agoodstuff”hethought.

Waveafterwaveofflowers,majestidunstoppable,swelledandgainedspeedastheysurgedforward.EmmanuendSalinadriftedwiththeflow.Holdingtightlyontoeachother’shandsoasnottobeseparated,theyroseandfellwiththewavesofflowers.Butintheirheartstheyfeltnottheslightestfearer,onlypeadtranquilitywhichwasasorrowful,movingafeltemotion.Theylosttoftimeanddistaheytravelledwiththewavesofflowers,butaftertheirfeettouchedtheground,thewavesofflowersstillsurgedontotheykwhatdestinationanddisappearedfromview.Itwasamostpeadgentleforce,butalsothemostpowerfundall-quering.Therewasnothingitcouldnotresolve.EmmanuendSalinalookedateachotherandfoundthattheywerebothverywet,coveredfromheadtofootwithpetals,fiments,pollenaarofflowers.Theyfeltveryunfortableandstiotwithsaltwaterbutsweetar.Luckilyitwasteatnightotherwisebeeswouldbeswarmingarouryingtogatherthesugarysubstance.SalinalookedatEmmanuelhelplesslyandasked,

“Whatshallwedo?Thisistoounfortable.Wemustfindsomewheretoupaosomedryclothing.”Emmanuellookedaroundattheunfamiliarsurroundingswhieverthelessprickedhismemory.Hefeltsomehowthathehadbeenherebefore.

“Don’tbeafraid.I’mhere”hesaid.“Justfollowme”HethenledSalinaacrossseveralstreets.Itwasdarksothereweren’ttoomariansaboutbutthosewhowerecastsurprisedlooksatthisbedraggledpair.Afterpassingthroughafewmorestreets,thesoundoffallingwatercouldbeheard.Ah!Theyhadetothefamouswaterfountainiy’stralPark.nsofwatershotuphighintotheskiesandtheumblingdownscatteringwaterdropseverywhere,famistyweb.Multicoloredlightsofpaleshadesofpink,green,blue,yellourpleatthebottomofthewaterfountaiedincastingtheirglowonthedispy,addingtothepoetidromanticatmosphereofthepce.Itwaste,butthebenchesaroundthergewaterfallwerestilloccupiedbyloverswhispering,embragandkissing.Thereweremanybrouesscatteredalroundtheparkofgreatmusis,artistsandwriters,extremelytruetolife.Somehadsmilesontheirfacesasiftheyhadreceivedinspirationfromthemandsalutedbyraisingupimaginarycupssaying‘cheers!’Theexpressionsontheirfaceswerenotatallwoodenbutwerenaturandvivid.Somepeoplestoodtransfixedbeforethesestatuesdeepinthoughtloathtoleave.

Emmanuelpoihefountainandughed,“eonSalina,that’sourbath.Whatareyouwaitingfor?”Sayingso,hejumpedoverthebarrierandpluothefountain.Salinafollowedsuit.Theysanktheirheadsandbodiesiertowashawaythearandtheflowerpetalsstigtothem.Thenpokingtheirheadsoutofthewater,theysmiledhappilyandspshedwaterateachotherinfun.Theirwildandunbridledductshockedthepeoplearoundthemwhowerestunnedandfrownedindisapproval.Soonapolicecarappearedandapoliandapoliaofthedwalkedtothewaterfountain.ThepolishoutedatEmmanuel,

7

“Aren’tyoutheguythatIcaughtsleepingonpublichessttime?NowIfindyoutakingabathinthefountain.eoutatonceorIwilrrestyoufordisruptingpublicorder.”

AsithappehiswasthesamepolithatfoundEmmanuelsleepingonabenenightandtoldhimtomoveon.Emmanuelwasangrybuthadtoclimbrelutlyoutofthewaterfountain,followedbySalina.Hewalkedovertothepoli,tookoffhissoaki-shirt,wrungitdryaitbaagain,sayingdefiantly,

“Why’tItakeabathierfountain?Youkeepsaying‘’tdothis,’tdothat’,IwanttoknowwhatIdo...”ThepolilookedatEmmanuel’sseeminglyna?veandibutalsoslyandarrogantfadwasatalossastohowtodealwiththisunreasonablemanwhohadnonotihtandwrong,ofwhatcouldorcouldn’tbedowishingtobeboggeddownwithsuitty-grittyheadaches,hedecidednottodealwithhimanymorebutsendhimonhisway.Sohesaid,

“Alright,you’reallwetsoI’llletyouoffthistime.IfyoulivenotfarfromhereIwilltakeyouhomeinmycar.Howaboutthat?”

“Ihavenohome.Iamhomeless.Isthatagainstyourwtoo?”repliedEmmanuerrogantly.MeanwhileSalina,whowasstandiohim,wassoaki.Waterstreameddownfromherhairontoherfadbodyandmadethegroundaroundherallwet.Herclothesstucktoherbodylikeasedskin,fullyrevealioursofhershapelyandcurvaceousfigure,makingitseemthattheywereabouttoburstoutofherclothes.Thoughitwassummer,theobreezearoundtheBayatnight-timewasstillquitechillyandshecouldnotstopshivering.Thepassionatepoliaothecar,opehetrunkandtookoutatowelwhichshehaoSalinasaying,

“Here,wipeyourhair,yourfadyourbodywiththisoryouwillcatchacold.”Salinasmiledathergratefullyinthanks.

“Isthatall?”askedEmmanuel.“wegonow?”Thepolinoddedandsaid,

“Alright,go.imeobeytheworIwillreallyarrestyou.”

“’tdothis.’tdothat.Whatisthewaboutanyway?”grumbledEmmanueshewalkedawaywithSamantha.Hewantstoarrestmeforbreakingthepublicpeace,disruptingpublicorder,hesays.Ifhedarestoarrestme,Iwillsuehimforimpedingmypersonalfreedom…”Thetwopoliceshooktheirheadsastheylookedattheretreatingfiguresuntiltheywerelostfromsightaheywentbacktotheircar,startedtheengineandslowlydroveawayfromthese.

EmmahisarmsaroundSalinawhowasstillshiveringuhetoweroundherbodyandwalkedaimlesslyaroundthisstraywhichwasalsooddlyfamiliar.Theweatherwasnotcold,butuheseabreezeSalinastillshiveredagoosebumpsalloverherskin.

7

“Darnit”thoughtEmmanuelgreatlyirritated.“Itisgreattohaveanormalfleshbody,butbecauseofitIhavetoobeythesecrazyrulesaions!Idon’tthinkit’sworthit.WhenIlivedinKingDimitri’sKingdomofDreams,IwasfreetoroamunimpededandueredanywhereIwanted.InfagDimitriorderedallis,fish,birdsandanimalsonhiskingdomtoprotedhelpme.Tastyfoodandmagnifitclotheswereprovidedforme.Ah,allthosewonderfulwineandgourmetdishes!WhydidIleaveallthattoebacktothismundaneworldandsuffer?”Butthehoughtforamomentandgedhismind.“No,anormalhumanbodyisworthanyprice.IotgiveitallupasIhaveexperiehepleasuresandluxuriesofthisworld.No,Iot.”Justthen,theycametoasmall24-hourrestaurant.

“Excellent!”excimedEmmanuelgreatlyeted.“Let’sgetoutofthischillynightandhavesomethiinside.We’llthinkofwheretogoafterwehavefilledourstomach.”

Theywalkedintothenearlyemptyrestaurahelightswerelow.Itwaseasthebarsandnightclubsaroundtheareawerestillopen,attragloversofnightlife.Sooheyclosedup,patronswouldbecrowdingintothesesmallrestaurantsforasnack.Emmanuelecupsofhotchocoteandsandwichesawoofthemfeltmuchbetterwheomachswerefulndtheywerenolongercold.AnarrayofbottlesofhotliquorsatthebarcaughtEmmanuel’seyeandremindedhimofhisfavoritepastime–drinking!Hesnappedhisfithereceptionistattheterbythedoorandcalledout,“Abottleofgoodwhiskey.”Thewomanarentlyhostess/ownersooncameoverwiththewhiskeyandabucketofice.

“Wantsomeice?”EmmanueskedSalina.

“I’lldrinkthewayyoudo”sheanswered.“Whatdoyoumeanbywantingsomeice?Idon’tuand.”

“Inormallydrinkmiraight,butsomepeoplepreferaddiodilutetheirdrinks.Theythinkit’smorefvorfulthatway.It’stoeachhisown.Whataboutyou?Whichwaywouldyoutakeit?”

“I’lltakeitdiluted.Givemesomeice.”Emmanuelpouredoutsomewhiskeyintssandaddedsomeicesaying,

“Ilikemiraightwithoutaddinganythingtoit.Whydiluteaperfectlygooddrinkwithice?”Hepouredhimselfafullgssofwhiskeyandtulp.“Youknow,whenmyfriendsandIdrinktogether,theywouldpssofliquorandputmeihegss.Iwouldsinktothebottomofthegss,gulpdownsomeliquorandthenraisemyselfupagain.That’sthewaytodrink!”

“Really?That’siing!Ohesedays,wemustfindasecludedspotandtryoutyourwayofdrinking.ouroutafullgssofthefiliquor,shrinkourselvestinalsizeandjumpintothegss.Thatwouldbeiing.”Thetwoofthemdrankgssaftergssuntilthebottletyahemselveswerequitetipsy.Havingbeenbusymostoftheday,theyweregettingsleepyandfelsleepattheirtable.Thenightdeepenedandpatronsbeganinginforasnackhtcap.Thewoman,arentlytheowherestaurant,cametotheirtableandpushedEmmanuel’sarmssaying,

“Hey,sir.Thisisarestaurantnotamotel.Thisisnotapceforyoutosleep;youhavetogotoamotelforthat.Ifyouhavefiing,youhadbetterleave.Weodobusinesshere.”EmmanuelwasangryatbeingrudelyawakenedfromadeepsleepandwasabouttoexplodewhenSalinatooksomethingoutandputitintotheowner’shand.Thewomanlookedatitandhereyesgrewrgeinsurprise.Itwasabrilliantsquaresapphire.

7

“Thisisforyou”saidSalinainaciliatoryvoice.“It’steaired.Willyouletusrestforawhilehere?Wewillleavewhenthedaybreaks.Willthatbealright?”

“Ofcourse,ofcourse”sherepliedargesmileonherface.Sheknewarealgemwhenshesawoneandrealizeditwasagenuinejewel.“Youmaystayforaslongasyoulike.Butifyoudon’tfeelfortable,whynoteupstairswithmetomyroom.Thereisabedthere.Yourestforabitanditwillbedaybreak.Pleasefollowme.”EmmanuendSalinalookedateachother.Salina’seyesseemedtosay,“Seehowpowerfulmoneyis?”Emmanuelshookhisheadandhadtoadmitthatmoneywasindeedpowerfulforiwinklingofagedanangryandarrogantwomanwhowasabouttoevictthemfromthepremisesintoafawningandsubservientone,eagertoplease.

Whentheywokeuptheday,itwasalreadynoontime.Refreshedafteragoodnight’ssleeptheywerephysicallyrestoredandwalkeddowntotherestaurantinradiatih.Thehostess/reetedthemallsmilesaskingsolicitously,

“Ihopeyouhadagoodnight’ssleep.Areyouhungry?Wouldyoulikesomethi?”Salinashookherhead,thinking,“Yesterdaywasaflukeaostophere.Withallthishugeamountofmohme,whoosampleyourbasicfastfoodanymore?”Thewomantinued,“Wouldyouliketogosight-seeingarouherearequiteafewsicspotsworthseeing.Youareweletoebackafterwards.Foodandboardareallfreeofcharge.Hopeyoueback.”Emmanuelwavedherawayarrogantlylikeabigshotandsaid,

“Nothankyou.Wewillnotbeback.”Thewomanhurriedlyopehedoorforthem,thankingthemfortheirbusinessandbidthemfarewell,bowiedlyastheywalkedoutontothestreet.

Thefirstthingthatgreetedtheireyeswasawrinkledoldwomaniricwheelchair.ShewasMelissa,theowheantiqueshopthatalsotoldfortunes.SeeingEmmanuel,sheshouted,

“Robber!Rivemebackmytortoise!It’smyantique.Whatmadeyouthinkyoucouldtakeitandjustleaveme10!Robber!Robber...”Hershoutingcausedseveralpedestrianstoturntheirheadsandstoptoseewhattheotionwasabout.Salinaimmediatelywenttoher,putsomethinginherpalmwhispering,”Shutup,doyouhearme?”Theoldenedherhandandsawahugesquarenakedrubyrgeasadicefshinginallitsbrilliantcrimsonglory.Shebecamespeechless.HereyeswidenedandhermouthopenedinshockasEmmanuendSalinaughedaloudandwalkedcarelesslyaway.Shecalledafterthem,“Hey!You’reweletodropinanytimetomyantiqueshop!Ifyougolookingforantiques,don’tfetme!Mytarotcardsareveryaccurate.ebyifyouwantyourfortuold…eagain.”Butthetwohadwalkedfarawayanddidurntheirheads.

Thetwoofthemwalkedaimlesslyarouy.Salinalookedatherselfandsaid,

“Let’sgosomewheretogetsomenewclothes.Ithinkit’sabouttimetogetridofthesedirtyragsandgeintosomethi.”

“Sure.Letmeseewherewegetsomehighqualityclothes”repliedEmmaheyturnedaroundtheerofthestreetandcamefacetofacewithahomelesspersonsittingonthepavement.Hewasdressedinraggedclothesandworeanoldolivesafarihat.Thetintedgssesandwhiteesaidthatthiswasablindman.EmmanuelwasshockedandthoughtitwasDimitri,butonsedlookherealizedthatthestaturewasdifferent.Therewasacrackedanddirtybowlinfrontofthebeggarwhichhehitwithafork,ting,“Sparemoney…sparemoney…”Salinalookedsurprisedasifasking,“Whatisthis?”Emmaoldherthisoorblindbeggaraskingformoneyfrompassersby.HealsotoldherthatDimitriusedtobeabeggarjustlikehim.

80页

“Poorman!”excimedSalinasympathetically.“Hehasnomoneyandisblind.”Takingsomethingfr,shethrewitintotheblindmaybowl.Theblindmanwasgreatlysurprisedbythegofsomethinginhisbowl.Helookeddownandexcimed,

“Why,that’sabrilliantgreenemerald!Thawoofyousomuch.Thankyou.Thankyou.”Sayingso,hegrabbedthegemashestoodupandwalkedecstaticallyaway,soexcitedthathefotalbouthiswhitee.

“Didn’tyousayhewasblind?”excimedSalinalookingatEmmanuelquestionly.“HekhatwhatItosseddownwasagreenemeraldandlookatthewayhewalks.Hedidn’tevenneedhise.”

“Idon’tknowwhatallthisisabouteither”repliedEmmanuelshrugginghisshoulders.ActuallythemanwasahomelessfriendofDmitri’scalledDavid,whodecidedtoimpersonateDimitribydressinglikehimandmadehislivingbeggingoreetspretendingtobeblind.Thetwoofthemwerena?veanddidnotuandthatthereweredarkelementsofsocietythatlivedoing,swindlingaiowolittlepeoplewerereallylikeasheetofwhitepaper,pletelyunawareofthewaysofthemundaneworld.Theydidnotrealizethatstrollingalongaimlesslyoreetsofthemetropolisputtheminmoredahanwanderinginthewildernessandforestswhereferociousbeastsofpreylurked.

WhenEmmanuendSalinaresurfaced,theirappearanceshadbeenpletelyged.ThehairdresserwhodidSalina’shairwasafamousstylistanddesignerwhodyeredherlonghairsothatitfelljusttohershouldersandcouldkeepitsshapenomatterhowsheswungherheadorhowmuchthewindruffledit.Sheinkdresswithbutterfliesembroideredintheesestylearoundthewaist,whichgaveheralookbothcssyandstylish.Emmanuelboughtapairofexpensivedarkgreypantsofthebestmateriavaibleandabcksilkshort-sleevedshirtwithshinysilverbuttons.Theleathersuitcasehewasholdinginhishandloeandheavy,butwithhisstrongandmuscurarmitseemedlightasaymatchbox.Thiswasthestreetwheremanyiionallyfamous,highcssbrandnamestoresgregatedaheirfgshipstoresandthatwaswhereEmmanuendSalinastartedtheirmadshoppingspree.Therewerenopricetagsioresbecausethosethatoknowthepricebeforetheybuywouldepintothem.Theersthatcameheretoshoplookedaround,pickedupwhattheywanted,neversideri.EmmanuendSalinastoppedatthetersellingwatchesandchoseapairofwristwatches,oneformenandonefordies,studdedwithdiamonds.Salinaimmediatelypickedupthedieswatdputitonherwrist,admiringitsbeautifulshape.

“Pleasemiss”saidasalesgirlstandingby,“Wouldyoupleasegototheterandpayforitbeforewearingit?”

“No,Iwanttowearitnow”repliedSalina.“’tIdothat?”

“Ofcourse,miss…eh…Wouldyoulikemetocheckthecorrecttimeandadjustit?”

“imeisofnosequeome.”Salinathenwalkedovertotheter,putallherpurchasesonitandthesalesgirlregisteredthemonebyootheputer.Salinawasgettingimpatient.Shedugintagainandcameupinkdiamondwhichshethrewonthetersaying,“Don’tbotheraddingupthetotal.Willthisbeenoughtopayforitall?”Thesalesgirl’seyesbrightenedinsurprise.Theyhadneverseenanyerpayfortheirpurchaseswithpreciousstone,usingbarter,themostprimitivewayofexge.

“Couldyoupleasegivemeafewminutes,miss?Iocheckwiththemahis.”Sayingso,shepickedupthesparkingpinkdiamondaintothemanager’soffiafewminutesamanimpeccablydressedinanexpecameoutandbowedrespectfullytoSalinasaying,

8

“Thevalueofyourdiamondfarexceedsthepurchasesyouhavemade.Wouldyoulikeustogiveyoubacktherestincash?”

“That’salright.Keeptherestforyourtips”saidSalinagrandly.StuffingherpurchasesinteleathersuitcaseEmmanuelcarried,theyleftthestore,leavingthemanagerandsalesgirlsgapingattheirbacks,wwhereintheworldthesetweerscamefrom.

Salina’slonghairswungfreelyaboutherheadasshestrodedowreet.Herwildbeautyandgracefulifflirtatiousbearinggaveoffstofaicfnnd.Emmanuelwalkedbyherside,onehandholdingtheheavysuitcasewhiletheothercircledherslenderwaist.Histalndmuscurfigurecaughttheeyeoftheyounggirlsstilydressedinbikinisthatfullyexposedtheirfigures.Theycastseductivelooksathim,andjealousbutenviousohispanion.Emmanuelwalkedarrogantlyon,majesticasaking,withhisarmaroundSalina,seeminglyunsciousofthefemaleadmirationandmadestraightforphenomenallygrandioseohotel.

EmmanuendSalinasathewindowinthequiet,fortablebutalsocssidmagnifitlydecorateddiningroom.Onlytwo,threetablesofthisspaciousroomwereoccupiedbecauseitcateredexclusivelytotheVIPersofthegrandandluxuriouso-hotelwhereinitwassituatedandwasnotopentothepublic.Emmanuelsomehowstumbleduponthisdininghall.WheainaskedforhisVIPcard,hewavedhimaside,tellinghimtheyjustsignedinandtheVIPcardwasbeingprocessedandpushedhiswayarrogantlyintothediningroomtogetherwithSalina,hershoppingbagsandhisheavyleathersuitcase.Theyseatedthemselvesatatablehewindowaledtheirbelongingsaroundthehemanager’sfirstreawastotellthesecurityguardstoevictthetwopersonaenongratae,butthenherememberedthetestgossipabouttwant“jewelryers”whoweresaidtobefranticallybuyiexpensivehigh-endclothes,jewelry,shoesetdalwaysthrewdownpreciousstonesfortheirpurchases,neverbargaining,neveraskingaboutthepridgavehugetips.Theyspentmoneylikewaterandweresaidtohavethreemeraldintothetinbowlofaroadsidebeggar!“Coulditbethem?”hewonderedanddecidedtoerronthesideofcautiooldthecaptain,ell-experieakingcareofVIPers,totakecareofthetwoguestspersonally.MeanwhileEmmanuendSalinawerelookingatthemenuwithfusingitemsnsoundingfoodanddidnotknowwhattoorder.

“Whatwouldyoureend?”EmmanueskedthecaptaiainbegaingastringesoundingdisheswhichEmmanuelcouldn’tmakeheadoftailsoutof,sohecuthimoffandsaid,“Justgivemeasteakandseafoodforthedy.Thebestandmostexpensiveones.Asfortherest,bringonwhatyouthinkisgood.”

“Yes,sir.Yes,sir”saidthecaptain,whobowedaoordertheirfood.Salinasattherelookingoutofthewindowatthebeautifulseryextendingfarawayinthehorizon.Thecalmseaunderclearblueskiesstretchedoutendlesslyfarawayuntilitossibletodistinguishbetweentheseaandtheskies.Thewhitesandofthebeaearbywasverycrowded.Youngpeoplewerewhilingawaythetimesittingorlyingonthesandorrunningaroundhavingfun.TowardstherightwastheswimmingpoondJacuzzibelongingtothehotel.Thepooltybuttherewereyoungmenandwomensittingorchattinguhecolorfulsunumbrelsaroundit.SalinanoticedthatEmmanuel’seyesweredrawntotwobeautifulblonde-hairedyoungwomenwithfwlesswhiteskinandalluringfiguresandherhearttightenedinjealousy.Sherememberedtheflirtatiousgncesyoungwomencastathimwhentheypassedthebeatheirwaytotheo/hotendherobsessiontoexcelrosetoprominenhersciousness.“Withmycurvaceousfigure,”shethought,“ifIwalkedontothatbeamybikinis,IamsuretobethetargetofalleyesandwillcertainlyoutdoEmmanuel.”Sooablewascoveredwithdishesofallkindsofgourmetfood,butSalinahadlostherappetiteandbarelytastedthem.HerhearthadflowntothewhitesandbeachbelowaimpatientlytellingEmmaohurryupandfinishhislunch.

“eon,bequick.Iwanttogotothebeadtakeasunbath.Lookhowtemptiesandlooks.Ialsowanttogoswimmifaster,Emmanuel,Iwanttoleave.”Pressedbyherrepeatedurgings,Emmanuelwolfeddownhissteakandotherfood.Salinatookoutanakedpinkdiamondandhaothecaptainsaying,

“Thisisforyou.Keepthegeasyourtips.”Thecaptainwasfbbergastedandspeechless.ThemanagerwalkedintothediningroomandbowedrespectfullytoSalinasaying,

“M’am,Iamsorryifourfooddoesyourexpectationsasyouhavescarcelytouchedthem.”

“Ohno”repliedSalinashakingherhead.“Iamjustinahurrytotakeasunbathandswimier,soIdidnotwanttobetoofull.”

8

“Whyyesm’am”eheworld-wisemanagersmoothly,“Blueskies,whitesandandbluewatersarearaordinarilybeautifulbinationfewignore.Iamrelievedthatyouarenotdispleasedwithourfood.Pleaseeback.Ifthereisanyspecialdishyouwouldliketotry,IwillhaveourchefmakeitespeciallyforyouacctoyourspecificationsandifthereisanythingIcoulddoforyou,youneedonlytoletusknow.”Salinanoddedandstooduptoleave.Themanagerfollowedhersaying,“Iseethatyouhaveyourshoppingbagsandargesuitcasewithyou.Perhapsyouhavearrangedforyings.Wouldyoulikemetocalltheciergeaupforyou?”Salinanoddedheragreement.Theroombegantofilsotherexpensivelydressedersstrolledintothediningroomandinafewmihemahehotelhimselfhurriedinapawoclerkswhoquicklymadethechearrasoandassignedbellboystocarrytheirparcels,bagsandluggage.ThemanagerhimselfandhistwoclerksledthewayasSalinaandEmmanuelwalkedoutofthediningroom,followedbythebellboyscarryingalltheirpurchasesacase.Thediningroommanagerandcaptainstoodbythedoorsmilingandbowingobsequiously,saying,“Pleaseeback.Itwouldbereatestpleasuretoserveyouagaiime.”Theyweremakingsuchabigto-dothatmadeSalinafeelspedverysatisfied,asifshewasbeiedlikeaqueenandcausedtheothererstostareatthemcuriously,wjustwhotheyweretobegivensuchspecialVIPtreatment.ThatwasthecourseofeventshowEmmanuendSalinaarrivedatthiscitybytheseaandcametobelodgedinthepresidentialsuiteofthisrgeandluxuriouso-resort.

DimitriandhisfriendssatinCharina’slivingroomdrinkingfragrant,freshly-madecoffeeandtalkedsporadicallyaboutEmmanuendSalina,wwhatmischievous,underhandtricksthesetwelittlepeoplefromtheKingdomofDreamwouldeupwith.TheycouldnotuandhowthehugepinkdiamondknoinkPuzzle”cametobeauedoff.

“Onthesurface,”saidMr.Kaffee“thesegrandandiionallywell-knownjewelrystoresmayseemtoberocksolidandimpervioustotheupsanddownofthefinancialworld.Theyholdexclusiveausforselectederswithallthetrappingsofwealthandluxurywithgreatpompandshowmanship.Butiy,thingsarenotgoingwellforthem.Theyhaveover-expandedarappedforcashinthisglobaleiturn.”DwarfMickeystoodup,stretchedhimselfandsaid,

“It’salright.Let’sdropthesubject.Ithiwolittlepeoplejustgrabbedsomejewelsandcametothismundaneworldtoeat,drink,makemerryandhavesomefun.Idon’tthinkthereismuthisworldtoattractthemsotheywillsoonbegoingback.Thispinkdiamondisfabulouslyexpensive,worthanastronomicamountofmoney.Butitisnotthemostexpehinginmytreasuretrove.‘PinkPuzzle’isamagicalgem.Thepersonwhocovetsitwouldbedownontheirludiroublebecauseitknowsitswaybacktothetreasuretroveandwouldjustdisappearoneday…”Beforehefinishedspeaking,loudsnoreswereheardandtheysawthatJamaz,havingdrunktoomuehadfallenfastasleep.Richardwentoverandshookhimbytheshoulder,saying,

“Hey!man.It’ste.Timetoleave…”

“Ohno”saidCharina.“It’steandthereareenoughguestroomstoaodateallofyou.Stay.Itwouldbemorefunstayingtogether…”

“What?”saidJamazgroggily.“Timetoleave?Okay,let’sgetgoing.”

“Wehavetogobacktoourowherosegarden”saidRichard.Itmaybedesertedanddipidatedbutit’squiteindemand.Ifwedon’tgobackitmaybetakenoverbyotherhomelessruffians.Infactwemayeveofightthemtodefendourhomeahandthrowoutanyonewhohastakenover…”

“Good!Let’sgo!”saidJamaz,whoseeyeshadbrighteheprospectofagoodfight.CharinalookedatMr.KaffeeandBig-Oandsaid,

“What!Youtwoareleaving,too?”

8

“Ohyes,”repliedMr.Kaffee.“Big-Ohastogobadsayhiseveningprayers.Iamusedtopeadquiet,soIwouldbeleavingwithhim.Thelittletemplebythekesuitsmefine.”Charina’seyeslookedinquiringlyatDwarfMickey,whojumpeddownfromthesofa.

“Don’tworryaboutme”hesaid.“Ihavemyowogoto.”EveryohathewasthegodofwealththatDimitrihadputonhisaltarinhisKingdomofDreams,soanytempleiousinstitutionsuitedhimfine.Infacthebroughtprosperitytowhereverhechosetostop.Hisferventbelieverswouldeindrovestoprayaemplewouldbecrowdedwithpilgrimswhhtalongdlesandinseandmadegenerousdonations.Whodoesn’tlovemoney?Whodoesn’twantthegodofwealthtoshowerri?SoDwarfMickeywasohemostpodsiemples.Itisjusthumannatureandjustifiable.SoCharinastoodsilentlybehindDimitriashesawhisfriendsoff.

“Don’tbesadCharina”saidMr.Kaffee,fthehospitablehostess.“Wherethereisbreakup,thereisgathering.Justgiveusadwewillgathertogetheragain,right?Wewillbejustashappyandmerryasweweretonight.”

Thelivingroomlookedlonelyaeaftertheguestsleft.SilentlyCharinabeganinguptheleftoversandstagtheptes,bowlsandcupsintothekitsink,tobedealtwiththedayafteragoodnight’ssleep.Dimitriwaohelpbutdidnotknowwhereto.Sensitivetohisfeelingofhelplessnessbecauseofhisblindness,Charinahelpedhimtothesofa.Shetookasmalltowendwipedupthespillsonthecoffeetablesaying,

“Haveaseat.I’llberightwithyouandwanttotalktoyousomemoingbacktothekit,sheputtwocrystalgssesontoatrayandaddedtoitthebottleofhalf-fullvintageredwishehadopenedforDimitrithesttimehewashere.Sheputtogetherthefingerfoodleftonvariousdishesandbihemintooneandwalkedbackwiththemalltothelivingroom.Shesatdownbesidehimandpouredoutthefragrantredwine.Dimitriiheuniquefragrandsaidsmilingly,

“You’vebeenbusyallday,Charina.Aren’tyoutiredandsleepy?Youstillwantsomeredwine?”

“Totellyouthetruth,Idofeelrathertiredandwouldlovetorest”saidCharinawithafrown.‘ButoherhandmycuriosityhadbeenarousedandIwouldreallylovetoknowaboutalltheexgthingsthathappeerwardsintheKingdomofDreams.”

“Wheredidwestopatsttime?”

“YoustoppedatwhenyougotonyichorseLightningaraightuptotheskiestomeetKiherestshouldbeevehrilling!Myfeelingsaretroversial.Itishardtochoosebetweensleepandlisteningtothestory.Whydon’tyouchooseforme?Tellmewhichisbetterforme…”Holdinguphergss,shetouchedittoDimitri’sandsaid,“Cheers!”

“Whydon’twedoboth?”repliedDimitridrinkingfromhisgss,afteramomentofthought.“WouldyoulikemetotakeyouonatourofmyKingdomofDreamssoyouseeeverythingforyourself?Youfalsleepayourfleshbodyhavetherestitsorelyneeds,andIwilltakeyouonatourtomyKingdomofDreamswhileyousleep.How’sthat?”

8

“Youmeantosaymybodyfalsleepinmybed,butmysoulseparateitselffrommybodyandgototheKingdomofDreams?”askedCharinaashereyeswidenedinsurprise.“bodyandsoulbeseparated?”

“Generallyspeaking,itbedone”Dimitrireplieddiffidentlyaftersomemomentsofthought.“Butstrictlyspeaking,fleshbody,sounddreamsdo.Theyareonlyimpressionsoftraexistence…Iwillnotgointothistoodeeplyasitwouldleaveyoumorefusedthaneverandyouwouldnotbeabletoenjoyyoursweetslumberanymore.Westartagainfromwhereweleftoff.”

“Buthowwestartagain?Ithadalltakenpcealready.It’snotlikeanovelwhereweturnbackafewpages.Ithadallhappenedbeforenow.”

“MyKingdomofDreamsbelongstoamysteriousdimensionoftime,whichdoesnotbelongaobemoreprecise,itisthepointatwhichtheuniversebegan.Thingspresent,pastorfutureallbeethebeginningortheendnomatterwhereitis.Atthisinalspotoftheuniverse,thingscouldneverhavehappenedorhavealreadyhappeisverystrangeandmysteriouspceimpossibletoputintowords.”

“Alright,let’snottalkaboutthisanymore…”noddedCharinalikeagentlemb.“Shallwesleeptogetheroronseparatebeds?I’mafraidthatodomofDreamsIamnotfamiliarwiththingsthere.WhatwouldhappenifIgetseparatedfromyetlost?Soperhapswehadbettersleeptogether”.Sheblushedandadded,“But..youmustpromisenottotouchmyfleshbody…”Dimitriburstintoughterandsaid,

“Iknowyouareaveryprettywoman.Ialsouaraofoppositesexesaisfaofbinationofbodyandsoul.ButwhatIlongformost,isthepure,iandna?vefriendshipbetweenAdamandEvebeforetheytastedtheforbiddenfruit.Thinkbacktothetimewhenyouwereinyourearlyteensanddidfullyuandwhatsexisalbout,wereyoueverattractedtotheoppositesex?Howdidfirstlovefeel?Wasn’titafeelingonefeelsnostalgicabout?Formypart,IlongonlyforthatfeelingoffirstlovewhenIdiduandsex,butwasembroiledinthateverstingyearningofmyheart…Restassured,Charina,Iwillnotoffendyou.”

“ActuallyIaminaquandarymyself.Ontheonehand,Iamafraidyouwouldwaoherhand,inmyinnermostheartIweleyouradvandwouldlovetohaveyoupossessme…Isn’tthattroversial?”Hervoicebecamelowerandloweruntilitwasalmostinaudible.Shehelduphergssandsaid,“Cheers!Let’sdrinkupourwineahingsadvaheywould.”Thetwoofthemfinishedofftheirdrinks,stoodupandCharinatookDimitri’sarminherownandledhimintoherbedroom.

Charina’searswerefilledwiththesoundofwindasitrushedby.SheopenedhereyestofindshewassurroundedbyblueskiesandthatshewassafelyledinKingDimitri’sstrongarmsandsittingonthemagichorseLightning.Lightningneighedloudly,fppedhismightywingsandflewhighintotheskies.Charinagncedupatthismanwhowasleadingheronatourofhismagigdomandsawthathelookedbuoyantandradiant,hisexpressionbraveandresolute,withnotraceofthedejected,listlesshomelesspersonwhohuddledoersweavingdreams.Dimitrihadtransformedbacktohistrueself,themighty,bravebutkindandgenerouskingbelovedbyhissubjedpeople.

KingDimitrituggedonthereinsandatthatsignal,Lightning,whowasalwaysiaccordwithitsmaster,atoncesloweddownitsupwardswing.Itkhemasterhadgedhismindabouthisdestination,soitgedcourseandtur.

“Let’sfirsttouchdownattheruinsoftheburntpacebythebankoftheke”saidDimitritoLightning.“TherearesomethingsIodothere.Afterthat,wewillflyuptoseventhheavenahKingZeus.”Lightningneighedandfppinghiswingsdesdedslowly.

8

“Didn’tyousayyouwouldtakemeonatourofyourpace?”askedCharinainsurprise.“Whyareyougingyourmind?”

“Zeusisthefatherofthegodsandthegodofallgods”repliedDimitriinaedmanner.“Heisomnipotent.Thoughhelikesmealotandisveryfriendly,treatingmeasanequal,anemperor’sheartishardtogauge.Heisnarrow-mindedandveryjealous.Hesentwordformetogoandseehimseveraltimes.I’mafraidit’sbecausemygoldpacehasbeeuncoveredandisagainbrightanddazzling.I’mafraidheisgoingtoreprimandmefoingbayword.Theouteisnotpromising…IamthinkingofleavingyouatasafepcefirstandthengoaZeus.Iamnotafraidtofacehisthousandsofcelestialsoldiersaloneonmysteed,butifyouarewithmeanditestomortalbat,Idonotwishanyharmtoetoythefight.Soitwouldbemuchsafertoleaveyouintheruinsofthepadaskmytwoloyalfriendstoprotectyou.”Charinalookedtowardstheleftandsawamagnifitgoldpacegivingoffasplendidandradiantbrillianderthesunlight.Shecriedout,

“Isthatthesolidgoldpaceyoutoldmeabout?”

“Yes”noddedDimitri.“Iorderedittobecoveredwithirontomaskitsdazzlingglitter,butunfortunatelyCyclopsandVioledthebarbariantroopsagainstmykingdmyabsendoccupiedtheGiantMountainsandthegoldpace.Theyorderedtheirtroopstotearofftheironcover;sonowthegoldpacehasregaisinalbrilliandisshiningradiantlyuhesun.ItisgranderandmuagnifitthanZeus’ownbronzepatheseventhheaven,whichissomethingthegodofheavencouldnotpossiblystomach.Hemustlookuponitasachalleohispowerandauthority.That,Ithink,iswhyhewantstoseeme.”Astheyweretalking,Lightniowardsthegroundiifurdedsurelyandaccuratelybythebanksoftheke.

KingDimitridismountedandthencarriedCharinadownfromthehorse’sbahisarms.Charinalookedaroundandsawutterdestru.Pilrshadbeentoppled,wreckageofthedestroyedbuildingyinruinsbutthescopeandexcellehefnifitpacewerestilldisible.Somepiecesofcssidluxuriousfurniturehadbeenbroken,butwithcarefulworkcouldstillberestored.ShesaidfidentlytoDimitri,

“GivehinkthatIwouldbeabletore-establishahomehere.”

“No,no,nodohinkaboutit”saidDimitrishakinghisheadandpointingtowardstheleft.“CyclopsandVioareinthegoldpatheoppositeshore.Anymovementherewilrousethesuspiofthebarbarians.Ifyouseeanyoneingtowardsthissideofthekebyboat,youmusthideyourselfinthedenseforests.Ohyes,Imustytwoloyalfriendstoeandprotectyou.”Sayingso,Dimitriputhisfingersintohismouthtoissueashrilldthe,“CortezandKojak,whereareyou?Areyounearby?Pleaseshowyourselves!”Theheadsoftwofiercetigerspeepedoutfromtheruins.Thoughtheiroldmasterhaddisappearedtotheyknownotwhere,theywereloyaltotheirpostofwatgovertheruinsofhiscastle.Seeingtheiroldmasterstandingbythebankoftheke,theyjumpedoutandrushedexcitedlytowardshim,tailsswitgiheygaveoutroarssoloudandferociousthatthesurroundingareavibratedandshook,sgCharinasomuchthatshehidbehindKingDimitri.Dimitrimadeasignforsilehetwoferociousbeastsstoppedsubmissivelybeforehimandsatdown.HepulledCharinafrombehindhisbadsaidtothetwotigers,

“ThisismygoodfriendCharina.Sheisaguestindosthatuood?”Thetigersnodded.HethenturoCharinaandmadeintrodus.“ThisoneisKojak.ThatoneisCortez.Theyaremygoodfriends.”ThetwotigerswalkeddocilelytowardsCharinaandrubbedagainstherlegslikefriendlykittensandCharinadidherbesttohideherfearandpattedthemonthehead.KingDimitrithenturoinstructthetwotigersontheirduties.“IfanyonefromtheoppositeshoreshoulddiscoverthatCharinaishereandetowardsthissideoftheketocaptureher,youtwomustprotecther,retreatintotheforestandaskforhelpfromMedusa.Isthatuood?”Thetwoanimalsletoutlowgrowlsandshowedtheirfierceteethtosignifytheyuoodandwouldguardherwell.KingDimitrismiledandsaidtoCharina,

“Ifyouareied,youcouldwalkthroughtheruinsofthepadlookfortreasures.Perhapsyoumightfindmaterialthatwouldhelpyourwriting.Iwillebackforyouwhenthemoonrisesandwewillgobaundaneworld.Sowe’llsaygoodbyefornowandI’llgoaboutmybusiness.”Sayingso,KingDimitrimountedhishorse.Lightningfppedhismightywingsaotheskies.

Thick,heavycloudsfloatedintheskieslikethetifloatingonthewideexpanseofobelostheyhethickclouds,theyheardloud,boomingsoundssimirtothethunderingoftensofthousandsofhoofs,mixedwiththegofallmannersofonsaleshoutsofsoldiersriseoeraseemedasiftwomightyarmieswerebattlingeachothertothedeath.Dimitri’shearttightened.“CouldsiccatastrophebehappeninginKingZeus’sseventhheaven?”hewondered“Ifso,Imustflythereandtrytohelpthemightykingofgods,whobefriendedme,overlookingthedisparityofourmutualpositionsaedmeasafriendandanequal.Iwillitmyselfevenuoproteghispersonandhisimperialpower.”Dimitrineverusedhiswhiponhisbelovedsteed;hejustsoftlycmpedLightning’sfnkwithhiskheirmutuallyagreedonsignal,andLightninguoodthathismastersetaurbedandwishedtorushaheadandfindoutwhatallthisotionwasabout.Hefppedhismightywingsandsurgedfullspeedaheadintothesky.

8

Uponreagtheclouds,Dimitrisawgroupsofsoldiersonhorsebackstreakpasthimswiftasthewind,payingnoheedwhatsoevertohisuninvitedpreseheirtrationwasteredsolelyonthegesilefield.Tensofthousandsofcavalrymenwereassembledontheopenfields.Theyweredividediionsgallopingatfullspeed,theirformationuniformandstrictlyregimeheyseparated,rejoined,andthenseparatedagaintoformallmannersofplexpatterns.Inamomentthousandsofcavalrymensuddenlyscatteredinalldiresandthenjustasswiftlygregatedintoaunitedwholeagain.Theysplitintotwoandfoughteachotherasfiercelyandbravelyasiftheywererealenemies.Dimitrilookedupatthereviewingstandandsawthehandsomeandbravesungod,Apollo,standingtherefidentlyandinghistroopsusingfgsofallcolorsandhandsignals.Tensofthousandsofcavalrymetuohisandthattheyseemedtobeextensionsofhisfingersandarms,co-operatingseamlessly.Inasedthetwosesthathadbeenfightingtothedeath,mergedintoone.Suchawell-trainedandwell-equippedarmywasreallyinvincible.Dimitrirodeslowlytowardsthereviewingstand.ThesungodApollocaughtsightofhim.Rushingdown,hejumpedintohisglitteringgoldchariotandhurriedtowardshisguest.Whewomet,theywerebothveryexcited,huggingandkissingeachotherinexuberance.

“BrotherDimitri,wehaven’tseenyouforalongtime.Howareyou?”excimedApollo.

“IamsosorryIhaveoseeyouandpaymyrespectstoKihereweresomethingsIhadtodealwithinthemundaneworld.IreceivedKingZeus’summonsandamheretoseewhathewanted.Howareyou,BrotherApollo?”

“Iamfine.EverythingisfiherZeusisieherewatgmedrillthearmy.Heioleadittorestoreydomforyouandisgreatlydistressedthatwehavenotheardfromyou.eo’sgoandseehim.I’msurehewouldbeveryrelievedandhappytoseeyou.”Sayingsothetwoofthemrodetowardsthebigtent.

LookingoutfromhistentKingZeussawtwobckspotsfarawayinthehorizoningfasttowardshim.HekhattheoteringbrightasthesunwashisbelovedsonApolloandwaswwhotheimposingfigureonasnowwhitesteedridingbesidethesungodwas.Whentheyear,herealizedthatitwasKingDimitriwhomtheyhaven’tseenforalongtimeandasmilecametoKingZeus’normallysolemnface.HiseyessoftenedandhisexpressionshowedhisreliefatseeingDimitriwholeandunharmed.HethoughtDimitrilookedmagnifit,braveandheroicasever,belyingtherumorsthathisKingdomhadbeenoccupiedbybarbariantroops,hispaceburntandthathehimselfwasdestituteandhomeless,roamireetsofthemundaneworldasablindbeggar.Hewasgdthattherumorswereunsubstantial.WhenKingDimitricametothebigtent,hequicklyjumpedoffhishorse,walkedintothetentaonekneebeforehisliegelordsaying,

“Yourmajesty,pleaseexcuseyourvassalDimitriforbeingteinansweringyoursummons.Iamnowhereforyoutoand.Pleaseletmeknowwhatyouwishofme.”KingZeuswasveryhappytoseethatDimitriwassorespectfulofcourtprotocol.Heughedheartily,andstoodupsaying,

“KingDimitri,youandIarebothsns.Weareequalsoyoukome.Pleasestand.”SungodApollowasastouoseehisnormallysternanddighertreatanyonesopolitelyandgenially,whilyshowedhisfather’shighregardforDimitriinhisheart.Kiwindaughter,Charmaineainewhoweresnuggledbytheirfather’sside,lookedatDimitriwitheyesbeamingwithaffe.Hewasthemanoftheirdreamsandtheirhero.TheyhadbeenseparatedfromhimforsuchalongtimeandonlythepreseheirfatherprevehemfromshowingtheiremotionsandthrowingthemselvesintoDimitri’sarms.KingDimitristoodupasandedandKingZeussatbahisroyalthrone.

“Ithadbeeedtomethatydomhadbeeninvadedandoccupiedbybarbariantroopsandyourpaceburntdown.Thesesoldiershadtheimpudeearofftheironcoveryouputoldpacesoitisonceagainglitteringandsparklinguhesun,outshiningmybronzepacehereintheseventhheaven.ThisissomethingIotpossiblyallow.Itoldmysontodrilndtrairoops,gettingthemreadyforbattle.Theywillswoopdownandobliteratetheseupstartbarbariansandatthesametimerestoreydomtoyou.Thetimingofyourarrivalisreallyexcellent.Iamputtingyouinchargeofmyarmy.Yougivetheordertoattadtheywillswoopdownandkilllthesebarbariansandappeasemyanger.”

“MyKingdomintheDreamsisonlyatinypiedontheedgeoftheuniverse”saidKingDimitri,bowing.“IamanxiousthatundeservingasIam,yourmajestyhasseenfittobestowyourloveandfriendshipoIamalsoextremelygrateful.However,Imustbegyoutoresdyourorder.Annihitingthebarbariantroopswillcausesavageandbrutalbloodshedbothtotheenemyandtoourowntroops,whichissomethingIwouldliketopreventatallcost.Ihavealreadydevisedaporemykingdomanddrivethebarbariansbacktotheirownndwithoutsheddinganyblood.IalsomakethegoldpaGiantMountaindisappearfromthehorizonforever.Ibegyourmajestytotakebackyourorder.”

“FatherZeus,”saidApollowhowasstandingby.“Ifitispossibletoaplishwhatwedesirewithoutbloodshedthatnaturallywouldbethebestwaytogo.SingDimitrialreadyhasapn,whyhimtry?Ifhefails,wealwayssendiroops.Whatdoyouthink,Father?”

8

“Areyoufidentthatyoucouldrecoverydomwithoutafight?”askedKingZeusdoubtfully.

“Yes,yourmajesty,”repliedKingDimitri.“Tonightaftersuwhenthemoonfirstrises,Iwilldrivethebarbariantroopsbacktotheirownndandwillmakethegoldpacedisappearforeverfromthehorizon.Iamfidentofthat,but…”

“Whatisit?”askedKingZeus,seeingthatDimitriwaosaysomethingbutforsomereasonwasreluttodoso.KingDimitrilookedatthetwinsisters,Charmaineaine,snugglingbytheirfather’ssideandsaid,

“IwouldlikethehelpofyourtwobeloveddaughtersCharmaineaine.Wouldyourmajestygivethempermissiontodoso?”CharmaineainewereecstatitheyheardDimitri’srequest.Theyquicklykdowninfrontoftheirfatherbegging,

“WearewillingtogowithKingDimitriandhelphimtothebestofourabilities.PleaseFather,letusgo!”KingZeuslookedlovinglyathistwindaughters.Thoughtheyseemedbeautifusflowerstheyhadnosubstandnofleshbody.HekhatthetwoofthemhadadeephistorywithKingDimitri,asealretionship,sohesaidsmilingly,

“Whynot?Youtwohavebeencoopeduphereforquiteawhileandit’stimeforyoutohaveabreak.GowithKingDimitri,butyoumustbebackassoonasthemissionisaplished.”

“Yes,Father”saidthetwonymphs,theirvoicesegthehappinessintheirhearts.

KingDimitrisatbetweewiiesonhismagichorseLightning,whofppeditsmightywingsonthelongdistancejourheuniverse.CharmaibehindKingDimitri,holdingfasttohiswaist.Nowshehadherowuresanddidheuseofamirrororthewatersurfacetotalktopeople.Thiswasthefirsttimeshewaswiththemanshelovedandheldontightlytohisstrongandvirilewaist.Thoughshehadnosubstandnofleshbody,shestillfeltperfectlysatisfiedandhappy.ClemeinfrontofKingDimitri,ledinhisarms.Shewasfusedandataloss.KingDimitrioncegaveherafleshbodywhichshedissolvedinthekewateriosavehertwinsister.Thiswasthefirsttimeshehadbeensoclosetothemanofherdreamssitime.SherealizedthatitossibletofeelspirituallovewithouthavingafleshbodyandthatlovedidheseouchPleaseseeBook2KingdomintheDreams.Lightningflewpasttheintermiimeandspaceoftheuniverse.DirectedbyClemegraduallydesdedandndedonawhitecelestialbody,wild,coldaremely.Itwasthepclosesttotheearth–themoon.Lightningracedtowardsthewideexpanseofwhitewilderness,ihofwhichwasasmallhousebuiltofwhitemarbleandtransparentgss.ThiswasCharmaineaine’shomeonthemoohreeofthemdismouhedoorofthehouse.Thedoorwasleftunlockedbecausetheyweretheonlyinhabitantsofthepdfeartheintrusionofanyuninvitedguests.Theywalkedintothehouse.Inspiteofthefactthatithadbeeuninhabitedforalongtime,theinteriorwasandtidy,withnotaspeckofdustonthefurniture.KingDimitrisatdownwhilethesistershurriedtopreparefoodtooffertotheirguest.Havingnofleshbodies,herofthemneedednourishment,buttherealwaysweresomefruitsanddrinkstogivethepceafeelingofhome.Charmainebroughtoutabottleofwineandsomewinegsses,saying

“Trythiswi’sfromFather’sseventhheavenandismadeofvariousblossomsandfruit.Isitgood?”Clementinebroughtoutapteofheavenlyfruitwithnoknownnamewhichshehadpeeledandtoslidputontoapte.KingDimitritriedthewineandfounditsrantandtastythathefinishedhisgssinaquaff.Thewine,whichwassweet,pure,fragrantandnotatallpotent,sliddownhisthroatinawarmstreamrightintohisbelly.“Thisisreallygoodwine,”hethought.Findingthefruitjustassweetanddelicious,hesaid,

“Itisgoodthatyoutwohavenofleshbodybecausethenyouneednofood.YouwouldneverbeinthepositionIaminnow,bothhungry,thirstyandindireneedofsusteuallyfleshbodyisnotnecessarilyagoodthing.Nothavingonesavesyoualotoftrouble.”Thetwinsisterssmiledastheysatsilentlyby,happyandsatisfiedastheywatchedKingDimitriguzzledownhisfoodravenously.KingDimitritinued,“AfterthelongrideIamfeelingtired.NowthatIhaveeatenmyfill,Iamfeelingsleepy.Thisisanotherdefectofthefleshbody.Thetwoofyouwouldneverfeelhungryortired,andthatissowonderful.

8

“Ifyouarefeelingtired”suggestedClementine,“Whydon’tyougoandtakeanapinourbedroom?”Dimitri’sfaceturnedworriedandedashesaid,

“I’tfalsleepevenifIlieofortablebed.Ihavepromisedyourfatherthatbeforethesunrises,Iwillforcethebarbariantroopsbacktotheiroworyandmakethegoldpace,whichhasmadeyourfathersoangry,disappearfromthefaceoftheearth.Ihavemadethepromise,butamnot100?rtainIwouldbeabletodoallthis.SohowIseteverythingasideandtakeagoodnap?TimeisoftheessehinkIhadbettertakeLightningandgobayKingdomofDreamstoseehowthingsareoutthere.I’llberightback…Youtwowaitformehere.”

“No,no,no”saidClementine.“Youdoogobadforthlikethat;it’lletoomuchofyourtimeandenergy.Youseewhateveryouwantththerewithouthavingtoleave.”

“Really?”repliedDimitrilookingdoubtfullyatClementineandgngatthesilentCharmainewhosaid,

“It’strue.Sheisnotjokingwithyou.Fromhereyouseeanythingyouwantto.Ifyoudon’tbelieveuseandseeforyourself.”

KingDimitrifollowedthetwinsintoanotherroom,whichwasobviouslytheirbedroosinmostgirls’bedrooms,therealwayswasadressingtablewithmirrorsandbsetit.Herebythewindow,owins’dressingtablewasargebronzemirror,shtandwell-polishedthatitreflectedeveryfeatureoftheface,eyes,andeyebrowseventothefibodyhair.Suddenly,thesettingsunappearedinthemirrorshiningonthegoldpace,makingitmoredazzlingandradiantthaneverandcastitsrge,imposingandmagnifitshadowonthegroundtowardstheeast.Theshadowseemedmysteriousanddiabolicasifitcealedinnumerablesecrets.Thepacety.Thebarbariansoldiershadallbeeouttodgatherdurablevinesandbriheedgeofthecliff.Cyclopswastheretopickoutthestrovinesandmakethemintoaheavydutyrope.Hetiedoneendoftheropetoarootofthebigandsturdytreethatextewardsfromthecliffandbouherendonahugerockwhichheliftedoverhisheadwithhismightyarmsandthrewdoweepcliff.KingDimitri’sfulttentionwastratedonthemirror,avidlyCyclops’everymoveandawwhatitwasalbout,whenVioappeared.Shegatheredallthebarbariansoldierstogetherandinstructedandexhortedthemseverelysaying,“Youmustprotedwatcholdpacewhilewearenothere.MakesurenoharmestoitorIwillcutoffyourheadswhenIeback.”Thenturningherselfintoafigureassmalsafinger,sheclimbedontothehornonCyclops’shead.CarryinghismagicbowandarrowCyclopsclimbeddowurdyvineropeintothedeepabyss.WithoutthetighttrolofCyclopsandVio,theurainedbarbariansweregavealoudshoutanddispersedlikeatrayofloosesand,freetopursuetheirowination.KingDimitriwasgreatlyheartewhathesaw.Itwasasifabrightlightshoneinhismind.Herushedtothedressingtabletogetacloserlookatthetwoandhesaidexcitedly,

“That’sjustgreat.It’stheceofalifetime.Itisasifheavenishelpingme.CyclopsandVioingdoceatthebottomofthissteepcliff.Climbingupanddownwilltakealongtime.ItwillgivemejusttheintervalIodowhatIhavetodo.Thesebarbariansoldiersareleaderless.Withoutahead,theywouldbeeasytodefeatortoinstigatethemtoreturntotheirowndomain.”Charmaineainebecameexcitedtooandsaid,

“Youaskedthetwoofustoewithyouandhelpyouwithouttellinguswhatyouwantustodo.Whydon’tyoutellusyourpnsowegoforwardwithit?Whatmissiondoyouhaveforthetwoofus?”KingDimitritappedhisheadwithhishandandughedheartilysaying,

“It’samissofmenottofillyouinonnsare.Iwasn’tquitesureofmyowionsinthebeginning,Ionlykhatthoughyouarebothbeautifusflowers,youdonothaveafleshbodyandthereforefearagicbowandarroymagicswordisinnowayinferiortohismagicbowandarrow.Ifitestoabattlebetweenus,Iamfidentofmysuccess.ButnowitseemsthingsaremuchsimplerandIhaveworried.CyclopsandViohavebothclimbeddownthecliffandthebarbariahoutleaders.Weneedonlydo…andthendo…andwearesuretosucceed!Ha,ha,ha.”AfterlisteningcarefullytoKingDimitri’swhisperedinstrus,Charmaineaine’seyesbrightenedandsaid,

“Yes,that’ssimpleenough.Wearesurewedothat.Ohyes,wearesureofaresoundingsuccess.”KingDimitrilookedagainatthemirrorandsaid,

8

“Thesuing.It’sstillearly.Whenthemoonaarseoutwewillleavehereandgoallouttocreateah-shakingspshthatwouldstunFatherZeushimself!”“Lookatthewomanthere.Whoisshe?”askedClementinepoihemirror.

Theseonthemirrorhadgedtotheruinsoftheburntpacebythesideoftheke.Inthemiddleoftheruihefreathallhadbeen,KingDimitri’sgoldthronesomehoedthefireandsparkledandshoneuheraysofthesettingsun,thepreciousstonesembeddedinitglitteredandgleamedlikestarsinthesky.Atall,slimbeautyairofbinocursinherhandsmiledasshesatohronelookingatthesurroundingsery.Thetwoferocioustigers,CortezandKojak,satonguardontwosidesofthethrone,justliketheyusedtodowhenKingDimitriwasthere.

“Oh,thatmyguestCharina,anauthoressfromthemundaneworld”repliedKingDimitriearly.ShewantstowriteatheKingdomofDreams.Ibroughtheralongforthetripsosheseethingsforherself,whichmighthelpherwithherwriting.”Charmaineaine’sbeautifuleyeswiththeirlongeyeshesblinkedseveraltimesandtheysaidwithatouchofenvyandjealousy,

“Doesthatmeanthatyouwillbeaddinganotherbeautytoyoucourt?”

“Oh,no,no,no”repliedKingDimitriquickly,shakinghishead“Iwillneverbacktraddosuchfoolishthingsanymore.Iwon’teverbuildgeouspadcollectbeautiesfromallovertheworldtolivethere.Retionshipbetweenmanandwomanaresimpleaplicated.It’sanimmeasurableburden.Igathered24beautiesfromthemundaneworldandhavejustsentthemallbackthereagaiainlywillnotdothisfoolishthingallain.”

“What?”thetwosisterscriedinsurprise.“Youthinkthattheretionshipbetweenmanandwomanisfoolish?”

“Ohno,that’snotwhatImean”expinedKingDimitrihastily.“Iaowledgethattheunionofbodyandsoulbetweenmanandwomanisverybeautifundisohehighestenjoymentsiiswhateverymanandwomanshouldseek.Butthoughtheunionofbodyandsoulisohehighestenjoymentsoflife,itissubjecttogewithtime.Ithinkthatpurespirituallove,likethelovebetweenusismorepreferable.Itwillstforeverandwillbepermalyimprintedonmymind.Don’tyouthinkso?IfpossibleIwouldlikeyoutomeetCharina,theauthoressIthinkyouwouldenjoytalkingwithheraboutmyviewsonlove.

“Sure,”repliedthesisters.“Ifthereisace,wewouldlovetomeetandtalktoher.Ithiionshipbetweenusisthebesttestimonytoyourviewonideallove.Webothhavetheappearanceofahuman,buthavenosubstanofleshbody.Yetwehaveforyouthedeepestlove.”

KingDimitriputCharinainthemidstoftheburntruinsofhispacesoshecouldroamaroundatwilndcollectmaterialforherwriting.Withthetwofiercetigersasbodyguards,shewasassafeascouldbe,soKingDimitrirodeonhismagichorseaheseventhheavewithKingZeusandhissonApollo.Charinalookedaroundandfoundherselfinwhatmusthavebeenthegreathall.TwomarblestepsledtoaptformwhereKingDimitri’sthronehadbeen;buthavingbeenexposedtofire,smoke,dust,ashestheelements,thesymbolofKingDimitri’sroyauthoritywasalmostunreizable.IntricatelycarvedchairsmadefromthemostexpensivewoodwerescatteredaurnedonbothsidesofthethroneandCharinaguessedtheymusthavebeesassighebeauties.Theywerebeautiful,butbroken.Charinathoughtthatwithcaretheycouldberestoredandrefurbished,soshetookthemfromtheruinsanddraggedthemoversotheyformedasemicirclearouhroheimmensepilrswhichwereusedtosupporttheroofhadbeentoppledandtheyweretoobigaobemoved,soCharinahadtoleavethemlyingtherebutwithherwork,theimageofwhatthehallhadbeenlikegraduallybecamedisible.Charinatinuedherworkamongtheashes.Kigamongtheashesanddigginginthesoil,shefoundjewelrymadewithdiamonds,gemsandotherpreciousstonelyingeverywherejustforthetaking.Shealsofoundsomewomen’sapparellyingaround.Thoughpartiallyburntbyfire,theexcellentqualityofthemateriandintricateworkmanshipleftlittletotheimaginationoftheimmeh,pompandsplendorofKingDimitri’scourt,ofallthebeautiesintheirbestdressesgatheringatbasaivals.Shewalkedforwardtofurtherexploretheruins.Sheestimatedthatshewasinthesidehallothegreathall.Thereintheashesandruins,shefoundaslightlydamagedbookofpoemshandwrittenbyafinefemininehand,anunfinisheddissertationon“OnLifeinMatriarchalSociety”andalsoapairofbinocursinperfeditionwhichQueenAishahadbeenusingtoobservethesurroundingareasduringtheinvasionofthebarbarians.Sheputallthesepreemorabiliaintoherbackpack,gratutingherselfthatshehadbroughtthebagalongwithherwhe;otherwiseshewouldnotbeabletanysouvenirsofthetripbackwithheraury-handed,whichwouldhavebeenaterribleletdowhoughtthattheunfinisheddissertationmustbelongtothecapableandlearnedQueenAishaandthebookofpoems,whichrecordedoddsandendsoflifeintheKingdomofDreams,wasanevenmoreprecioussourceforherownwritingfaveherfirst-handknowledgeoflifethere.Shelookedatthefine,delicatewritingandthoughtitlookedveryfamiliar,muchlikethatofAngelica’s.ThepoetessAngelicawasknownasthe“HermitPoetessoftheRoseGarden”,seldomjoininganysocialgatherings.Sheleftherrosegardenonlyforherearlymjogging.DoesherloagemeanthatshehadasecretroutetoDimitri’sKingdomofDreams?CharinathoughtthatshemustaskAngelicaaboutittheimeshemether.Charinawalkedcarefullyonintheashesandcametoarowofoverturnedet,withbrokengssalroundit.Itmusthavebelooawinecelr,shethought.Thoughsomebottleswerebroken,therewerestillsomethatwereleftwhole,allfamouswinefromallovertheworld.WhatlookedstraoCharinawas,shesawana-lookingporbottlepallsquaretableotheet.Thoughthebottlehadbeenscorchedbyfireandcoveredwithdustandashes,thestrahingwasthesmalltableitwasunscathed.Shewalkedoverandpulledoutthestopper.Astrongaromaofliquorrushedathernostrils.Sheedupthemouthofthebottleandtookasip.Thewidowhrhttoherstomach.Whatgoodwine,shethought.Itmustbethe100-year-oldmaotaiwineDornahadusedtopacifyMr.Fih.Sheputthesthtlybatheporbottleandputitintoherbackpackaswell,meaningtoshareitwithDimitriwheback.Charinacarefullybypassedthebrokengssandtiowalkforward.Shecametoapcethatlookedlikeakit.Alotofbowlsanddishesyiandashesbutanarrayofpletecookingutensilshunguntouchedonthewall.Shewalkedontoanopenspacethatcouldhavebeenthebackgarden.Intheerofthegardenwasarustedwaterfaucetwithtwobuckets,mopsandingcloth.Charinaeyesbrightened.“Whydon’tIusetheseingutensilstowashandupKingDmitri’sthrohatthethrosymbolizestheauthorityseesthelightofdayagain?”

ObedientlyfollowingCharina’sorders,thetwotigersKojakandCorteztookthebucketsbetweeeethandtrottedtotheketofillthemwithwater;whileCharinacarriedthemop,broom,ingclothandotheringutensilsandmadeherwaytowardsthegreathall.Itwasboriousasherfeetwereimmersedtotheankleiheachstepshetook.SooigerswerebackwiththeirbucketsofclearkewaterandsawthatCharinawassweepingawaythedustandashesfromtheptformwithabroom.Seeingthatthedustandashesaccumutedtherewasreallytoothick,shetookthebucketsofwaterandsimplyspsheditohroertheotheraigerstooktheemptybucketsandrantowardstheketogetmore.Shescrubbednon-stopatthedirt,owice,thrice.Thetigersraninnumerabletimestoandfrofromtheruinstothekeprinnumerablebucketsofwaterforheruntitstitwasagainandthehundredsofbrilliantpreciousstonesembeddedinitoncemaveforththeirbrilliance.Seeingtherewasstilldirtlodgedbetweenthepreciousstones,Charinasprayedthegapwithabottleofsingfluidandthencarefullyedeveryinchofthethrone.Finallysatisfiedwithherwork,shespsheditagainwithkewaterandrubbeditdrywithhercloth.ThethrosymbolizestheroyauthorityofKingDimitriatstagainsawthelightofday.EverygleamingpreciousstoobetellioryofthegoldeneraoftheKingdomofDreams.Charinaspshedwateroformtoclearawaytheremainingdustandashes,straighteheoverturnedchairsandputthemintheirpce.Bythen,shewasverytiredandherarmsandlegsweresoresoshesatohroorest.Thetwotigerssatoneoneachsideguardingtheirnewmistress.

90页

Charinatookoutthebinocursshehadpickedupamongtheashes,rubbedonthelensesaolookatthemountainrangesandkearoundherandatthefarawayforest.Shesawthedazzlingandbrilliantgoldpacetowardstheleftohersideoftheke.Therewasnoactivityihepacebutshesawthatthebarbariansoldierswerebusycarryingarmfulsofviheedgeofthesheercliffatthebackofthepaooneevenlookedtowardsthissideoftheke,soshewasfidentshehadnotbeeedandthereforeworryabouthersafety.Sheputdownthebinocursinherhandandabsent-mindedlystrokedthebacksofthetigerssittingbesidethethrone,findingtheirfurrathershort,coarseandprickly,sodifferentfromthelong,silkysmoothfurofherpetMaureen.SuddenlyshesmiledasshethoughtofhowMaureenwouldreactwhehrgetigersahuimeshissize.Thedogwouldprobablytrembleinfear.Ifheheardtheirloud,ferociousroarshewouldreallybeterror-stri.Iwouldhavetotakehimintomyarms,holdhimtightlyandforthimtogivehimasenseofsafetyagain.Suddenlyastrahoughtoccurredtoher.“WhatifIsetupatenthere?Whoistosayitisnotlikeahome?ThereissomutheseruinsthatbydiggingcarefullyandsalvagingwhatIfind,Isurelyprocureallthatisnecessarytomakeawarm,fortablehomehere.Ofcoursethatwilltakealotoftimeandeffort.”CharinawassuddenlystruckwiththethoughtthatsomehowatthebackofhermindtherealwayswasalongingtomakeahomeforDimitri,willingtojoinherlifetohis,alwaysthinkingofthetwoofthemasbelongingtogether.WhatmysteriousmagismdoesDimitrihavethatheisstantlyinhermind?Uptoafewdaysago,hewasonlyastranger,ahomelesspersonwhosometimesappearedinherneighborhood.Theywouldnodtoeachotherorexgeafewcasualwordsbutthatwastheextentoftheirretionship.Thenifewdaystheygottoknoweachbetter.ShediscoveredthatthishomelessbeggarhadaKingdomofDreamsinhisheartandthathewasitssnruleranda,firmingthesayiojudgeabookbyitscover.Oneshouldneverlookdownuponlowlyhomelessbeggarslyingdrunkbythewayside,fortheymayhaveKingdomofDreamsintheirheartsandaresnkingsas.Charinasmiledwrylyatherselfinself-mockery,wifherimaginationwasgettingfancifulmosttothepointofabsurd.Thesunwassettingonthehorizon.Themoonwasrisingi.Afewstarsbegantotwiheblueskies.Soonherprincewouldflydownonhiswhitehorseandtakeherbacktothefamiliarmundaneworld.

Thepalecrestmoonwastravelingslowlytowardstheterofthesky,andwillgraduallygrowtobeafullmoon.Uheluminousmoonlight,theseawascalmwithpilyagainstthebeaapathbythewhitesand,amanandawomarollingalongtalkingandughing.Salinaworearemelywelldesignedbluesilkdressasblueasthebluesea.Infactshelookedlikeanymphwhojustroseoutofthedeepsea.Hersilkdressreflectedluminousmoonlight,givingforthafaintgleam.Herpanion,whoofcoursewasEmmanuel,wasinabeigesuit.Hedidnotuseatieahecolrofhisbrightredshirtopen,emanatinganairofurained,brawnymasecharmandfasation.Thefawn-coloredsafaristrawhatonhisheadaddedtohisattra.

“Youmeanyoureallydrive?”askedSalinawithasmile.

“What’sthebigdeal?OfcourseIdrive”repliedEmmanuelgestigwildly.“WhenmyoldfriendRichardwasdriving,Ipokemyheadoutofhisbreastpocketandwatchwhathewasdoistepsonthegas,tureerihiswayandthat.Heusesbothhishandsandhisfeetandlookseverywherewithhiseyes.It’ssimple.Iknowhowtodrivejustby.Pieceofcake.Sawyouhadyoureyesobcksportscarparkedoutsidethesteakhouse.Yah,thecarisstreamlinedanditsshapeisunique…OhesedayswebuyoneandpywithitandIshowoffmyexcellentdrivingskills.It’sapitycarsdon’tflyintheair;otherwiseIflyitlikeanairpneandyouwillknowhowaplishedIam.”ThetwoofthemdidnotmakeuseoftheluxuriouslimousineprovidedbythehotelforitsVIPersbutchosetowalktothefamoussteakhouseafewblocksdownandenjoyedasumptuousmeal.EmmanuendSalinahadheirwholelivestastednewYorksteakasgoodasthoseservedtothem.Theyaskedthewell-knowndessertcheftheretomakeabananacakeforthem.Heusedbutter,cheeseandredientsandintheendpouredrumoveritandlighteditupbeforeserving.Thaton,everydaydessertbecameasingurandfabulouscoinhisskillfulhands.Salinawasfasatedandasusualgavethechefanakeddiamondforhiseffivingrisetocriesofenvyandadmirationofthepeoplearoundthem.Aerattheneighbtablewasanoldgentlemannearinghisseventies,withgold-rimmedgssesandeyessharpwithintelligendefficy.Heeyedthenakeddiamondfshinggreenandbluelightsinthehandsofthechefaobearealtreasure.WhenSalinaandEmmanuelwalkedoutoftherestaurantuheadmiringlooksofallthepatrons,theoldgentlemanquicklysettledhisatandwalkedoutafterthemwithhisbeautifulyoungpanion.EmmanuelwalkedaroubckcarparkedinfrontoftherestaurantadmiringlyandsaidtoSalina.

“ThiscarisathousandtimesbetterthanthedipidatedoldtruckmyoldfriendRichardhas.Itshouldhavebeenthrownawaylongago,buthesaidit’shisoldfriendandhelovestheoldthingandwillnotdiscardit.Isn’thecrazy?”JustthentheoldgentlemaoftherestaurantandwasgratifiedthatEmmanuellikedhiscar.HestoppedbesideEmmanuelsaying,

“Thiscarhas600horsepowerandrequiresonly2-3sedstogofrom0to100.It’sreallyamazing.Atmyage,drivingittakesmebacktotheheadydaysofmyyouthwhenIwastakingpartinan800meterradwonthechampionship.Thisotonlyhas600horsepower,italsoharemelywelndiswortheverypennyoftheexorbitantpriceIpaidforit.ItshiftssosmoothlythatitremindsmeofpyingbasketballwhenIwasyoung.Iwouldjumpup,turnatthewaistandshootatthebasketbiningawholeseriesofmovementsintooneseamlessflow.Thiscar’scapabilitytoshiftisjustlikemynimblenesswhenIwasyoung.Ilovetodriveitbecauseitbringsbackthegoldenageofmylife.”

“Thiscarisreallyincredible.Howmuchdidyoupayforit?”askedEmmanuel

“Talkingaboutpriceistoovulgar”repliedtheoldgentleman.“Whatbringsyouhappinessisworthanyprice.AsamatteroffactIamthinkingofgingcars.IfyouarethinkingofgettingoneIletyouhavethisone.Priceisofnosequence….eandseemeifyouareied.”Sayingso,hetookoutacard,haoEmmanuehecardoorforhisbeautifulyoungpanion.Theyoungwomanhadlongblondehairjustreaghershouldersandworeagingminibckdress,showingoffhershapelylonglegs.Aftershewasseated,hewenttothedriver’sside,opehedoorandsaidtoEmmanuel,“I’msorrythissportscarseatsonlytwo,soI’tgiveyouguysaride.Seeyou.”Heclosedthedoor,startedtheehecarshotoutlikeanunbridledhorseandsoondisappearedfromsightontheroad.EmmanuellookedatthecardinhishandandsawthattheoldmanwasthetopdesignerandappraiserofapromijewelrystorecalledSteveR.Wolfe.HelookedatSalinaandasked,

“Whataboutit?Areyouiedinthedeal?Shallwespendsomemoneyandbuyit?”

“Leavethatfortomorrow.Fortonightweshouldthinkaboutwheretogoohaveagoodtime”saidSalina.

9

“Ihavealreadypnnedwhattodo”repliedEmmanuel.“Youworryyourlittleheadaboutsuchthings.Wewillfirstgotoadiscotodanddrinkiodigestthergedihenwewillgotooheosandtryourluck.Howaboutit?”

“Youknowhowtogamble?”askedSalinaissurprise.

“Ofcourse.IusedtofrequentinnumerablegamblinghallsandosbigandsmallwithRichardandJamaz.MystaturewastoosmalltogambleoablesbutIwatchedthetwodownontheirluckguyslosetheirshirts.Theyreallywerepitifunddoomedtobepoor.Ifitwereme,Iwouldhavewonthewholegamblinghalloverandmaketheownerpayme”saidEmmanuelboastfully.

“Alright,let’sgothen”saidSalinaalreadywalkingaway.“Whatareyouwaitingfor?”Sayingso,thetwoofthemwalkedintothenight.Thenightwasstillyoung.

Sometimetheday,Mr.Fingerslowlywokeup.Hewasstillgroggyandhadaspittingheadache.Theyhaddrunktoomuchthenightbefore,resultinginthismotherofallhangovers.Heopenedhisdrowsyeyesandfoundhimselfinaporbowlfullofdarkbrownliquor.Whenhelickedhisfingersandfounditwasgoodwhiskey,heslowlyrememberedtheevensofthenightbefore.WhenheandSalinacamebacktotheirpresidentialsuiteieftercarousingtilltheweehours,hesaorbowlihroomandsaidtoSalina,

“DoyouknowhowIusedtodrink?Theywouldpourliquorintoagssandputmei.Iwoulddrinkimmersedinliquorihegss.That’swhatyoucalldrinking!Wouldyoudaretodrinklyinginsideabowl?”

“Whynot”repliedSalina,alsoverydrunkbythen.“Idaretodowhateveryoudareto.”Mr.Fingerpouredthewholebottleofwhiskeyintothebowndsaid,“Let’sgebacktiandlieinsidedrinking.ThatwhatIcallrealdrinking.”Sothetwoofthemtookoffalltheirclothes,gedbacktolittlepeoplesmalsafingerandjumpedintotheporbowndytheredrinkingintoastupor.AsMr.Fingergraduallywokeup,hisheadclearedandhismemoryalsocamebacklittlebylittle..Heseemedtorememberthatafterdanganddrinkingatthedisco,theywentteo.Nothavinganycashonhand,theyexgedpreciousdiamondsforchips.Thegeneralmanagerhimselfcametoservethemandgavethemamilliondolrsworthofchipsforthefirstdiamond.Inthebeginningthingswerefihechipsbeforehimwerepiledhighasamountain,butthenlikeallgamblers,hebecamegreedy.Themorehewon,themoreriskshetooktowineveilhelostallthathehadwohemilliondolrshestartedwith.Herememberedgoingbackseveraltimestothemaoexgediamondformorechips,whichhethenlostagainandagain.“Ohdear,Salina’sbagofjewelsmustbealmostemptybynow.IfIhadknownthiswouldhappen,Iwouldnothavegoheo”hethoughtregretfully.“ButtherearelotswherethiscamefromintheKingdomofDreams.Losingabitofitisnothing!Iwillwinitallbaexttime.Thetreasureisinexhaustible.Wejusthavetogobadgetsomemore.”Asmiler.Finger’sfadhewasthinkingfidentlyoffuturepursuitswhenheheardSalinagandshouting,

“Help!Help!Iamdrowning!Iamdrowning!”HeturnedandsawSalina’shandswavingintheair,legskigandspshingintheliquor.Hepushedhershouldersshouting,

“Salina!Salina!!!Areyouhavinganightmare?Don’tbeafraid,Iamherebesideyou.”Hethenputhisarmsaroundherandtriedtoforther.Salinaopenedhereyessaying,

“Iwasscaredtodeath.Itwasreallyfrightening.It’sgoodthatitwasonlyadreawasstrugglingintheenormouswaveswhichseemedtohaveamagicforcethatkeptdraggingmedowntotheterofgravity.Ialmostdied.”

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“Don’tbeafraid,myprettylittledarling.Iamhereandwillprotectyou.Youdonothavetobeafraidofanything.Drinksomeliquor.”Cuppinghishands,Mr.FingerscoopedsomeliquorandofferedittoSalina.Itwasthenthatshefoundtheywerebothheporbowl.

“Youmeantosaythatbothofusyintheliquorallnight?”criedSalina.“NowonderIhadnightmaresofdrowning!”ShegaveMr.Fingerawhiteeyeandsaid,“Itwasallyourfault!”

“Right.Right.It’sallmyfault.’sgetup,takeashowerandwashawayallthiswhiskey.Thenwewillgoasomethi.Afterthatwevisitthatoldguyaboutthejetbckcarwesawstnight.Whatdoyouthink?Tonightwegoforaspinalongthecoast.”Sayingso,Mr.FieppedoutoftheporbowurohelpSalinaout.Salinasteppedoutofthebowl,gedbacktoanormalhumanshapeandwalkedintotheshower.Salinawasheardtosay,

“Tellmethetruth.Doyoureallyknowhowtodrive?Yousaidyouknewhowtogamble,butyoulostyourshirt.Itwouldbeacatastropheifyoudon’tknowhowtodriveandwegoforaspinfullspeedontheroad.”

“Trustme”repliedMr.Fihesteamyshowerstall.“MydrivingskillsareathousandtimesbetterthanRichard.I’llshowyou.ButIhavefottenhowtoturnonthosehuge,brightheadlights.”

TheskirthemofSalina’swhitesleevelessdressdottedwithpurpleflowersswayedinthespringbreeze.Shelookedverygraddistinguishedinhernewdress,whichwasuniquelydhand-made,butitcouldnothidetheexoticismofhernaturalbeautyandallure.SheandEmmarolledleisurelyhandinhandonthesidewalks.Emmanuelwalkedantlywithhisheadheldhigh,holdingontoSalina’shandshowingoffhistrophytotheworldasifsayingboastfully“SeewhatabeautifulwomanIhavecaptured!Whatmanbeparedtome?Shealsohasawholetreasuretroveofiimablevalue,diamonds,rubiesandems.queringthiswomanisakintoqueringtheworld!”Salina,alkingquietlybesideEmmanuel,frownedandsaidpensively,

“Emmanuel,somehowIhaveabadforebodingthatsomethingbadisgoingtohappen.Iotfreemyselffromasenseoffear.Ifeelthatsomethinguntowardisimmi.Doyoufeenything?”Emmanuel’sstrongarmsheldontoSalina’swaistandsaidwithasmile,

“Baby,thisisthethirdtimeyouhavementiohis.Lookatthisbeautifulweather,thiscalmsea,thisstraightandendlessroad.Everythingissobeautiful.Laterwewillgoandbuythejetbckcarwesawyesterdayawoofuswillflyalongthecoasthaviingandromantictime.Everythingisfine.Don’tworryyourselfneedlessly.”

“Really?WearegoingtoseetheguycalledWolfe.Hiseyesaresarating;hescaresme.Idon’treallywanttoseehimagain.”

“Hey,don’tbeafraid,baby.Iamhere.Whatistheretobescaredabout?Hisworld-famous,high-endjewelrystoreisjustafewblocksdowreet.Wearewalkingtowardsitaswespeakacctohisdires.Whydoyouwanttochiout?No,no,no.Iamhereahingwillbefine.Don’tworry.”

9

Aftertheywokeupinthewhiskey-filledporcupthatm,thetwoofthemwenttothebathroomandtookalong,steamyshowertowashawaythesmelndremnantsofthewhiskey.ThedowhebreakfastwhichtherestaurantfortheexclusiveuseofVIPerssentuptotheirpresidentialsuite.Iteciallypreparedacctotheirindividualtastesbythechef.Stillfeelingtheeffectsoftheirhaheywentbacktotheirroomsandtookanice,cozyandfortablenap.Itwasalreadyafternooheywokeup.Emmanuelworehisnewlyacquiredclothes,agreysuit,andwhiteshirtleavinghiscolropenwithoutatie.Hesatonthesofa,litupaHavanacigarandpuffedaway,imitatingtheairofabigshotlikehisfriend,Mr.Kaffee.Salinawasinthebedronallhernewclothesonebyone.Sherememberedthatyoungwomaninthemini-skirtshowingoffherbeautifulshapelylonglegs,ithMr.Wolfestnight.Salinawaspetitivebynatureandinallyinteowearamini-skirttoshowoffherbeautifullegstoo,butsomehowshewasfeelingdespoandnotinthemoodforpetition.Intheend,shechoseawhite,sleeveless,linendresswithsmallpurpleflowersdottingthehemandwalkedoutofthebedroom.Emmanuelhadbeenwaitinginthelivingroomforovertwohoursandwasgettingimpatiehinkingofgoingoutalonewhenheresidered.“Beautifulwomeeasytodealwith,especiallyiftheytrolthepurse!WhatIdo?atiently,Isuppose.”Justthen,Salinacameoutandtheyleftthehotelroomtowalktotheworldfamousjewelrystore.Whetothefrontdoorofthestore,Salinaasked,,

“Arewereallygoingtogointhere?”

“Ofcourse”repliedEmmanuel,openingthedoorforher.“Wearealreadyhere,whynotgoin?”

WhenSalieredtheexhibitionhall,shewasdazzledbythemagnifidopuleheroom,andbythebrilliantandrarepreciousstoheshowcases.Thiswasthefgshipstoreofthisworld-famousjewelry,sotheitemsexhibitedherehadtobeofthefirstwaterstoliveuptoitsreputation.Theexhibitionhallwasexquisitelydesignedingssandcrystal,whichcreatedafairyndatmospherewhenbrightfocuslightsweresho.Theshowcases,designedinallkindsofuniqueshapesandsizes,weremade,transparent,bullet-proofgssandcouldonlybeopenedbyasecretcodewhichwasgeddaily.Thesafetyofthemerdisewasreallymeticulous.SalinaandEmmanuelwalkedslowlyamongthedifferentshowcases.Theyweresurprisedthattheyweretheonlypeopleintheroomwithnootherersandnosalespersoninsight.ActuallytheywereundersurveilnthemomeeppedintothestoretomakesurethattheycarriednoonsandgagewhethertheywerepossiblybigVIPprospects.Amiddle-ageddywithshort,expensivelycuthairappearedfromaeroftheroom.Shewalkedandcircledpastseveralshowcasesandcametowardsthemsmilinginwele,appearingverysophisticated,capableandexperienced.Shewasdressedinanexpensivebusinesssuit,showingthatshewasobviouslynotaonsalesperson,butaseniorstaffmember.

“Weletoourstore,diesalemen.MynameisJosephine.WhatIdoforyoutoday?”Salinacasuallytouchedherhairwithherhand,showingoffthe10-caratdiamondgleamingerandasked,

“DoyouhaveanythihatisbiggeraerthanthisringIhaveon?”Josephinesmiledandthoughttoherself,“Hm.Thegodofwealthhasetoourstore.”TurningtoSalinashesaid,

“You,mydeardy,mustbeaoisseurofdiamondsandpreciousgems…Itisluckythatyoucametodaybecauseourseniordesignerandanauthorityonappraisalsishere.Wouldyouliketotalktohim?”Wolfe?”askedEmmaakingoutacardfromhisbreastpocket.“Heistheonewecametosee.Hereishiscard.”Josephineghecardandsaid,

“That’sgreat.Wouldyoupleasefollowmetothereceptionroom?Iwilllethimknowyouarehere.”SalinaandEmmanuelfollowedJosephioftheexhibitionhall.Shestopped,pressedabuttonandthedoorautomaticallyopenedlikeaordoor.

Paintingsofpeoplestandingorsittinghungonthewalls,obviouslyportraitsofaorsofthefamily.Theirclothingaureswerealldifferent,seemingtohavebeendrawnbydifferentpaidifferentperiodsoftime.Butalltheseportraitshadoneonanddistinctivefeature.Theyallhadthecapable,sharpandaggressiveonwardseekinglookoftheentrepreneurandlongstraightnosesexpressedtheiriigableperseveraertwo,threehundredyearsofhardwork,thefamilyfinallyproducedadesdantknownasthe“KingofDiamonds”inthisarea.Straosay,alltheseportraitswereofmen.Didnofemaleofthefamilyihedominantgenesofentrepreneurship?Thedecorationandfurnishingsofthereceptionroomemanatedcssicserenityandquiet,likeareproduofthetimesihtury,fullofroyalmagnifidsolemnity.AfterSalinaandEmmaooktheirseats,Josephineaskedsolicitously,

“Wouldyoulikesomethingtodrink?Coffee?Champagne?Oranythingelse?”HerwordsremindedEmmahathehadnothadanythingtodrihatdayandhisaddifordrinksdominatedhismindtotheexclusionofallelse.

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“Howaboutsomewhiskey?”heasked

“Good”smiledJosephine.“Somedrinktoloosenup.”Anattendantcameinwithabottleofgoodwhiskeyandtwogsses.“Wouldyoulikesomeice?”sheasked.

“No,thankyou.Ialwaystakemiraight”repliedEmmanuel.

“I’dliketwopiecesoficeplease”saidSalinafrowning.Aftertheattendaheroom,Josephinesaid,

“Pleasewaitjustafewminutes.IwillgoandaskMr.Wolfetoeandtalktoyou.Heisalsoveryfondofwhiskey.”Sayingso,shetoolefttheroom.Emmanuelquaffedfromhisgsssaying,