behi’sapityAishaisnothereorshecouldtellusalbouttheirin.”

“Strange”saidShei.“Thatwhite-beardedoldmanwantsustogivethesetoDimitri.DoesDimitriknowhim?Ihaveneverheardhimmentionanywhite-beardeddwarf!Whatbetheirretionship?”

60页

“Whydidn’tDimitrietoworktoday?”askedLaverne.“Iwantedsomuchtoseehimagain.Ihaven’tseenhimforsuchalongtime.”

“Didyounoticethatoldman’sbeard?It’ssingedasifithadbeensizzledbyfire.”ThensheretedtothemhowDimitrihadn’tsleptallnighttalkingtoawhitelily,whichshepresumedtobeWhiteFairy,andhowafterWhiteFairyleft,Dimitrihadpacedbadforthinhisstudio,lookingheavyofheartandworried.Yokolookedoutsidetotheblueskiesandsaidsorrowfully,

“DoesthatmeanthatourbeautifulKingdomofDreamsisintroubleagain?”

Theothersdidnotreply.Amaliawastingthecash,butshealwayslosttafterawhileandhadtostartallain.Inexasperatiohrewthemallbathetableandfumedatherself.Afterawhile,sheshoutedatthem,

“Youzygirlsjustchatteringendlesslythereattheback.What’stheresomuchtotalkabout?Lookatthecloeonout.It’stimetoopenshopanddobusiness.”Shehadpletelyfottenpeheshopatnooheyoungpeopleinthebailedandshooktheirheads,knowingthatAmalia’sbrainsweremuddledagain.Mankindissmart,butcoulddonothingtocureAlzheimer’sdiseasethatdirectlyattackedthebrains.Yokosaiddecisively,

“Ihaveasafetydepositboxatmyba’sputthisbagofsthere.It’stheonlysafepceforit.”

“YougogetyourcarMaryandyouMarkbeourbodyguard.Wewillleavebythebackdetthistakencareoffirst.”

“Good!”saidShei.“LaverneandIwillgotothefrontandhelpAmaliareopentheshoporelseshewillbemadagain.”MaryquicklywalkedtowardsthebatraheyheardAmaliaagaincallingoutforthemtoeaheshopforbusiness.

Nightfell.Thestarsinthesky,likethelightsoreets,cameoutoeranother.Inthedarknessofnight,thetallbuildingsstoodsilentandthenumberofcarsrushingaboutgraduallydecreased.Asthenightdeepened,Dimitri’saygrew.HewaofalsleepsothathecouldgobacktohisKingdomofDreamsandfacetheloomingcrisisthere..Butperhapshewastootenseandnervous,slumberpletelyeludedhim.Themorewideawakehewas,themitatedhebecameuntilhewassoedgythatheinsandneedlesanddidn’tknowwhattodo.Justthen,apuffofsmokesqueezedthroughthecrathewindowandfloatedtowardsthevase,whereitturoawhitelily.Dimitri’sextremetensionsharpenedhissensesinsuchawaythathewasalerttotheslightestgeinhissurroundings.Heturnedhissightlesseyestowardsthevaseonhistableinquiringly.

“Yes,it’sme”saidWhiteFairy.“It’sme.Don’tbenervous.Goodnews.Goodnews.Everythingturwell.”

6

“pened?”askedDimitriuneasily.“Quick!Tellmepened!”

“Don’tworry.Letmecatchmybreathefirst”ThensheproceededtonarratetohimiailthetesteventsintheKingdomofDreams.ThenightWhiteFairyreturheKingdom,shefoundthepacebrilliantlylit,buteerilyquiet.Steppingintothegreathall,shesawClementinehadrevertedtinalclothing,theflimsydressthatresembledthesemi-transparentwingsonfliesandwassayinggoodbyetothebeauties.Theywerealltearful,buthadnowordstoexpresstheirsorrow.OnseeingWhiteFairy,Clemeuroherandsaid,

“AhWhiteFairyIamgdtobeabletoseeyoubeforeIleave.PleaseveymyrespectstoKingDimitri.Iwaosaygoodbyetohimmyselfandseehimforthesttime,butthenIthoughtbetterofit,asitwouldonlybringsadnessandsorrowtobothofus.SoIamleavingwithoutnotice.IfFateiskind,perhapsonedaywewillmeetagain.”Sayingso,shefloatedupfromthegroundaofanopenwindoshamurmured,

“ShecamefromtheSeventhHeavenandisnowgoingbacktowhereshecamefrom.Isn’titsad?Justlikeus,wecamefromdustanduntodustweshallreturn!”

penedwasthis.WheihathertwinsisterCharmainehadbeenimprisonedinablockoficesufferiormentofbeingfrozen,shekher,Zeus,woulduntilhegottothebottomofthematter.Knowiureofhefatherwell,sheknewhewouldneverfiveCharmaineaherfree.Thiastalemate.EvenifKingDimitriwerehere,therewasnothinghecoulddotoresolvethesituation.Ittoher,Charmaiakethedecisivestep.Shewalkedalonesilentlyalongtheke.Atthebeginniedsomuchtohaveafleshbody.Nowthatshehadone,shefoundthatitbroughtherendlessworryandsorrow.Howtogetridofitwasoneproblemshewouldhavetoface.Sheloiteredonalone,asolitaryfigureuhemoonlight.Oheway,sheabsent-mindedlykickedasmallpebble,whidedintothewaterandcausedaripplewhichspreadoutwards.Clementine’sheartlurchedandshehadaninspiration.

“Yes!Myfleshbodywasmadebybiningthesoilherewiththecrystalclearwaterfromtheke.Whydon’tIgivethembacktothepwhichtheyweretakericatemyfleshbody?”Havingetoadecision,shenolongerhesitated,butwalkedslowlyintothecrystalclearkewater.Sheyquietlyontopofthewateruntilherbodygraduallymeltedaway.Sheeriengexcruciatingpain,butthepainwasalsolikeagentlecaress.

“Mybodycamefromthesoindwater.NowIgiveitba.Ohletitmelt!Letitmelt!LetitmeltinKingDimitri’sgentlecaress.”Sheeheagonizingpain,butherheartwasfulloflightandwarmth,likeKingDimitri’sgeouch.

“Letitmelt!Letitmelt!Givemyfleshbodybacktothesoindwaterhere.Iottakeanythingawaywithme.WhatItakeawayismylove,longingandrespectfDimitri.

“Letitmelt!Letitmelt!Igivemyfleshbodybacktothesoindwaterhere.Iotdeyanylonger.Mytwinsisteriswaitingformetorescueher.Iotprocrastinateanymore.

“Letitmelt!Letitmelt!Igivemyfleshbodybacktothesoindwaterhere.LetmylovefDimitriturernal,indeliblelongingandyearning.

6

“Letitmelt!Letitmelt!Givemyfleshbodybacktothesoindwaterhere......”Theday,atthepcewhereClementinewalkedintotheke,peoplefoundwordswrittenonthesandsaying,“Igivemyfleshbodybacktothesoindwaterhere.WhatItakeawayismylovefDimitriaernal,indeliblelongingandyearningforhim.”Uponhearingthesewords,Dimitri’seyesshimmered,buthetrolledhimselfandwouldhetearsfall.WhiteFairysaid,

“Don’tbesad,KingDimitri.Thismaybethebestsolutionpossible.ClementinerescuehertwinsisterCharmaineandatthesametimedissolvethehostilityofKiowardstheKingdomofDreams.JustasAishasaid,“Whatesfromheavengoesbacktoheaven.Whatesfroesbacktotheearth.Dooosadandbmeyourselftoomuch.”Dimitrinodded,acceptingheradvidsotion,buthistearsstillfellontoWhiteFairy’stenderwhitepetals.

IticalCaliforniamwithbrilliantsunshineandcooir,anotherlovelyday!ButinsideDream-maker’sBakery,theatmospherewasbleakandsomber.WhenDimitritoldthemabouttherethappeningsintheKingdomofDreams,theyrealizedthattheyhadlostforevertwooftheirbeautifulpanions,thetwinnymphsCharmaineaihesestfewdays,Dimitripguedwithworryandtensionhadbeenuosleep.Asaresult,hisdeeplysunkeneyes,roughunshavencheeksanduntidyrumpledhairmadehimlookgauntandhaggard.Everyoabouttheirchoressilently,itrasttotheirnormalhabitofchattingandughingwhiletheyworked.Itwasasiftheyalttemptedtoburythemselvesinhardworkietthepainoflosingtheirbelovedpanion.Businessinthefrontoftheshopwasasbusyasever,withersshowingupsteadilyinanon-endingstream.Thatday,Amaliaseemedtobeinabadmoodandhadgottenintoseverargumentswithers.Yedhertotakeabreakandgoupstairsforanap.Atfirstsherefused,butthengedhermindandtrudgedupthestairs.Howevershesooumpingdownagain,walkedintotheworkroomandshoutedateveryohere,

“Whostolemybroom,myflyingbroom?Whostoleit?”Shewentfromonepersontoanotheraskingacgly,“Wasityou?Wasityou?”Thenshebellowedinrage,

“ItmustbethatnaughtygirlDorna.Whereisshe?Tellhertoeout!”Thengrabbingholdofwhateverwasathand,shebeganthrowingthingstotheground.Pots,pans,bowlsandotherutensilsweresoonstrewnacrossthefloor.Inanuntrolblefitoffury,AmaliadasheduptoDimitri,drewbackhearmandsppedhimresoundinglyonhischeekyelling,

“Givemebackmybroohatdarngirldarestostealmybroom!”Foramomenteveryonewasrootedtothegroundinshock,butimmediatelyrecoveredandrusheduptopullherawaysoshewouldnotbeabletoassaultpeople.Thishadhappenedseveraltimesbefore,buttodayherditioohaveworsened.SheishookatranquilizerfromabottleandhaoDimitri.HewentuptoAmalia.

“Mother,takethisplease.Itwillmakeyoufeelbetter”saidDimitrigently.Thegentlewordsseemedtobreakthroughthehazeofherfusedangerandtouchtheaternalloveihofherheart.Sheobedientlyswallowedthepill.Dimitritinued,

“Mother,let’sgoandtakeawalkbytheke.Seehowheweatherisoutside.Shallwegoandenjoythefreshair?”Amaliahrowinghisarmacrosshershoulders,Dimitriledherthroughthebackdoortowardstheke.Halfanhourter,theycameback.Amaliaseemedtobemuchcalmer.Sheitookherupstairsandputhertobed.Shedrewthecurtainsshuttingoutthebrilliantsunshiside,leavingtheroominsoothingdarkhensheclosedthedoorsoftlyadowairsbacktowork.SeeingAmaliagettingworsedaybydayaddedtoDimitri’ssorrow.Thehustleandbustleofthedaywentbyinadaze.

Nightfell.Dimitriwalkedalohebackyard,ydownontheloungechairthereandraisedhiseyestowardsthestarryskies.Thoughhecouldnotsee,hekhatabovehisheadtherewassuretobemyriadsoftwinklingstarslightinguptheheavens.OritcouldbesaidthatDimitrihadenpassedthevastexpaarryskiesintohisbrain.HewassilentlyptieofCharmaineaine.WherewouldtheygoafterleavinghisKingdomofDreams?Onwhietwouldtheyreappear?Thetwoofthemwerenymphsfromtheseventhheaven.PerhapsjustasAishasaid,returningtothepwhichtheycamemaybethebestofallpossiblesolutions.Clementinehadyearohaveahumanfleshbody,butonceshehadoneshefoundtohersorrowthatitbroughtheronlyeroubleanddistress.Nowshehasextricatedherselffromthebondageofherfleshbody.Iwonderwhatenlighteshedrewfromherexperienbothheaveh.Asformyself,thereasonIbuiltmyKingdomofDreamsandpcedallmyhopestherewasbecauseIwaoestablishasafehaven,apceIretreattowhenIamoverwhelmedbythemisfortunesandadversityofthemundaneworld.IcewhereIhideoutandbesafe.Butdreamssomehowturomencholyandtoomanydreamsmeanttoomuchsorrohatcertainlywasnotmyinaldesign.Irefusetobetrappedbyfearandsorrow,whiares,surroundsandultimatelyannihitesallwhoaretangledupintheirweb.Iwillnotbedeprivedofmybeautifuldreams.Perhapstheretionshipbetweendreamsandreallifeshouldbereadjusted.Itshouldberesettledsoastofindanewandmoreflexibleequilibrium.ThewideexpaarryskieswhichexistedinDimitri’sbraiobeslowlymovingandcirg.Hetinuedhisthoughts.Ifeaethaditsownsystemoftimeandspace,theneveryone’sdreambeauniqueworldofitsown.Ifthatwastrue,thenthedimensionintheuniverseisinnumerableandotbedenominatedbyfigures.Howmuchisthere?WhereshouldIsettlemybeautifulKingdomofDreams?Dimitrididnotknowhowtogoonwiththislihought.

SoftfootstepsmovingaroundhimwokeDimitrifromhisdro.Heaskedintuitively,“Isthatyou,Laverhankyou.Weweleyouringbacktous.”

6

“It’ste”saidLaverne,cDimitriwithasoft,warmwoole,“andit’sgettingcold.Becarefulnottocatchacold.Yes,Iamback.Iamthinkingofquittingmynursingjobandebacktoyou.”

“That’sgreat!Webadlyneedpeoplehere.Ohyes,IheardyoumarriedMark.gratutions!”Lavernewassilentforamoment.Thensheansweredpensively

“MarkandIgotmarriedjustbytakingaweddingpicture.Inhissimplicity,hethoughtthatwasmarriage.Hedoesn’tuandthattherearelegalprocedurestoghsuchascityregistration......Strictlyspeaking,allwedidwastakeaweddingpicture.”

“Whywasthat?”askedDimitrirathersurprised.Annantpause.

“It’shardtoexpininwords.Letmetellyouastory.”

“Good.Ihaven’theardastoryforalongtime.Iamallears.”

“AboutthreethousandyearsagoinaIndia,therewasahandsomeprinedayhewenttotheforestforapiic,wherehefoundatigressthathadjustgivenbirthtoatigercub.Shewasweakandexhausted,almostonthepointofdeathandcouldnotfeedhernew-bornyoung.Thehandsomepriookpityonherandwalkingbravelytothetigress,offeredhimselfasfoodsothatthemerandhernewbornsoncouldlive.Hesacrificedhimselftosavetwolivesandthoughtitwasreallyworthwhile.ThehandsomeprihePrinceSiddhartha,thefounderofBuddhism.IuandthemessageClemeonthesandbeforeshewentaway,andfullyappreciatetheprofoundmeaningofthosetwolinesofwords.IosavehertwinsisterandputaothehostilityofZeustowardstheKingdomofDreams,shedissolvedherfleshbodyinthecrystalclearkewater.Theonlythingsshetookawaywereherloveforyouaernal,indeliblelonging.I,too,gavemyfleshbodytomarkbecausehisex-wife,Mrs.Simpsoedhim.Markneedsafamily,awoman.SoIgavehimmyfleshbody,butkeptmyheartwholeandintact,whichIdevoteeoyou,Dimitri.”

“I......I......”Dimitriwasfbbergastedandstammered“I......reallydon’tknow......whattosay......”

“Youdoosayanything”saidLaver’sgettitergoinandsleepsoyouwon’tcatchcold.”

“mesleepoutdoorsuhestarryskies.Iamusedtoanomadlifeanddon’tfeelfortablesleepingindoors.”

6

“Alright.Goodnighttheomorrow.Takecareanddosick.”

“OK.Goodnight.Seeyoutomorrow.”

Dimitriyihesoft,warmbfeelingveryhappyandsatisfiedfortheloveofthebeautieswereteredonhimalothatalsoimposedonhiminvisiblepressureandresponsibility.Itwaslikeasorrowthatrefusestobedrivenaway.Thesestfewdayshadbeentiring,soafterLaver,Dimitriwasoverewithdrowsinessandsoonfelsleep.

Thebackyardgatecrackedopenandawhite-beardedoldmanpoppedhisheadinandlookedabout.Hewasalse-lookingdwarf.ThenheslippedinandmadehiswayfurtivelytowardsDimitri’sloungechair.HehadleftmessagesforDimitritoeandseehimassooback,butDimitrihadnotdoneso.Hewaitedinvainforadayandanight,andbeinganimpatientman,hedecidedtoeandseeforhimselfhowthiheoldmauptotheloungechair,cspedbothhishandtogetherreverentlyandlookingtowardstheskyhemovedhislipssilentlyint.Thenhesuddenlygotintoakindofdance,gesturingwildlywithbothhands,makingawholeseriesofquiprehensiblemotions,whilehisfeet,too,movedinharmony.Hedancedforawhile,thenpghishandsoopofDimitri’sheadhesaid,

“Allyourwealthwillbescattered,butIpromisethatyouwilgainamassevenmoreriches.Letthatbemyreimbursementtoyou”Thesilentlybythesameroute.

Thewhite-beardedoldmanwasthegodsofwealththatDimitriworshippedonhisownprivatealteranditwasunknownwhyhecametobeherewithpatchesofhisbeardsingedbyfire.Whathadhappenedwasthis:Oneday,Dimitritookoutawhitecottonbagandputintoitalltheloosehehadaccumuted,mostlynickelsandpenniesandsomedimes.Itfeltprettyheavyinhishands.Hetooksomehamsandwichesandbroughtthemalongtoo.Thentakinghiswhitee,heheadedfortheerwheretheoldmanusuallyloitered.Hewaitedforawhilebutsawnotra,soDimitrileftthebagthereandmadehiswaytohissmallstudioapartment.Actuallytheoldmanwasatanotherernotfaraway,ilywatgDimitri’severymove.WhenDimitrileft,theoldmancameback,tookoutapaper-edsandwidbegantowolfitdowiculousDimitrihadevenincludedaofbeerinthebag.Sotheoldmanateanddrailyuntileverymorselwasgotinghisfullstomach,heburpedinsatisfaandthoughtabouthowtopensateDimitriforhispresentkindnessandforalltheshehadenjoyedovertheyearswhenhewasonDimitri’saltar.Hetookthebagofloosegeandtransformedthemintopricelessagolds,whichterbecamethecapitalforDimitritousetomakeaeback,areturntopower.Onthesurface,Dimitri’sKingdomofDreamswassafeandsecureasusual,butinaimeandspace,theKingdomwasbeginningtocolpse.Thoughhisbeardwassingedbyfire,thewhite-beardedoldmanmadehisescapeandranoffbeforetheKingdompletelyfelpart.

Chapter8WorldBank

Thestarlessandmoonlessnightseemedtobedyedinbk.Thewideexpahekewasrockedbysavagewindsandferociouswaves.Thepacewasveiledintotaldarkness.Itwaste.AcloakofmalevolentmysteryenvelopedtheKingdomofDreams.Medusawasonhighalert.Fromtimetotime,shewouldsoarupintothedarkskiesandencircletheKingdomtomakesureallwaswell.CortezandKojak,Dimitri’stwotigerswhoybeforehisthrone,alsokeptclosewatdmadetheirroundsofthepacegrounds.Theprojeakingandinstallingabasetoshootawebofarrowsfromhighhilltopvantagepointshadbeenpletedandbandsofwarriorswereassigoguardthestrategiclocations.Thoughthetwinnymphs,Charmaineaine,hadreturheseventhheaven,itwasnoguaratheever-jealousZeuswouldnotiheKingdomofDreams.

Itreeholeatadesoteareabythesideoftheke,VioandMr.Fingerweresleepingserenelyontheirflower-strewnbedwhenViosuddenlysatupandsaid,

“Listen!That’smymothercallingme!”

6

“No,you’rewrong”saidMr.Fingeropeninghiseyesdrowsily.“That’seitherthewindhowlingorthewaveshittingtheshore.”

“No,it’smymothercalli’sgettingcloserandcloser.Sheisrightbytheke!”Sayingso,shegotoffthebed,climbeddowrunkuntilshecametotheexitbytherootofthetreeandrushedmadlytowardsthesideoftheke.Mr.Fingercoulddonothingbutfollow.Viodashedaroundthekesidehystericallyshouting,

“Mother!Mother!Whereareyou?IamVio.Iamyouronlydaughterwhomyoulefthereintheworld.Mother!Mother!Arewetobeseparatedforever,omeet?No.No.No.Ifeelyouarestillthere.Youarestillive!Mother!Iwanttocrossthiskeandetoyou,butit’sharderthantryingtogouptoheaven.Mother!Mother!TellmewhatImustdotobeheldagaininyourwarmembrace.”Viokonthegroundstillgandmumbling.Mr.Finger,whohadfollowedcloselybehindher,saotofsomethingwhiteoer,ingnearerandnearer.Yes.Itwasthatrgewhitefishsparklingwithmulticoloredscales.Shestoppedashortdistantheshoreandswamtoandfro,afraidtoecloserlestshebeestranded.Mr.Fingerseemedtobeabletoinstinctivelyectwiththefish.Heshouted,

“Ah,greatwhitefish!Areyouthemotherofalllivingthingsintheke?Willyouhelpapoororphangirlfindoutwhetherhermotherisstillliving?Areyouwillingtohelpherfulfillherheart’sdesire?”Thefishswitchedhertaisifi.Viojumpedupandsaid,

“Ah!She’swilling!She’swilling!Oh,that’stoowonderful!”

“Thankyou”saidMr.Fingerinaloudvoice.“Thankyouforbeingwillingtohelpus.Buthowarewetocrosstheke?”Thefishopenedherrgemouthasifindigshecouldholdtheminhermouthandswimacrosstheke.VioandMr.Fingeruoodhermeaningandlookedateachother.Mr.Fingersaidsoftly,

“Whatifsheswallowsusforfood?”

“Idon’tcare”repliedVioadamantly.“Evenifitisso,Iwillstillgiveitatry.Imayneverhaveanotherce.Youstaybehindifyouarescared.Iwillgoalonebymyself!”

“No”saidMr.Finger,holdingherhands.“Iwillgowithyou.IfIloseyou,Iwillneveragainfindanotherwomanwhosuitsmesowell.”Sobothofthemjumpedintothewaterandswamtowardsthewhitefish.Thewhitefishopenedherrgemouthalytookthemiurnedaroundanddashedintothedark,turbulentwaves,makingfoldpace.As,thiskindandbenevolentaofthewhitefishwillultimatelybringcatastropheaationtobothherselfandtoKingDimitri’skingdomofDreams.

Aishagraduallywokeupamidthefragranceofflowers.Beforesheopenedhereyes,thesilverychirpingofbirdsfilledherearsmixedwiththetinklingughterofyounggirls.

6

“Ah!”thoughtAisha,“Thismustbeanotherlovelyday!”Sheopenedhereyes,andsureenoughtheblueskieswereclear,calmandunblemished.Shequicklygotup,wenttothebathroom,didhermablutionsandhastilyleftherluxuriousbedroomwithoutanymakeup.ThroughtheFrenchdoors,shesawDornaandDeannapyingwithAmalia’smagi,tryingtofindthesecrettherein,sosheopehedoorandwalkedtowardsthem.Onseeihegirlsimmediatelystoppedtheirpyfulfrolidstoodatattentioionshipbetweenthebeautieshadalwaysbeencloseandintimateassisters,butonceDimitriofficiallybestowedthetitleofqueenonAisha,thetitlebroughtwithitarestriofsortsandcourtprotocolhadtobeobserved.Aishasmiledandsaid,

“Whatareyoutwopyingatsoearlyinthemthatmakesyouughsohappily?”

“DornaisstudyingwhythisbroomofAmalia’sfly”answeredDeanna.“Shewantstofindoutitssecret.”DornastraddledthebroomthewayAmaliadidandsaid,

“IfIknewhowtooperatethisbroomandmakeitfly,IcouldtakeKingDimitri’sswordandhelpMedusadefeattheenemieswhentheydaretoefromtheskies.”Aishalookedupatthesereneandfarawayskiesandsaid,”

“Lookhowpeacefultheskieslook.Idon’tthinktherewillbeanymorebattles.ClementineandCharmainehavereturheirheavenlyfatherandromisedtocoatthegoldpacewithirontodiminishitsluster.KingZeushasnoreasontoattackus.Eveniftheever-jealousZeusthinksofrevenge,hisbeautifultwindaughterswoulddotheirbesttodissuadehim.”Justthen,apuffofsmokeflewstraighttowardsthemandturohumanform.ItwasWhiteFairywhowalkedoverandboweddeeplytoAishainsalutation.

“Hi,WhiteFairy”saidAisha.“Isawyoubusygoingtoandfrothesedays.What’shappening?”

“LargeveinsofironorehavebeenfoundaivechieftainsareeagertomeetwithDeannaanddecidehowtogoforwardwiththisproject.”

“Good!”saidAisha.“Thisisaveryimportantandmusthavefirstpriority.Gothereatonce,Deanna.TakeKingDimitri’sLightningsoyouwon’thavetoclimbupmountainsandsailoverwateranditwillsavetimeaswell.”Deannatookherleaveainahurry.WhiteFairythenturoAishaandsaid,

“IwouldliketogototheoppositeshoreandvisitLotus.Ihaven’tseenherforawhileandwonderhowsheisdoing.”Aishanoddedandsaid,

“Good.Givehermyregardsandaskhertoeandvisitthissideoftheke.Itoowouldliketoseeher.”AfterWhiteFairytookherleave,AishaturoDornaandasked,

6

“Noouldyouliketodo?ewithmeanddosomehomework.Doyouwanttodomathorrecitesomepoetry?”

“Idon’twanttodohomework”poutedDorna,makingafaceatAisha.“Ihavemyownpnsformytime”Sayingso,shetookthebroomaasawalkingstickthewayAmaliausedtoandwalkedaway.AishawatchedDorna’sregfigurewithmaterioionshipwiththeyounggirlwasascloseasmotheranddaughter.

AtthebackoftheGreatHall,therewasadoorosideleadingtoasidehall,whereKingDimitrioftenhelddlelightbas.Sometimeonmoonlitnightsevendlesweresuperfluous.Everyonewouldbaskinthemoonlightsinging,drinkingaingpoems.Butsuchpoetiightbashaven’tbeenheldforalongtime.hewindow,therewasalongtablewherethebeautiesoftencameforbreakfast,andtoseeeachotherandsocialize.AishawalkedintothesidehalndfoundMegandrinkingcoffeewhileflippingthroughsomemagazines.WhenMegansawAishaein,sheimmediatelystoodupatattention.

“Pleasebeseated”saidAisha.“Rexanddon’tbesoformal.Itmakesmefeesifwearenotascloseanymore.”

“No.No.”repliedMegan.“Thisistherespectwemustgiveourqueen.”ShedidnotsitdownagainuntilAishawasseated.Theattendantbroughtssoffreshlysqueezedejuice,avegetablesadandafewpiethatAishahadorderedforherbreakfastthedaybefore.Aftertheattenda,Aishaasked,“Iseverythinggoingwell?”

“Yes.Everythingisgoingsmoothly.”Thenshefrownedandadded,“ButtherewasastrangehappeningIfottotellyouabout.”

“Oh,whatisit?”

“Doyourememberthereisasmallsecretroomatthebackofthergeferenwhereonlyauthorizedpersonnereallowedtogoin?Itaketwelveassistantsthereeverynighttoputfreshsoarofthegodofwealth.Thesarealwaysadozenfresheggs.Ipcethemoarandtakeawaythosepcedtherethenightbefore.Theoakeawayareextremelylightasonlyayshellremained,soallbelievethegodofwealthisalive.Thatday,Iwentinasusualbutfouueofthegodofwealthgohestatueisextremelywellmadeandverylifelike.Butitismadeofmudandwaterafteralndcouldhardlyhavewalkedoffbyitself!Ididnotthinkmuchofitatthetime,butnowthatIthinkofit;it’sratherstrange,isn’tit?”

“IhaveheardKingDimitritalkaboutthestatue”repliedAisha,feelingherheartlurchatMegan’stale.“HetoldmeitwasexquisitelymadeandthatitwasdressediumeandcuplikecapofthegDynasty.KingDimitrisaidhewasgreatlyinspiredbythestatueandthatthoseinspirationswereinstrumentalinbuildinguphisvastfinancialempire.itsdisappearancebeabadomenofthingstoe?Issomethingbadgoingtohappen?”

“No,thereshouldn’tbe.EverythiobefiheemissariesscatteredaroundtheworldhaveallebacktothefoldafterKingDimitritalkedtothem.Eventhosewhowerefeigningpliancewhileactuallyresisting,orwhowereonthevergeofrebellionhaveagainpledgedtheirallegiandhadreasooriestotellofwhytheyactedthewaytheydid.KingDimitrididnotpursuethematterandtheyareallobeyingtheordersoftheKingdom.WehavetakenbackWorldBankandtheinalpresidentandvice-president,RichardandJamazareagainincharge.Everythiobegoingfihereshouldhinguntowardhappening.”

6

“Good.”SaidAishamuchrelieved.“Youarereallyextremelyeffitandsuccessfullygainedbackallthelostground.Ireallyesteemyourwonderfubility.”Meganinterruptedherbeforeshefinishedspeakingandsaid,“ButthefirstthingRichardandJamazdidaftertheywerereinstatedwastoteheirresignationandtheyareveryobstinateaboutit.”

“Really?Couldyoutellmeiailwhatallthisisabout?”

“Ofcourse.Ihavepreparedawritteandwasabouttopresentittoyou.Iwillgiveyouaverbalreportnow.”

SixluxuriousRollsRoycecars,threebdthreewhite,screechedtoahaltinfrontofaBuddhisttemplebythesideoftheke.Twenty-fourpowerfullybuiltmen,well-tailoredsuitstwelveinbdtwelveinwhite,jumpedoutandhurriedintothegateofthetemple,presentingastartlingtrastincolor.Soontheycameoutagainsurroundingtwomen,RicharddressedinbdJamazdressedinwhite,eachcarryingabriefcaseinhishand.TheyallhastilygotintothecarsandmadestraightfortheWorldBank.Thesetwenty-fourbodyguardswerearmedtotheteeth.Eachhada.45magnumunderhisarmandworeholsterscarryingallkindsofautomatidsemi-automaticassaultons.Theirbinedfirepoetrifying.TheywaakebacktheownershipaionofWorldBankonthisday,whentheboardmembersandalltheshareholdersofthebank,rgeandsmall,weregatheredtogetherforameeting.ThesixluxuriouscarsstoppedbeforetheimposiraoWorldBank.Everyooffandhasteothehall,quicklydisarmingthesecurityguardsbeforetheyevenknewwhathitthem.Thentheysimultaneouslytooktheeightelevatorsandmadestraightforthergeferenatthetopofthebuilding.

Theferenwasfilledtoitsfullestcapacity,crowdedwithshareholdersofWorldBank,whoeyedtheinterruptionoftheirmeetingbyRichardandhisgroupofarmedbodyguardswithfearandindignation.Theroombrokeintoanuproar.Thebodyguardsswiftlytookupstrategicpositionsalroundtheroomandiwinklingofaneyegainedpletetrolofthesituation.

“Ladiesalemen.”saidRichardtotheshareholdersinamildandciliatoryvoice.“Don’tbenervous.Ietosolveproblems,nottocreatethem.Ithinkyouareallworriedabouttheeverdownwardtrendofourstock,whichhashitro.WorldBankisnootatostotouch.Butit’salright.IamtheinalpresidentofWorldBank,RichardChao,andthisisinalvice-president,JamazX.WewillbecategoricallyresponsibleforWorldBank’sassetsas.WewilltakeoverthemaaionofWorldBank.Iguarahatwithinthreedaysourstockwillrisefromroaheskies.Doyoubelieveme?”TheskepticalsharehantalkingamongthemselvesandtheroomsoonbuzzedwiththeirversatioioniherRichard’swordsweretobetrusted.RichardlookedatJamazwhotookthecue.Hehelduphissuitcase,raisedhisvoidsaidinhisheavilyatedEnglish,

“Inthisbriefcase,therearethreehundredbilliondolrsinU.S.currency.Isthatenough?Ifnot,Isendformore.”Thefurorintheroomrosetoa.Someoneshouted,

“Iswhatyousaidtrue?Doyoureallymeanitorareyouhoaxingus?”Richardraisedhishandsandsaid,

“Silence.Silenceplease.”Whentheroomquieteddowinued,“Believeitorno,youwillknowthetruthinalittlewhile.Butnow,Imustfirstdealwithsomethingelsemoreimportant.”HegnceddisdainfullyatMr.Kaffeeseatedattheterofthestage,stillwearinghisdarkgssessonoonecouldreadhisexpression.Alsooagewerethe30-40boardmembersofWorldBankaswelsthedepartmentheads.Mr.Kaffeeknewsomething.ThatRichardandJamazwouldeherefullyarmedandprepared,meanttheyhadtheupperhandandheldallthecards,sohedecidedtotrimhissailsandbeaweathercock.Richardwalkedovertohim,tookoutsomepapersfromhisbriefcase,bowedinmogrespedaskedcheekily,

“Doyouhavethesedots,boss?”Hewavedthepapersinfrontofhim.ItwasanofficialdotfromtheMinistryofFinanceregardingliseregistrationofWorldBank,onwhichthenameRichardChaowasstatedaspresident.Inotherwords,thegoverreizedRichardChaoupinasthelegandofficialrepresentativeofWorldBank.Mr.Kaffeewasarmed,butstilltriedtokeepupappearancesbyansweringcalmly,

6

“OfcourseIhavetheliseregistration,butit’slockedupinthesafeinmyoffice.Iwillgogetitandshowittoyou.”Sayingso,hestoodupandmadeasiftoleave.Thetwenty-fourbodyguardsmovedasoneandpoiheirgunsathimmenagly.

“oleaveoreheroomwithoutmyexpresspermission.Nowlistentome,Mr.Kaffeeandlistencarefully.Yourliseregistrationisafake.Youneverfiledtogethelegalrepresentativeintoyournamebecauseyouwereafraidtodrawtheattentionofthejudicialsystemaoiigationsyouwishtoavoid.ThegingofguardsinaninstitutionlikeWorldBankisamajoreventandisneverdonelightlyoriandwellyouknowit.SothatiswhyyousetyourmenonourtraindtriedtoassassinateJamazandme.”Richardhelduphishandstoquietdownthemurmursandexcmationscausedbyhiswordsandtinued,

“Mr.Kaffee,youhavetwochoicesbeforeyou.Eitherwehaveyouarrestedandtakenintocustodybytheauthorities,or...”Richardghimandemphasizedhiswordswithadecisivegestureofhishands,“youscram!KingDimitriistoogenerousbyfartoyou.Hesaidyouweremisguidedbutstilmanoftalent.Ifyouarewillingtoreform,hewillleaveyouawayout.Ifitwerelefttome,Iwouldmuchprefertoputabulletinyoualeeverythinglyondforall!Thisisthemethodyouhabituallyuse,isn’tit?”Mr.KaffeestaredevillyatRichardsaying,

“Alright.Iwillleave.Butdon’tughtooearly.Iwillbeback....”Richardshoutedathim,

“Scram!”Mr.Kaffeestalkedtothedoor.Someouckoutafootandalmosttrippinghimandmadehimflounderwildlytokeepfromfallingftonhisface.Thisicalposesettheroomughing.Mr.Kaffeewasthuspulleddownfromhishighhorseandputtoflight.

Richardturnedhisgheboardmembersamentheadsoage,knowingthatmostofthemwereMr.Kaffee’sstoogesandtrustedfollowersandthereforemustbedealtwithatoookouttwodotsandsaid,

“ThisisgrnationoftheBoardofDirectors.Pleasesign.Andthisisgrnatiomenthead.Pleasesign.”Nosoohewordsoutthaageeruptedinindignationandanger.Somethumpedoableandroseupshouting.

“What!Youwantustn?”

“Wewon’tsign!”

“Whatyoudotous?”Richardshruggedandlookedatthemcasually,

70页

“Don’tbeangry!Don’tbeangry!Iamsuremosthaveyouhaverecordsaedbythepoliceforotheroffences.Iwillsogiveyoutwochoices.Eithergiveyourselfuptotheauthoritiesorbeshhthereandnoromiseyounoonewillbothertoinquiretoodeeplyintothis.”RichardkhesewereMafiathugsanduoodonlytheirowncodeofbehavior,soheturhetableaheirowhodsonthemselves.Itwastheonlywaytodealwiththiskindofhumantrash.Mr.Kaffee’sunderlingsknewRichardmeantwhathesaid,sotheyallsigheirhesheetsofpaper,seeingnootherwayout.Richardturosomeofhisbodyguardsandordered,

“Seethatthesepeopleareescortedoutofthebuilding.Theyarenottotakeanythingfromhere.Notevenascrapofpaper.Allthepapersanddotsintheirofficesaretobesealedupuntilthenewboardofdirectorsandheadsofdepartmentsareelectedandtakeoffice.”Richardthentookoutanotherpieceofpaper.ItwasalistofhatMeganhadmadeandgaveittoabodyguardsaying,

“TakethisandgiveittothepersonmehemtostartproceedingstoappointthesepeopletobethenewBoard

“Ladiesalemen,thismeetingisadjourned.Youeandwaitfoodnews.Iguarathesharesyounowhold,thatyouthiworththepapertheyareprintedon,willturnintogoldmines.WithinthreedaysIpromisethatthestocksofWorldBankwillghtheroof!”Threedayster,thestocksofWorldBankreboundedaspromised.ButRichardandJamazlefttwolettersnationintheiroffidleftwithoutanotherword.

OnhearingMegginn’snarrative,Aishawasdeepinthought.Thenshesaid,

“Idon’tthinkweshouldurgethemtostay.Idoubttheywouldgetheirmindsanyway,nomatterwhatwesay.TheymusthavegottenwindofwhereKingDimitriisandhavegoagafterhim.IamgdKingDimitrihastwosuchgoodfriendswhoarewillingtogiveupfameandfortutobewithhim.”

“Yes.Whatyousayistrue,butaninstitutieasWorldBankotbewithoutahead,oreverythingwillgrindtoahaltandaffectthenormalrhythmofworldey.”

“Yes”saidAishafrowning.“Toputtogetheraivetemporaryleadershipgroupisask”Megginndrankhercoffeesilentlyforamoment.Thenputtingdownhercup,shesaid,

“Forthemoment,IthinkIhadbetterworkatbothjobs.DuriimeIwillworkatWorldBankahingsthere.AtnightIwillebackheretotheKingdom.ThisisKingDimitri’ssupremeheadquartersanditsbusinessotbeleftunattended.Lifeislikeadream,anddreamislikelife.Livingonthisearthapersoherasleeporawake.Thisway,Itakecareofthingsatbothpces.”

“Itwouldbewonderfulifyoudothat,buthowcouldyouburnyourdleatbothendsandworkdayandnightwithoutrest?Youwon’tstlongthisway.Whenyougobaundaneworld,trytofindRichardandJamazandvihemtoreturnandresumetheirjobsaspresidentandvice-presidentofWorldBank.”Megginnnodded,

7

“Good.Iwilldoasyouadvise.

Aishalookedaffeatelyatthebeautybeforeherandsaid,

“IthinkyoumusthavebeeermindbehindtheseswhoorchestratedthetakingbackofWorldBank.Itwasyourstrategythatehetwoofthemtoaplishwhattheydid.TheyonlycarriedoutyourpnofastepbystepandinonebroadstraiheownershipaionofWorldBank.Youarereallyagenius,MeggiheshrewdandastuteIleenotholdadletoyou.”

“Ileen?”Megginn’sirickedbythenameofhernotoriouspredecessor.“Ihaveneverseenher,butIhavereadherbusinesspnsandherentsandinstrusonofficialdots,andreallyadmireherquidandresolutea.ShemustreallyhavebeehelptotheKingdom.ButIheardthatforsomereason,KingDimitriorderedherexecution.Ihaveaskedhimaboutthisrepeatedlybutheseemedtobeunwillingtodiscussit.”Aishadidnotanswerher,butkeptongazingfixedlyatMegginn.Inhermind,shesawagainthegeousandalluringformofIleen.Thoughbothofthesebeautieswereverybeautiful,Ileenwaslikearose,thornyandprickly,whileMegginnwaslikeamagnifitpeony,naiveandartless.Onewaswickedandviciousasaserpent,whiletheotherstillretainedherchildlikeinnoce.Thesayinggoes,“People’sihoughtsareasdifferentastheirexternappearances.”Oronemoreappropriatelysaythatthedifferencesarehardtocalcute.

Justthen,Samantha,whomwehaven’tseenforquiteawhile,strolledingracefullywithaeseherhand,sippingthegreenteagiventoherbyLotus.Aformermodelofiionalfame,shehadretainedherinparablestyleandgeousfigure.ShebowedtoAishaaookherseat.WhenMegginnsawher,shesuddenlyhadagreatidea.NotwaitingforAishatospeak,sheimmediatelysaid,

“That’sgreat!WhySamanthagobaundaneworldwithme?SamanthausedtobeamuchsoughtaftertopEuropeanmodel.Shewasiionallyfamousandknewalotofpeople.Hersocialskillsaresuperb.Withhertohelpmedealwithsociaffairs,Itrateonbusiness.DuringMr.Kaffee’sproprietorship,hehadsadlyedallspheresofbusinessofWorldBank.EverythingisinshamblesandIhavetostartfromscratdreahewholesystem,whichwilltakeupalotoftime.”SamanthawasmystifiedandlookedenquiringlyatAisha,whothenexpinedeverythingtoher.Samanthacrossedherbeautifullonglegs,exhibitinggoldenslippersadorhrubies.ShesippedherteaandlisteeoAisha’snarrative.AfterliviranquillifeoftheKingdomofDreams,withlongperiodsofidoltimeonherhands,shefeltastirringinherbreast,ahankeringforge,sowhenAishaaskedforheropinion,shesaid

“Whynot?IhavebeenattheKingdomofDreamsforalongtimeandhavenothingmoreimportanttodohereotherthandesigningnewclothesandpractigwalkingdowntherunways.IhavebeenfeelingboredandwouldwelethecetogowithMegginntothemundaneworld.IgathererialformydesigsomeoldfriendsandhelpMegginnsociallybydoingsomep.r.work.Whynot?”AishaythatSamanthaseemedagreeabletoMegginn’spn.

“That’sgood.Whendoyoutwopntoleave?”Megginnsuddenlythoughtofsomething,turoAishaandsaid,

“BeforeweleavethereissomethingIneedyouropinionon.IamverycuriousaboutIleenaIcameheretootetomeether.IalwayswaoknowwhyshedecidedtobuygoldfromalroundtheworldandhavethemshippedbackheretotheKingdom.Nowadays,oilpricesaresandgoldhasgoneupmanifold.Ifwesoldthegoldinourhands,wecouldtripleorquadrupleainsandmakehugeprofits.Whatdoyouthink,Aisha?”

“Iotdecideonthis.IthinkweshouldsultKingDimitriaboutit.”

7

“Idon’tthinkweshoulddoso,”saidSamantha,expressingheropinion.“Thegoldpaceisanexquisiteworkofartandotbepthesamelevesgoldmetalcalcutedbyweight.Artispriceless.Ithinkthegoldpaceisawoheworldandtheprideofthehumanrace.”Aishanoddedslightlyinagreementwithherpointofview.

“It’sjustasuggestion”saidMegginn.“Iwon’tinsistondoingso.Actually,Iamquitemystifiedbythepresentstateofworldey.Inftionandrecessioatthesametime.Thisneverhappenedbefore.IfeesifIaminaheavyfog.Iotseethroughitanddonotknowifthereiscrisisloomingbeforeme.Ilybeextracarefundcautioussoasnottobetakenbysurpriseandtrytobepreparedforanytingency.Atsuchtimes,IreallyfeelinsignifitaheguidanceofKingDimitri’slong-sightednessandhisboldandresoluteasothatiercethroughthefogahroughallbarriers.”

“Actually,KingDimitri’swealthisastronomidincalcuble”saidAisha.“Wedonotreallyoseektoaddtoit.Wejusthavetomaintainastableahyeicorder.ThiswouldbethebestsituatiDimitrihimself,forhisKingdomofDreamsandforworldfinangeneral.”Thefutureofworldeicswasthussettledinthecasualversationofthethreenakedbeauties.

Smokeanddustraisedbythepassingbusgraduallysettled,revealingthefigureofMr.Kaffee.Hisfacethatusedtobefulndplumpwasnowhaggardandgaunt,everywrinkleemphasized.Hisirongreyhairwasblowneverywhichwaybythewind.Straosay,hedidnothaveonhistrade-markdarkgsses.Hisnormallywell-pressed,snow-whiteshirtwasdirtyandunbuttoscolrsoiledandlihbckgrease.Hisexpensive,well-tailreysuitwassowrinkledandoutofshapethatitlookedasifithadbeenexcavatedfromagarbage.HesquattedattheerofthestreetacrossfromWorldBank,attheverypgDimitrioedforthedoorsofthebanktoopen.Atthattime,DimitriwastryingtogetmoopayJamaz’smedicalbills.Ironically,nowitwasMr.Kaffe’sturhesamepcelookingdazedlyattheimposiraoWorldBahoughtofthedayhewasthrownoutofthebuilding,headhunglow,eyesrestrictedtotheowofeetofspacebeforehim,ntomeettheptuouseyesofhisderisiveandmogex-coworkers.Helefthurriedlyandwanderedaimlesslyoreetsandalleys.Butmisfortunefollowedhiseveralthousanddolrsuit,silkshirtwithdiamondcufflinks,diamondstuddedgoldwatch,Italiahershoesa,andpocketsfullofcashweremagotheireyes.Especiallyeye-catgwasthathugesolitaireonhisfinger.Whenhewalkedpassanalley,somethingheavyhitthebackofhisheadandhefelltotheground,unscious.Whenhefinallycameto,hehadasplittingheadache.Raisinghishandtotouchthepainfulbumponhishead,hefoundthateverythingonhishandhadbeenstripped.Hispocketswerealsoempty,leavinghimliterallywithonlytheclothesonhisbadespair,hetriedtoapproaeoftheunderlingshehadpromotedtohighpces,butknowinghewasnowoutofpowerandnolohepresidentofWorldBank,theyavoidedhimlikethepgueandwouldnotraiseafiohelphiminanyway.ItwasthenthatMr.Kaffeefinallyuoodthewaysoftheworldwerefakeihepeoplewhousedtosurroundhumsoobsequiously,obeyinghiseveryorder,toadyingtohiseverywishwerereallyonlyrabblesofsociety.Whentherewasnothingtobegaiheyallscatteredtothefourwinds.Whocaredaboutfriendship,moralsorprinciples?Mr.Kaffeesmiledicallyandthought,

“SeehowlowIhavesunk?Iamnowadown-on-my-luckbigshot.IhadbeenrichasMidas,butthat’salli.TodayIamworsethanabeggar.”

JustasMr.Kaffeewaswallowinginself-pity,aluxurioussedandroveupandstoppedattheentraoWordBankacrossthestreet.Twobeautifundsophisticatedwomendressedintheheightoffashion,steppedoutandwalkedintothebank.Mr.Kaffeereizedohem.“Isn’tthattheretiredtopEuropeanmodelSamantha?Theotheronelooksfamiliartoo,butIdon’trememberwhereIhadseenherbefore...Ohyes,isn’tthatthefinancialgeniusMegginn?”Mr.Kaffeehadlustedafterherbeauty,covetedherresearchachievementsandtriedtotakeadvantageofher.

“Howdidthesetwogettogether”hewoheyreallywereMegginnandSamantha,nowthenewpresidentandvice-presidentofWorldBank.Mr.Kaffeefeltinhispocketforhiswallet,ahabitualreflexwithhim,andfoundthemempty.Wheneverhesawabeautifulwoman,hereachedforhiswalletwhichalwaysheldathickwadofcashandsomesexenhangpills.Butnowhehadnothing.Mr.Kaffee’sirongreyhairwasblownaboutbythewind.Hismindwasinturmoil.

“WherehastheyoungandrobustOliverKaffeegone?Irememberthetimewhenmybrainhadonlytoandandmypeniswouldreactimmediately.AmIreallyoldnowandlyrelystoachievemygoal?AmIreallyold?NotonlyamIold,mypenisisoldtoo.AmInolongerabletoperformwithmyrade-in-arms?Arethegoodolddaysgoneforever,oreturn?”Mr.Kaffeesppedhimselfsaying,

“Areyoumad?Thefirstpriorityofthemomentistosolvetheproblemofwhattodohisisnotthetimetoeainwildflightsoffancy.Iamhungry,thirstyandtired.Ihadbettertrytofillmystomadfindapcetosleep.Therestwait.Iotjuststayhereandbeeabeggar.AmItobereduelessperson,beggingoreetsfrompcetopce?”Mr.Kaffeewasusedtoafortableandluxuriouslife.Hehadspenthistimescheminganddouble-dealingandhadlonglosttheabilitytoearnaliving.Thoughhewasofhumblebeginnings,hereliedonhisyouth,hisphysicalstrength,hisbrashanddaringspirittobzehisbloodypathintheunderworldfromaon‘soldier’totheMafiaboss.Buttimehadtakenitstolndhisphysicalstrengthwasnotwhatitwas.Tofallnowfromthepinnacleofhispowerwastheworseofallpossiblesarios.Henolongerhadthestaminatostartfromscratchagain.Mr.Kaffeethought,

“Istartedfromnothing.Withmybarehands,Ifoughtmy.Iamassedgreatwealth.Ihadabsolutepower.Butiumnofmylife,Iambacktozero.Thebeginningandendofmylifearebothzero.It’sreallytragic!Buteveryone’slifewillbebacktozerowithoutexception.NotevenDimitriwillbeexempt.Whenfrohdeath,hislifewillsobezero.Noexception.Noexceptionatall.Ihavetimeandagainbeeedbyhim.Heismynemesis.Hislifeseemstoberal,positioween0aiweenhaveandhavenot,betweeyanddreams,betweenlifeah.Dimitriisreallystrange.Hehasdefeatedmetimeandagain,buthealwaysleftmeawayout.ShouldIbegratefultohimorshouldIhatehim?Ireallydonotknow.Iamfusedaboutwhat’sonmymind.”Mr.Kaffeelookedatthedarkeningskies.Toavoidtheembarrassmentofmeetingpeopleheusedtoknowabythem,hestoodupandwalkedawaywithtiredanddraggi,walkingonaimlessly.Itwastimeforpeopletobegettingofffromwork.

7

Darknessdesdedandthenumberofcarsontheroadlessenedsiderably.Mr.KaffeewasstilllaimlesslyoreetswhensuddenlythewindbroughttohimentigsmellofBBQmeatbeinggrilled.Hestoppeddeadinhistradlookedaroundhim.Hewasattheborderofarundownaedrosegardenah-watering,ambrosialsmellcamefromsomewheredeepiherownbushes.Onandoffhealsoheardindistinct,muffledsoundsofughterandversation.Uowithstandthelureofdeliciousfood,hefollowedthestandwalkedfurtherintothedesertedgarden.Threemensatcross-leggedonthegroundaroundabzingfireatasecludedclearingdeepihegarden.Theradiobesidethemwastransmittinglightjazzmusic.ItwasDimitriandhistwogoodfriendsRichardandJamaz.Theywereroastioverthefireaing,drinkingandtalkinganimatedlyispirits.Richardwasexultantandbeaming.HewasvolublyretingtoDimitrihowtheytookbackWorldBank.

“Ohboy!Youshouldhavebeenthere!Itwasreallygreat!Sodramatic!ThankstoMegginnwhahewholethingsometiculously,takingcareofthemidetail,wewereabletocarryoutthepnseamlesslywithoutahitch.ThiswasallduetoMegginn.”Dimitrisippedhisbeerleisurelyandasked,

“Youtwodon’twanttobepresidentandvice-presidentofWorldBank.Whatdoyouiodo?”

“Wehaven’tgivenitmuchthoughtyet”admittedRichard.“JamazandIhavespentsomuchtimeinterror,alwaysontherun,justoepaheadofassassinsthatournervousarereallyshot.Weiotakeiteasyforawhileandspendsometimerecuperating,enjoyingourfreedom,justdoingwhateverwefeellikewheneverwewantto,totallyunencumbered.Ifwedon’twanttodoanythiwon’t!”

“Great!”saidJamaz.Takingupthebeerbottleheliftedhisheadandtookaswing.“That’salsomyideaofanideallife”headded.Thensuddenly,heswungaroundandjumpedupwiththebottlestillinhishand.Pointingatthetall,darkbushesheshouted,“Who’shidingtheresostealthily?eonout!”

Fromoutoftheshadowscameatall,rgeandimposingfigure,butwithatoddling,unsteadygait.RichardandJamazcriedoutsimultaneously,

“It’syou?OliverKaffee?”

“Good!”excimedRichard.“Thisisswell!Ofallthepcesyoucouldhavegoo,youchoosetoehererightintoourhands!!You’redeadmeat,man!Whatareyouherefor?Doyou...”Dimitriinterrupted,

“ehere,oldfriend.Putdownyourheavyburdensaforawhile.Iknowyouarehungry,thirstyanddogtired.Sitwithusandfillyourstomachbeforewetalk.”Knowingthathehadalreadysunktoroandhadoturntoanyway,OliverKaffeetooka‘ewhatmay’attitude.Ignthefactthathemaybeinthehandsofdeadlyfoes,peoplehehadgreatlywronged,hedecidedtosatehishungerfirst.Hesatdownnontlyonthegroundliketherabbedapieeatandgobbleditdownies.Hedrankthirstilyfromthebottleandwolfeddowhinginsightbeforebelgloudlyinsatisfa.Thenhesighedandsaidshame-facedlytoDimitri.

“IIhavegreatlywrongedyou.Youhelpedme,promotedme,butIspiredagainstyouandtriedtorobyouofyourforturiedtokillyou.TodayIknoronganddeeplyregretwhatIhavedoit’stoote.YoutellmewhatIshoulddonow,Dimitriandevenifyouwaodie,Iacceptyourdecreewithatioment,withoutamurmur.”Dimitrismiledathim,

7

“WhywouldIwantyoutodie?Inmyview,deathdoes.Lifeahhasnodefiniteborderahisnotthebestunishpeople.IhaveabetterwaytoreformasihewordsseemedtotouchacoreinOliverKaffee,whomusedandseemedengrossedinthoughtasifenlightened.HeturnedandsawRichardandJamaz.Heaskedthem,

“Wherehaveyoutwobeenhidingallthistime?MypeoplelookedallovertheBayArea,ateverynookandybutcouldfindnotraceofyou.ThatiswhyIhavebeenonpinsandneedles,restlesswithay.Ifyoutwoescapedmeanduncoveredmyspiracy,youwillexposemeforthehypocriteIamandIwilllosemyreputationandhavenostandinginsociety.”

“Soyoutooknowwhatitistobeonpinsandneedles,eh?”saidRichard.“Itwaslikethatforus.Wehadtobeontherunandlookoverourshouldersallthetime.Weseeeverybushandtreeasysingtokillus.Why?Whymakeeveryoremelynervousanduohaveamomentofpeadquiet?Well,nowthatitdoesn’tmatteranymoreItellyouweneverlefttheBayArea.Wehidinasmalltemplebytheke.It’sluckyyouhoughttolookforusthere!”

“WasthattheBuddhisttemplebyLakeMerritt?Myformer#1assassinisnowamonkinthattemple.Hehassworakeasiepoutofthetemplewhilehelivedahed,andsecludedhimselftheretospeofhislifeinprayeranddoingpe’sreallyunimagiohavesuchperseveranless...”OliverKaffeelookedatDimitriandsaidslowly,

“Coulditbethatitisalsomyfiination?”

“Ihavethoughtofthat,too”saidDimitrismilingathimknowingly.Youuandmenohurtsyouandotherpeople.Youotkillit,butyoutameit.Hereafter,youmustbeextravigintaboutthisshatwillbeyourprimarygoalwhenyouareatthetemple.”

OliverKaffeemulledoverDimitri’swordsandthought,

“Heisright.Thereisavenomoussnakeinmegnawingatmysoul.Whenmyambitioncouldn’tberealizedorsatisfied,thatsnakedrovemetotrytoattainmygoatanyprice,byanymeans,whateverthesequences,evenatthesacrifiahesatisfaygreedandavaricepriority.Enmity,jealousy,envyandangerwerelikepoisonoussnakesgnawingatmysoundIneverkpoisonoussnakeishumannature.Itotbekilled,butbetamed.”Dimitrifinishedoffthebeerile,stoodupandsaid,

“Ihavethingstodoandmustleavenow.Seeyouallter.”Heturnedandwalkedintotherosebushesandsoondisappearedintothedarknessofnight.

RichardandJamazwereusedtoDimitri’sunventionalhabitofingandgoingashepleased,sotheydidnothingtostophiheoutthefireandeachfoundtheirownspotinthehalf-burnthousealeddownforthenight.Atdawm,thethreeofthemcametotheBuddhistTemplebythekeandkhed-Oweledthemin.Hewasnoloheugly,ferociouslookingmanheusedtobe.Hehadturoabenignandkiedmonk.Straosaythegeofhearteventuallygeone’sveryappearahefirstlightofdawn,Big-OshavedoffOliverKaffee’shairandtookhimintothetemple.Thoughhishairwasshavedoff,Mr.Kaffeewasstilypersonanddidnotjointheorder.

7

Dimitriwalkedonalone.Nightwasdeepandbothpedestriansandcarswerescarthestreets.Hecouldnotexpinwhyhehadleftsoabruptlyandwalkedoffbyhimself,leavinghisthreefriendsinthedesertedrosegarden.Hisintuitioointimatethatsomethingwasabouttohappen.Butwhat?Hedidnotknodonhewalked,notknowinghowmanystreetshehadcrossedorhowfarhehadgonewhensuddenlythestoflicsfilledtheair.No,itwasthefragranceofaveryexpensiveperfume.Awomanmustbestandingsomewhereahead.Justthen,hiswhiteehitsomething.Itwastheheelofawoman’sshoes.Thewomanturnedandexcimed,

“Dimitri!Isthatyou?Itmustbeyou.Iknewyouwouldetomyrescue.”ThewomanthrewherselfintoDimitri’sarmsandhekhenitwasMegginn.Hekissedheronthecheekandasked,

“It’ste.Whatareyoudoingherealohestreets?It’stoodangerous!”

“Ifitweren’tso,howwouldIbeabletomeetyouagain?Youreallykeptyourpromisetohelpmewhenevermydipidatedcarbrokedown.Youareamanofyourword...”SuddenlyMeggiherewassomethingdifferentaboutDimitri.Shewavedherhandinfrontofhisface,butDimitridid.“Dimitri!“sheexcimed“What’swrongwithyoureyes?”

“Let’stalkwheoyourcar.Theoldroutine,Megginn.Yougetintothedstarttheengine.Iwillgiveitastrongpushfromtheback.”Soon,thecarstartedupslowly.Dimitrifelthiswaytothefrontandquicklyjumpedintothepassenger’sseat.

“IheardElenasaythatonedayyouwouldgoblind.I’msorrytofindthatdayisalreadyhere.Butthesttimewemet,youreyeswerefine!”

“Whendidwestmeet?ItwasindomofDreams,wasn’tit?Youmustknowthatdomiswovenbydreams.Nothingisimpossibleindreamnd.Nowweareintherealworld.Wemustfacereality;adjustourstateofmindtoadapttothehugediffereweendreamsay.”

“Whetherit’sdreamsorreality,let’sgohometoourminiaturecastle.Letmetakegoodcareofyoutonight.”Dimitrithoughtforamomentandthenhesmiledandsaid,

“Letmetakeyoutomeetsomeoldfriends”

“Oldfriends?Whoarethey?”

7

“Don’task.Youwillknowwhenyouseethem.”Thebatteredbeige-coloredautomobileturnedrightandthe.Soontheycametoapcebytheke.Theyparkedthecaracrossthestreetandwasabouttoknockatthebackdoor,whenthedooropenedandMarkandLavernewalkedout.LaverhatlivingwithMark,abig,tallman,inahousethatwaslikeafemaledormitory,fullofDimitri’sbeautiesardandinve,sotheyhadrentedaroomnearbyandwasabouttogothere.

Thefourofthemlookedateachotherforalongmoment.WhenMegginnandLavernebecameawareofwhotheotherwas,theyexcimedeachother’snameandhuggedandkissed,exgindelight.Amaliahadalreadygoobed,butMary,YokoandSheiwerestillchattingintheba.Attractedbytheside,theyturnedandsawthatDimitrihadeback,followedbyMarkandLaverne,whoenteredhandinhandwithanotherwomaheycameintothebrightlylitroomandthefivewnizedeachother,theysquealedinsurprise,ughing,ghuggingandkissingeachother.TheotionledanirascibleAmaliadowairs,rubbinghereyessleepily,exgbad-temperedly,

“What’sallthisracketaboutdownthere?Don’tyouknowI’mtryingtogetsomesleep?”

“I’msorry.I’msorry,Amaliaforinterruptingyoursleep.I’mMegginn.Icameespeciallytoseeyou.Howareyou...?”MegginnknewAmalia’sshorttermmemorywasbadbecauseeandherillness,sosherepeatedagain,“IamMegginn.Icameespeciallytoseeyou.Doyourememberme?Megginn?Howareyoudoing...?”Amalialookedatherfaceforawhileandthenaskedhesitantly,

“Oh!AreyoutheQueenoftheKingdomofDreams?I...I...I...amgreatlyhohatyourmajestyhasehere....”

“Oh,no,no,no.”Megginnhastilyexpined,“Iamnotthequeen.ThequeenisAisha.IamMegginn.Doyourememberme?”Amaliaagainthoughtforawhile.Thenshesuddenlyexcimed,

“Oh,yes,yes,yes!Iremembernow.Youaretheoneinchargeofmoney,right?”

“Yes.Yes.”Megginnhat’sright.That’sme.”Everyonebubbledwithughter.ThenAmaliaaskedagain,

“Didthehugebckbirdthatflyveryhigh,veryfastandveryfarewithyou?”

“Ohno.That’sMedusa.SheistheguardianoftheKingdom.Itistooimportantajobforhertoleaveeasily.ShehastoguardtheheartoftheKingdomatalltimes.”

7

“Ohyes.Ohyes.Iamverygdthatyouhaveegginn.”

“Whydon’tweopenabottleofChampaigntocelebratethisreunion?”suggestedYoko.

Everyonewasinhighspiritsahusiasticallyagreed.Theybusiedthemselvesgettingoutthecrystalgsses,horsd’oeuvres,fingerfoodandsooneveryonewassittingarouableeating,drinkingandtalking.Fiveyoungwomengatheredtogetherafteralongabsencehadalottotalkaboutandtheycertainlytalkedupastorm.Dimitrisattherelisteningtothemwithoutjoiningin,butheenjoyedapleasurablefeelingofhappinessandpeacejustasaspectator.

Marytoldabouthowsheaookoverthebakeryandtriedhardtomakeagoofit,howtheymetDimitri,howMarkandhisbrideLavernejoihemandmoreretlyhowMaryandYokoquittheirjobsandbecamefull-timeworkersheretoo,Theywereallequal,wtogetherasateam.Everyonewasbothbossandemployeeandsharedequallyintheprofitsandthework.Sheadded,“WewereveryluckytohavegottenDimitri’suniquerecipesandhisownspecialteiques,whichhavemadeourproductsverysuperior.Weehaveattractedaloyaltelewhoqueueuppatientlyeverydaytobuyoods.It’sgottensoverybusythatwearealwaysshort-handed.”

“It’sOK”repliedMegginn.“I’llbehappytoeandhelpout,tooandjoinyourranks.How’sthat?”

“No,thatwon’tdo”interruptedDimitrimatter-of-factly.“YouarenowthepresidentofWorldBank.Ifpeoplefindoutyouarewhere,itwoulddrawmediascrutinyandevenworse,theunweleattentionofthepaparazzi.ThenjustasAmaliasaid,youwon’tbeabletogetgoodnight’ssleep.”

“Iknow,”ughedMegginn“Itwasjustwishfulthinking.OfcourseIknowI’treallydoso.”

“HeyMegginn”saidYoko.“Youareabigshotnow!Youhavebeenpromotedtobepresidentofabank,eh?”

“Whatbigshot?IamonlysvingforourmajestyKingDimitri.”ThensheproceededtotellthemallofherschemetohelpRichardandJamazregaintheownershipandtrolofWorldBank,buthowoheysucceededRichardandJamazleftaresignatioeranddisappearedwithoutaword!Sonowshewasleftholdingthebag,watWorldBankduringthedayandtakingcareofthingsattheKingdomofDreamsatnight.She’sbeeingverylittlesleepa.ButshedoeshaveSamanthatohelphersociallywiththep.r.work.

“I’msorrytoputtheburdenonyourshoulders,Megginn.Butitisjustforthetimebeing.Ihavealreadyfoundyourrept.”

7

“Whoisit?WhoistotakemypceatWorldBahimorherea.s.a.p.Ihavemyhandsfulndbadlyneedhelp.”

“Iknow.Justhangintherealittlewhilelonger.Reliefisontheway.Astowhoitis,youwillknowwheimees.”Megginngavehimawhiteeyebutdidnotpersist.Dimitritinued“YoujustsaidSamanthaisheretoo.Howeshedidnotewithyoutoday?”

“Ithinkshehasalreadybeehisafternoon.”Everyonelookedatherinsurprise.

“Really?Thenhowewehaven’tseenher?”

Meggioldthemaboutpehatafternooofthematterwas,eversinceSamanthabeganwatWorldBankshehadbeenhearingalotaboutapopurnewbakerybythekecalled“Dream-maker’sBakery”whosepriceswerereasonableandwhoseproductswereveryoutstanding.ThewordsstruckacordandSamanthathoughtitmightbeavaluableclueastothewhereaboutsofKingDimitri.Soshedecidedtogotherepersonallyaheyofthend.Thatafternoon,shedrovealongtothekeandsawthesign,“Dream-maker’sBakery”.Sheparkedhercaracrossthestreetandwalkedovertotheshop.Shewaswearingalongbckvelvetskirt,low-cutwhitesilkblouse,plementedbyaglitteringdiamondneckce.Overhershoulderswasdrapedawhitefurrycoat.Itwasobvioustoanyobserverthatthiswasawealthysocialite.Shewalkedintotheshop,lookedaroundinalldiresandfoundthatitwasonlyanordinarybakerysellingbread,cakesandpastries,nothingoutoftheordinary..Thatafternoonbusinesswasslow,soonlyAmaliawasthere.heotherswerearound.SamanthatookaFrenchrolndwalkedovertothetertopayforit.Amalialookedathercoldlyandsaid,

“Notforsale.”

“Whynot?Isn’tthisabakerythat’sopenforbusiness?”askedSamantha,rathersurprised.

“Ofcourseenforbusiness.Ijustwotoyou!”

“Whywon’tyousellittome?”askedSamantha,ratheraffronted.

“Firstofall,wedoopeopledrivingluxurycards.Sedly,Ineverselltopeoplewearingdiamondneckces!That’smyrule.WhenIsayIdon’tsell,Ijustdon’tsell!”Samanthabecameangryandthoughtthesalespersonwasreallyunreasonableandirrational.ShelookedatheroncemoreandrealizedthatitwasAmalia,whomsheknewwasaffectedbyAlzheimer’sdisease.Shedidnotwanttuewiththeoldwoman.IfAmaliawashere,couldDimitribefaraway?Sosheturnedarounddegtoleavefirst.