sbyhereverynowandthen,wavethebroomatherandwatchherrea.Repetitionmaytriggerhermemory.”Dornawalkedbacktoherseatideje.Sheclutchedthebroomaougandpressingit,stubbornlytryingtofindoutthesecretofitsoperation.Halffrustratedandhalfughing,QueenAishareallydidoknowwhattodowiththisstubbirl.Justatthatmoment,asuddenburstofappreciativeshoutsandappusewasheardingfromtheclouds.

AfterWhiteFairyleftthepace,sheflewstraighttowardsthecloudyer.Thesightthatmethereyeswhensheoncemorebrokethroughwastrulybreathe-taking.KingDimitriwaschasingafterafleeingsun,leavinghisbackfullyexposed,wideopentoApollo,whosebowwasalreadyfullydrawn,andhisgoldarrowreadytofly.Atthiscrucialpoint,WhiteFairyhadnotimetoworryaboutbeingseen.Asalightpuffofsmoke,sheflewstraighttowardsApollo,managingtodriftpasthiseyesjustashewaslettinggoofhisarrowhile,KingDimitriheardthe‘ping’ofabandknewanarrowwasing.Heshiftedhisbodytotheleft,shothisarmoutintheairandcaughtApollo’sgoldarrowdeftlyinhishandasitwentzoomingby.Hestoppedhisgallopinghorse,turaround,fixedthearrowontohisownbowandshhtbacktoApollo,allthisinonefluidmovementatlightningspeed.Apollosawabrightgoldenspeeflyingtowardshihenraisinghisarm,hecaughthisowngoldenarrowinhishand.BothApolloandKingDimitri’sbhtyones.Whechedtotheirlimitahearrowsflyatfullvelocity,theirpoeedwerereallyformidable.Forthetwoofthemtocatcheachother’sarrowwiththeirbarehandssocasuallyandnontly,lefttheirappreciativeaudienceawe-

stri.Itwasonlyafteramomentofpletesilethebattlefielderuptedwithshouts,appuseandexcmationsthatstedforalongtime.

Brandishinghissword,unequalledinsharpness,KingDimitriurgedhishorsequicklytowardsApollo.Apollo,too,soughttoattackhead-on.Drivinghischariottomeethisoppo,henoticedthattheswordinKingDimitri’shandshohachillingbrilliahattheintricatemovementsheexhibitedwhenflourishingitprovidedaweboflightwhichwasalmostimpeable.Apollo’sgoldenspears,attagwithanairofease,self-fidendskill;sometimesstag,sometimesdefending.Asthetwoofthemfoughton,eachexertinghisbestefforts,theiraudienceweresoentraheystaredunblinkinglyandfoteventobreathenottosayappudorshout!Twohugesuns,hopingtocatchthemoffguarddroppedstraightdownfromonhigh,likeapairofheavy,massiveweights,targetingtheheadsofthetwobatants.KingDimitri’sever-vigintsteed,Lightning,agilelysteppedaside,cleverlyavoidingtheblohetwosuns,frustratedattheirdodgiacktriedtoslinkaway.KingDimitriurgedhishorseforwardandLightningsprangintotheairinpursuit,unwillingtoletthefleeingenemyescape.KingDimitriswungatthesuimeswithhissword,cuttingitintoseveralpieces,whichfelldownfromthecloudyerieandintangiblespace.Apollo,too,threwhisgoldetheothersun,riddlingitwithholes,untilittoofellintospace.ThegoldenspearflewbacktoApollo’shandawotiheirinterruptedbattle.Theeye-dazzliheswordandthespear,thetoandfroofnumerousrounds,elicitedspontaneousappuseandstartledandamazedshoutsfromtheiraudience,whohadfinallyawakenedfromtheirenrapturedstuportoexpresstheirappreciation.Bythensixsunshadbeeneliminated.

KingDimitriandApollo’smindswerehighlytratedontheirbattle.Everythrustofsear,everyturnofhorseandchariotwerecalcuted,forinalifeahbattlebetwees,eventheslightestmistakemaycostthemtheirlives.Thetwomenwerehighlyfocusedtotheexclusionoftheirsurroundingswhentwomoresunsthatseemedtohaveetoaanding,camebargingontothese.Theytookturnsattagfromdifferentdires,liketwoswingingclodulums,oneiheotherswungaway,effectivelydistragthetwobatantsfromfogontheirbattle.KingDimitriandApolloexgedasilentgaderstanding,andchoositimioack.Bothofthemsimultaneouslytookuptheirbowandarrowaargetedasun.Thearrowshittheirmarksandbothsunsfelloffthecloudyer.

Thunderouscheers,shoutsandgrewardedtheirvictory.Bythen,therewereonlytwosuinthesky.Theinalsunwassedatelyrotatingonitsorbitinthesorsystemasusual,buttheuesuoamadfrenzyacrashingtowardstheinalsunonasuicidemission,intendingtoperishtogether.

14

“Ohno!”thoughtKingDimitri.“Ieverallowthattohappen!”Takinguphisbowandarrow,hewasabouttoshoot,whenoutoftheerofhiseye,heglimpsedApollo,hisbowtaut,abouttoshoottheinalsunrotatingonitsorbit.

“Ohno!Heotdothat!Itwouldbeacatastrophe!”Atthiscritient,KingDimitriletflytwoarrows.Oowardsthesuicidalroguesun,hititandforcedittofallintheabyssbelow.TheotherarrowwentstraightforApollo’sgoldarrowwhichwasaimedattheinalsun.ThoughdispatchedslightlyafterApollo’sgoldarrow,KingDimitri’sarrowcaughtupwithitjustinanieandhititawayjustasitwasabouttoreachitstarget.ThesoldierswerealstoundedbyKingDimitri’sastonishiandpletelymesmerizedbyhisalmostmagicalskiltarchery.TheSunGodcriedangrily,

“Dimitri!Whatdoyoumeanbythis?Whydidyouhitmyarrow?”

“Pleasedon’tbeangry!”saidKingDimitripacifyingly,herarrogantnorhumble.Headdedrespectfully,

“MostbenevolentandmercifulSunGod.Ifyourarrowhitthesun,whichwasonlydoingitsjob,rotatingonitsorbit,theentiresorsystemwouldforeverfallintodarkness.Withoutsorenergy,thetemperatureoftheearthwoulddropdrasticallyandalllifewouldbewipedout.Idon’tthinkyouwouldliketoseesuchthingshappen,yhness.”Hesmiledmodestlyandtinued,

“Whatjusthappenedwasryingtoshowoffmyexpertise.IbelieveifIcouldhityourarrow,you,too,couldhitmine.Right?”Apollodidnotanswer.Zeus’sonorousughwasheardfromafarandhewavedatthetwoofthem.Theyswiftlywentbyhorseandchariottowardsthepcewherethetwebannersflutteredinthebreeze.

KingDimitrijumpedfromhishorseandApolloalightedfromhischariot.TheybothbowedtoZeusandtheostandbyhisside.Zeussonorousvoicesoundedagain,

“Iwillbethejudgeandpronounceajustandpeacefulsentence.KingDimitrishotdownfivesuns.Apolloshotdownfour.ButifhisgoldarrowhadnotbeenshotdownbyKingDimitri,hewouldalsohavegottenfivesuns.SoIdecrethematchadraw.Letthismattereoday.Fromnowon,youtwoturnfromeofriendsandbeebrothers.”KingDimitriandApollolookedateachother.Theysmiled.Fourhandscspedtightlytogetherandtheyembracedeachotherwarmly.Heroesknoreciateeachother.Mutuadmirationwasevideheirexpressions.Zeustinued.

“Thoseninesunsseemhighlysuspicious.Ibelievetheyarethepersonificationofsomemonstersanddemons.Iknownotwheretheyarefromnowwhytheygatherheretoday.Ittookyourbinedeffortstodestroythem.heroneofyouwouldhavebeeodealwiththemsingle-handedly.Iamveryhappythatwhatbeganasapunitiveexpeditionendedtallyinsuchamagnifitvictory.Itehetwoofyoutomeetandfighttogethertodestroythesemonstersandeliminatesfortheuniverse.Iamveryhappyaboutthis.....”HestoppedforamomentaaringatKingDimitri,hesaid,

“Ineverdreamed...Ineverdreamedthatatthisremotepartoftheuniverse,inatinyunknownkingdom,thereisakingsuchasyou,brave,ceousandintelligent.Good!Good!Fromnowon,Inullifyourpreviousretionshipofliegelordandvassal.Youarenolongermysubjedowemeallegiance.Fromnowon,wearebothkingsaonequalfootingastwosns.Ourtwokingdomswillbefriendlytoeachother.”

14

“Thankyou,yourmajesty.Thankyouyourmajesty”saidKingDimitri,bowing.“Sinceyousodecree,Iwillobeyyourand.”

“Butdon’tfetyourpromise”saidZeus.“Startingfromtomorrow,Iwillgiveyouthreedaystopletelydestroyyoldpace.”

“Iwillkeepmyword”repliedKingDimitri.

“Well,siisso,Iwillgiveordersformytroopstoreturntoourheavenlykingdom.”

JustasZeuswasabouttoraisehisarmtoorderthewithdrawal,thetwoyoungnymphswhohadbeelingbyhisside,walkedbeforehimadown.Theysaid,

“DearfatherZeus,thetwoofushaveaboontoaskofyou.Wewanttomovetothemoontolive.Duringtheday,wewillreturntotheseventhheavehyouandserveyou.Atnightwewillgobaoon.Themoonisthepheearth.WewillbeabletoseeKingDimitriandtheKingdomofDreams.Wewillsobeabletoseethebeautiestherewhohavebeeerstousandwhomwelovelikesisters.Wewillbeabletohavethebestofbothworlds.Father,pleaseallowusthislittlefavor!”ClementineandCharmaihatZeuswasinagoodandmagnanimousmood.Sotheytooktheopportunitytobegforafavor.TheywereecstatiZeussaid,

“Siisso,Iwillgrantyouyourrequest...”TurningtoKingDimitri,hesaid,

“You,KingDimitriseemtohavewon.Youhaveatleastwontheheartsofmybeloveddaughters.”Zeuswavedhisswordintheair.Thecloudyerthathadgatheredherefromthefourersoftheearthgraduallydispersedtobeeindividualcloudsandthehundredsofthousandsofsoldiersfloatedawayonthem.Innotimethecloudshaddisappeared.SodidZeusandhisente.AllthatwasleftwasKingDimitriandhismagichorseLightningflyingfreelyinthecrystalblueskiers.Howspacioustheuniverse!Howmagnifitthemountainsandkes!ButatthatmomentKingDimitriwasinnomoodtoenjoythembecauseinhishearthewasthinkingofhowtofulfillhispromisetoZeus:howtodestroythegoldpace.Adarkspotcameflyingtowardshimfromadistance.Asitear,hesawitwasnaughtygirlDornaridingonAmalia’sflyingbroom,flourishingargehatchetinherhand.KingDimitrimadeaVsignwithhisfingers.Dornauood.Shesmiled,immediatelyturnedaroundaflyingbackdowntothepace.FromafarcametheshoutsofthepeopleoftheKingdomapaheenthusiastidtriumphaingofdrums,astheirbraveandceouskingcamesafelyback,flyingatophismagicsteed,Lightning.

KingDimitrifeltitstraDornawasabletorideAmalia’smagirightuptotheskiesandwonderedwhattricksthenaughtygirlto.ActuallyDornahadexamihebroommeticulously,lookingcarefullyateveryinchofit,tryingtofindsomeclueastohowtomakeitflybuttonoavail.Louderandloudershoutsandcmorfromthecloudyer,therollofdrumsseemedthertoa,togouptothecloudsandwithefierdearthshakingbattlefirsthand.Inafitoffrustrationandanger,Drabbedthebroomandwalkedthroughthesidehaluntilshecametothelittlecourtyardoutside.Pigupahatchet,sheshookitatthebroomsaying,

“OK!IotseeapanelonyouthatIusetooperateyou.Youleavemenochoice.Ijusthavetochopyouuptoseewhatsecretyouhaveinside!”Sayingso,sheswuchetasiftomakegoodherthreat.Thebroomtrembledalloverandfloatedhorizontallyintheair,highenoughtoallowDornatogetonit.Intheworld,eachcreaturehasitsnaturalpredatorandtheflyingbroomwasonlyafraidofthehatchet.

14

“Soyouareafraidofthis,eh?”saidDornaandimmediatelystraddledthebroomsaying.“Fly!”Shepulledonthelonghailitfloatedatanupwardsntawoofthemshotintothesky.Sheexperimentedongoingup,ingdown,turningright,andturnihebroomco-operatedfullyandDorlikeanexperiencedpilotskillfullyflyierouspneeasilyaly.Dorraighttowardstheheavy,solid-lookingcloudyer,butbythenZeushadgiveowithdrawandthecloudyerdisiedintohundredsofindividualclouds,scatteringtothefourersoftheearth,soondisappearingfromsight.Zeus’formidablearmyhadalsodispersedwiththecloudsandvahoutatrace.DornacaughtsightofKingDimitrionhiswhitehorse,Lightning,flyingfreelyinthecrystalbluesky.ShesawhimmakeaVsignwithhisfingersanduoodimmediately.Sheturnedaroundaraightdowntowardsthepace,hurryingtobethefirstoelleveryohegoodnewsofKingDimitri’svictory.Butalso,WhiteFairywasbeforeheralready,retingthemiraculousentertothebeautiesidetail.ShetoldthemhowKingDimitriflewuptotheskiesaloneonhishorse,howhefearlesslyfacedZeusandhisarmy,howhestoodupforthewoundedMedusachallengingApollo,thesungod,demandingjusticeforhissubject.Shetoldabouttheirbattlewhereeachofthemwonsomeandlostsome,whereKingDimitriexhibitedprowessequaltoApollo,butwhereinthesphereofarcheryKingDimitridefinitelyhadanedge.WhiteFairytoldofhowthetwoofthemuofightagainsttheninesuns,thepersonificationofninemonsters,atthesametimeriddingtheuniverseofs.ShetoldofhowKingDimitri’smilitaryskillwonoverZeusarmyandgaiherespedadmirationofZeusandApollo.Shetoldofhowonhisowninitiative,Zeusnullifiedtheliege-lord/vassalretionshipandannouhatfromthisdayforwardtheKingdomofDreamsandtheSeventhHeavenwouldmeetonequalfootingastwofriendlysnstates.ThenewsquicklyspreadaroundtheKingdomandthepeopleadmiredtheirceouskingfromthebottomoftheirheartsandtheirloyaltytohimknewnobounds.

Dornaandherbroomdesdedontothesmallcourtyard.Shewalkedintothepacekitholdingthebroominonehandachetiher.Thespotlesskitwasnooand,butwasequippedwitheveryarydeviceimaginable.However,itwassoontobeabandonedforeverbecausenowthatanyfoodaninhabitantoftheKingdomwishedcouldbehadjustbywishingforit,noonewouldtakethetroubletothinkofnewrecipesandthencookit.Dorhroughthekitintothesidehalndstoppedatthelittleroomwherewinewasstored.Shewenttothestet,climbedthedderstillleaningagainstitandhidthebroomachetbehiopoftheetwhereitwouldnotbeeasilyfound.Sheheardjubintshoutsrisinginwaves,onehighertha,rogthepins,resoundingintheskies.SheknewKingDimitrimusthavearrivedandtingthehomageofhispeople.ShequicklywalkedtowardsthedoorandinpassingsawMr.Fingerlyinginadruuporinthehalfemptycup,whichhehadnotbeeofinishbeforehesuccumbedtothepotentdrink.Dornawasgreatlyrelievedthatthepletelypsteredmischievouslittlemanwouldnotbeabletocauseanytroubleinthenearfuture.Shelefttheroom,closingthedoorbehindherandhasteowardsthegreathall.ShewentoutdoorsandsawKingDimitristandingonthehighptformwiththebeautieslinedbehindhim,tellinghispeopleabouthisbattleollo,thesungod,andhowtheyfoughttogethertoridtheuniverseoftheninesuns.Thenheencedandfortedhispeople.Hisshortspeechwasfrequentlyinterruptedbyappuseandshoutsofjoyousughter.KingDimitrihelduphishandsforsilendsaid,

“Startingfromnow,youmayallcelebrateandenjoyyourself.Whateveryouwishforwillimmediatelyappearbeforeyoureyes.Butstartingtomorrow,Iwillsendyoualltoworkonastrenuousproject.Areyoubraveenoughtoacceptthechallenge?Areyouabletocarryouttheproject?”Aresoundingshoutansweredhisquestionintheaffirmative.KingDimitrinoddedinsatisfaandsaid,

“Goandenjoyyourself.”Theurnedahebeautiesdowformtowardsthepace.Hestoppedforamomentbythesideoftheketolookatthedazzlinggoldpadthesurroundingmountainsandthenquicklywalkedintothepace,asifhavingetosomeclusion.

KingDimitriwalkedintothegreathall.ThefirstthinghedidwastogotoMedusawhowasgreatlyweakehelossofbloodandhadnotbeeoweleKingDimitriwiththebeauties.KingDimitrisawthatthoughstilnemic,Medusa’spaleplexionhadbeguntogainsomesignofcolor.Herwoundwashealingandwithherhealthystitution,shewouldbeupandaboutinafewdays.KingDimitripattedheronhershoulderssaying,

“Restwell.Youarethepilrdohavedemandedjusticeforyoufromthesungodwhosegoldarrowwoundedyou.Rest.”Medusadidnotanswer.Inhermindshehaddecidedtodevoteherheartandsoult,willingtoevenydownherlifeforhim.Wordswerenotadequatetoanswersuchabraveandceousmasterwhohadfoughtthesungodioavengeher.KingDimitrisatonhisthroneandsaid,

“Let’seatandtalkatthesametime.”ThebattlehadtakenatollonhisstrengthandKingDimitriwasbothtiredandhungry.Heateravenouslyandgulpeddownhiswihebeautiesallsmiledathisveraciousappetite.Soonhewasfull.ThepaceattendantofferedhimteatorinsehismouthandthenbroughthimacupofhisfavoriteOolongtea.KingDimitrisippedtheteaandsaid,

“JustnowasIwasgoingbytheke,Ilookedatthegoldpadthesurroundingmountainsandcametoaclusionastowhatweshoulddo.Isawthereisatall,bald-lookingmountainjustbehindthegoldpace.Ifwebuildapathfromthebottomtothetop,wetransportthemeltedironthatouritdownontothepace.Wecouldgettwicetheresultwithhalftheeffort.Inaddition,Iwouldneedargecaliberleatherpipetopumpouttheicycoldwaterfromthekeandpouritontotheliquidirontocoolit.PerhapsthatwouldgilditontothegoldpadcealitsdazzlingradiaurningtoDeanna,hesaid,

“Deanna,pleasegathertogetherthetribalchieftainsandeldersahemofthisphemdiscussittoseeifitisfeasibleandthenebadtellifwhattheysay.”

“Yes,yourmajesty”saidDeannaa.

14

Thebeautiesagaintookuptheirknivesandforksaocuttheirfoodintosmallportionsanddaintilychewedthem,forwhileKingDimitriwastalkingtheyhadpolitelyputdowensilsandstoppedeatingtolistentohisideas.SoonDeannacamebacktoreporttoKingDimitritheresultsofthechieftains’discussion.Shesaid,

“Pavingapathfromthebottomofthemountainstothetopisnotdifficult.Theysaidtheycouldquiteasmoothandlevelone.Argecaliberpipeisalsonottoohardtomake.Thepofmeltedironontothepaceisalsodoable.Theproblemishowtogetthemoltenirontothetopofthemountaiheychosetheyouandstroyoungmenforthejobahemwearthethickestclothing,itisnoguaratheredhotliquidironwouldnotsptterontotheirbodyduririp.Theliquidironissohotthatevenifonedropspshedontotheirbody,itwouldburnthroughtheirclothing,theirskin,theirflesh,rightontotheirboheonlyremedywouldbeamputation.”KingDimitri’sbrowkhereport.

“Oh!Isitasbadasthat?Thatwouldbeacatastrophe!Perhapsthatisnotagoodphinkofsomethingelse.”Someooodupandsaid,

“Ireendadidateforthejob.Heispreternaturallystrongandeasilycarrytheheaviestweight.Evenifdropsofliquidironspshedontohisbodyandburhroughskinandfleshrightdowntothebone,hewillrecoververyquickly.”ThespeakerwasMedusa.

“DoyoumeanCyclops?’askedKingDimitri.“Ourretionshipisratherpeculiar,herfriendnorfoe.Idonotknowifheiswillingtohelpanddoussuchabigfavor.”Heseemedhesitantandundecided.

“Don’tfet,KingDimitri”remindedMedusa“thatheowesyouforpardoninghimandnotkillinghimfortreason.”

“Butafterhehasrepaidmeforsparinghislife”saidKingDimitri“willheretaliatearetribution,foracctohimhehasascoretosettlewithme.”Medusadidnotanswer.

“Ourmostpressingtaskatthemoment”saidQueenAisha“ishowtokeepourpromisetoZeusaroythegoldpace.Therestwait.”KingDimitriwassilentforamoment.ThenheaskedMedusa,

“Areyht?Areyouuptolookingforhim?Ifyoufindhim,youtalktohimaboutthisandtellmehisresponse.”

“Yes,yourmajesty.Mywoundisbetter.IflysolongasIdon’tputstressonthatwing.IwillflyaroundtheareaandebackwhenIhaveoreport.”

14

KingDimitrilookedatthergebckbirdfppingherwingsandheadingforthedistantmountains.Herspeedwasmuchslowerthannormal,butherflightwassteadyandgalntasusual.KingDimitri’sfearsweresomewhatalyedaurnedhisattentionbacktothegreathall.Hesatwiththebeautiesdrinkingteaandchatting,waitingfornews,whilethepeoplewereeating,drinking,singinganddangoutsidethepace.HiseyesturowardsAmaliawhowaslookingoutthewindow,herdulleyesgzedover.HeaskedYokoandSheiaboutAmalia’sdition,howmuchsheate,howshesleptetc,hisforherquiteapparent.Hesighedaodeepthoughtaswashishabit.Hethought,

“Lifeisreallysad.Whenoneisyoung,thefleshbodybringhappiness,butitmustalsowithstandhardship.Astimegoesby,itiablyages:siessanddiseasefollowedbydeeandfinallydeath.Thefleshbsmoreworrythanhappiakethisfleshbodyofmineforinstahasreallybeenthegreatestburdenandworryinmywholelife.LookatAmalia!Afterherbraieriorates,doesshestillhavedreams?MyKingdomofDreamsreliesoivitiesofmybrain.OncemybraieriorateswhenIamold,willmybeautifulKingdomofDreamsdisappear?Idon’tevehinkaboutit.ButIbelievelifemovesforwardandtherewillwaysbenewaerdevelopmentsinevolution.Perhapsonedaywecouldbreakthebarrierbetweenlifeahandgotowardsahigherspirituareheaimoflifeistotioevolvetowardsamoreadvaage.Stephanieisagoodexample.Towardstheendofherlife,onlyIwaswithher.Theexpressiononherfacewasmysterious.Herheartwasfullofhappinessbecauseshehadsolvedthepuzzleoflife.Sheknewwhereshewasgoing.Inthefaceofdeath,shewasexultantandexpetasahappybride.Butsheleftmeabafflingprophesythathasbeenhauntingmeeversince.Ihavepuzzledoveritforyears,butIdon’treallyknowwhattodo...”

QueenAishasawthepensiveexpressiononKingDimitri’sface.Shefelttroubledthatonthedaywhenthewholekingdomwasimmersedinjoyfundtriumphantcelebration,KingDimitriwassadandengrossedinthought.Shefeltthatinthefauchthatobedecidedanddone,hismoodwasnotstructiveandwouldputadamperohingsoshegDorna.Thegirluoodtheunspokenrequest.Shewalkedovertothethrone,bowedandsaidjokingly,

“Yourmajesty.Youhavejustfoughtabattle...youmustbetired...letmebringyoutoanoldfriend...”WhenKingDimitrisawitwashislittlepetDorna,theappleofhiseye,heimmediatelysetasidehisbluethoughtandansweredhersmilingly

“Whodoyouwaosee?TellmewhoitisandIwilldecidewhetherIwanttoseehim”

“You’llknowwhenyouseehim.Whytellyoubeforehand?”

“Ifyoudon’ttellme”saidKingDimitriteasingly“Iwon’tgo.”

DornawalkeduptothethrouggedKingDimitri’sarmandpulledhimafterhertowardsthesidehall.ThebeautieswereusedtoDorna’scoaxingwaysmuchlikeapamperedchildandonlyughed.ButQueenAishawasstartledandthought,

“Ohno!SheisdragginghimtoseeMr.Fihatwon’tbegood.KingDimitrihasjustfoughtahardbattleandsucceededinappeasiherearestilrduoustasksbeforehimsuchaslookingforCyclopsandaskinghimtohelpwithgildingthegoldpace.ThereareunknowsiionshipbetweenKingDimitriandCyclops.Obligations,hatred,loveayaresoentwihattheyarehardtodistinguish.Thisisnotimetoinvolvethelittletrouble-makerandfusetheissuestillfurther.ItwouldonlyaddtoKingDimitri’sburden.”QueenAishaonlywantedDornatocheerKingDimitriupanddistracthimfromhisreverie.Shedidn’tknowthatDornawouldpokethehor’s.Dornaturnedaround.HerexpressiveeyessoughtQueenAisha’saosay,

“It’salright.Don’tworry.IknowwhatIamdoing.”

14

KingDimitrisooncamebacklookingannoyed,andasked,

“Whydidyougetmyoldfrienddrunkandlockedinthewieroom?Isthatthewaytotreatoldfriends?”

“Yourmajesty”saidQueenAishastandingupandbowing“Don’tbeangry.Pleaselistentomyexpnations.”ShewentontotellhimaboutMr.Finger’sbehaviorinthepacewhilehewasgone:howheroamedthepaceatwillcausingtroubleeverywhere,howhesexuallyharassedseveralofthebeautiesarousingtheirangerandindignation,howhejustupanddisappearedforalongtimetonooneknewwherecausingsternationandworryandshefearedtheworst.Shetiosay,

“Butadayo,hesuddenlyreappeared.ItwasDornawhosawhimaicedhimintothewieroomwithdrinksahimthere.Knowingyourmajestywouldbebacktoday,weareleavingituptoyoutodealwithhim”

“Thatispartlymyfault”saidKingDimitri,whoseangereasedandhisfacebecamethoughtful.“Ioverlookedthefactthatleavingthismischievouslittlemaninthepasupervised,wouldcausetrouble.Whatdoyouwaodowithhim?”

“Mr.Fingersaidhehasawife”saidDorna.“Hesaidsheisthemostbeautifulwomanintheworld,ahuimesmorebeautifulthananyoneofusinthepace.”

“therebeatlepersonintheworld?”saidKingDimitri,ughiily.“Andawomanatthat?Myfriend’swife?That’sludicrous!Idon’tbelieveit!”

“Ifthatisso”saidQueenAishathoughtfully“Itistheperfectsolution.Whydon’twefixupLotus’hutontheoppositebankofthekeahemlivethereastheirnewhome?”

“Good!Letitbeso.Butwemustwaittillhewakesupfromhisbingeandexpihingtohisopeningupanewsphereoflifeforhim.”

“Oh,no,no,no!”criedDornahastily.“Ifyouwaittillhewakesup,hewillthrowafitandthereisnothingwedowithhiminthatstate.Whynotjustletmetakehimovertherenoresenthimwitha“faitapli”

14

“Dorna’sright”saidQueenAisha.KingDimitrithoughtforawhileandthensaid,

“Alright.Makearrasfortransportationandsendhimovertheke.LaterwhenIhaveace,Iwillgoandexpihingtohim.”

“Hey!”saidDorna.“Idon’tneedboatsanymore”makiionofstraddlingtheflyingbroom,causingthebeautiestobreakintoughter.Dornawalkedovertothesidehalndsoontheysawherpassbyoutsidethewindowridingonherbroom.ShewavedasmallwhilebagatthemasiftotellthemMr.Fingerwasinside,aurnedaraighttowardstheoppositeshore.Fromthenon,Mr.Fingerlivedinthewildernessbytheke.ThoughDornabroughthimfood,drinksandgeousclothing,hislifewaslonelyandmonotonous.Itwasthislonelinessandmonotonythatteronmadehimgetintoallkindsofmischief.

Outsidethepace,thepeopleoftheKingdomwerecelebratingwithwildabandoheredingroupsdrinkiing,singinganddang.Perhapstheywerenotusedtothenewwayoflife,theinstantgratificationofhavingfoodtheydesiredappearwhentheywishedit,becausethesesimplepeoplestildheredtotheiraryhabitofgatheringwildfruitaablesfromthenearbyforests.Theyusedrgestooformapitandroastedtheirmeatoverthefiretheybuiltiothem,usingtheirownhandstocookthefoodtheylikedaddedtothefestivityoftheoccasion.Onlyonepersonamongthecrowddidnotsharethejoyofthepeopleandwasnotaffectedbythefestiveandcelebrativeatmosphere.Shecouldnotblendintothecrowd.hercouldshejureupherfavoritefoodjustbywishingforit.Shedidobelongtothiskingdom,thisarea,thoughshedressedlikethenativesandworeherhairinaponytailbehindherhead.Herfacewascamoufgedbydustanddirtasifshewasafraidofbeingreizedasshewanderedaimlesslyamongthecrowd.Butactually,itwasnotso.Shedisguisedherfeaturesforfearherexotidfasatiywouldleadtounweleattention.Afterawhile,boredandlistless,shewalkedtowardsthekewherehundredsofsmallboatsweremoored.Shepushedoutohemintotheke,jumpedinandrowedtowardsthegoldpatheoppositeshorewithoutaskinganyoneforpermission.ThepeopleoftheKingdomlivedaverysimpleandbasiclife.Theyhadnoceptofprivateproperty.EverythingintheKingdomublicproperty,includingnd,housesandanimals,whiyonecouldusewhentheneedrose.Therewasnocurreher.Lifewasatitsmostbasidprimitive,butalsothemostnaturalstate.ThesolitarywomaniwithherfacecoveredwithdustanddirtwasnootherthethanVio.Shewasableteherbodytonormalsizeandnowseemednodifferentthananyotherwoman,exceptthatherfigurewasslimmerandmorealluringthanmost.Justnoiththecrowdintothedenseforestsofthesemountainstoseekrefugefromthescorgheatoftensuns.Nowthoseninesunshadbeeneliminatedandthingshadreturonormal,shecamebackwiththesepeopleandwaswiththemoutsidethepacewheretheygatheredtDimitrispeak.ShesawwithherowheimpressiveandheroiofKingDimitriashedesdedfromtheskyridingonhisflyinghorse,Lightning.Shewatchedasthewholepopuceturtoshowtheirlove,supportandloyaltytohim,g,shouting,ughingaingdrums.Atthetime,Viowasoverwhelmedandlostfidenherabilitytofrontasuchabraveandpowerfulking.Itwasliketryingtoshakeatall,ruggedmountainwhichossibletodoandfoolisheventopte.Butherheartswelledwithprideatthethoughtofhavingsuchabraveheroforherfather.ButthensherememberedhermotherhadtoldthatshewasoneofKingDimitri’sfavoritesamongthebeauties.“Ifthatwasso,”shethought,“doesn’tthatmakemeKingDimitri’sissue?”ShethoughtofwhathermotherhadtoldheraboutbeingchoppedintwofromthewaistbyKingDimitri’sorders.Whenherbodywassevered,Viowasluoughtoburstoutofherwombandescapedasanunformedfetus...”Reminisgaboutthetragidbloodyse,Viowasstillfullofheronedinherheart,butthehought,“Thoughhetreatedmymotherinhumanlyaremelycruelly,Idoasmymotherbademeandkillmyfather?”Assherowedthesmallboat,Viowasmoreperplexedandbewilderedthaneverassheakeherheadnortailoutofthismystifyingpuzzle.Butherboathadreachedtheoppositeshore.

Viotiedtheboatontoawoodenstakehalfprotrudingfromthewaterandjumpedashore.Shelookedaroundandfindingnotraceofanyhumanpresence,shemadeherwayquicklytowardstheferociousheadofthegonwithitswideopenmouth–thefrorahegoldpace.Shewalkedslowlyonthegoldpathway,lettingherroamingeyeslihevegetationthathadjustrecoveredfromthefmingsunlight.Themulticoloredflowersonbothsidesofthepathwaywerebloomingagain.Oh!Howsheloathedtopartfromthem,eachbdeofgrass,eachbeautifulflower!Shelovedthegrandioseandmagnifitgoldpacewithitsintricatesculptures.Butacctowhatshehadjustheard,KingDimitriinteoorderallthistobegildedwithliquidironandforeversealedup.Whatawastetoburythecivilizationofthehumanrace.WhydidKingDimitriwanttodothat?Itwasreallyinprehensible.Shewalkedpastthefountainwithitscrisscrossingwaterspouts,whosebottomwascoveredwithgoldsandandwheregoldfishwasswimmingaboutleisurelyaeredthegoldpace.Whatmethereyeswasthemagnifitanddazzlingsheenofgolduhesunlight.

“Ah!”sheexcimed,“Thisisreallyanunbelievableartisticmasterpieceofthehumancivilization.”Standingierofthepace,Vioraisedherrighthandandvowed,“IsweartoheaventhatonedaywhenIeintopowerandusurpKingDimitri’sKingdom,Iwillstriptheuglyirofromthepadletthegoldpaceseethelightofdayagain.”Butthen,herrighthanddroppedlimplytohersideandshemurmuredfeeblytoherself,

“SeeinghowmuchthepeoplelovedKingDimitriandhearinghowheartfelttheirexpressionsofloyalty,overthrowinghimisaHerculeantask,almostimpossibletoaplish.Evenifthethreestepsofmymother’spnforrevengeissuccessfullycarriedout,Ikillmyownfathertofulfillmymother’sdyingwish?Idoso?No.No.No.ButifIdon’tdoso,howIavengemypoormother?Perhapsworrymakesonedrowsy...”ShefeltextremelysleepyandwalkedontoKingDimitri’sthrone,leanedbackagainstitandpromptlyfelsleep.

Vio’sdreamwasfilledwithaseae-redfmes.Sheopenedhereyesandsawragingbzesrisingtotheskies–itwastheinfernowheredamnedsoulsresided!Intheseaoffireshesawonefigureeswimmingtowardsher,withfeaturestwistedanddistortedbypain,hideousandterrifying.Sheshouted,

“Child!Child!Iamyourmother.ItwasIwhocalledyouhere.Letmetellyouthis:Dimitriisnotyourfather.Heisnot.Hedoesnotdeservetobe...”Thewomanwasswallowedbytherisingwavesoffireandsanktothebottomofthefieryriver.Butafterawhileshestruggledtothesurfaceagainandsaid,

“NowIamonever-endingtortureinthispce,butmydesireforrevengenevergedandmydeterminationneverwavered.MyhatredforDimitriwillonlyincrease,neverdecrease.Child,thisisyourmothercallingtoyouinyourdreamtotellyoumywishes.Killhim!KillDimitri!Avehisisyourmothercallingtoyoufromhell...”Viocriedandshouted,

150页

“Don’tbeafraid,mother.Iwilleandhelpyou.”Shewalkedtotheedgeoftheseaingfmesandheldoutherhand,tryingtograbholdofthehandsofthewomathatherarmswerepainfundsoreandwokefromherdream.Ah!Shehadbeenleaningononeofherarmsasshesleptohrone,causingittobeestiffandnumb..Wakingfromthedream,sheopenedherheavyanddrowsyeyelids,flexedherstiffarms,buthermindwasstillwithherdream.Justatthatmoment,atallmanwearihesofatribalchieftainwalkedintothepacefollowedbysomewarriors.ThechieftainsawVioandshouted,

“WhoareyouthatyoudaretosleeponKingDimitri’sthrohisisreallyimpudentofyou!”

“Yessir.Yessir.”saidViosubmissivelyasshequicklystoodup.

“Don’tyouknow”tihechieftain“thatKingDimitriorderedhotmeltedirontobepouredontothispaorrowandalnimalsmustbetakenout.Nooneisallowedtobehisdangerousarea.Didn’tyouknowthat?Go.Go.”Viowalkedquicklytothepacegate.Thewarriorsthatcamewiththechieftainwerebusyriggingupatallddertotakedownthehugepearlhangingfromthedome.Theenormouspearlwasradiatileluminouslight.Viowalkedtothebankoftheke,jumpedintothesmallboatandrowedtowardstheterwithhertwooars.

AsViorowedtheboatwithhertwooars,shewasbroodingoverherretdream,whichseemedsodistindrealistiotatalltopsy-turvyandfulloffusedramblinglikedreamsusuallyare.

“Coulditreallybemymotherappearingtomeinmydreamtotellmeofherunswervingandunmovabledesireforrevenge?”shethought.

“Yes.Yes.Itmusthavebeenmymothertellingmefromtheblisteringfmesofhellofheruingyearning.SheinsistedforcefullythatKingDimitriwasnotmyfather.Thenwhoismynaturalfather?Ishouldhaveinquiredmorecloselyatthetime.Imustfindoutthetruthaboutmyparentage.WheIhaveace,Iwillcertainlypursuethisquestion.”Theboathadreachedtheteroftheke.Viostoppedrowingandgncedback.Themagnifitandgrandiosegoldpaceseemedmoreimposingandresplehaneveruhescarletraysofthesettingsun.Viomurmured,

“Goodbye!GoodbyegoldpacethatIlovesodearly.OnedayIwillletyouseethelightofdayagain.”Shelookedarouheskiesaerseemedjoiogetherinaseaofred.Herangeroncemoreburstout.

“Howlikethefmesofthefieryriverofhellthisis!OnedayIwillburndownKingDimitri’sKingdomandreduceittoscorchedearthtoavengemymother.”Onthehorizonappearedahugebckbirdthatcameflyingtowardsthegoldpace.Herflightwasslow.Herwingsfppedcalmlyaely,notstreakingbyandswoopingdownswiftlyassheusuallydoesbecauseherwoundhadhealed.WhensheflewoverVioaionlessboat,shecastasuspiciousghem,butasshehadotherthingsonhermind,sheflewon.Viooncemoretookupheroarsandrowedtowardsthewilderness.Whereelsecouldshego?Shecouldourntothedriedandwitheredtreeamongthebedoftulips.Thatwasherhome,hersweet.

AsMedusaflewbatheotherendofthehorizon,hesharpeyessawmanysmallboatsingandgoingonthekebetweenKingDimitri’spadthegoldpaderthetall,protrudingmountainbehindthegoldpace,severalindigenousfurnaceswereatfullbst,asifbeingtriedouttoseeiftheywerereliable.Manynativeswerebusybuildingasmoothpathtothetopofthemountain.Otherswerecuttingdowntreesandslittiofirewoodtofeedthefurillotherssailedbadforthonsmallboats,transppreviouslysmeltedironingotstobemeltedinthefuroliquidiroivesweredividedintorotatingshifts.Thosewaitingtotaketheirturing,drinkingandtalkingwhilerestingonthegroundsoutsidethegoldpace.MedusakhenthatKingDimitrihaddecidedtohavetheprojectgoonanyway,regardlessofwhetherCyclopswouldhelp.HewouldhavemeltedironpouredontothegoldpacetosealitupforeverashehadpromisedZeus.Medusaflewdowninfrontofthepacegate,gedtohumanformandwalkedintothepacetoreporttoKingDimitriaboutheriationswithCyclops.

15

Thatafternoon,afterKingDimitriagreedtoMedusa’sproposalofrecruitingCyclopstohelpgildthegoldpace,sheflewintotheforestsandmountainslookingforhim.CyclopswassentbyKingDimitritoguardthegoldpace,butheonlywalkedbythereoccasionallyandlookedaroundtoseeifallwaswell.Therestofthetime,hespentroamingthemountainsandforests,seldomshowinghimself.Hewouldhunt,fishandgatherwildfruitstobrewwine,livingalonelybutself-suffitlife.Atnight,hesleptinahenumerouscavesalroundthemountains.Lookingdownfromtheskieswhileshecircledthearea,Medusafoundsomecaveswhichlookedasiftheyhadbeenlivedin.ShedroppeddowntoseeifCyclopswasaround.Butaftercloseriion,sheonlyfoundhugepilesofwhiteanimalbohemouthofthecavesandbck,burntoutfireswherehehadgrilledhismeat.Fromtheashesleftatthefiresite,Medusacludedthatthesecaveshavelongbeeuninhabited.

“Wherecouldhehavegoo?”shewondered,assheflewintotheskies,preparedtoseekfurtherelsewhere.Suddenly,shecaughtaglimpseofCyclopsasheclimbedupabarrenmountaintop.Hewavedandshoutedather.Medusaimmediatelyflewdownandalightedbeforehim.Cyclopstalkedauredexcitedlywithhishandsa,pointingattheskies,babblingaboutathickcloudyerandloudnoisesofbattleingfromthere.MedusaexpiohimitwasabattlebetweenKingDimitriandApollo,thesungodandhowbetweeheyslewninesuns,thepersonifionsters.Cyclopssoberedforamoment,buthisbativespiritandloveofdominationoncemoreexerteditself.Hesaiddismissively,

“EventhoughKingDimitrihadhisflyinghorse,magicswordandbowandarrows,heonlymaofightApollotoadraw.IfIhadthosetreasures,withmysuperhumahandbybodywhichfearsherswordnorspear,IcouldeasilyhavedefeatedApollo.Astotheninesuns,it’ssimple!Icouldeasilykillthemsingle-handedly.Whoogotosomuchtrouble?”

“Let’ssetasidethequestionofwhetheryoucouldolloatheninesunssingle-handedly”saidMedusagingthesubject.“Ieheretodaytoaskforyourhelp.Areyouwillingtodoso?”

“Oh?”saidCyclops.“You,Medusaetoaskformyhelp?Don’tyourememberthatIwasdefeatedbyyou?”

“Letthepastbepast.ThefavorIwanttoaskofyouissomethingonlyyouandnooneelsedo.”HearingherwordsofpraisewaslikeabalmtoCyclopsspirits.

“Oh?Whatisthisfavoryouwanttoaskofme?”MedusathentoldhimofKingDimitri’spntobuildfuromelttheironingots,paveapathtothetopofthemountain,andneededhishelptocarrytheliquidironuptothetopandpoureditontothegoldpacetogilditaupforever.

“Ireendedyouforthejobbecauseofyoursuperhumah.”Sheadded.“youdoit.”

“Soit’sKingDimitriwhoneedsmyhelp,notyou!”Cyclopsexcimed.“ThisIwillhavetothinkover.YouknowKingDimitriandIarenotoofterms.Thereisadeep-seatedhatredbetweenusandIhavesomeoldscorestosettlewithhim.”

“Realmen”saidMedusa“distinguishbetweenfavorandanimosity.Afavorisafavorandanimosityisanimosity.Don’tmixthemupaltogether.Talkaboutthepast.KingDimitriisdeeplyrepentantaboutthewayhetreatedIleen.Heshouldnothavehadherexecutedsosavagely.ButshestoleKingDimitri’sswordandgaveittoyou,sedugyoutodoherwilagainstKingDimitri.Sheledyouontothepacegrounds,causihofhundredsofKingDimitri’sloyalsubjects.YouevensoughttotakeallofKingDimitri’sbeautiestosatisfyyourlust.ThewholeKingdomwasalmostdestroyedbecauseofthis.Ileenisatraitoranddeservedtodie.KingDimitriknewyouwereseducedbyatemptress,sohewasleowardsyou.Notonlydidhenotkillyou,heallowedyoutoroamfreelyinhisrealmwithoutrestri.Haveyottenallthis?”Cyclopsthoughtforamoment,blinkingthesingleferociouseyeinthemiddleofhisforehead.

15

“Alright.Iwillreturnthefavorofhisleniency.AfterthatIwillseekmyrevenge.”

“Whyareyousoperverseandwillnotetoyoursenses?Ileenseducedyou.ShewaouseyourstrengthtodefeatKingDimitriandusurphisKingdom.Shewasexecutedforhertreachery.WhathasthattodowithyouandKingDimitri?Whyareyouseekingrevehelegitimateexecutionofjustice?”

“Talkingaboutthepast”musedCyclops,hisfierceeyesturnile,“Irememberbeingedinacavebyyouforalmostahundredyears.Itwasthehappiesttimeofmylife.DidyouthinkIdidn''''thavethestrengthtobreakthoses?Heavyandthickthoughtheywere,Icouldeasilyhavegottenoutofthem.IdidnotdosobecauseIwaswillingtobeyourprisoner.Youhuofeedme.YoulivedinthesamecaveasIdid.Youhealedmywoundswiththebloodins.Iwouldhavestayedinthecavewithyouforever.ItwasKingDimitriwhobrokeintothecave...Ifitwerenotforhisappearance,wouldyouhavestayedwithmeforever?”

“Yes”Medusanoddedandsaid,“Iwouldhavestayedwithyouayoupany.Butsuchisfate.ImetKingDimitri.HeisthemasterIbeloyaltomywholelife.”Cyclopswasangry.

“Iwaitedinthecaveforyouforalongtime,expegyoutoeback.Butyouneverdid.Ileeead.ShestoleKingDimitri’sswordaofreeme.Shegaveherbeautifulbodytome...ButKingDimitrihadherkilledbybeinghalfatthewaist.Atthetime,sheregnantwithmychild.Didn’tyoupeopleknowthat?”Hestoppedforamomentandthentinued

“Sobeit.Iwillstiyownpn:paymydebtbeforeIseekrevenge.Iwillbeatthefootofthemountainatdaybreaktomorrowtoawaityourorders.Iwilldoanyhardworkassigometothebestofmyability.”Medusafelttherewasnothiobesaid,soshegedintoahugebckbirdandflewbacktowardsKingDimitri’space.HearingMedusa’sreport,KingDimitriwasdeeplyaffectedanddidnotsayanything..Hisfacewasstormyandhisheartheavy.”

“Goa,yourmajesty”saidQueenAisha.“Youfoughtahardbattlethism.Goa.Iwillbeheretotakecareofthingsandmakesureeverythinggoesacctopn.”

Whegotclosetoshore,Vioceasedrowingafloatslowlytowardsthebank.Shejumpedout,tiedittothereebrandrememberedtowashthedustandsoiloffherface.Thesunhadset,leavingapaleremnantofitsformerbrilliancebehind,ctheclouds.Whenshecametothepatchoftulips,Viogedherbodybacktoitsinalshape,closetoMr.Finger’sdimensionsandwalkedintothebedofflowersuntilshecametothewitheredtree.Brushingasidethedriedgrassclutterisofthetree,sheeheholeandclimbedup.Loudsnreetedherwhileshewashalf;andwheotheptformamidthebranches,shesawMr.Fingerlyingspread-eagledonherbedofflowerpetals,fastasleep.

“Didn’tIsendhimtoscoutoutKingDimitri’spaeheisbacksosoon?Hashebeendiscoveredorhashebroughtbackgoodnews?”Shewalkedovertothebedandshookthelittlemanuntilhewokeup.

“Howeyouarebacksofast?Anynewdiscovery?”Mr.FingerwasebeingsorudelyawakenedfromhisbeautifuldreamsandwasabouttoventhisaheculpritwhenheopenedhisdrowsyeyesandsawitwasVio.Hisaurojoyasheexcimed,

15

“Idon’tknowhowIcametobehere.IopenedmyeyesandfoundmyselfinKingDimitri’sdipidatedstrawhutbytheke.Ididn’twanttostaytheresoIcamebackhereihisismyhome.”

“ThisisMYhome”saidViocrossly.“Sincewhenhasitbeeyours?”

“Yes,itisyourhome”repliedMr.Fingersmilingcheekily.“Butwearemarriednow,soyourhomeisalsomyhomenow.”

“Don’tinterruptme.IamaskingyouaboutwhatyoufoundoutatKingDimitri’space.”

“Sure.Sure”saidMr.Finger.Hethoughtforawhileandthensaid,“Thesword,themagicbowandarrowyouwaolookforarealliifactIsawWhiteFairytakethemoutahem,gettingthemreadyforuse.KingDimitrifoughtahugebattlewithZeusorsomebodylikethat.Hecamebackvictorious.”

“Iknowallthat.Anythingnew?”

“No.That’sit”shruggedMr.Finger,spreadingouthispalms.

“Ithinktheysawthroughyou,gotyoudrunkanddumpedyoubackhere.Youreallyareuseless!”

“Useless?YousayIamuseless?”saidMr.Fiandingupfromthebed,fullhteousindignation.“YougoandaskKingDimitri.HisoldfriendsRichardandJamazwerealreadydead.ItwasIwhhtthembacktolifewithmymagicpowers.KingDimitriwilowledgethetruthofmycims.”

“Magicpowers?”excimedVio,greatlysurprised.“Whatmagicpowersdoyouhavethatbringthedeadbacktolife?”

15

“Mypowersarelimited”saidthelittlemaedly.“IuseditalluptosavethetwoguyssoIdon’thavea.”

“eon.Think.Thinksomemore.Isthereanyicpowerthatyoustillhave?”insistedVio,notwillingtogiveup.“Youmayhavelostthebigpowerthattakesupalotofyourstrength,suchasresurregthedead,butperhapsyoustillretainsomesmallones.Whoknows?Evensmallonesmayeinhandysometimes.”SeeingViosoiedinhispowers,Mr.Fingersaidimpudently,

“Letmerackmybrainsaiodoso,Imustfirstmakelovewithyou.Perhapsthatwillinspireme.”Viodidnotrefuse.Thetwoofthemhadbeenapartforquitesometimeandbothhadaloneedforsatisfa.Theywentatitvigorouslyformostofthenightuntiltheywereexhaustedandfelsleepcspedineachother’sarms.Headonthepillow,ViostilldidnettoadmonishMr.Finger,

“Think.Thinkagain,myloveaboutowersyouhave.Iwanttoavengemymother.Iwantitverybadlyasyouknow.”

“Yes.Yes,Iknow.Iwillrackmybrainsagain.Perhapssomethingwilleup.It’ste.Let’ssleep.”

Viowokeupatthecrackofdawm.Rubbinghersleepyeyes,sherememberedthatsomethingbigposedtohappenthatday.Slippingoutofbed,shewalkedovertothetreeholeandlookedoutatthegoldpace.Shesawthefurhefootofthemountainweregoingatfullbstandmanysmallboatswerebusysailingtoandfrironingotsandfirewoodforthefurnaces.

“Somethingimportantisgoingonthere,”shethought.“Iamgothereandseeformyself.”SheturnedandwasabouttoleavewhenshesawMr.Fiillfastasleeponthebed.“Thislittlemanisfulloftricks.Hemaybesmallinstaturebutheiscrafty,ingandfullofguile.Hemaybeabletothinkofsomethiome.Imusttrolhimtightlyinthepalmofmyhand”thoughtVioassheclimbeddowreehouse.Shebrushedasidethedrygrasscealiraoherhomeandwalkedout.Onceagainshegedherbodytothatofanormal-sizedwoman.Sheshiveredinthecoldearlymairandwalkedquicklytowardsthebankofthekeandrememberedtodisguiseherbeautifulfaceagainwithdirtandsoil.Sheuntiedherboat,jumpedinandrowedtowardsthegoldpace,easilyminglingwiththeflowofsmallboatsgoingtowardsthesamedestination.Ond,shejoiheranksofthosecarryingfirewood.

Atthistime,KingDimitri’srge,doubletailedsailboatarrivedatthemiddleoftheke.Likethedaybefore,hewasdressedforbattlewithhisswordathiswaist,hismagicbowacrosshisshouldersandhisquiverofarrowsonhisback.MedusaaeFairystoodbyhisside,buttherestofthebeautieswereihetoprotectthemfromthestingingcoldoftheearlyspringdawn.Hisflyinghorse,Lightning,stoodatthestern.Thefurhefootofthemountaihredhotfmes.Dozensyoungmenwerebusilysteppingonthebellows,blowingairontothefiretofanthefmeswhichhadturnedfromredtoblue,raisiemperatureevenhigher.Theywerewearingsturdyleathergarmentsforproteandweresweatingprofuselyinspiteofthecoldspriher.Thepalelightofearlydawngraduallyappeared.Itwasdaybreak.Astrangefigure,talndhusky,emergedfromthehazymistbingtheforestandwalkedslowlyforward.Asinglehornprotrudedoopofhishead.Hehadonehugeeyeonhisforeheadandahebackofhishead.Hewasbare-chestedandbare-footed,wearingonlyaleopardskinaroundhiswaist,hisbulgingmusclesdemonstratedtheboundlessenergyofhisbody.ItwasCyclops.Hisappearancecausedaotionamongthecroerewelwareofhisreputationandmanyhadsufferedathishands.Theyfellbasternationandfear.

Medusa’ssharpeyessawCyclopsthemomentheappeared.Sheleaptintotheair,turebckbirdaowardsnd.Onreachedherdestination,shesomersaultedintheairanddroppeddownbeforeCyclopsinherhumanform.

“Youarehere,Cyclops.Youkeptyourword.”

15

“Saynomore.Let’sbegin.”

Infrontofthefurnacewasahugetripodfullofredhotmeltediron.Ithadthecolorofwatermelonjuice,butitstemperaturewasfrightening.ovedthetripodalittletoestimateitsweight.Thenheshouted,“Up!”Allthemusclesofhisbodyexpandedandbulged.aohavedoubledinsize.Heliftedthe10,000lb.tripodinhishandsandwalkedslowlystepbystepuptheneathtowardsthebarrenpeakPerhapshewasnotfamiliarwiththepath,formidthemountairipped.Theexcruciatingpaimeltedironspshingontohisbodycausedhimtony.Itwastheangryroarofawoundedlion,whichresoundedandechoedinthesurroundingmountainsandvalleys.Thehestenchofburntflesh.ButCyclopssainedhisbandwalkedslowlyupthepathwithhisburden.Atthetopofthemountain,hepouredtheliquidirondownontothedomeofthegoldpace.Redhotliquidironflowedallovertherounddomeandsooncoatedit.Thechiefandhiswarriorsaitingthere,pulledouttheplugoftheirleatherpipewhichhadbeenfilledwithwater,theotherendofwhichwasintheke,auralpressurecaused

watertosproutout.Nosoonerhadicycoldkewatereintactwiththeredhotmeltedironthanitfizzledintomistysteam.ThisprimitiveandclumsywaywastheonlyalternativelefttothemwhenRomifailedtoreturnandKingZeusiddownthe3-dayultimatumtocoatthegoldpacewithiron.

Cyclopswalkeddowhwithhisemptytripod.Theliquidironthathadspshedontohisbodyhadcooledandsolidified.Heflickedhishandoverhisbodyandtheydroppedtothegroundlikepiecesofrustediron.Hedugoutthosethathadbeenembeddedintohisfleshwithhisfihewoundsdidtentionandquicklyhealedthemselves.Hewassweatingprofuselyashestrodedowhgnawingravenouslyoirelegofaroastedbull.Hefeltthirsty.Takingupavatofliquor,hedownedhalfofitinonegulp.Bythetimehefiinganddrinkipletelyrestored.Aripodfullofredhotliquidironwaswaitingforhimatthefootofthehill.Hetrieditsweight,shouted“Up!”andraiseditwithhishands.Thesedtimeround,hewassteadierashewalkedupthepath.Whenhereachedthetop,hepushedthetripodharderandtheliquidironspsheddownfurtheraway.Asitspreadalloldpace,thechieftainandhiswarriorsoncemorepulledoutthestopperoftheleatherpipefullofwaterandsprayedicykewaterontothepipinghotiron,causingittosizzleandfizzandgiveuphotsteamwhifiltratedtheair.Fromdawntodusk,Cyclopspouredliquidironontothegoldpace.Bytheendoftheday,halfthegoldpacehadbeengildedwithiron.KingDimitrigaveorderstostopforthedayandtiheworkonthemorroredandintoxicated,hewalkedunsteadilybacktotheforest.MedusaflewbacktotheboatandKingDimitrigaveorderstoreturntothepace.Theworkatthesite,however,couldnotstop.Thepeoplepreparedtoworkallnight,transpironingotsandfirewoodetc.forusethefollowingday.Fromdawntoduskthatday,KingDimitrihadstoodatthehelmofhissailboat,watgCyclops’stalwartfigurecarrying10,000lbs.ofboilingliquidupthemountainandpouritoldpace.Hesilentlytedtheripshemadeandcameuptoatotalof120.

“Ohheavens!”hethought.“Howmuergyandstrengthhehas.Ifhedecidestogoagainstme,hewouldmakeaterrifyingenemy.”

AfterKingDimitriandthebeautiesreturhepace,theywereallfeelingtired.Knowingtherewouldbealotmoretodotheday,theyquicklyshedtheirfowns,edthemselvesup,hadalightrepastaofftobed.KingDimitrihadgivenhissword,bowandarrowsintoWhiteFairy’ssafekeepingandwassittingalohegreathalldrinkingtea.Outsidethepace,itwasgettingdarkwhenDornasuddenlyappearedbeforehimsaying,

“KingDimitri,thereissomethingIwanttoreporttoyou.”

“Oh?Whatisit,littleDorna?Whathasmadeyousoedthatyouhavetotellmeaboutitrightaway?”

“WhenyouallweresupervisingCyclops’work,ItooktheflyingbroomaoMr.Finger’spcethimsomefood.Heseemedextremelyiedinmybroomaaskinginaroundaboutwayhowitworked,howtomakeitfly.Hiseyeskeptrollingaruishly.Idon’tthinkhemeanswelndmusthavesomenefariousdeviltryinmind.SoIcametotellyouaboutitrightaway.”

“Good.Thankyou.Iwillkeepitinmind.It’sgettiobedandhaveagoodrest,Dorna.”Afterthegirlleft,KingDimitriwenttoQueenAisha’sroomtosleep.

15

Them,KingDimitriandthebeautiesboardedtheirsailboataintheearlydawnbeforethemistdispersed.Experiendwell-trainedpaceattendantsrowedtheboatswiftlyandsteadily.Whentheycametotheteroftheke,KingDimitrigaveorderstodropanchorandstabilizetheboat.HelookedovertotheoppositeshoreandsawthatMedusawasalreadythereoverseeiivescarryfirewoodandaddihefurnaces,makingthefmesleapevenhigherandburnbrighter.Thepeoplehadbeenwallnightandtheyalllookedwornout.TheonlyoneearedtobefreshandvigorouswasCyclops.Hecarriedtheheavytripodtirelesslyupthemountain,makiripafteranother,pthemeltedliquidironontothegoldpace.Hisspeedimprovedwithrepetitionanditwashewhooftenwaitedbythefurheripodtobefilled,whilingawaythetimebydevmeatofsheepandbulndgulpingdownliquorfromthevat.Hedidthisfromdawntonoonandnowitwasdusk.Timewenton,KingDimitrifottothowmanytripsCyclopshadmadeorhowmanytripodswerepouredontothegoldpace.QueenAishaaskedKingDimitritoeintotheandsaidtohim,

“Yourmajesty,lookatCyclops.Heisreallytirelessandhasmorandendurahanmost.Butlookatthewayheiswalking.Heisbeginningtostagger.I’mafraidhehasdrunktoomuchhardliquor.Ifthisgoeson,hemaygetintoanact.”KingDimitrilookedoutofthewindowandsawthatCyclopswasindeedbeginningtowobbleunsteadilyfromsidetoside.ThoughCyclopswasstrohanmostandcouldrecoverquicklyfromhotliquidironspshedontohisbody,itwouldbeadifferentstoryifthewhole10,000lbstripodofboilingliquidirournedandcapsizedonhim.Hisbodywouldbepletelydisiedandreducedtodustandsmoke.SoKingDimitriimmediatelygaveordersforworktostopfortheday.Cyclopshappilypnkeddowytripod,walkedswiftlydownanothersidepathanddisappearedintotheforest.

KingDimitrimountedhismagichorse,Lightning,andflewovertheketowardsnd.Thedouble-tailedsailboatfollowedinhiswakeandalsomadefortheshore.Thepeoplewereenergizedtoseetheirheroigepersonallytoiheprogressoftheirwork.Loudcheersandshoutsroseintheirmidst.Ridinghishorse,KingDimitricircledthegroundsofthegoldpadsawthattheprojectwasabout95%pleted.Therewasonlyochofgoldoheasterhepacethatobecoated.Afewtripodspouredontothatareawouldtakecareofitandtheworkwouldbepleted.Buttheformerbrilliantandmagnifitpacehadbeenpletelygedbeynition.Theliquidironouredcarelesslyatrandom,withnorhymeorreason,sosomespotswerecoatedthickerthahers.Thesurfacewas,therefore,quiteuneven:somespotswerehigh,lookinglikeasmallmound,whileotherswerescarcelycoated.Allinall,itwasanuglypieceofgildingandwouldlookeveesquewhentheironbeginstorustandbeecoveredwithmoss.Havingfinishedhisiion,KingDimitriflewbacktohisboat.Hereleasedhistwobelovedpettigersandtoldthemtopatrondsecurethearea.Thenhegaveorderstohavethepeoplesetupcamp,cookdinneraforthenight,leavingonlyaskeletooseethatthefireiskeptburning.ThencallingforMedusatoeback,theyallsetsaidforthepace.

Arrivingatthemiddleoftheke,KingDimitrilookedattheever-gingcloudsandthecrystalclearwaters.Thegeousndscapeofwater,mountainsandskiesbroughthimasenseofpeadcalmthatmadehimfetthetroublesofthestfewdays.Heorderedthepaceattendantstoagaindropanchorandsaidtothebeauties,

“Inthefaceofsutastiery,howcouldwenothavewine?”Hewavedhishandintheair.Loandbehold,acrystalgobletfullofdarkredearedinhishand.Thebeautiesfollowedsuitandalsowavedtheirhandsintheair.Innotime,crystalgobletsofdarkredwierializedintheirhands.

“Cheers!”saidKingDimitri,raisinghisgobletofwine.

“Cheers!”repliedthebeautiesinachorus.KingDimitrisippedhiswineandsaidwithdeepfeeling,

“ThistimewheurheKingdom,Ihadinteospendsometimewithyoualndhaveamemorablegathering.Ineverimaginedsomuchwouldhappeniwothreedays.Imustreturntothemundaneworldtomorrow.Solittletimeremains!Lifeisliketheever-gingcloudsintheskies.Itmayloeousandmagnifiow,butsoonitwillbeswallowedupbythedarknight.Sowemustenjoyourselveswhilewedopportunitiesslipby.”Heagainraisedhisgobletandtookanothersip.Thebeautieskheirkingwelndwereawarethathehadateothinkofpoetiessinhisheartwhenalroundhimwasrejoig,sotheydidionunhappyorkilljoythings.Manydessertshadappearedoable,asetizersforthewihebeautieswereeatinganddrinkingandtalking.SuddenlyAmaliasaid,

“pehatbigguycarryiripods?Whydon’tweaskhimtojoinushereandhaveadrink?”Everyonewasstruckdumbbyherartlessquestion.

“Hewenthome”repliedYokohurriedly,tryingtoheadofffurtherquestions.“Helivesfarawayoverthere”shetinued,pointingtothedenseforestsohersideoftheke.

15

“Ah!”saidAmalia,noddingherhead,seemingtouand,butnotreallyprehending.SinceAmaliahadbroughtthissorespotinKingDimitri’sheartintotheopen,thebeautiesfelttheywerefreetopursuethesubject.

“Cyclopsisreallyanenigma!”saidElina.“Howmuchstrengthdoeshereallyhaveinhisbody?

Ishehumanorabeast?”

“Heisparthuman,partbeastandpartgod”repliedMedusa.“Heisallthreebined.”

“Ifhedecidestogoagainstus”entedQueenAisha,“Hewouldmakeaterrifyingenemy.Let’shopethatdoesn’thappen.”

“Cyclopsisnotreallythatfearful”saidKingDimitri.“Heisphysicallystrong,butmentallyg.Iknowhowtodealwithhim.”ExgingalookwithMedusa,hetinued,“MedusaandIbothowehimsomewhat.Cyclopsisright.Itookhislove.ThenIkilledanotherwomanhelovedregnantwithhischild.ButIwasnotawareofitatthetime.Itwasthewrongthingtodo.Iamashamedofmyasandwillregretittherestofmylife.”

“Thiswomanisreallyvicious!”excimedMegginn.“ShewaswillingtosacrificeherowhatenytomakesurethatKingDimitriwillregrethisashisentirelife.Itisreallyspitefundvindictiveofher.IcametotheKingdomteandsohaveneverseenthiswomaifusaflowerbutpoisonousasaviper.Ireallywouldhavelikedtohaveseenwhatshelookedlike....”

“Oh,mygosh!”excimedDorna.“Mr.Fingersaidhehadawifewhoisvery,verybeautiful,andwhowasassmalshe.CouldthatlittlewomanbeAileen’s...?”Everyoneuoodwhomshemeant.

“No,that’simpossible”saidElena.“Noembryocouldlivewheherisdead.That’simpossible.”

“Iwouldbegratefulifamiraclehadhappened”saidKingDimitri.“andtheembryolived.Itwouldlessenmyguilt.Iwishtheembryolived...”

15

Itwasgrowingdark.KingDimitriorderedtheattendantstopullupanchorandheadhometothepace.

Viocampeddownattheworksitetogetherwiththeothers.Thesesttwodays,shesawwithherowneyesCyclops’strengthandresiliendwastemptedtofollowhimintothedenseforestafterworktoscoutaroundandseewherehelived.ButKingDimitrigaveorderstosetupcampandtoldhistwopettigerstopatrondsecuretheareasothatthepeoplecouldrestinpeace.IfshesecretlyfollowedCyclopsintotheforest,thetwotigersmighttakeexceptiontoherfurtiveasahefiercebeaststheywere,itcouldcostherlife.Soshewasforcedtobepatientandwaitfortheopportunity.Shewentoverhermother’s3-steppnforrevengeinhermindanddecideditneededadjustment.Step1–stealingthemagicbowandarrowtoshootMedusa–washardtocarryout.Shedecidedtobeginwithstep2–Cyclops.Shemustsomehowtamehimandmakehimworkwillinglyforher.HeusehissupremestrengthtosubduethebarbariantribesaroundtheKingdomanduhemintooforheruse.ThatwouldbehercapitaltogoagainstKingDimitri.Right.Thatwasthewaytogo.Thehoughtsturhelittleman–Mr.Finger.Hewasanotherchipthatcouldbequiteuseful.

“IwillimetopleteStep2and3,”shethought.“ThetaskoftamingCyclopsotbeaplishedinaveryshorttime,sobeforeIstartIhadbettergobacktotheothersideofthekeaohim.Wemustthinkofawaytounicate,otherouldlosetactofeachotherandthatwouldbealoss.Yes,Iwillwaittilltomorrowaaboattogobaetoseehim.”

Vioyiuosleep.Allkindsofpnsandstrategiesweregoingthroughhermind.Daybroke.Shegotupwiththeotherstostartanotherday’sbusywork.Medusawasalreadyatthesite,seeingtothetransportationoffirewoodandironingotstofeedthefurnaces.ergedfromthedensefogandsawthatthetripodwasstillempty.Soffthelegoftheroastedbullpreparedforhim,hebegainghismeatanddrinkingfromthergevatofliquor.Turninghishead,helookedaroundandhappeonoticeargecrathefurhestaway.Ashewatched,thecrackdeepenedandreadingout.Redhotliquidirooleakoutthroughthecracks.Mouthfullofmeat,herantoMedusa,whowasstandingnotfarawayfromhim.Pointingtotheleakingfurnace,hesaid,

“Look!Look!Look!”WhenMedusasaashappening,sherealizedshehadanemergenherhandsandimmediatelystartedevacuatingthepeople.Therewasarge‘Boom!”andthefaultyfurnacecolpsed.Meltedliquidironflowedeverywhere.Justthen,anotherfurnaceblewupwithaloudbang.Itwasthergestfurhethreeandthemainproducerofliquidiron.Whereverthemeltedliquidirontouched,thegroundwasscorched.Cyclopsrushedupthemountain,grabbedholdoftheleatherpipeaosprayicycoldkewaterontotheredhotliquidiron.Allofasudden,theairwasfullofevaporatedsteam,whichmixedwiththesandanddebristheexplosionshadsentupintotheair.Visibilitywassobadthatthepeoplecouldscarcelyseethingsthreefeetaway.KingDimitri,whowasstandingatthebowoftheboat,realizedsomethingwasamissaWhiteFairytoscoutoutthesituation.WhiteFairyquicklycamebacktoreportthattwofurnacescouldnotwithstandthehighheatforsuextendedperiodoftimeandhadexploded.Thethirdandsmallestonewasintadstilloperational.

“Whodiscoveredtheact?”

“Cyclops.”KingDimitriosignifythathehad.

“Medusawasveryswifttoact”saidWhiteFairy.“Sheimmediatelyevacuatedthepeopletoheightshalfamileaway.”

“Anyfatalities?”

“Luckilyeveryoneescapedharmandtherewerenofatalities.”

15

“Good”noddedKingDimitri.“Procimmyordersthatnomatterhowdifficult,ourprojectmustbedonebeforenoon.”

“Yes,yourmajesty”saidWhiteFairyaocarryoutKingDimitri’sorders.

Theredhotliquidironallroundhadsolidifiedwhentheycameintotactwiththeicycoldkewater.Buttheirheatwasstillextremelyhighandwouldseriouslyburnanyonewhoactallycameintotactwithit.Thegroupsofpeoplecarryingfirewoodandironingotshadtotakeroundaboutalteresthatrequiredmoretimeandenergy.TheonlyfurhadtobecarefullyusedandmonitoredsothatnofurtherdamagewouldbedoherwisetheprojectcouldnotbepletedontimeandKingDimitriwouldnotbeabletokeephiswordtoZeus.Thewressedslowerthanbefore,butthethirdfurnacegaveoutenoughliquidirontofillthetripod,whichCyclopsliftedandcarriedupthemountaioodatthetopandwithamightyshovethrew9outthetentsofthetripodontothenorthwesterofthegoldpace.Afterfour,fivetrips,Cyclopsshieldedhiseyesagainstthesunandgazeddownthemountaihatnospeckofgoldremaineduncovered.Heputdowripod,lookedtowardsKingDimitri’sboatandsaid,

“Myjobisdone.Iamleaving.Theimewemeet,itwillbeasenemies,notfriends.”

“Cyclops”saidKingDimitri,standingatthebowofhisboatinthemiddleoftheke,“Nomatterwhetherwemeetasfriendsorfoesiure,Iappreciatewhatyouhavedoneforme.Takecareofyourself.”Cyclopsturnedandagaibatothedenseforest.KingDimitriorderedthefurnacesbeextinguishedandtoldallthepeopletogatheronthegroundsinfrontofthepacetocelebratethesuccessfulpletionoftheirproject.Theoldtheattendantstorowbacktothepace.Thepeoplecheeredandeveryonescrambledtogetintothesmallboats.Soonhundredsofsmallboatsfilledtheke,withpeoplesingingandughing,allmakingforthepacegrounds,lookingforwardtoodtime.

Therewasonesmallboatinthecrowd,however,thatquietlyrowedtowardsthewildernessbytheke.TherowerwasnootherthanVio.Shejumpedashoreassoonasitdocked,tieduptheboatandwasabouttoehetulippatch,whensheheardatinyvoicecallouttoher.

“Vio!Vio!Iamhere.”SheturnedaroundandsawitwasMr.Finger.Vioimmediatelygedbacktinalformawoofthemwalkedhandinhandtowardsthedipidatedhutughingandchattingmerrily.Assoonassheehehut,hereyesalightedonaspathemiddleoftheroomwhichhadbee.Onitcedalotoffurniture,table,chairs,bed,dresseretc.allmadetoMr.Finger’ssize.Infact,theyincludedeverythingnecessaryfordailylife.TheseweremadebythecleverandhandyLotusiheofthesailboatwhileKingDimitriwasoverseeingCyclops’bor.Diligentbynature,sheusedtheidletimetomakesomefurniturethatfitMr.Finger,sohecouldhavethefortsofhome.Shethoughtofeverydetaindusedhernimblefiocreatethem.NeverinherwildestdreamscouldshehaveknownthatMr.Fingeralreadyhadahomeinatreehole.VioscowledatMr.Fingerandtwistedhisearwithherfingerssaying,

“Don’tyoudarefetyouroldhomenowthatyouhaveanewone.AlsowhathaveyoudoneaboutwhatIaskedyoutodo?Haveyouhadanygoodideas?”Mr.Fingerpreteobehurtandcried,

“Letgo!Letgo!IjustthoughtofsomethingbutyoutwistedmyearandIfotalboutit.”Violetgoofhispainfulear.Mr.Fiwithhishandandsaidwithhisusualcheekiness

“Itreatwhatyoutellmetodoasthefirstpriorityofmylife.eandsee.”HeledViooutthebackdoortoacourtyard,attheendofwhichwasasmallcreek,withasmallwindmillonit.Awaterbucketwasattachedtothewindmill.Whenthewihebucketmovedwiththewindmilndcollectedstreamwater,whichitthendepositedintoanopenpipelinemadebyspittingathickbamboointwo.Thepipelihehewaterintoaporotinthecourtyard.