDimitriwhhtmetotheKingdomofDreams.NowthatIambackhereinthemundaneworld,IwillgoandfindDimitri.Ihaven’tseenhimforalongtimeandmisshim.Heisafatherfiguretome.”HerwaveAishamuchfoodforthought.

“Whetherdreamsarerealornot,IamtheQueenoftheKingdomofDreams.Backhereinthemundaneworld,Dimitriwouldstillbemyroyalspouse.Ishouldgoandseekhimout.”Shebeedthewaiter,hastilypaidthebilnddroveoffwithDornainhercartofindDimitri.

ThelinebeforeDream-maker’sBakerywaslong.ItwasthedaybeforeChristmasEveandpeoplewereeagertostockupfortheholidays.AishaandDorothebatrandpushedopeetothebackyard.Ayounggirlwithshinylongbckhairhadherbacktowardsthemandwassquattingonthegroundmixingsomethinginargepan,whichgaveofftheentigsmellofchocote.Thegirl’slongbckhairandsnow-whiteplexiontoldthemshewasthegeus,well-knownamongthebeautiesforhercalmdisposition,neverlosiemper.Dornalovedtopypranks,soshesoherfrombehindandsilentlycoveredLotus’eyeswithhertwohands.

“Whoisit”criedLotus.“Thisisaverybusytimeandeveryoneiswhard.Howyouhavetimeforsufoolery!LetgoofmeorI’llbeangry!”Dornawithdrewherhandsbutdidnotstepaway.WhenLotusturnedherheadandsawitwasDorna,shewasfilledwithetionandamazement.

“Dorna!It’syou!You’reback!Thisisreallytoogoodtobetrue!Youaresobrave.EveryoneknowshowyoudefeatedCyclops’barbariansoldiers.Thoughthepacewasburnttotheground,yousavedtheKingdomfromannihitionandmadesureQueenAishaandMedusaretreatedsafely.Youreallyaregreat!”JustthenMegginncamewalkingtowardsthemfromthenewlyrenovatedapartmentbuilding,holdingatraywithfreshlybakedcakesonit,followedbySamantha,whowasalsoholdingatrayofcakes.

“Wow!Thepresidentandvice-presidentofWorldBankthemselveshaveetopit!Businessmustreallybeflourishing!”WhenMegginnraisedherheadandsawAishastandingbeforeher,shewassosurprisedshenearlydroppedhertrayofcakesontheground.Luckilysherecoveredintimeaonanearbytable.SamanthaalsosetdowrayawoofthemcametoAishaandsalutedheracctopaceetiquette.Aishaquicklystoppedthem.

“No,no.Wearenolohepace,diessopleasedispehsualitiesfromnowoneorelsepeoplewillfinditstrangeandughatus.”WhenMary,SheiandLaverne,whowerebusyiganddecoratingthecakesintheworkshop,heardtheotioninthebackyardandfoundAishaandDornahadreturheyrushedout.Everyonewashugging,kissingandexg.TheexcitedchatterinthebackyardattractedtheattentionofthebeautiesinthenewlyrenovatedapartmentbuildingandNatalie,elle,NovelandRomialsoputdownwhateverworktheyweredoingandrandowntogreetthenewarrivals.Thedozenorsobeautifulyoungwomengatheredtogetherughing,gandexg.TheonlyonemissingwasElena,atthehospitandhadurned.

23

Busithebakerywasbooming.Thesmallstorewascrowdedtocapacitywithersingandgoing.Therackswerequicklyemptyingbutnoonefromthebackcametoreplenishthestock.Yokowasmystifiedatthepsebutwassurroundedbyersandcouldnotgobadcheck.Amaliaalsonoticedthatthingswerenhtabacktoseewhatthematterwas.Shefoundtheworkshopemptyandadozenorsoyoungwomenchattingandughiedlyinthebackyard.Sheshoutedloudly,

“Youngdies,whatareyoudoing?Theracksarenearlyemptyupfrontandersarestillsurginginandthings.Theroofisabouttoexplodewithnoiseandpeople.Whyaren’tyoudoingyourworkandreplenishiock?”ThatwasoneofAmalia’sgooddaysandsheseemedtobewideawakeandfullyawareofhersurroundings.ShewalkedintothebackyardandsaweveryonesurroundingAisha.

“Ah,youarethenoblequeencalled...called..Ahyes,calledAisha.Youarereallyarareguest!Whyhaven’tanyofyoueandtellmeofherarrival?Iamreallysorryformyckofhospitality.”ThensheorderedMarytofetchacupofcoffeeandtoldSheithercigarsfuest.Thenshecorrectedherself,

“Ohno,no.Thequeesmoke.Iamsosorry.”DornahidbehindAisha,afraidtheolddywouldaskherforherflyingbroomback.ButAishahadfottenalboutitanddidn’teveionthebroom.Amalia’saswerefunnyandherspeechwasfusedandi.Dornathoughtthatitwouldbeamusingtopytriheraertainher.AmaliawentherselftotheeroftheulledoutDimitri’soldloungechair,saying“Haveaseat,queen.Sit,yourmajesty.”AishakhisoldwomanhadahistorywithDimitriandmayevenbehisbirthmother,soherpositioninthisgroupwashigh.Shedidnotknowwhattodo,especiallyasheringhaderuptedserviceatthebakeryandtakeneveryonefromtheirwork.MegginoodAisha’sdilemmaandtheembarrassingpreditshewasin,soshewentoverandwhisperedinherear,

“Whydon’tyougoandseeDimitrifirst.Youguysmusthavealottotalkoverandexgeopinionson.Dimitrihasbeensufferingfrominsomniathesestfewdaysanddidnotetoworktoday.Heisathisstudioapartment.Whydon’tyougoandseehim?Thiswouldbeagoodopportunitytotalktohimprivately.”AishathoughtMegginnwasrightanditwasagoodexcusetoleave.

“Idon’tknowwheretheapartmentis.”

“Drivestraightfromhere.Turandthenanotherleftandyouwillseeanoldapartmentbuilding.Dimitrilivesinaerunitonthegroundfloor.It’seasytofind,hisdoorisneverlocked.”

“Ihavetoleaveforamoment”saidAishatoAmalia.“butIwillbeback.It’sChristmasEvetomorrofcourseeveryonehereisinvitedfortheparty.”

“Yes,yesyourmajesty”saidAmalianoddingherhead.“Iplywithyourwishes.OfcourseIwille.”AishaknewDornawouldnotwanttoleaveasallthebeautieswerehereanditwaslivelyandbustlingwithalotgoingon.Shewouldbeinherelement,soshesaidtoher,

“Youstayhere,Dorna,butbegoodanddootrouble.Iwilleforyouter.”

23

“Yes,yesyourmajesty”naughtygirlDornasaid,apingAmalia’swords,“Iplywithyourwishes.”

Onleavingthebakery,Aishafollowedthedireegginnhadgivenher,madetwoleftturnsandcameupeoldbuildingwhichtookupthewholeblock.Shecouldeasilyimagiwhenfirstbuiltaturyago,itmusthavebeenanimpressive,state-of-the-artstructureofthetime,butwiththeerosionoftime,ithadlostmuchofitscharm,elegandmagnifice.Aishaehereceptionhall,signedherhevisitor’slogtogetherwiththetimeanddate.Walkingpastthespacioushall,sheturnedrightonthelongcorridoruntilshecametotheveryendandmadeanhtturn,attheendofwhichshecametothedoorwiththecorreber.Shetriedthedoorknobandfoundthatitwasindeedunlocked.Shepusheditopeeredandjustasquietlycloseditagain.Itwasasmallstudio.Dimitriwasreingonaloveseatinanotveryfortableposition.Buthedidomindandwasfastasleep.Aishalookedaroundtheroomandfounditsparselyfurhonlyathree-leggedtable,onwhichwereseveralunfitlesofliquor.Thefloorwaslitteredwithfruitpeelsandcigarettebuttsandthereleasantstinkintheair.Shesteppedintothesmallkitandsawargegarbagebinpiledhighwithbonesandfoodremnants,whichwasthecauseoftheoffeench.UsuallyDimitri’sfriendswoulduptheroombeforetheyleftandtakethegarbageawaywiththerenotasmeticulousaboutingupastheirfemaleterpartsandDimitriwasnotveryparticurabouthouseiher.AishalookedatDimitriandsawhewasstillwearinghisdarkbrowndownjacketspottedwithdirtandfoodstains,hislongbts,block-headedleathershoesandnosocks.Hisdipidatedsafarihatyonhisstomach.Hewastheimageofapenniless,destitutehobo.IfshehaderedhisKingdomofDreams,shewouldneverhaveimaginedhimtobethepowerfulkingoftherealmoeticsoul,belovedbyallhispeopleandsubjects.Aishaopehefridgeandsatysaveforafewbottlesofbeer.Inthesinktherewereafewchipped,unmatchedptesandbowls.Sheputherhandbagdownoable,bentdowntopullthestringsofthegarbagebagiightlytogetherandtookitouttothetrashroom.Shefoundanoldbroominoneer,brokendownandbarelyusable,butshemadethebestofit,sweptupthetrashonthefloorontothedustpanandthendumpedthemessintotheygarbagebin.

Dimitriwasstilldrowsilyasleepwhensuddenlysoftstealthymovements,theswayingofgarmentsandthefloralfragranceoforchidsawakenedhim.Thatohsofamiliarfragrance...wasn’tthatthefragranceofAisha?Dimitri’sheartlurchedandheimmediatelysatuponthesofa.AishasawDimitriwasawakeandsaid,

“HiDimitri,areyouawake?Didyouhaveagoodnap?”Dimitrireizedthevoiceimmediately,whifirmedtheidentityofhisvisitor.

“Isthatyou,Aisha?You’reback!Good.Good.”Hepattedtheemptyseatohimandsaid,“eandsitdown.”Aishawalkedoverandsatdowohim.

“Howareyou,Aisha?Areyht?Ihopeyouweren’thurt.IheardthatMedusawasbadlywounded.Howisshedoing?AreWhiteFairyandDeannastillintheheartoftheforest?”

“Yes,Iamwell.Medusa’swoundsareundertrol.Thebleedinghasstoppedandsheisresting.WithWhiteFairyandDeannatakingcareofher,sheisingoodhands.”

“That’sgood.Thethreeofthemhadalwayslivedthatpartoftheworldanditisgoodthattheyremainthere.DidDornaebackwithyou?Thatnaughtygirlworriesme.”

“She’sbadishelpingoutatthebakerytogetherwiththeirls.Shehasalwaystreatedyandishappy.”

“Good.Charmaineainearelivingintheirpathemoonandthosethathavepassedawayarenolohus.Theresthaveallebaundaneworld.”

240页

“Yes,allofthemareback.”

“Good.Theisatrest.ItwasIwholedthemonebyoomyKingdomofDreams,hopiablishasafehaveheycouldlivehappilyiy.Butsuddenlyenormouscrisisandcamitiesstrike.Iamgdeveryonehasbeenevacuatedsafely.Iwohereeverbeapeacefulsafebrightparadiseintheuniverse.”

“Actuallythismundaneworldofoursisalsoaparadise.Youoftentoldusthatifweretainabright,sereneerihofoursoundgooutfromtheretoiwiththeworld,theouterworldwillgewiththegesinoursoul.Sothismundaneworldwillbeeaparadisefreefromworry.”

“Yht,but...”Dimitriwasquietforalongtime.Theinued“Havethebeautiestalkedabouttheirpnsforthefuture?”

“Weallcamebacksohastilytherehasn’tbeenacetotalkaboutanything.But...butwhileintheKingdomwediddealwiththesubject.Everyonewishtostaytogether,evenifweebaundaneworld.Theyallwanttostaywithyouahyoutheirwholelives.”

“Thatwillbehardtodo”saidDimitrishakinghisheadwithawrysmile.“Inthismundaneworldonemanothavesomanyyouifulwomenkeephimpany.Thatwillneverdo.Also,awoman’syouthayaretra.Fortheirsakes,wemustmakepnsfortheirfuturehappiness...”

“Ofcourse...ofcourse...naturally...ButintheKingdomofDreamsIamyourqueen,yourroyalspousewhomyoupersonallychoseandeted.BackhereinthemundaneworldIamyourwife.Idonotneedarge,eboratewedding,butIwouldliketolegitimizeourretionshipbyasimplelegalprocedure.”Dimitriwasgreatlyagitatedbyherwords.Hiseyesglistenedandhisvoicetrembledashereplied,

“Don’tyouknowthathereinthemundaneworld,Iamonlyapennilesshomelessperson?AndIampletelyblind.Doyoureallywanttomarryauseless,disabledperson?Dreamsaredreamsayisreality.Don’tfusethetwo.”

“No.Tomedreamsayarethesame.Inourdreamsyouarea,abraveandgenerousking.Iamyourqueen.Youmaybeapenniless,homelesspersonandablindman,butyouaremyhusband.Iamproudtobeyourwife.”Dimitrisattheresilentlyandmadenoreply.

“Asamatteroffact,”Aishatihebeautiesallthinkthisway.Tothemyouarea,thekingtheyloveandrespect,whichiswhytheyallwanttoremainwithyouforeverandkeepyoupahisseemstobeanunsolvableproblem.Let’sleaveitfortimetoresolve.”

24

“Yes”saidDimitri“Let’sleaveitfortimetoresolve...IknowwhatIshoulddo.Yes,that’stheonlywaytosolvethisproblem.”QueenAishadidnotknowwhatDimitrimeant.Shethoughtitoverforamomentbutcouldetonoclusion.Thesunwassettingaemperaturewasdroppingdramatically.Shestoodupandsaid,

“IhavetogoaDornanow.Leftalohatnaughtygirlwillgetintotrouble.Iknowyourfriendswillbeheresoon,butpleaseleavetomorrownightopenforme.It’sChristmasEveandIhaveaskedAmaliaandthegirlstoetomypdcelebrate.Youmustetoo.”DimitrinoddedhisassentandAishaleft.Onthewaybacktothebakery,Dimitri’spartingwordskeptresoundinginhermind,‘IknowwhatIshoulddo.That’stheonlywaytosolvethisproblem...’

“Whatdidhemean?”sheaskedherself.“Howdidheiosolvethisproblem?”

Them,boththeworkshopandthegirls’neartmentdormitorywerequiet.BusinesshadbeensobriskthedaybeforebecauseoftheupingholidaysthatevenElinacametohelpout.Everyoneworkedtill10p.hebeautiesdidnotofteheopportunitytoetogetherandhsoma,sotheygatheredtogetherandtalkedanimatedlytillmidnightbeforeretiring.Itwasn’tuntil11a.m.thattheexhaustedbeautiesbegantostir.SheiandYokostoleoutoftheirroomssoasnottowakeAmalia,whonormallyslepttilltwo,threeo’clotheafternoononnon-wdaysbeforewakingupunwillingly.Theywalkedthroughthebackyards,cametothenewlyrenovatedapartmentandwalkedupthestairstothethirdfloor.elleearlyasusuandwassayinghermprayers.Thenshemadecoffeeandcookedbreakfastfortheotherbeauties,whosooragglingintothethirdfloortearoomonebyone.

“Don’tfetQueenAisha’sChristmaspartytonight”remindedMegginn.

“Ohyes,weshoulddecideaboutwhattowear”saidSamantha.“Shouldwealldressaliketoshowuniformity?”

“Ithink”saidLotus“thatsi’safamilyChristmasdihedresscodeshouldbemoreinformal,gradingoodtaste,butnothingeborate.”

“Right”agreedSamantha.“Imadeafauxpassttime.Iworealowcutsilkblousetogetherwithadiamondneckce.WhenAmaliasawit,shewasnothappyandbluntlytoldmeso.Withherattheparty,Isuggesteveryoneshoulddresssimply.”

“Butnotoverlycasual”objectedElina.“ItisChristmasafterall.Thestylebesimplea,butthematerialshouldbecolorfuive.”Everyoneagreed.

“Oh,Ifottotellyou”interruptedMegginn“thatSamanthaandIhaveapartywemustattendtonight.Itisthetraditionalyear-ehostedbytheCaliforniaBankingAssociationwhich,aspresidentandvice-presidentofWorldBank,weareexpectedtoattend.Ifwedon’tshowupitwouldbesideredanunfivableslight.Butwearrivethereearly,maketheroundschattingwiththeVIPsthereandthenexcuseourselvesandleaveearly.Thatshoulddo.”

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“Don’tfetwehavean11:30appoiwiththehairdresser”remindedSamantha.

“Beingacareerwomanisreallyalotoftrouble”grumbledMegginn.“Togotoaparty,wemusthaveourhairandnailsdone,dressacclyatheaccessoriesmatch.Shoes,bags,hatsmustallbeexpensiveandioftasteandfashion.It’salotofwork.Ireallydon’twantthisjobaspresidentofWorldBank!”

“Youtwogoanddothep.r.whedNovel“ManagingWorldBankisnosimplematter.Leavethemiseoushouseholdthingstotherestofusandwewilltakecarethem”MegginnandSamanthalefttogetherhurriedly.

“Bytheway”saidSamantha“ourformalstraplesseveninggorettysexyandeborateandwehavetoensivejewelry.Amaliawillbeangrywhensheseesus.Whatshouldwedo?”

“It’sok”repliedMegginn.”Webringoursimpleeverydayjacketalonginthedputitontopofoureveningdress.Idon’tthinkAmaliawouldnotice.”

“Ohwell,that’sthebestwedo.Hopenothinggtonight.Ohyes,wemustputawayourneckces,rings,braceletsandear-ringsbefoin.”

ThebeautieswerediscussingwhatfavoritedishestheyinteoprepareforthepartyandfinallydecidedtodothecookinghereinadvahebakerybeforeheatingthemupatAisha’skit.Herswasafamilyhouseandwouldnotaodatesomanycooks,eachtryingtoproducetheirmasterpieces

“SheiandIwon’tbemuchhelp”saidYoko.“WehavetogetAmaliaoutofbed.Sheislikeachildandthrowstempertantrumsakeher.Wehavetogetherup,helpherbatheanddressup.Thenmostimportantofallwemustgethertomakehermedicationsoshewon’tactuptonightanddisrupttheChristmascelebrations.”

“Youtwojusttakealia”saidElina“andwewilltakecareoftherest.”Sayingso,thebeautiesbrokeupaabouttakingcareoftheirownresponsibilities.Somewentshoppingfortheingredientstheyneededwhileotherswentstraighttotheworkshop.Theystarteduptheovensorfiresneededandbeganpreparationstocreateepicureandelicacies.

ThebeautiesbegantrigintoAisha’shouseearlyiernoon.Theyhelpedpolishthesilverdleholders,knivesandforksandspreadthecrisplyironedsnow-whitetableclothonthediable,whitrastedvividlywiththebrightrednapkins.Whethetablewiththehighlypolishedsilverwareaifulaptes,theroomatoookonacheerfuivemohtandcolorful.Someofthosewibeganbringingoutthepre-cookedcolddishes,whileotherswerestillbusyheatingupandputtingfinishingtouchestotheirfavoriterecipes.By4p.wasextremelyiedinthishugemansion,soAishatookheronatourofthefrontandbackyards.Inthe

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shedbytheswimmingpoolwherewnmowers,scissors,shearsandardeningtoolsandswimmingpoolmainteensilswerestored,Amaliasawabroomusedtosweepupfallenleavesandstoodstillstaringatitasiffasated.Itseemedtoremindherofsomething,butshekwhat.DornawasafraidAmaliawouldrememberandaskherfortheflyingbroom.BeforeleavingtheKingdomofDreams,shehadgivenittoDeanna.EveryonehadevacuatedtoWhiteFairy’ssmalltemplesecludedintheheartofthedenseforestwhichbecamethenewheadquarters.Thetribesandtheirnumerouspeoplewerescatteredoverseveralnearbymountainranges.Astheliaisonperson,Deannahadtowalklongdistaeveryoneintact,soDorheflyingbroomwithhertofacilitateherjob.TodistractAmalia,Dornaquietlyandsaidjokingly

“Amalia,youareoldbutyouareveryhealthy.Wouldyouliketopyhide-and-seekwithme?”

“Sure”theolddyrepliedenthusiasticallyawoofthemranaroundthefrontandbackyardspyingthegame.Shrieksofughtershowedtheywerehavingagoodtime.

“Careful”cautionedAisha.“Don’tfallintotheswimmingpool!”

“It’salright”saidYokoandShei.“Letherpy.Weareheretomakesuresheisalright.Wouldyouliketogoinandattendtoyourjobofthehostessoftheparty?”

Thesuanddarknesscoveredtheearth.

“Dorna,itisalreadydarkaingcold”saidShei.“Ithinkweshouldstoppyingandgoihefourofthemwalkedinsidewherethefirewasburningbrightlyandtheroomwastoastyandcozy.TheentigaromaoftastyfoodcausedAmalia’sstomableandshebeganshoutingforfood.

“I’mhungry.Iwa.”

“Someoftheguestshaven’tarrivedyet”saidYoko.“Let’swaitawhiletilleveryoneishereandwealleattogether.”

“No.No.Iwanow.I’mhungry”criedAmaliastubbornly.

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“It’salright”saidAishaleadingAmaliatothetableandpullingoutachairforher.“Let’snotstandonceremony.Ifsheishungrylethereatfirst.”YokoandSheiwentarouablechoosingthefoodAmalialikedandputtingthemohattheypcedbeforeher.Amaliaatoncebegaingandcalledforwine.Aishawentandgotabottleofagedredoureditintoagssforher.Theolddysatthereeatinganddrinkinghappily.ThebeautiesbecameawarethatAishawasnotallthereaobeworriedaboutsomething.

“It’ste”shesaid.“Whyisn’tDimitrihereyet?”

“WhenwebroughtAmaliaovertotheparty”saidYoko,“westoppedatDimitri’sapartmentwhichwasonourwaymeaningtogivehimaridehere.Buthisapartmentty.Wedon’tknowwherehewentto,sowecamehereourselves.”

“HepromisedtoetothepartysowecouldallhaveChristmasdiogetherandcelebratetheholiday.Couldhehavegonebahisword?”

“No,Idon’tthinkso”saidYoko.“Letmecallhisgoodfriendsandaskthem.Richard,Jamaz,Big-O,Mr.Kaffee,DwarfMidthatobnoxiousMr.Fingerarealwaystogether.ThedepthofDimitri’sfriendshipwiththemmayexceedthatofhisretionshipwithus.Theyshouldknowhiswhereabouts.I’lskthem.”Takingouthercellphoneshepunchedsomenumbersandstartedtalking.“Hello.IsthatRichard?’

“Yes,thisisRichard.What’sup?”

“DoyouknowwhereDimitriwent?”

“No,Idon’t.IjustknowheishavingdihyouguysatAisha’spcetocelebrateChristmasEve.Weareallgatheredhereathisapartmentpnningtohaveourownallmaleholidaycelebration.”

“Well,heisn’thereyet.Hiseyesarebad.Couldsomethinghavehappeohim?”