ely”saidMegginn.“Therestofyoupileintoourtwocarsandwewilldriveyouthere.ButIthinkwehadbetternotleavealtoncesoasnottoarousethecuriosityoftheneighbors.”Sotheyleftthebakeryatdifferentintervals.MarkpulleddownthesecurityirongateandLaveralloverthehousetomakesurethatalldoorsandwindowsweresecured.Thetwoofthemwerethesttoleave.

Tworegurtables,spreadwithsnowwhitetableclothweresetupinthespaciousdiningroom.Darkredwinefilledthetallcrystalgssesandsilverknives,forksandspoonsgleameduhedlelight.Aablewasdenwithfood,mostlyseafood,greens,sadandfruitfordiestendtolimittheirfoodintakeiokeeptheircurvaceousfigures.AfterDimitrireturhemundaneworld,hiseyeswereagainblind,sohishostessNovelledhimtohispceattheheadofthetableandofferedhimapteoffood.Whenthesoundofmovingfootstepsceased,Dimitrikhateveryonewasseated.Hehelduphiswinegssandtoastedtotheirreunion.Thefoodonhisptehadthoughtfullybeentobite-sizepie,whichhecouldeasilyeatwithhisfork.Sometimes,hewouldusehisfiouchthefoodtoknowwheretheywere.Hekeptasmileonhisadeverynowandthenwouldholduphiswinegssandofferatoast,buteveryonecouldseehisheartwasnotinit,thatbehindhissmilewasdeepandworryabouttheenormouscrisisfaghisKingdogginnandSamanthatriedtolightenthemoodandcrackedsomejokes,hopingtodrawthemoutintoversation.Buttheughterthatbrokeoutsoointosileerafewtries,thetwoofthemgaveup.Justthen,Yoko’scellph.

“Yes,thisisYoko.Who’scallingplease...oh,Richard,howareyou...Dimitri?Yes,heishere.We’rehavingdinner...really?”OhersideofthephoneRichardwassaying,

“JamazandIwerepatrollingtheareaaroundthebakeryinourtruckawomaninadarkpurplesuit,standingbythebackdoor.Wewatchedherforawhilebutshedidnotmoveawayfromtheshadows,sowewalkedovertoquestionher.WediscoveredshewasRomiandofferedtodrivehertoDimitri,butsheinsistedontalkingtohimfirstbeforeshewouldgetintoourcar.Shewashighlyuardanddidotrustus.CouldyouaskDimitritotalktoher?”

19

“Ofcourse.Wedidn’texpectherbacksosoon.”YokohandedherphooDimitri.

“HiRichard,thisisDimitri.LetmetalktoRomi.Romi?Thatwasfast.Wedidn’texpectyousosoon.I’lskRichardandJamaztyouoverhere.Heknowsthepce...What?Anemergency?Youhavesomethingimportanttotellme?Askthemtyouoveratonce.Seeyouter.”Dimitriclosedthecellphone,hisexpressionsolemnandpuzzled,wwhatcouldhavehappeheKingdom.Ashorttimeter,themaidcameintothediningroomandsaidtoNovel,

“Madame,OldJohncalledfromthefrontgateandsaidamancalledRicharddroveadycalledRomihere.Shesaidsheisafriendofyours...”

“Yes,yes”saiderruptingthemaidbeforeshecouldfinish.“AskOldJohhemin.Theyaremyfriends.”

Sayingso,shehurriedtothefrontdoortoweleherguestasshewasthehostessandowhehouse.Thebeautiesfollowedher.Atthefrontgate,carlightsfshedandasmalltruckdroveuptothefrontdoor.RichardjumpedoutaothepassengersidetoopenthedoorforRomi.Thisdipidatedtruckcouldowopersons,soJamazstayedbehind.NovelkissedandhuggedRomiandthebeautiescameforwardtoweleher.Theyallcrowdedaroundherandwalkedherintothehouse.YokosmiledatRichardandgavehimathumbup,praisinghimforajobwelldone.Richardher,smiling.Thenhejumpedintothevan,circledthewaterfountainanddroveoffquicklythewayhecame.

NovelledRomitothechairbesideDimitrisoshecouldtellhimabouttheemergency.Shehandedheragssofwinesaying,

“e,drinksomewineandsoothyournerves.”

“Youhaveealongwayandmustbeveryhungry”saidDimitri.“Havesomethifirst.Whatyouhavetosaywaitawhile.Don’thurry.”Romitulpofherwiookupherknifeandforkandquicklybega.WhenDimitriheardthesoundofsilverwarekoe,heknewshewasdone,sohesaid,

“Good.Let’shearwhatyouhavetosay.Slowly.Don’thurry.”Romidrankanothermouthfulofwine.

“Thesestfewdays”shesaid,“MedusadiscoverednewmovementsoofCyclops...”

200页

“ElenaandIjustcamebatheKingdomthisafternoon”interruptedElena.“Howeit’sbeenafewdaysintheKingdom?”

“Timepassesatdifferentspeedsindifferentspaces”expinedDimitri.“That’suandable.GoonRomi.”

“RetlytherehasbeenawomanbyCyclopsside.Sheisextremelybeautiful,butalsoseductiveandsexy.Herwholebodygivesoutanairofwildabando.Cyclopsispletelybewitchedbyherandeagertoobeyhereverywish.ThiswomanismorecalgthantheformerEileen.ShemadeuseofCyclops’immerengthtoquerthebarbariantribes.Ifanyonedarestorefusetosurrender,Cyclopswouldgougeouttheireyesorcutouttheirtongue.Whenhewasinabadmood,hewouldcutopentheirchestandtearouttheirheart,liverandiihesetorturesappealedgreatlytoCyclops’dsadistiature,socowedbyhisbrutality,thepeopleofthebarbariantribeswerepletelyobedienttothiswoman.Infact,allthebarbariantribeshavebeensolidatedintoakingdomwiththeirspearheaddirectedatus...”Romitookupherforkandatesomemoreofthefoodoeandthendranksomewiheinued,“Nooneknowswherethiswomancamefromoranythingabouther.Sheeitherfromthebarbariantribesnorfromanyofthetribesindom.FromherappearanceweknowsheispartlyofCaucasiandest.Sheseemedtobeverymuterestedintheiron-coatedgoldpadwasoftenshowupanddisappeartherewithCyclops.ThereasonIsaysheisworseandmorecalgthanEileenisbecausesheisextremelyobservantandscheming.OurWhiteFairywastrappedandalmostcapturedbyher...”

“What?”excimedthebeautiesinsurpriseandhorror.EvenDimitriwasjoltedoutofhisposure.Hesaid,

“Pleasegoon,Romi.pened?”

“ThatobservantwomanmusthavenoticedthatawhitelilybloomingoutofseasonwasoftenseennearbywhealkingtoCyclops.Butshedidhatshewasawareofit.Shetookalongstidmadeabutterflyusingsomecloth.OnedaysheandCyclopswereostentatiouslysittingonabarehilltopjustforthepurposeWhiteFairyintoatrap,but,WhiteFairy,whohadnoinklingthatshehadbeendiscovered,appearedinthenearbygrasstoeavesdropontheirversation.Thewomanstoodupasiftostretdstrolround,butwhenshecametothepcewherethewhitelilywasblooming,shesuddenlytookoutherandswoopeddown,trappingWhiteFairyihecloth.”Dimitrihithishandoableandstoodupasking,

“pe?”

“Justastheydrewtheopeningoftheogethertotieite,Medusaarrivedintime.Sheswoopeddownandattackedthemagainandagain.CyclopswasatadisadvantagebecausehewaoprotectthewomanfrombeinghurtbyMedusa.Sohefoughtareatedatthesametimeandmaoescape.ThatwashowWhiteFairywassaved.”Dimitriletoutofpentupbreatheandsatdown.Romitinued,

“WhiteFairyheardCyclopscallthewomanVio.Theyweretalkingabouthowtotaketheirnewlyformedarmytotheiron-coatedgoldpaoileofrustediron.Shewonderedwhattheywaodothere.QueenAishawaoeatoyou.”

“Don’tfetthatuhatpileofrustyironisasolidgoldpace”saidDimitri.Ifthebarbariantribesarehereonlyfold,letthembe.Letustioobservethematheywilldo.IthinkthiswomancalledVionotonlywantsthegold.SheisambitiousandmaywanttoswallowupdomofDreamsentirely...”AfterDimitrifinishedspeaking,thediningroomagaiosilence.Justthen,Yoko’sphagain.

20

“Yes?I’mYoko...OhRichard...Yes;ofcourse...wearehavingdinner.Justamomentplease...”ShewalkedovertoDimitriandgavehimherphonesaying,

“Richardwantstotalktoyou.”

“What’supman?...Oh?...DwarfMickeywantstoseeme?...Youetogetme,Someonewilldrivemeover...Seeyouter.”

HeturnedoffthecellphouroYokoandasked,

“Whowilltakemebaystudioapartment?Somefriendsarewaitingformethere.”

“I’llgiveyouaride”saidElena.“”Imustgotothehospitalearlytomorr.IhavebeenAWOLfromthehospitalforquitealongtimeanddon’tknowifIstillhaveajob!”LaverneandMarkalsorosetoleave.Urgedbytheirsolicitousandwarm-heartedhostess,therestofthebeautiesagreedtostayforthenight.RomihadtostayatNovel’sforthetimebeinguntilthethree-storeybuildiothebakerywasremodeledbecauseherhousewaspletelydestroyedinthefirecausedbythegrenades.Fromthenon,Novel’srgeestatebecamethegatherihemembersoftheKingdomofDreams.

Elenadroveonslowlybythesideoftheke,whichwascoveredbyalightfog.Thetreessurroundingitweredecoratedwithfestivemulti-coloredChristmaslights,whichcreatedanairofmysteryandillusion,nottomentionthatthekeitselfoetidromantic.Thesewasreallymesmerizing.

“Afterworktomorrow”Dimitriwassaying“pleaseetothebakery.YouwillmeetsomeoneI’msureyouwouldbegdtoseeagain.”

“YoumeanIke?”askedElena.“Thediesweretalkingabouthihearheisdoingverywell.”

“Yes,he’stheoneImean.Don’tyouwanttoseeyouroldfriendagain?”

20

“No.Idon’tthinkthat’snecessary.Hepulledhimselfoutofhisdepressionandhasverysuccessfullybuiltanewlifeinanewfield.Hehasfoundhisoiness.Seeinghimagainwouldonlybringsadobothofus.”Dimitriwassilentforamoment.

“Yes,“tinuedElena.“Ithinkhehasfoundhisoiness.Hehassucceededinyingthefoundationonwhichtobuildhisnewlife;otherwisehewouldnothavebeeopullhimselftogether.I,too,havefoundmyhappiness,althoughit’sonly1/24.Butthatisenough.Happinessisnotabouthowmuch,butaboutrealfeelings.Yes,Ihavefoundsupportandsustenanreandhappysensation.That’senough.”

Itwasonlyadistanceof10-15minutesbycarfromNovel’sestatetoDimitri’sdwelling.AtthecrossroadacrossthestreetfromDimitri’stinyerstudioapartment,theystoppedatatrafficlight.Fromthere,theycouldalreadyhearthesoundofjazzmusidsmellthetemptingaromaofsizzli,mixedwithMr.Kaffee’sheartyughter,olddwarfMickey’scraggiggleandRichard’slumentivewords.

“Myfriendsarewaitingforme”entedDimitri.ElenadrovepastthecrossroadsontothedrivewayofDimitri’sapartmentplexandstoppedbythefrontdoor.DimitrialightedandturoElenasaying,

“Turnonthefoglightanddrivesafely.”Yearsago,DimitriusedtowashElena’scareverymatdawn.Thoseweretheexactwordsheusedtosaytoherasshegotintothecartodriveaway.

Dimitriopehedoorofhisapartment.Thatwasanotherhehadpreparedforhimselftoagainstthewindandraiinyapartmentwasfilledtocapacity.OlddwarfMickeyheldapackoftarotcardsinhishand.HehadjustfiellingMr.Kaffee’sfortune.HeforetoldthatMr.Kaffeewouldhaveabeorproteghimhiswholelifeandthatinthenearfuturehewouldreturntopower,causingMr.Kaffeetoburstintoughter.HehadalsotoldRichardthatunlesshesoughthelpfromhim,DwarfMickey,Richardwouldhemasterofhisowioldhimthathewouldremainanunluckygamblerandthiefhisentirelifeandwouldneverriseabovethat,causingRichardtosputterinindignationandargueloudlywiththelittleman.DwarfMickeyalsotoldBigOthatheinallywasastarintheheavensandcamedowhtoseekvengeanceagainsthisenemies.Owasaplished,hewouldagaiurntohisstelrpositionintheskies.DwarfMickeywasjustabouttotellJamaz’sfortunewhenDimitrieheroom.Theygreetedhimhappilyandhelpedhimsitdown.

“DwarfMickey,whydon’tyoutellDimitri’sfortune,sinceyouaresuchagreatfortueller?”suggestedMr.Kaffee.

“Yes,yes”therestofthemcurred.“TellDimitri’sfortune!”

“No,no”saidDimitri,takingagssofliquorfromRichardanddrinkingitinaquaff,“Idoohavemyfortuold.It’snotthatIdon’tbelieveinit.It’sthatIdon’tbelieveiirely.Fortus,butyoualsosayitdoesatall.Evenifitreallyexists,youlyforetellwhatmyfleshbodywilldoorthecircumstawillfallto.”Dimitripoiohisbrainsandsaid,

“Iliveinmythoughts.Tome,aerofmyheartisfulloflight,loveandserenity.Fromthere,Ilookupontheworldandtheworldisasbrightandsereneasmyinwardworld.EveryoneinmyKingdomofDreamsknowsthattheexternalworldbegedbyone’sinternalideas.Whethermyfortuneisgoodorbaddoesn’treallyaffectme.”Silencereigheroomandnoonesaidaword.Dimitribecameawarethathiswordshadsomehowthrowboverhiserstwhileexuberantfriends.Hekheydidnotuandhim,sohetriedtogethesubjeethingiingthatwouldliventhingsupagain.”

20

“Hey,Mickey”hesaidasifjustrememberingsomething.“Ithinkyousentforme.Whatdidyouwanttotalktomeabout?”

“Yes,Iwaalktoyou,butIreallydon’tknowwheretobegin.”DwarfMickeyhesitatedforamomentandthensaid,“Let’sstartwithydomofDreams.”Thatwasafasatingsubjectthatcaughttheattentionofeveryo.

“Doyourememberadreamyouhadmanyyearsago?Thatnight,youdreamedyoucamete,aesemansion.IwasthefreakishpygmywearingclothesoftheQingdynastywovenwithgoldthread.ThatmansionwasthestepytreasureswhereIhoardedallmygold,silverandpreciousgemsofdiamonds,rubies,pearlsandsapphires.AllthatimmehwasguardedbyabeautifulwomanwithhairofsnakesandacreatureyoucallMedusaandacreaturewiththestrongmuscurbodyofamanbuttheheadofamonster.Hehadohemiddleofhisfadahebackofhishead.Therewasarhinoceroshornoopofhishead.HeistheoneyoucallCyclops.Thenoneday,bothofthemsuddenlydisappearedtoIknownotwhereandmytreasureswerestolenbyamasterthief.IwaslookingeverywhereforthethiefwhenIactallyenteredydomofDreams.ThereIsawMedusa,thatsnake-hairedbeautyofyoursandrealizedshewasthefuardianofmytreasures.IalsosawCyclops,theuard.YouthoughtIwasthegodofwealthandbuiltanaltarforme,oodfoodandwineeveryday.IstayedwithyouforyearsseeBook1“TheDream-maker”.

“Yes”noddedDimitri“Ididhavethatdream,Doyoumeantosaythatyuardsstoleyourtreasures?”

“Oh,no”repliedDwarfMickey.“Itwasn’tthesterthief.Hemayhavealreadydiedandgohroughseveralsamsarastootherlives.”Theywereallsurprisedathisturs.OnlyBigOsaidcasually,“Yes,samsaraexists.Ithinkallthisistrue.”

“Ifthesetwoguardsdidnotstealyourtreasure,whydidyoustayonforsomanyyearsinmykingdomofDreams,insteadofgoingafterthethief?”askedDimitri.

“Itwasallbecauseofyou”repliedDwarfMickeyunhappily.“Afterbeingsowell-treatedasthegodofwealth,howcouldInothelpyou?”

“Helpme?How?”

“It’salongstory...”sighedDwarfMickey.“Doyouknow...No,ofcourseyoucouldn’tpossiblyknow...Anyway,MedusaandCyclopshavebeenhusbandandwifeformanylifetimesthroughoutreination.Inonelifetime,theywerealovingcouple.Inaheyairofstar-crossedloversalwaysateachother’sthroat.Butwhethertheylovedorhatedeachother,theyweealle.Inthislife,whenyouappeared,MedusaabandonedCyclopsforyou.Shefollowedyouandservedyouloyally.What’sworse,youkilledistress,Eileen.Sothiscouplebecamebitterehiscycleoflife.ThereasonIstayedsolonginydomwasbecauseIwastryingtoresolveorvertthisknottyretionshipinsomeway...”

“Sothat’showthingsstand...That’showthingsstand...”murmuredDimitriasifwakingfromadreamandsuddenlysawthelight.“Theyhavebeenacoupleformanylifetimes,butIunknowinglycamebetweenthemandseparatedthem.That’swrongandunsable.Imustthinkofawaytomakeamends...”

20

“It’stooteforthatnow.YdomofDreamshasalreadyperishedinfmes”saidDwarfMickey,holdinguphisburntbeardasiftoprovehispoint.

“Really?”excimedDimitri,takenabaihadjusttoldhimaboutVioandCyclopspttingtoattackGiantMountainandtakeovertheiron-coatedgoldpaeeallofasuddeireKingdomhadbeenburnttoashes?Dimitriwasataloss.

“Letmeexpinittoyouthisway”saidDwarfMickeypatiently.“Whathashappehisspadtime,mayhavealreadyhappenedinanotherspadtime.YdomofDreamsislikethat.Iwasquidescapedjustinaniefromtheseaoffire.Justlookatmybeard...”

“Istherenottheslightestakingamends?Nottheslightesthopeofredemption?”

“Ithinkthediehasbeencastaainhasedown”saidMickeysadly.Hesighedandtinued,“Iinteobeediatororsortsandmakepeacebetweehreeofyoubymakinguseofmyformermaster/servaionshipwiththetwoofthem.Atoime,tensioohaveabatedsomewhat,butwiththeappearanceofVio,thesituatiofrombadtoworseonadoiral.Eggedonbythatwoman,Cyclops’desireforrevengewasfaoitshighestpointandthingsbecameuntrolble.”

“WhoisthiswomanVio?WhydoesshehatemesomuchthatshewantstodestroymyKingdomofDreams?”murmuredDimitri.

“EvenIdon’tknowwhosheisorwhereshecamefrom”saidDwarfMickey.“butfromtheexpressionofhereyesIreizedherasthemasterthiefinaformerlife.Onedayshesuddenlyappearedinydomlikeavariableandtookthehelm,single-handedlyandstrategicallydiregthedevelopmentofthesituation.Ihaveallhowthingsevolved.Onlyheavenknows!”

Dimitribowedhishead,tryingpainstakinglytothinkofwhothatwomanViocouldbe.Hewaogatherupthemainthreadsofthisplicatedandintricateretionshipbetweenthoseedahebottomoftheinanddevelopmentofthematter.Butitwassoplexandiedininnumerablewaysthatthemorehethought,themorefusedhebecame.Hecouldn’tgoonanymore,buthehadtotirytouhisGordianknot.Hehadtofindawaytodissolvethecrisissothathisbeautifulpacewouldnotgoupinfmesandhispeoplewouldnotbesughteredbythebarbariantribeslikesacrificialmbsorbeedestitute,sufferingdeprivationandhardships.Dimitriwasagainimmersedinthought.

QueenAishaledthebeautieswhowerestillwithherintheKingdomofDreamstotheatticatthehighestlevelofthepadtheyallwalkedoutontothewideveranda.WhiteFairywascarryingKingDimitri’sswordwhileQueenAishaheldapowerfultelescopeinhehandwhichshewasusingtosurveythesurroundingarea.Herheartchedinpainasshelookedatthecrystalclearbluekebelow,nooolofdeadwaterdevoidofalquaticlife.Movinghereyeshigher,shesedthehorizonandsawatiny,fast-movingbckspotfarawayianceabovethedenseforestsawasMedusamakingherroutineiion.“SheisreallyaloyalguardianoftheKingdom”thoughttheQueen,“goingallouttoensureoursafety.”Suddenly,shesawMedusaswoopdownfromonhighintothedenseforest,surgebackagainhighintotheskiesbefaindivingdown.QueenAishawasgreatlyarmedandsaid,

“Medusaseemstobebattlingsomeone!CouldshehavefoundtracesofCyclops?”

20

WhiteFairyshuddered,rememberingtheclosecallshehadafewdaysagowhenshewasalmostcaughtbyCyclopsandthewomancalledVio.Thebeautiestoobegantotenseup.Ielescope,QueenAishasawMedusaflyingtowardsthepaastraightlineandfortedeveryonesaying,

“Don’tbeafraid.It’sOK.Medusaisflyingback.Weaskherpened.Good.Good.Sheishere!”Soontheysawahugebckbirdcirtheskiesabovethepacebeforesomersaultingdowntothegroundinhumanform.Thebeautiesallcrowdedaroundher,anxiouslyinquiringaboutpeheforest.MedusafirstwalkedovertoQueenAishatomakehersalutations,butthequeenstoppedhersaying,

“Pleasedon’tstandonceremonyandtelluspened.Isawyoufightingwithsomeone.DidyoufindtracesofCyclops?”

“Yes,Idid”repliedMedusa.“penedwasthis...”

MedusaatrollingtheKingdom,makingherroutinerounds.Seeingthatthetrareaswerepeaceful,sheextendedheriiontotheoutlyiionsofdenseforestsandmountains.There,towardsthemiddleofasheercliffthatdroppedperpendicurlydownhundredsofmilesintoadeepvalley,shecaughtsightofCyclops.Hisbodywasbdblueaohavebeenbadlywoundedfallingdoweepcliff.Medusawassurprisedandthoughtitamiratohavesurvivedthefaltall.Hewasusingbothhandsaoclimbboriouslybackupthealmost90degreesverticalcliff.TheeyeatthebackofhisheadsawMedusaswoopingdownandahelpless,vulnerableexpressionfshedinhiseyes.

“Thisisagreatopportunitytoaveoria”thoughtMedusa.“Ihavehimherepletelydefenseless,fttenedagainstthecliffinmidair.Ieasilykillthismurdererandrapist,thisculpritwhothreatensthesafetyoftheKingdomandgivehimhisjustdeserts!”

“Iamdead!”thoughtCyclops.“IfsheattacksmeIwon’thaveacetodefendmyselfatallsinceIamgingtothesevinesandjuttingrockswithmyhandsalikealizard.Ochofhersharp,ironcwswillpiercemybodyfrombacktofront.”Cyclopstensedhisexpressionterrified.Medusaswoopeddown,butwhenhercwsalmosttouchedhisbody,shegedhermindandabruptlygedcoursetosoarupstraighttotheskiesagaihinking,

“No,I’tdothis.Takingadvantageofhimnowwhenheisdownisnottherightthingtodo.EvenifIkillhim,itisnhteousact.KingDimitriwouldnotdoher...”Butahoughtcametoher,

“IfIdon’tkillhimnowwhenIhavetheopportunity,hewilldomoreevil.No,Ishouldnotbesomagnanimoustotheenemy.Ishouldkillhimnoreventfurtherdamage.”Hermindmadeup,Medusaoncemorediveddowntowardsthesteepcliff.Butthesamethinghappened.JustashercwswereabouttoreachCyclops,herheartrelentedandsheagaiotheskies.Shecircledtwitheairandflewbacktothepace.WhenCyclopssawMedusaflyaway,heswiftlymadehisthecliff,mindlessofthesharprocks,branchesandthornstearingathisflesh,fearfullestshegedhermindandcameathimathirdtime.Finally,hereachedthetopofthecliffandescapedintoaearby.

Onherwaybacktothepace,Medusauzzledandaskedherself,

20

“WhyamIagsoabnormallytoday?Whycouldn’tIkillCyclopswhenIhadthece?”Shehadnowayofknowingthattheirhavingbeenhusbandandwifeformanyreinationsfedauniquebondsothateventhoughtheyweremortalehiscycleoflife,theaffeainedandshecouldnotfinditiokillhim.

“Yourmajesty,”saidMedusa“Iamsorry.Ilettheenemygoanddidnotmakeuseofthisopportunitypreseome.WhenIseeKingDimitri,Iwillmakeafullfessionandaskforajustretribution.”

“No,”respondedQueenAisha.“Thisisnotyourfault.Perhapsitisthewillofheaven...ButwhatIdon’tuandis,Cyclopshasbeenlivingintheseforestsandmountainsfesandknowstheterrainwell.Howcouldhehavefallendownthatsheercliff?”

“Er,yourmajesty...”saidMedusa.“I...I...Idon’tknow...”Medusadidnotknowtheahisquestion.

Toknowthefullstory,wemustgobacktothatnightwhenthemoonandstarslosttheirluster;whenitwassodarkyoucouldnotseeyerswhenyoumovethembeforeyourface.CyclopsrapedandkilledVictivingrisetothewrathofheaven.Atfirstrumblingthundergrowled.Theheblindingfshesoflightning,followedimmediatelybydeafeningcrashesofthunder,allhurledatCyclops.Pursuedbythunderandlightning,heranasfastashecoulduntilhefoundhimselfatadead-endbythesheercliff.Lightningstruckthegroundnearwherehewasstanding,bichofgrasswhichthenburstintofmes.Atthiscritient,Cyclopsspiedacavethtandimmediatelyrantowardsit.Thecaveentrancewasverysmalndnarrow,butaftersometwistsandturns,Cyclopshadasenseofdejavu.Why!ThiswastheverycaveMedusahadimprisonedhiminforahundredyearsandbyastrawistoffate,herehewasagain!Hewalkedfurtherintothecaveuntilhecametotheend,whereitbecamewidechamberofsorts.Thethick,heavythatwasusedtobindhimstillhungonthewalls.Sesofitthathismistress,Eileen,hadseveredusingthemagicswordshestolefromKingDimitriyonthegroundwhereshehadthrownthem,gatheringdust.SeeihingsagainignitedCyclopswithathirstforrevenge.HerememberedhowEileeosethimfreeandhowshewasinhumanlyexecutedbybeinghalffromthewaistbecauseofit!Entigfragranceofpetizingaromaofsmokedmeatdistractedhimfromhisrefles.Helookedaroundandsawtwobarrelsbythewall.Oainedwiheother,smokedmeat.Afteranightrunningforhislifeintheforestsandmountainschasedbythunderandlightning,Cyclopswasfamishedandthirsty.Takingupthebarrelofwine,hedrankstraightfromituntilhequenchedhisthirst.Thenhegrabbedthemeataoguzzle.Whathedidnotnoticewasthatataerofthecave,therewasabedofflowerpetalswhereatiifulwomanwaslying.ThatofcoursewasVio.ShehadbeenCyclops’everymovefromthemomeeppedintothecave.Shewasetedandthought,

“Whatace!Ihavetraveledfarandwideseargforthissimple-mindedmanofimmerengthbuttonoavail.Butactallydropsintomyp!Imustsnarehimandmakehimmysvetocarryoutmymother’spnforrevenge.”Unawareofwhatawaitedhim,Cyclopswasstillenjoyinghisfoodanddrink,whileVioquietlywaitedforthebestopportunitytorevealherself.

ThefoodanddrinkCyclopswasenjoyingwereactuallystolenbyViofromthehomeofthehunters.SheinallyinteousethiscaveasherbasewhileshesearchedforCyclops.Butbyceorbythewillofheaven,hebargedinhereofhisownaccord.Hishungerandthirstsatisfied,Cyclopsfeltdrowsyanddecidedtotakeanap.Itwasdawn.Sunlightshoothecavethroughcrevidtohisshodsternation,hesawanakedwomaremelybeautifundalluring,kneelingbeforehim.

“Who...whoareyou?Whatareyoudoinghere?’heasked.

“Don’tbesurprised,mylordandmaster”saidthewomaninaverysleasingvoice.“Iamyoursve,sentbyheaventoserveyou.Don’tyouwanttodestroyKingDimitri’sKingdom?Iamhereforthat.Iwillhelpyoureachyoal.MynameisVio.”

“Really?You’rejesting...”saidCyclops,notaltogetherbelievingwhatshesaid.

20

“Whydon’tyoubelieveme?”inquiredVio,eyeinghimcoquettishly.“That’snotfairtome.Mybodyandsoulbothbelongtoyou.”Shestoodupandthrewherselfintohisarms.Cyclopsfotalboutthewrathofheavenhehadretlyexperiehewomaninhisarmswassobeautiful,sexyandsensual.Shewaslikenootherwomanhehadeverseen.Thiswasaheavegiftthathehadnowishtoignore.

ItwouldruetosaythatCyclopswaspletelyindifferenttoheaven’swarninganditswrath.Thememoryofear-deafeningpealsofthunderandblindingfshesoflightninghurledathimfromtheskiesstillstruckfearintohisheart.Forthefewdays,hehuddledihecave,afraidtoevenstephisfootout.Vioprovidedhimwithmeatandwiolenfromthehomesofthehuntersinthenearbyvilges,scurryingaroundatnighttodoso.Luckilyforher,thepeopleintheKingdomofDreamshadnonotionofprivateproperty.Everything,fromndandhousingdowncouldbesharedwhentherewasaneed,sowineawasthereforthetaking.Onenight,whilemakingseveraltripstwineabacktothecave,Viothoughttoherself,

“Cyclopswasaruthlessandcold-bloodedmonster.Isawwithmyowneyeshowhecouldkillwithoutbattinganeyelid.Hewassuchatyrannicalbully.Buturursissy,justcandhidingihecaveallday.Hissuperstrongandinvinciblebodyhasbeeareceptacleforfoodanddrink.Ofwhatuseishetomelikethis?Heeatsanddrinkshisfilndthenjustwantstohavewild,savageandinsatiablesex.HowamIevertosetmymother’spnforrevengeinmotion?Today,Iwillsomehowdrawhimoutofthecaveandstirhimup...”Sotakingserocks,sheformedacirdbeganbakingthesmokedmeatshehadjustbroughtback.Theappetizingsmellofsizzliandthearomaofpowerfulliquorwaftedintothecave,causingCyclops’stomachtogrowlinanticipationandhismouthtosalivate,buthedidnotdaretostepoutofthecave.

“Master,themeatisdoneandanewbarrelofwinehasbeenopened.Pleaseeouta.”saidViocallingintothemouthofthecave.Shecalledseveraltimes,butwasonlygreetedwithsilence.Shewentinherselfalongthewindirailshecametotheendofthecave.Thereinthedimlight,shesawCyclopssittingonthegroundwithhisbackagainstthewall,hisfeetstretchedstraightbeforehim,hisfaceexpressionlessandwooden,hisonehugeeyeblinkingather.Shepulledonhisarmsaying,

“Everything’sfihere.Thestarsareshining,themoonisbright.Therecouldn’tpossiblybethunderandlightning.eoutandsee.”Regardlessofhisreludhesitancy,shepulledhimtowardstheentrahecave.Cyclopsfollowedherslowlywithdraggihefirstthinghedidwhenhecametotheopeningwastolookfearfullyattheskies.Onlywhehatitwasreallyafinenightwithmyriadsofstarsblinkingintheskies,didhedaretostepoutofthecave.Violedhimtothefireandgavehimargepieceofjustcookedvenison,whichhegrabbedandbitintoravenously.Thenshehandedhimabarrelofwinesaying,

“Goo.Everythingisfine.Cyclopsstillstolegheskiessurreptitiously.Whehatallwasreallycalmandpeaceful,hecalmeddownandraisedthewinebarreltohislipsahemeatinhishand.Viosatbythefire,tinuouslyroastingallkindsofmeatforhimandreplenishinghiswinewhenhisbarrelty.Shesaid

“Yousaidyouweredrivenbythunderandlightningtothesheercliff.Yousaiditwasthewrathofheaven.Ithink,iy,itwasheaven’swayofdoingyouafavor.Ifitweren’tforthethunderandlightning,youwouldneverhaveetothiscliffandthereforewouldneverhavefoundthiscave.Asaresultyouwouldnothavemetme.Iamheaven’sgifttoyou.HeavenwaohelpyoudestroyKingDimitri’sKingdomofDreamsaeyourowndomain.Whydoyouinsistonmistakingthegoodwillofheavenforitswrathay?Itisnot,Cyclops.Itiswhatheavenarrangedforyou.”vincedbyViument,Cyclops’fearofthepastfewdaysevaporated.Hewasetedandgavehimselfuptoeatinganddrinkinghisfill.Theoodupandstretchedhimself.Havingbeencoopedupihesmallcavefordays,hehadnotbeeoextendhisarmsandlegshorizontallyinfort.Asaresulthisbonesandmusclesfeltstiffandweakened.Nowthathehasreturheoutdoorenvirosofamiliartohim,hisenergylevelreturnedandwithithissupernaturalphysicalstrengthandwell-beiinvigoratedandvitalized.Seeinghimthus,Vioknewherwordshadtake.Shestoodupandsaid,

“eoakeawalkonthisbrightmoonlitnight.”Thetwoofthemwalkedhandinhandalongthesheercliff.

CyclopsandViocametoaftprairiewherethedensegreengrassthidsoftasawooleanddottedbysmallwildflowersshimmereduheclearmoonlight.Viowasveryhappy.HoldingCyclops’handshesaid,

“Let’sgoandliedownonthegrass.”Cyclopsdidso.Lyingthere,Cyclopssuddenlyrememberedheonceguardedasecrettreasurehousewheretheglow,lusterandsheenofgold,silverandpreciousgemsstoredthereformedabed,softasclouds.Heandhissnake-hairedbeautymadeloveonit.Thiswasamemoryfromhispreviouslifeinaformerreination.Arousedbyhismemory,hislustburstintovolicfmes.HeturnedaroundtolieontopofVio,hisenormouspenisthrustiedlyintothatsecretpcebetweenherlegs.

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“Wasn’tthatsnake-hairedbeautymywife,Medusa?Butshelockedmeinthatcavefor100years.ShedesertedmefDimitriandservedhimloyally.”Hislustturningintoanger,CyclopsthrustevenmoreviolentlyintoVio,whoclosedhereyesasifenduripain,butalsofeeliingstimution.

“EileemefreebycuttingmywiththemagicswordshestolefromKingDimitri.Forthatheorderedhertobeputtodeathbybeinghalffromthewaist.Ah!Whatdinhumanepunishment!Eileendiedforme!”Cyclops’hatredfDimitriburntbrightasfmes.HisthrustsintoVio’sbodybecamefaster,morebarbaridsavage,makingherbodythetargetofhisretribution.Herememberedanotherse.Hewascarryingthebodye,whitefishandthrowingitintothekewater.

“Iuionallykilledtherge,whitefishthatwasonthevergeofbeingimmortal.Itcouldtransformitselfintoabeautifulwoman.AmIanunpardonablesinnerbecauseofthat?”indwasfullofdisjointedfragmentsofdifferentses.Hissciousnesswasbeginningtoblur.HissemenejacutedlikeenereamintoVio’sbody.

Sutensepassionandstormycoitusleftthetwoofthemdepletedandexhausted.Theyyohickgrasstorecuperate.VioturnedandleaowardsCyclops,onehandcaressinghisamplebroadchestsaying,

“Yreatmaster.Look!Theskiesarebrightandclearwithoutatraceofthunderhtning.Theywereallinyination.Solongasyouproceedacctomypn,IguaranteeyouwilloverthrowKingDimitriaablishyourowndynasty.”

“Hm”saidCyclops,noddinghishead.

“Thisisreallyagoodpnthatwillkilltwobirdswithoone.FollowthethreestepsItoldyouaboutandyouwilttainyoalofestablishingyourownkingdom,whileatthesametimeavengingmymother.”

“Whatdeep-seatedhatredwastherebetweenyourmotherandKingDimitri?”

“Itisadebtofbloodthatmakesmyheartdmybloodboilwhehinkofit.”

“youtellmeaboutit?”askedCyclopscuriously.

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“MymotherwasoneofKingDimitri’sbeautiesandoneofhisfavorites.Becauseofsomesmallinfra,shewasodiebybeinghalffromthewaist.Uheraysofthesettingsun,mymotherwashungonabranchofadeadtreeonabarrenhill.Medusawastheexecutioner.Shechoppedfromtherightandfromtheleftuntilmymother’sbodywashackedinhalffromthewaist.Asthetophalfofherbodyhungfromthetree,thebottomhalfofherbodyyonthegroundinapoolofherownblood.Shewasnotabletodieimmediately,butlingeredon,perishingonlyaftershehadsufferedunimaginableagony.Don’tyouthinkKingDimitriowesmeadebtofblood?”askedViognashieeth.

“Oh?Soshetoodiedundersuchbrutalcircumstances?”marveledCyclops.“DoesKingDimitrialwaysusesuchbarbaricmeasurestokillhisbeauties?Howdidyouknowsomaailsaboutherexecution?Wereyouthere?”

“Ofcourse.Mymotherregnantwithmeatthetime.Iwasonlyanunshapedlittlefetus.Whenshewashalf,Iburstfromheruterus.FromthenonIfloatedlikepollenintheair,livingonhoneyaherwiseI,too,wouldhaveperished.”

“Whatisyourmother’sname?”askedCyclops,blinkinghishugeeye.

“Shehadanameasbeautifusshe.SheiscalledEileen.”

“HowmanyEileehereintheKingdom?”askedCyclops,jumpingupfromtheground.

“OnlyohereisonlyoneEileen,mymother.”

“Oh,heaven!”groanedCyclops“Youarereallythedeathofme!WhatIdo?HowdoIhavethefacetolivebetweenheaveh?”Cloudscoveredupthemoonandstars.Thunderagainrumbled,increasinginvolume.Lookingattheskies,Cyclopsshouted,

“Ah-h-h-h!Ihavenofacetoliveoninthisworld.Mywifebetrayedme.MyloverwasexecutedbyKingDimitri.IkilledawomanwhowasabouttobemortandjustnowIlearntIhadsexualretionswithmyowndaughter!”Thundercrashed.AblindingstreakoflightnihasasharpknifewashurledstraightatCyclops.Butbeforeitcouldstrikehim,Cyclopshadalreadydashedmadlytowardsthesheercliffandjumpeddown,attemptingtoendhissinfundmiserablelifebysuicide.

Whatjusthappenedwasoverinafshoflight.Ithappenedandwasimmediatelyover.Viodidnotseeofhearthethunderandlightning.OnlyCyclopsalohemightandpowerofheaven’swrath.ShesilentlywentoverCyclopswordsandthought,

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“Fromwhathejustsaid,Iseemtobehisdaughter!Whydidn’tmothersayanythingabouthim?Thatsheercliffplungesunfathomablydovalley.Hemustbedead.“Thereisnowayhecouldsurvivethefall.Mypnforrevengewasallfht.”Shesighed.Thenshebrightenedandthought,

“Thereisstillhope.Thatlittleguy,Mr.Finger,iscraftyandfulloftricks.Hewillthinkofsomewaytoavengemymother.Imustgoandfindhim,buthowIgetacrosstotheothersideoftheke?That’sanotherhurtletogetover...”JustthenshesawMedusaflyiowardsthesheercliffasiftoiigatesomething.VioquicklygedherselfintoatinylittlewomanandhidunderaflowertoescapeMedusa’ssharpandwatchfuleyes.

AfterCyclopsjumpedfromthecliff,draggeddowandvelocity,hisbodyhurtledswiftlydownwards..Ontheway,heohehowlingofthewindbyhisearsahisbodyhitthesharp,jaggededgesofjuttingrocks.Tossedlikearagdollintheair,hedroppedintoclustersofbushes,whosesharpthornsandbraintohisfleshashefellthroughthem,untilhisbodywasbdblue,bloodyandtorn.Semi-scious,helosttoftimeonhisdestuntinenormousjoltshockedhiswholesystem.Hefeltasiftheskyahwerespinningaroundandeveryboneinhisbodywasbrokenandcrackedintopieces.Hekhenthathehadhitthebottomofthedeepvalley.Ashissoullefthisbrokenandpain-wrackedbody,CyclopssuddenlysawaseaoffieryfmesturningtheseintothebzinginfernoofHell.Hesawawomanswimmingtowardshimintheseaoffmes.Butjustasshewasabouttoreachhim,awavesweptheraway,downtothebottomofthefierywater.Whenshemaoresurface,sheagainswamtowardshimboriously,butwasagainoverwhelmed.Aftermanyattempts,shefinallyswamhebanksandcroaked,

“Cyclops,doyouknowme?”Awaveknockedheroverintothewaterbeforeshecouldsaymore.Althoughthewoman’sfacewasdistortedanddeformed,CyclopsrememberedbeingtoldthatEileen,hislover,washeinfernoinhell,sufferiureofthedamned.Sowhenherheadonceagainemergedabovethewater,heasked,

“AreyouEileen?IsthisHell?Howeyouarehere?”

“ThatistheveryquestionIwanttoaskyou.Whatbroughtyouhere?ThisistheInferno,theentraoHell.”CyclopsstammeredouthispitifulstoryofhowheunknowinglyhadsexualretionswithViohisowndaughterbyEileen,butomittedtherapeandmurderofVictoria,thergewhitefish.

“IwassoashamedofmyasthatIattemptedtoitsuicidebyleapingfromasheercliff.”

“Thisismyfault”saidEileen,herdeformedanddistortedfaceturningevewistedthanever.“Iwentintothedreamshterseveraltimestotellhermystoryandtalkaboutthethree-steppnofrevengeIhadcocted.ButIfottotellheryouwereherfather.Asaresultthishappened...Whatwedo?Iispunishablebythewrathofheaven!”Cyclopswassilent.ActuallyinthebeginningIleenwasafraidCyclopswouldnotgoalongwithherdifficultanddangerouspnofrevenge,sosheinstructedViotoseducehimwithherbeauty.TherewasnolovelostbetweenherandCyclops,butnowthattheyhadadaughter,therewasanintangibleboweenthem.HavingexperiehehorrorofthewrathofheaveninthefieryGehenna,sheregretteddeeplythisretionshipshehadpersonallyfosteredbetweentheunknowingfatheranddaughter,butwhatwasdonewasdoneandotbeundone.Shecouldonlyfeaheadregardless,soshesaidtoCyclops,“Nomatterpens,youotdie.Ifyoudo,therewillbeohelphterfulfillmypnofrevengeandIwillforeverbeoremainhere,sufferiureofthedamned.Cyclops,youotdie.AfterthetwoofyoudestroyKingDimitri’sKingdom,ebackhereanddelivermefromthisHell.”CyclopslookedatEileenandsawthatthetopofherbodywasstillseparatedfromtheloverhalf,thewayitwaswhenshewasexecuted.Hemadeuphismindandsaid,

“Alright.Waitforme.Wewilleforyouafterourworkisdoneanddeliveryoufromthesefierywaters.Wewillsaveyoufromthispainandsuffering.Iwillbebacksoon.”Sayingthat,Cyclopswokeupandhissoulseemedtohavere-enteredhispain-wrackedbody.Buoyedupbyastrongdesireforsurvivandaferventcravingforrevenge,Cyclops’woundedandmangledbodygraduallyhealed.Hewashalfhumanandhalfgod,hysiqueahuimesstrohananormalhumanbeingandcouldrecuperateahuimesfaster.

Cyclopswasdizzyfromhisfalndhiswoundsstillpainedhim.Heealoclimbuptheperpendicurcliff.Hisfingers,strongassteel,boreholesintotherocksashecmberedup,creatingfootholdstohelphisast.Bydawnhewashalfthecliff.ThatwaswhenMedusasawhim.Thergeeyeatthebackofhisheadalsosawherassheswoopeddownfromonhigh.

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“Ah!Ishalldieheretoday!I’mreallyodie.MyloverisstillsufferinginthefiresofHell,waitingformetosaveher.MydaughterneedsmetohelpherdestroyKingDimitri’sKingdomandaveher.ButhereIam,abouttodie.”AmiraclehappewiceMedusadiveddown,butbothtimessheswervedatthestminutebeforehersharpcwstouchedhisbody.Thenencirgtwitheskies,sheflewaway.Cyclopsredoubledhiseffortstoclimbuptheclifffearingshewretaurnathirdtime.Hisfingersbledprofuselybuthedidnothavetimetodealwiththem,tratingonmakinghisescape.AtlengthhereachedthetopofthecliffandranmadlyintothecavewherehehadmetVio.

Cyclopsoncemoreescapedthewrathofheavenandranintothetwisting,turrahecave.

“WhatshallIdoifViohadalreadylefthere?ThatwillbetroublesomeasthereisnoknowingwhenandwhereImightfindheragain.”Whenhecametotheendofthecave,hewasdelightedtoseeViofastasleeponthebedofflowerpetals.Shehadgedintodiminutiveformonlyastalshisfinger.Cyclops’hugebodykdowlybeforethetinyfigureonthebedandmurmured,

“Mydearestdaughter,Iamyourfather.I,Iunknowinglyviotedyou.Isweartoyouitwillneverhappenagain.Iwiltoneformysinswithmyas.IwillhelpyoudestroyKingDimitri’skingdom.IwillhelpyousaveyourmotheranddeliverherfromhersufferingsintheInferno.Youhavemywordonit.”Vioseemedtohaveheardhisword.Sheturowardshimandsmiledandnodded.LaterCyclopsindeedkepthisword.UrgedbyVio,hequeredthebarbariantribesaroundKingDimitri’sKingdomusiremelydinhumahodsandformedthemintoonearmy.HeobeyedVio’sordersandunited,andedanddispatchedthetroops,trainioaformidableforparabletothemilitarymightofKingDimitri’sKingdom.Thisplicated,hiddenaiveiorywassomethingknownonlybyheavenahreeindividualsinvolved.MedusahadnowayofknowiheresourcefulOldDwarfMickeywithallhismarvelousabilityhadnowayofknowiher.

Chapter13VaporizingintheAir

Ofcourse,ohersideoftheflict,KingDimitri’sKingdomofDreamswasalsoonhighalert.IntelligencehadreachedMedusathatthebarbariantribeswereamassingtroopsandhadsolidatedintoonesinglearmy.Theironryhadalsobeenupgradedfromstoometal,whichwasmuchmorelethal.Shekheywouldagfromthewater,butwouldeonnd,downthehillsandmountains.ShethoughttheirmostprobablesiteofattackwasGiantMountains,soshechosethatasthepcetotakeastandandfightadecisivebattle.Shechosestrong,youngmenfromthetribesandahemintomilitarygroups.Shetraihemandpreparedthemfortheupingbattleofdefendingtheirhomend.Thatday,MedusawastalkingtoQueenAishaintheGreathalbouttheretdevelopmentsofthestateofaffairs.

“Sileisiable”saidQueenAisha“wehadbetterpreparetoevacuatetheold,theyoungandthesithewarzoopreventunnecessarysacrifidpluhepeopleintoanabyssofmisery.”

“Yes,yoursideratiht,yourmajesty.”

“Goandcarryoutmyand”shesaidturningtoDeannawhowasstandingnearby.

“Yes,yourmajesty”saidDeannaaocarryoutherorders.TurningtoWhiteFairythequeensaid,

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“CarryoutKingDimitri’sordersahepeopletoyoursecretsanctuarydeepinthedensemountains.HavethemsetuptentthereandawaitfornewsfromKingDimitri.Becautiousaive.Doheenemyhaveaclueastowherethepeoplearehiding.”WhiteFairynoddedandalsolefttheGreatHall.ItwasfortuthenativesinKingDimitri’sKingdomofDreamshadalwayslivedanomadlife,huntingandfishing,soevacuationwaseasilyaplished.Theypulleduptheirtents,foldedthemandstoredthemintheirhorsecartoretherwiththeirfoodandfarmingandhuntinginstruments.Then,drivingtheircarts,theywerereadytomove.Injustonesinglenight,theyalldisappeared,leavingnotraceoftheirdestinationontheway.

Atthiscriticaljuncture,whenbattlecouldbreakoutatanytime,themostcarefreeandleisurelypersoninthewholeKingdomwasMr.Finger.Livingirawhutbytheke,heroamedaroundatwill.Goodfoodanddrinkwerebroughttohimeverydayandhehadnoworriesofanykind.Butthepeacefullifeturnedbafterawhileandhelongedforhisbeautifulwife,Vio,wwhenshewouldbeingback.

“Ithinksheisafraidofbeingdiscoveredbythatbig,bckbirdMedusa”hethought.“OnedayIwilltakemybowandarrowandkillher!”Thenherememberedthatatparting,ViohadaskedhimtothinkofwaystohelpaveherbystealingKingDimitri’smagicswordandmagicbowandarrow.”Ihaverackedmybrainsallthistime,butotthinkofanywaytodothat.HowIfaceVioagainwithoutaplishingwhatsheaskedmetodo?”Justthen,shoutsofpeopleandneighingofhorseswereheardfromGiantMountainacrosstheke.ThatwasMedusa,overseeiroopsbuildingupdefeifications.Itwassu.Mr.Fingerwashungryandthirsty,wwhyDornahadnoteyettodeliverhisfoodanddrinks,whenhesawabckspotflyingover.HekwasnaughtygirlDornaingthimhissustenance.Heimmediatelycameoutfromthepatchofflowersandwavedfranticallyather.Onseeinghim,Dornaflewdownandstoppednearby.ShegotoffherflyingbroomandhandedoverapaperbagtoMr.Finger,saying

“Hereyouare.That’syourmealfortheday.Enjoy.”Thelittlemansaidnowordofthanks.Handsonhip,hesaidarrogantly,

“Whyareyousotetoday?Iamfamishedyouknow.hatagain!”

“TheonlythingyouknowiseatinganddrinkiedDornasarcastically,alsoputtingherhandsonherhips.“EveryoheKingdomisbusypreparingforbattlewiththebarbariantribes.tyourselfasluckythatIstillbringyouyourfoodanddrink.Butnotonlyareyounotgratefulforourtakingsuchgoodcareofyou,butyoudaretose?SeeifIwillbringyouanymorefoodtomorrow!”

“Whatdoyourbattleshavetodowithme?Youmusttimefoodanddrink.”Sayingso,hetookoutthefoodfromthepaperbag.Itwassteak,roastdudlettucesad,presentedondelicateptes.Ofcoursetherewasabottleofliquor.

“Wherethereisbattle,therewillbebloodshed.Aren’tyouatalledabouttheKingdom?KingDimitriisreallyunfortuohavehadyouasafriend.”

“OfcourseIknowtherewillbedeadandwoundedinbattle”saidMr.Finger,whileeatinganddrinking,“Butwhathasthattodowithme?Evenifyoualldie,it’snoneofmybusiness.Ionlyneedfoodanddrink.”

“IfIwereKingDimitri,IwouldhavedrivenyoufromtheKingdomlongago.IwouldnevergiveyouthisVIPtreatmentandoodfoodanddrinkeveryday.”

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“Idon’twanttostayhere.IliveverywelnywhereIgo.IstayonlybecauseIamwaitingformybeautifulwifetoreturn.IstaybecauseDimitribeggedmeto.”DornaknewMr.Fingerwasunreasohatitwasalkseohim,sogettingishewasabouttoflyoffwhenMr.Fingersaid,

“Justaminute.Iwanttogiveyouaflowertorewardyoufingmefoodanddrinkeveryday.”Hemurmuredsomeintationsandpoianearbytulip.TheflowerseemedtohavebeenpluckedbyaninvisiblehandandfloatedintoDorna’shand.Themagicfeatdidthetridmadethegirlfetherpique.

“Hey!Thatwascool!Wasthatamagictrick?”

“No,it’snotmagic.It’salchemy.”HeclutchedattheairandsomemoreflowersflewintoDorna’shand.Beforeshecouldsayanymorequestions,hedismissedhersaying,

“Go!Idothisbecauseymefoodanddrinkeveryday.Nowremember,doeagainorIwillbehungryandmywineaddiwilctup.”Dotontoherbroomaowardsthepace.Mr.Fichedherdepartingfigure.Suddenlyalightfshedinhisbrainahoughtofsomething.

“Right.Right.Ishouldsoit...thisway...Ha.Ha.”Hisnearentlymadehimhappy.Hefihefoodonhisptesandcarriedthebottleofliquorwithhimashereturhestrawhut,takingrgesipsfromitontheway.

Earlyatdawday,thesoldiersonthevarioushilltopsintheKingdomofDreamswoketotheemergencycalloftheoxhorn.Its“u...”souhearmthatastrongenemyroag.Medusaatoncesoareduptotheskiesandmadearoundofthehilltops,instrugthearcherstobepreparedforbattle.SheiedthejustpleteddefeificationsonGiantMountainandthenflewupintotheskiestobeinthelookoutforenemymovements.Holdingahugeironspearlohantheheightofanormalhumanbeing,CyclopsledthebarbariantroopastheysurgedtiantMountain.Thewarriorsonthehilltopsletflytheirwebofarrows,butCyclopsusedhisloodeflectthem,effectivelyctheonwardmarchofthesoldiers.Hisbodyierseveralpcesbytheflyingarrows,buthetooklittlenoticeofthem.Hejustpulledthemoutwithonehandandthrewthemasideascasuallyasbrushingoffannoyingis,allthewhilebrandishinghislongspearwithhisother.Thestrahingwashiswoundshealedquicklybythemselvesandsoonappearedasifnothinghadhappened.Suchwashisinvincibility.Thoughsomebarbarianswerekilledbythearrows,thosebehindthemseemedtobepletelyued.Theysteppedoverthebloodycorpsesandtiefiercelyahead.Atthiscritient,MedusaswoopeddowntoengageCyclopsandstoptheadvanceofhistroops.Herpiergeyessweptoverthebarbariansoldiersandthoseinfrourohumanstones.ButthosefollowingthemhidbehionesfigurestoavoidMedusa’sdeadlygthemomentshelookedaway,theyagainrushedforward.Thesesoldierswerenotreallysobravethattheywerenotafraidtodie.Theyhadallbeenbrain-washedbyVioandCyclops,whothreatenedanyonewhodaredtoretreatwithaslowdeathbytorture.MedusahadtofightCyclopsandstoptheadvanceofhistroopsatthesametimeandsoounequaltotheherculeantask.

Meanwhile,Vihtuptherear,twirlingandswingingherwhip,herdingthebarbariansoldierslikesomanycattletothesughter.Theirlivesordeathswerepletelyimmaterialtoher.Atthistime,seeingtheeroopsdrawingnearerandnearer,WhiteFairyanizedhertroopstojumpoutoftheirtrenchesaheenemyinhand-to-handbat.Shegedintoapuffofsmokeandflewarouleground,invisiblydireghertroops,themtopceswheretheirradeswereoutnumbered.ButKingDimitri’ssoldierswereessentiallygood,humblecitizens.Theywerehunters,fishermenandfarmerswhohadbeenhastilyassembledandtraiosoldierstodefendtheirhomendandthereforewerenomatchforCyclopsfierce,barbariansoldiers.Thebarbariansoldierswereibals.Themomenttheysawpeoplefromaribe,theireyesturheirmouthsbegansalivatingandtheyrushedevenmoreviolentlyahead.Theyhadoneprimitivemotive:catchtheirprey,killthem,dismemberthemathemaliveaswastheir.Thebattlegroundwaslockedinatanglefightandbecameafree-for-all,makingitimpossibleforMedusatouseherlethaleyesasaonforfearofkillingherownpeoplebymistake.QueenAishastoodontheverandaatthetopofthepace,watgthebattlethroughherhigh-poweredtelescope.Shesawthathertroopshadsustainedhugelossesaobelosingground.Toavoideveerlosses,sheturoDeannaandsaid,

“Soundthehornforretreat!Letthemeback.”MedusawaslockedinbatwithCyclopswhenshewasdistractedbythesignalforretreat.Hemadeuseofthisopportunitytomakehisattack,butthevigintMedusa’ssteelcwsgrippedhisironspear,brokeitintwoandtossedthepietheground.Cyclopswasjustpreparingtofightherempty-handedwheeppedawayandcoveredforhersoldiersastheymadetheirorderlyretreat.Shesawthemgetintothesmallboatsandrowtowardsthepace,leavingquiteafewemptyboatsbehind.KingDimitri’sKingdomsustainedhugelosses.Medusadidnetthedead.Notwillingtohavethebodiesofthesebravewarriorsfallintothehandsoftheenemyandbedismemberedaeurhemalltostone.Cyclopsscreatvictorythistime.

Medusagatheredtogethertheremnantsofhertroopsandreahemintogroupstoprotectthepace.Sheherselftookoaskofflyingintotheskiesandiingthesurroundings.QueenAishadidnotwanttogettothebottomofthisdefeatandanalyzewhowastobme.Somanybrave,loyalwarriorshadgivenuptheirpreciouslivesandMedusahadedoneherbestindefeheirKingdom.ThecauseoftheirdefeatwasbecausethebarbariantroopshadlearnedhowtoescapeMedusa’slethaleyes.Fromtheskies,MedusawatchedtheenemymovementsatGiantMountain.UnderVio’sand,thebarbariantribeswerewveryeffitly.Theygatheredtogethertheemptyboatsleftatthebankofthekeforfutureusewheackedthepace.Theycarriedbackthehumanstoolegroundsandliheminfrontoftheiron-coatedgoldpaceasatallwalnddefeification.Barbarianworkmenwerebusyatwork,noisilydigging,chippingandknogasifattemptingtostripawaytherustyandmoss-coveredironcoating.WhenKingDimitriiron-coatedthepace,hisgoalhadbeentocoverthebrilliahegoldwithintheallottedtimesoZeuswouldbeappeased.Hedidnotworryabouttheslipshodworkmanshipofthenon-professionalgildingjob.Thereforeitwouldnotbeverydifficulttostriptheironaway.Infasomepcesglimpsesoftheglitterofsolidgoldwasalreadyvisible.TheoxhornsoundedinacodecallingMedusabacktothepace.Shemadeabeautifurtheskyandflewbacktothepace.

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MedusawalkedintothepadsawQueenAishasittingonherseat,clutgKingDimitri’smagicswordtoherbreastwiththebeautiesseatedaroundher.Aftershedidhersalutations,QueenAishaaskedhertositdown.Medusareportedhertestobservations.

“ThatwomanVioseemstobeveryambitious”saidthequeen.“Shenotonlywantstopossessthegoldpace,shewantstodestroyKingDimitri’sKingdomaswell...”Shethoughtforamomentandthenasked,

“Iftheyusetheboatstheytookfromusandattackthepace,whatshouldwedo?”

“ThatisjustwhatIwaodo”answeredMedusawithgreatfidence.“Iftheydaretoebywater,thecrystalbluekebeingenwouldofferthemnocofanykindbehindwhichtheycouldhide.Iwilnnihitethemall,gethemtostoneandsihebottomoftheke.ThatIpromisedyouIdo.Pleasedon’tworry.”

“Afiercebattleseemsunavoidable”saidQueenAisha.“IcalledyoubackbecauseIthinkthereshouldbefewerpeopleinthepace.Ithinkweshouldsendasmaiesaspossiblebaundaneworld.YouandIofcourse’tpossiblyleave.WhiteFairyisessentiasshehelpsyouscoutandcarrymessages.Deannaisourliaisonwiththenativechiefs,soshetooisindispensible.ButLotus,Natalie,elle,AngelidDornashouldleavethepadgobaundaneworld.”

“Yht,yourmajesty”saidMedusa,nodding.“Thefewerpeoplethereareleftinthepace,themoreatpeacemymindwouldbe.ItrateonfightingCyclops.”

“That’sgood”saidthenormallyretitLotus.“Sinceweareofnohelphere,butinsteadwouldbehindraisbetterforustogotothemundaneworldandfindKingDimitri.”

“Iamscaredofbattles.Allthebloodandgore”saidAngelica,shuddering.“Wheimees,Iamsuretofaintandbeeaheavyburden.Ithinkweshouldgobaundaneworld.”elleandNatalienoddedsilentlyinagreement.OnlynaughtygirlDornavoicedherdissent.

“Iwon’tgo!”sheobjected.IwanttoseeformyselfhowMedusafullydispyshertalentsandannihitethebarbariantribes.Iwillnotgiveuptheceofalifetimetoseesuchgrandanddramaticshow.”TurningtoQueenAisha,shemadeaicalfadsaid,“IfIleave...whoistheretokeepyoupanyandmakeyouugh?Don’tmakemego.Pleaseletmestay.”

“Sheisright”thoughtQueenAisha.“Idoneedapanion,someoalktoandamusemeinthesedifficulttimes.AlsoIamtheonlyotrolherasshedoesn’tlistentoanyoneelse.Ifshegoeswiththem,whoknowswhatscrapsshewillgetinto?Yes,itisbettertokeepherwithme.”SosheturoDornaandsaidveryseriously,“Youmaystayifyoupromisetoobeyordersandnotdowhateveryouwishtowithoutrestraint.Timesofwarareemergencyperiods.Youmustbecareful.”

21

“Sure.Sure.Iwill.Iwill”

“Youfourdies”saidQueenAishaturningtotheLotus,Natalie,elleandAngelica“Goandpreparetogobaundaneworldtonight.”ThefourbeautiesmusthavebeenthewillofheavenbecauseifDornahadgonebaundaneworldwiththeotherfourbeauties,therewouldstillbehopethatKingDimitri’sKingdomofDreamscouldbesaved.Dorna’sstayingbehiedanirredeemabledisaster.

NataliewaslulledtosleepbythemonotonousswayingoftheBARTtrainandagainitasthisswayingthatwokeherup.Shedidnotknowwhyshegotorain,orwhyshewasfollowingthecrowdtotheexit.Inherdreamjustnow,alongtimeseemedtohavepassed,whileiyitwasonlyamatterofafewstopsoftheBARTtrain.Timewaslikeamonsterwhosemovementswerenoteveall,slimfigurewassoonswallowedbythemovingcrowd.“Timeisastrahing”shethought.“Itdeceivespeople.Oryousaytimeisadelusionmaodeceivehimself.TheeventsinmydreamjustnowweresorealisticthatIwasdeceivedbythem.Oristhemethatisgoingalongwiththehumanflowactuallyadream,andtheeventsinthedreamareality?”Nataliecouldnotfindheranswer.Shejustwalkedoutofthestationwiththecrowd.Whydidshegetoffatthisstop?Shedidnotknow.Shelookedthroughherbackpadsawittainedherdangshoesandclothes.

“Ah!”shethought,“perhapsIwasverytiredaftermypractidfelsleeporain,butwhoknows...”Followingthecrowd,shewalkedoutofthestationandstoodonthepavementofbusyandnoisydowntownSanFrancisco.Shelookedupattheblueskies,pletelyataloss.Thehergazewaohersurroundingsandsawaflowerboothatastreeternotfaraway.AnAsiangirlwithlongshinybckhairsatinside.Hereyesweredazedandheavyasifbarelywakingup.Herrosycheekswereflushedwiththelusterofyouth.Whensheopenedherbeautiful,rgesntedeyes,shesawNataliestandingnearbyandsmiledather.NataliereizedherasLotus,ohetwenty-fourbeautiesinKingDimitri’sKingdomofDreams.Lotusalsorealizedthatthetall,slimyoungwomanwasNatalie.NataliewalkedtowardsLotus,whocameoutoftheflowerbooth.Theyhuggedeachotherhappily.

“Let’sgo!”saidLotusawoofthemwalkedtacitlyhand-in-handintotheBARTstation,leavingtheflowerboothunatteheerofthebusystreet.

Angelicafelsleepatherdeskwhilereadingthemanuscriptsofapoets.Shewokeup,stretchedandyawnedandgazeddisorientedlyatthegardenoutsidethewindow,whilehermindwasstillindreamnd.Shetriedtogatherherthoughtsandfindoutwhenherdreamstarted.Sheremembereditwasonastarstuddedsummernightwhentheroseswereinfullbloom.Shehadjustfinishedwritingapoemwhichshesideredthebestofallherworks.Shefeltthatlifeshouldendatitsmostbeautifulmoment,justasflowersshouldfadeattheheightofitsbloom.Takinga.22calibersilverpistol,shewalkedintothegarden.Justassheraisedittowardshertempleahomelessmansuddenlydashedintardenandstoppedherdangerousgame.

“Ahyes,wasn’tthathomelessmanKingDimitriintheKingdomofDreams?Yes.Yes.ItwashifIusemyexperiehereandwritethemintoabook,Iamsureitwouldbeequaltotheoldepicsofyorethathasedowntousfromhundredsofyeasago.WhosaidIshoulddiebecauseIhavewrittenmymasterpiece?Iwastoonaiveandshallowtheookhersilverpistolfromthedrawerandthought,“Thisterriblethingalmosttookmylifeaway.Ishouldremainonthisearth.Ihadbetterburyit.”Puttingonherwalkingshoesandpullingherbountifulhairintoatightponytail,shetookherpistondwalkedintothegarden.Shedugadeephole,threwinthesilverpistondthencovereditwithsoil.Suddenly,aninspirationstruckher.

“Everysedisabright,shinydiamond”.Thesimpletaskofdiggingaholeandburyingapisththerpoeticvisiohought,

“Myforteisshort,impromptupoems.Isitwithinmypowertowritealong,grandandmagnifitepi?Ialktoelleaboutit.Shealwaysgivesmegoodandmeaningfudvice.Butelleisafigureinmydreams.WhereamItofihismundaneworld?Shetossedherheadasiftothrowoffallherworriesandwalkedtowardsthekeforherdailyjog.Shealwaysmadeuseofthattimetodeliberateoverherpoems.

Ataquieterbytheke,therewasargerockwhichprotrudedouttowardsthewater.Awomandressedinwhite,withhergoldenhairblowinginthewind,satonit,herclearblueeyesgazingatthekewater.Herfeaturesweenotclearlydisable,butfrombehindshelookedlikeagoddessdeepinthought.Shewastingthefishswimmingbyherier.

21

“Ifeveryfishrepresentedoneday,howmanyfisheshadswumby?Ifeveryfishrepreseonedaybutoh,heavens,Iwouldhavewastedmywholelife!WhywasIbornintothisworld?TourposewasIborn?”murmuredthewoman,sighingtoherself.Justthen,atall,slenderwomanjoggedbybehindherandghercuriously.Shetinuedonherway,butthenranbacktothefiguresittingontherodaskedsoftly,

“I’msorrytodisturbyou,butisyournameelle?”ellewassurprisedtohearsomeonecallherbyname.Wheurnedherhead,shesawitwasAngelieofthetwenty-fourbeautiesintheKingdomofDreams.Sheimmediatelyjumpeddownfromtherock.Thetwoofthemlookedateachotherinamazementandthenhuggedexuberantly.

“Imagiingyouhere!”excimedelle.“Peopleindreamsmeetinreallife.Thatmeansthedreamwasreandactuallyexists.”