rbcksportscarre-appeared,itottedbythepolidsirenssoundedalroundandthepolicewereinhotpursuit.Emmaeppedonthegasandthesuperfastandagilecardashedrightaovertakingothercars,hopingtoonceagainthrowoffthepolice.Policecarsdidtheirbesttocatchup,butwerenomatchfortheubcksportsdhadtofallback.JustasEmmanuelwasfeelingveryproudofhimselfforonceagainoutrunninghispursuers,heheardthepoliceloudspeakersbreoutorders.

“Listenallcarsarians.Thepolicearetryingtocapturedangerouscriminals.Topreventunnecessarycasualties,allcarspleasestopandparkbythesideofthestreet.Pedestrianstoostopwalkingandfindasafepcetohide.Carsariansforyourowy,pleaseco-operate.Thepolicearetryingtocapturedangerouscriminals……”Helicoptershoveredoverhead,sirenswailedrelentlesslyandloudspeakersbredoutorderstocleartheroads.SoonEmmanuelfoundhimselfisotedoystreetswiththreeorfourpolicecarsslowlydrivinguptowardshimfrombehind.Thepolicedragwasclosingin.Tryingtoforcehiswayout,Emmanueldroveforwardandtriedtht,onlytofindpolicebarricadesblogallexit.Hedroveontothereetandtriedtotur,butfoundtwohugefiretrucksparkedsidewaysoreet,leavingnospatoslipthrough.Thefiretruckswereparkedbuttheirengiillrunningasifreadyforaatanymomehoughtofdashingthroughthesidewalksashedidbefore,butsawthefiremenstaringangrilyathimasifsaying,“eon,tryitandseeifyouwaoheadcollisionwithourfiretruck!”andmadeasifreadytocarryouttheirthreat.Leftwithnochoice,Emmanuelhadtotinuedrivingon,evenknowingthathewasbeingforcedtowardsthespotwherethepolicewouldbelyinginwait.Whenhesawatufarinfrontofhim,armbellsranginhishead.Hekhatifthepolicewerelyinginwaitforhimattheotherendofthetunnendblockedallexit,hewouldbedrivinghimselfandSalinaintothepolicedrag.Withthepolicecarsinfrontofandatthebackofthem,theywouldbeeasilycaptured,withnopossibilityofescape,whichwasnottheoutehewanted.Salinawhowassittingbesidehimhadetothesameclusion.

“Thereisnootherway;we’llhavetobailout”saidEmmanuel.“Wemustgetoutofthiscar.WhenIttothree,wemustopenthecardooratthesametime,geintinalsizetoavoiddeteandescapetowardsthesidewalk.”Emmanueltedtothree.Thejetbcksportscarbrakedsuddenlyandbothofthemopehecardoor,gedtheirshape,jumpedoutandmadeforablindspoteasilyoverlooked.LuckilythecraftySalinabroughtalongahandkerchiefascamoufge,underwhichtheyhidastheymadetheirwaynowfastnoardsapceofsafety.Suddenlyahugeexplosioheairabcksportscartheyhadjustbeendrivingburstintofmesandwasblownintosmithereens.Thefiretrucksthathadbeenfollowingthemimmediatelyrushedtotheseandbeganputtingoutthefmes.Thepolicewereshockedbythisuedtursandalleyesweredrawntothestillsmcharsofthecar.EmmanuendSalinatookadvaheirdistraandranawayfromthese.

Afterthefirewasextinguished,itwasfoundthatthebombhadreducedthejetbcksportscartoapileofburntwreckage.Thepoliceweregratifiedthatwhilegoingthroughthewreckagenobloodstainsorhumanremainswerefound.Inaword,therewerenobodies.Wherecouldthetwolivepersonswhowereihecarhavegoo?Howcouldtheyjustdisappearlikeapuffofsmokeandvanishintothinair?Thepoliceweremystified.Thisbafflingbombingibecamethetalkofthetownaesttopicossipsbuttherewasnotasinglecluethatcouldleadtothesolvingofthemysteryanditbecameanunsolvedcrime,acoldcasethatwasgraduallyfotten.

EmmanuendSalinalookedarouystreets,freeofcarsarians.Theyquicklyeheirbodiestothenormalhumaookoffrunningasfastastheycould.Butthemomenttheycaughtsightofpeopleiaheybecamealertandimmediatelygedbacktotheirinalshape.Hidingthemselvesuhehandkerchiefthetwoofthemtiomaketheirescapefromthese.Somesharp-eyedpedestriansmayhavecaughtsightoftwonakedforms,amanandawoman,streakingpastthemoreetandwasgoneinased.Theymusthavethoughtitwasatrickoftheeye.Actuallywhocouldhaveknownthatinthisworldtherewerepeoplewhowereabletogethesizeandshapeoftheirbodiesatwillfromtinyfiguresthesizeofafihenormalhumansizesandviceversa?Noonewouldcreditsuchatale.EmmanuendSalinarandesperatelyalonguntiltheycametotheonlysafehaventheykheabandonedwarehousetheyhadoayedin.Theyknewforcertainthattheycouldnolobacktotheluxuriouspresidentialsuiteforitwassuretobeunderpolicesurveilnce.

Theysqueezedthroughthecraderhedooraeredthewarehouse.Lookingaroundtheysawthattheersofthewallswerecoveredwithcobwebsandfurniturewasscatteredalloverthepce.Theywererelievedtofindthateverythingwascoveredwithathickyerofdust,undisturbedbyanyfootprintswhichprovedthatnoonehadbeenheresiheyleftanditcouldbeatemporaryrestihem.ItwasonlythenthatEmmanuelheavedasighofreliefandtriedtocalmhisragheart.Salinawalkedtotheerwheretheyusedtosleep.Shetookupthebeddingandshookitvigorouslytogetridofthedustthathadaccumutedthereaurningitiremadethebed.Sheydownnguidlyontopofitandsighed,

“Gosh,I’mtired!Ireallyregretingtothismundaneworld.Althoughwehavebeeoenjoymuchoftheluxurieslifehastooffer,wealmostlostourlives.Nomatterhowyoulookatit,it’sreallyisnotworthwhile.”

“Whocoulditbethatwaokillus?”musedEmmanuengrily.“Wewerereallyluckytogetoutofthecarjustinanie.Threesedslongerandwewouldhavebeenblownupintosmithereenstogetherwiththebcksportscar.Whocouldthisunknownenemybewhohatedussomuchhewaodiethatway?Ineverrealizedwehadanenemy…”

“Weweretoona?ve”saidSalina.“Wedidnotrealizethattheworldwasfullofpitfallsandthatjewelsandricheswerenottobefunted.WedidnotthinkmuchofthediamondsandjewelswebroughtfromtheKingdomofDreamsahemlikewater,asiftheywerenothing.Itmusthaveincurredtheenvyandjealousyofothersandbroughtuponourselvesthiscatastrophethatalmostkilledus.Justthinkingofentthroughjustnowmakesmyheartbeaterratically.”

“IthinkIknowwhodidthis”repliedEmmanuengrily.“ItmustbethatguyWolfe,thejewelryexpertandappraiserorthemahathugeo.Idon’tevenknowhisname.Youknowwhat?Itcouldn’tbeanyoneelse.IwilluntilIhavemyrevehem.”Salinayawnedandturogehersleepingposture,fullyexposingherbeautifulfigureandEmmadownbesideheroemporarybed.

10

“YouknowwhatEmmanuel?”saidSalina,“Letitgo.Thesearereallybadpeople.Weareourfandthere’snowaywegetthebetterofthem.Asthesayinggoes,“Whatgoesaroundesaround”IenviedKingDimitrihisgoldpadgotinleagueCyclopsaivewarriorstotrashhiskingdomandtakeawayfromhimthegoldpacethatIlovedsomuowthesepeoplewantthediamondswebroughtwithustothemundaneworldandwealmostlostourlivesbecauseoftheirenvyandjealousy.Isaythisisaneyeforafortat...IthinkyouhadbetterebackwithmetoourpeadbeautifulKingdomofDreams.IwanttoseemypoorparentswhoremainatGahaingtheirpastsins.Iwillbesatisfiedjusttobebytheirside,livingaquietandpeacefullife.ReallyEmmanuel,letgobaeassoonaspossible.Whatisthereforustostayhereinthismundaneworld?”

“Ohno,no,no.Iotleaveyet.Imustknowwhoitisthatwaokillus.Whydon’tyougobackfirstandseeyourparents.Iwillbebackprettysoonandwe’llmeetinourireehole.Howaboutit…?”Salinagavehimawhiteeye.Hersharpeyesseemedtobeabletopeehisinnermostthoughts.

“Dorytousethattrashonme.YouthinkIamnotawareofwhatyouareabout?Youhavesetyhtsonsomebeautifulwomananddon’twantmearoundtohamperyourstyleandfoilyourunspeakable,evildesigns,right?YouknowEmmahosewhwillnotetoagoodend.GobackwithmetoourtranquindpeacefulhomeintheKingdomofDreams.”

“Mypreciousdarling”repliedEmmanuel,againhissmiling,cheekyself.“Don’tbeoversensitive.WithabeautylikeyoubymysideIammorethansatisfied.WhydoIogohuntingforothers?Putawayyoursuspis;theyarepointless…”Salinayawnedagainsleepily,sotiredthatevenherspeechwasbeingslurred.“Asyouwillthen.Iwon’tnaganymore.ButImustremindyouthatIhaveyouriurepapersandyourswornoath.Ifyobayouroath,theendwillbeterrible.Thosewhwillnotetoagoodend.Iwillsaynomore.”Salinaturnedroundandsoonfelsleep.InherdreamsshewouldgobacktotheKingdomofDreamsshelongsfor.Shewasbornthereahereandthereisherhomesweethome.

EmmaookupaeroftheforterandcoveredSalina’sbodywithit.Thencreepingassilentlyashecould,hesfromuhecrackofthedoor.Outsidethestreetswereempty,withnotapedestrianinsight.Flinginghisarmsoutwidelikeabirdstretgitswings,hewassciousofthewindpassingunderhisarmpits.HelookedupattheskiesaedatapletesenseoffreedomwithoutSaliohinderaricthim.Nowhewasreallylikeabird,abletoflyfreelywhereverhewilled,atwhateverheightshewanted.Salina’sastuteassumptionthattherealreasonforEmmanuel’sunwilliogobacktotheKingdomofDreamswithherwasnotbecauseofrevenge,wasabsolutelycorrect.TheimpressionofAisha’sbeautifundexquisitesandalshadhauntedhimeversihemlyingonthewnbytheswimmingpool,anditremainedfreshandindelibleinhismindeversince.SoheranswiftlytowardsAisha’shouse.Becauseheknewhewasnowthepolice’smostwantedlist,heremairemelyvigintanddidhisbesttokeephisprofileawayfrompeoplehepassed.Emmanuelhadlittlesensehtandwrongandcouldnotdistinguishbetweengoodandevil.Whateverhedidwasmotivatedonlybyhisownpersonalpreferendhealwaysactedashewilledregardlessofothersorofsequences.Hecouldneverfetthetimewhenhehidihoseexquisitesandalsandsawwithhisowneyesaremelytorridandsexyse.Hewasonlythesizeofafihensohecouldonlylookonwithenvybutwasuodoanythingaboutit.Nowthingsweredifferent.Hehadbeetalndbrawny,strongerandmoreintimidatingthananordinaryman,sohethoughthecouldnowdowhateverhewanted.HissimpleminddidnottellhimthatAishawasnoordinarywomaheexaltedQueenoftheKingdomofDreams,averyimportantpositioninKingDimitri’seyesandthereforewasnotsomeonehecouldthinkoftriflewith.Emmanuelwasnotamanwhokepthisroutingoutseriousoathsasiftheywerenothingwasaonpcehabitofhis,hinkingwhatwouldhappenifohemactuallycametrue.Thisaofhiswasreallyfoolishandidiotic.

AmongtheruinsoftheburntpaceoftheKingdomofDreams,CharinawasusingherbinocurstosearchthefarawayGiantMountainsforanytraceofKingDimitri.Sheseemedtohavefouerofthepowerfulearthquake.Uhemistymoonlight,shesawthattheparalyzedgiantlyinghorizontallyonthehorizoobestrugglingtositup,butdidn’thavethestrengthtodosoandhadtoliebackdown.Thenheseemedttogehisposturebyturningthtside,butthattoofailed.Everytimehetriedtomovehisbody,theearthquaked.Wasthegiantwhohadintherehorizontallysihebeginningoftimefeelingunfortableafterstayinginthesamepositionfortoolong?Orwasitbecausehehadreceivedsomekindofstimulusthatmadehimlongtogehisposition?HugerodbouldersblockedCharina’sviewofthebottomofthefeetofthegiant,soshewasnotabletoseewhatening.Actually,KingDimitriridingonhissnow-whitesteedwasflyingupanddownthealmost180degreessheercliffthatwasthebottomofthegiant’sfeet.Itcewherehersunlightnormoonlightevershowasextremelycold,dampandmoist.Thegeologicalstructureofthebottomofthispartofthekewasselyformedthatstrong,treacherouscirclesofcurrentsandriptideswereeverpresenttotrapunwarysailors.NativesoftheKingdomofDreamskogohispartoftheke.KingDimitridrewthismagicswordandthrustitintothecliff,tryingtofindtheweakestandmostsensitivepartofthegiant’sfeet,tostimutehimtoproduoughpowertomoveorgehisposture.Thatwouldbekillingtwobirdswithoone,fornotonlywoulditsooththegiantwhohadininthesameposturefortoolong,butinginghisposturethegiantwouldswoopthegoldpaceoffhischestrightintotheke,whichwasKingDimitri’srealgoal-tofulfillhispromisetoKingZeus.Sofar,hisswordthrustsonlymadethegiantproduinorpartialtremors,notenoughtomakehimgehisposture.Thatwasthecauseofthesmallearthquakessofar.KingDimitrisuddenlythoughtofthestoryofAchilles’Heels,theonlyweakandvulnerablespotoftheGreekhero’sbody.Couldthegiant’svulnerabilityalsolieinhisheels?Butthegiant’sheelswereuer,wheredangerousandtreacherouswhirlpoolsandriptidesexisttopullsailorstotheirdeathatthebottomoftheke.JustthenKingDimitri’seyefellonthecoilofropesonthebackofhiswhitehorseandwasgreatlyinspired.Takingdowntherope,hetiedoneendaroundLightning’snedtheotheraroundhisownwaist.Hethensaidtohishorse,

“SpreadysandfloatontopofthewaterwhileIdiveintotheke.HopefullyIwillsucceedthistimeinfthegianttogehisposture.”Sayingso,hejumpedoffhishorseanddivedintotheke.

KingDimitriswamdownwardsichbckwateruntilhereachedthepcewherehesuspectedthebottomofthegiant’sheeltobe.Hetookthemagicswordwhichhebitbetweenhisteethandthrustitmightilyatthecliff.Thatwasindeedwherethegiant’sheelwas,hisweakestandmostvulnerablespot.Thegiant’shugebodyshiveredandKingDimitrikhathehadsucceeded.Hequicklypulledathisropeandmadehiswayswiftlyupwards.Unfortunatelyhegotpulledintoahugewhirlpoolwhichdraggedhimbackdown.LuckilythemagichorseLightningfloatingoerfeltthetugandhadanintuitionthathismasterwasintrouble.Fppinghiswingsurgentlyhesurgedupwardsafewfeetthushelpinghismasterbreakawayfromthepullofthewhirlpool.Withhismagicswordbitteweenhisteeth,KingDimitribrokeoutofthewaterandswamtowardshiswhitehorse.Hejumpedontothehorse,puthisswordbatoitsshieldandsaid“Let’sgetgoingandleavehereasquicklyaspossible.”Justthen,thesoundofhugecrashesresouheairasGiantMountainbrokeintoseveralsesandsanktothebottomoftheke,produgearth-shakingndslides,earthquakesandtsunamithatrockedthearea.ButKingDimitriwassafelyonhisprecioushorseLightning.Heroseintotheairahearea.

Thethunderingroarofthemountainsplittingupintoseveralsesrockedthearea.Charina,whowassittingonKingDimitri’sthroasifshewasinaboatgoingnowup,nowdown,nht,,swaying,reelingandshakinguntrolbly.Shegdesperatelytothearmsofthethroneforsupportastheworldaroundherseemedtoshakeandswaymenagly.Shefeltasifshewasinasmall,solitaryraftbeingtossedaroundhelplesslyinanangryseaamidtallwavesandmightywinds,indangerofbeingswallowedupbythewavesanymiheskyseemedtobefallingdownsoCharinasqueezedhereyestightlyshut.Shecalmeddowninthefaideathahateternalsleepwasnotasfrighteningasshehadthought.

Afterawhilethemoremomentousoftheearthquakesseemedtoslowdown.Theskyhadnotfallendownandtheshrillneighingofahorsebrokeintohersciousness.Sheopenedhereyesinsurpriseandusedherbinocurstosearchtheskiesabove.ShesawKingDimitrieflyingtowardsheronhismagichorseLightningthatfppedhismightywingsasheflewacrossthewideexpanseofblueke.Astheycameclose,Lightningsloweddownaeadilyonthebankoftheke.KingDimitridismounted,smiledatheranduheropeathiswaist.Charinacouldnottroltheexcitementandagitationinherheart.Shestoodupunsteadilyandtotteredtowardshim.KingDimitriopenedhisarmsandenfoldedherinhisembrace,pattihebacksaying,“It’salrightnow.Theworstisover…Youmusthavebeenfrightened.Ididn’tthinkitwouldbethatbadeither.IhoughtGiantMountainwouldbreakintoseveralses.Butit’sgreatthateverythingisalrightnowandhurt…”Hesighedandtinued,“AtleastIhavefulfilledmypromisetoKihegoldpacehasfallenintothekewaters.”HetookhisarmsfromaroundCharinaandpattedtheheadofhistwopettigerssaying,“Goodforyoutwo.YoudidareallygoodjobprotegmyguestCharina.IwillrewardyouteronwhenIhavemoretime.”KingDimitrirolledupthecoilofropeandputitbahishorseaightehestrapseghismagicswordoherfnk.Hehuggedtheneckofhisfavoritesteedandsoftlycaressedhismanesaying,

10

“ThankyouLightning.Ifitwerenotforyourquickthinkinginspringingupabovethewatertohelppullmeoutofthewhirlpool,Iwouldhavebeenpulleddownintothebottomofthekeanddied…NowwehavetopartforatimebutIamsurewewillbeseeingeachothersoon.Youmustgobaedusaforshewillbegreatlyworriedifyoudisappeared.Mydearfriend,adieu.Gobaedusa…”Sayingso,KingDimitritookafewstepsbacktogivethisuniquecreatureenoughspacetotakeoffintotheair.TherewasataderstandiweenthemagichorseLightninganditsmaster.Itknewinstinctivelythatthiswasnotthepceforthemtolinger.Fppingitswings,itsoaredupintotheskiesaowardsthemountainandforestsbuttursheadseveraltimestolookbackdownatKingDimitri,expressingitsrelucetoleaveitsbelovedmaster.

KingDimitristoodbythekelookingtowardstherightattheGiantMountainwhichhadbrokenintoseveralses,someofwhichhadfallenintotheke,hiseyesrefleg,sorrow,paina.Hestoodinthecoldwind,withhiswetclothesgingtohisbody.Charinasaidsoftlytothetwotigers,

“Goandfindsomedrystidilethembehindthefallenwall.It’snotwindythereastartafiretoletKingDimitrigetwarmanddryhisclothes.Goquickly.”Thetwoofthemimmediatelytookofftocarryoutherorders.Charinaranbacktothethroookupherbackpack,rummagingforthebottleofhundred-year-oldmaotaiwine.ShehaoKingDimitrisaying,

“Heredrinksomeofthisoryou’llgetsick.Youarewetthroughandthrough.Thewinewillhelpyougetwarm.”Dimitritookthewineanddrankstraightfromthebottle.Awarmstreakwentfromhisthroattohisstomadhisbodyimmediatelyfeltwarmer.

“Thisisthehundred-year-oldwineIhadbeenhforalongtime.Itisveryluckyforyoutofindthissmallbottleinthemidstofthishugedebrisandruins.”

“Goon,takeanotherdrink”repliedCharinasmiling.“Warmyourselfsoyoudosick.”Dimitridrankagainfromthebottleandsighedsaying,

“TheGiantMountainwasnotasluckyasyou.It’sreallyapitythatIactallykilledhim.Ihopehewillfivemyuionalcrime.”Hestoppedforamoment,tookanotherdrinkandtihisgianthadbeenlyinghereparalyzedsihebeginningoftime.Ithoughthemustbefeelingstiff,painfundnumbandwouldbemorefortableifhecouldgehissleepingposition.Ithrustmyswordintohisheelwherehewasmostvulnerable,onlymeaningtogalvanizehimintoaandturohisside.Ineverdreamedthathisbodywouldbreakintoseveralses.Icertainlydidokillthisgiantwhohadco-exisedpeacefullywithmeintheKingdomofDreamsforsomanyyears.”

“Thiswasnotyourfault”fortedCharina.“Youmeahegianthadbeenlyingthereforalong,longtimeenduringthecorrosionoftimeandtheelements.Hisbodyhadlongerodedandlosttheabilitytomove.Itcouldnotpossiblystanduptosuchdrasticupheavals.Iamsurehewillcertainlynotbmeyou…”

“YhtCharina’repliedDimitri.“Lookhowhugethebodyofthegiantis.It’smadeupofhugerodheavysoil.Ifevensuchabodycouldnotstandtheerosionoftime,howcouldthefleshbodyofushumansdomore?Afterafewshortdecadesourstrengthandspiritswouldbedrainedandwewouldfacedestruah.”

DimitrifollowedCharinatothespotbehindthewall.Shetookouttheboxofmatchesshehadfoundamidstthedustanddebrisoftheruinsandhopeditwouldstillwork.Luckilyitsprangtolifeatthefirststrikeandighedrywoodandtwigsintofmeswhichgraduallybecamearfire.Thetigerstiolosanddrywoodtofeedthefire.DimitriandCharinalookedateachotherandsmiled.Dimitri’seyesseemedtosay,“Yourluckissogood.”Charinasmiledbataderstanding.DimitritookoffhiswetclothingwhichCharinahungonlongstidwavedthemtoandfroabovethefiretodrythewasonlythenthathefeltcoldandshivered,feelinggoosepimplesrisingontheskinalloverhisbody.Heimmediatelytookanotherdrinkandsaid,

10

“Let’ssleepherebythefire.Imusttakeyoubacktothefamiliarmundaneworld.”CharinanoddedwhileshetiodryDimitri’swetclothes.Dimitri’sbodytemperatureroseandhemurmured,“Weshouldmakefulluseofourfleshbodieswhileitisstillwarmandfuning.Whyletourfleshbodyexperienecessaryworriesandsadness?Weshouldenjoythehappihatbodytemperaturebrings.Ourbodyhasafantasticbrain,abletoweavedreams.HowwonderfulitisthatwecouldtravetwillbetweenthemundaneworldandtheKingdomofDreams.Itisreallyafantastictreat.Yes,weshouldenjoythehumanbodyandnottroubleourmindsaboutunnecessarysorrowandsadness.Wedonotwanttobelikethegiantwhowaitedtoolongtofulfillhisdreamandbrokeintoseveralsestohiseversti.”Sooclothesweredry.DimitriputthemonasnugandfortabletobedryandwarmagaiookCharina’shandandwalkedtothefire,saying,

“Iamsosorry,Charina.ImeanttoshowyouaroundmyKingdomofDreamsahoughtsomanyuedthingswouldhappen.Iamsorryyouwerefrightenedandscared.”

“There’snoneedforapology.ItwasaureformetoetdomofDreams,anovelexperieexpandedmyfieldofvisionandbroadenedmyviews.Inowknowthatbesidesthecitywherewelivethereisanotherevenbroadersphere–theKingdomofDreams!”Sayingso,theyydownbythewarmfire.Bothofthemhadgohroughalotthatdayandnosoonerhadtheyindowntheirheadthantheyfellfastasleep.

Thesilehedarknighttlybrokenbyshrillpolicesirensingfromallerssomefar,somenear,someloud,someremote,butallseemedtoberushingtowardsonedesigheringspot.Charina’sslumberwasdisturbedbythenoiseofseveralpolicecarswithsirensbringragthroughthequietandtranquilresidentialstreetswhereshelived.Shetossedaboutrestlesslyonthevergeofwakingup,butwasstillengrossedinherdreams.Anotherpolicecarwithhighpitchedsirenscreamingracedby,joltingCharinaawake.Sheopenedhersleepyeyesandwonderedwhathadhappened.Whyarethepolicesobtantlydisruptingthepeaceoftheneighborhoodaurbiofitsresidentswiththeirragcarsandshrillsirens?Wasthereamajorcrisissomewhere?Shefoundshewasbaherownfortablebedroom.LookingovershesawDimitri’sbaringatherbutdidobeseeingher.

“Didthepolicesirenswakeyouup,Dimitri?”sheasked.Dimitrisighedandsaid,

“IndomofDreamsweenteredearthquakesandtsunamiwhereIalmostlostmylife.Weebaundaneworldandfindupheavalsandchaos.Thepoliceseemtobeinvolvedinamajorcase.JustnowIheardloudspeakersshoutingaboutcapturingdangerouscriminalsandIwaswiftherereallyissuchathingasasereneandhappyparadiseanywhereonthisp”

“Iseemedtohaveheardsomethinglikethattoo…”saidCharina,butbeforeshecouldfinishhersentenceahugeexplosionwasheardinthedireofthetunnelnearby.Theominousnoisesoundedespeciallyfrighteninginthedarknessofthenight.Maureenjumpedontothebedwhiningandwhimperingasifshewasreallyscared.Charinaimmediatelytookhimintoherarmsandpattedhimfly…

“SomethinghashappehasreallyhappehatwaswhatIhavebeenwaboutallong…”mutteredDimitri.“Thesetwolittlepeoplecametothemundaneworldtohaveagoodtime,butlivingintheKingdomofDreams,theyknownothingaboutthisworldtheyhaveeto.Theyarepletelyignorantofhowtobehave,butthinktheyknoweverything,especiallythatMr.Finger.Heisadaredevil,recklessandimpudent.Iwonderwhatearthshakingtroubletheyhavegottenintonow...Let’shopeit’snotlifethreatening,that’sthebestsario…”

“Youmeanthatguythatbrokeintomyhouseandtriedtorapeme?”askedCharina,herrgeeyesfulloffear.“YousaidhisnamewasMr.Fingerandhecouldgehisformatwill.Hisappearancehasalsobeenpletelyaltered.Whatifinthemidstofallthisturmoil,hebreaksinhereagaintonight,whatshallIdo?”DimitrismiledasheturoholdCharinashouldersandcaresseditflysaying,

“Don’tbeafraid.Idon’tthinkhewoulddaretoe.EvenifhedoesIonlyhavetosayMedusa’shreetimesandshewilppearatmybeddetoyourrescue.Don’tbeafraid….”OnlythendidthelookhtanddesperationdisappearfromCharina’seyesandsheregainedherposuresaying,

10

“yougobacktosleep?Ifnot,Iwillmakesomecoffee,getsomethiandwejoyasnack.WetalkaboutwhatwejustwentthroughintheKingdomofDreamsandIwillwriteitalldownwhilethememoryisstillfresh.”Dimitriofcreed.

Charinahastilydidherablutionsandwasmakingcoffee.Themethodidrhythmidofthepergcoffeepotcreatedafandcalmingeffetheturbulentnight.Charinawalkedintothelivingroomwiththecoffeeandapteofdessert.ShesatdownbeforeDimitriandhandedhimacupofcoffee.HetookitandpingitappreciativelywhenMaureen,whowaslyingonDimitri’sp,smelledthefragranceoffood.Heraisedhisheadandsniffedhungrilyasifhewantedsometoo.Charinaobliginglybrokeoffapieceofcake,offeredittohimandwatchedasheateithappily.ShesatacrossfromDimitridrinkinghercoffeeinareflectiveandreminisgmoodasifmentallydraftinghermanuscriptandasked

“FromwhereIwassittingintheruinsofthepace,thereseemedtobeaboutathousandbarbariansoldiersatthegoldpace.Wasthatabht?”Dimitrismiledandreplied,

“Yes,butit’sclosertofour,fivethousandifyouincludetheelderly,thewomenandthechildren”

“Thetwofiercetigers,KojakandCortes,areextremelyloyaltoyou.Didyouraisethemfromtinycubs?”Dimitrishruggedandsaid,

“Theyusedtobetwospes.Ipeoneachsideofmythroneasors.Somehowtheycametolife.YouknowthatinmyKingdomofDreamsanythingispossible.”

“Andwhataboutthatwhiteflyinghorseyouride.IhaveonlyheardofflyinghorsesinmythologyandneverdreamedIwouldactuallyseeohmyowheKingdomofDreams.Whatyoutellmeabouthim?Likewhatishisinandsuch…”

“Astothat…”saidDimitriseemingtosinkintoareverie.“IfyouwanttowriteaboutthestoryoftheflyinghorseLightning,itwouldhavetobeanotherseparatestoryaltogether.Heisaveryuniquecreature.”

Charinasatbeforeherptopputer,fingersflyingnimblyoverthekeyboard.Dimitrismiledatherinreliefbecausehekhatnowcreativethoughtswererushingthroughherbrainsinanunstoppableflowandthatherwriter’sblockofthepastyearwasover.Butafterawhilehissmilevanishedasherealizedhewasfeelinganinexplicablenervoustensionthesourceofwhichhecouldnotfathom.PerhapsitwasbecausehewasworriedaboutthetwolittlepeopleVioandMr.Finger,wwheretheywere…Justthentheringingofthecellphoartledthemboth.Whocouldbecallingthisteinthenight?Charinatookouthercellphoneandasked,

“Hello,whoisthis?”

10

“Sorryfordisturbingyouthisteinthenight”saidaman’svoiceattheotherend.“ThisisRichard.IsDimitrithere?Ihaveamessagethatmustbegiventohim.”

“Ofcourse.Holdonaminuteplease.”Sayingso,shehandedhercellphooDimitri.

“Whatisit,Richard?It’sveryte.Hassomethingimportanthappened?”

“JamazwasbadlywoundedandisincriticalditionattheERofthehospital.”

“What?Tellmepened.”Inthedeepandquietnight,thewordsfromthecellphonecouldbeclearlyheardintheair.

“ItwasMr.Fingerwhodidit.Iknowitwashimeventhoughhegedhisappearandassumedanormalhumanshape.Iamquitecertainofit.Healsostabbedmyarmairardenshears.Heisreallyruthless.”

“Whichhospitareyouatnow?I’llberightover.”

“No,no.Don’te.QueenAishaishere.Shefaintedandlostsciousnessforawhilebuthasnowrevived.WhensheheardthatJamaznearlydiedprotegher,sheinsistedonremainingattheERtoseehowthesurgeryturnsout.Ifyouehereyouwillmeether.Doyouthinkthat’swise?”

“Oh…QueenAishaisthere.Toseehernowmayhebestthingtodo…LetmeknowhowJamaz’ssurgerygoesassoonasyouknow.”

“Ofcourse.Iwillletyouknowassoonasthedoctortalkstome”saidRichardandhungup.DimitriwasdevastatedbythedisastrousnewsandwonderedhowthingscouldhavedeterioratedtosuchadegreeandwasextremelyworriedfoodfriendJamaz.SeeinghowstunnedDimitriwasattheuedturs,Charinacouldnottrateonherwriting.Turningtohimshesuggested,

10

“Let’sgoforawalk.IwillbringmycellphoneincaseRichardcalls.Howaboutit?”Dimitrinoddedinagreement.

ThewaterintheswimmingpoolrippledandspshedasAishaswambadforthfromootheileasafishuntilherlimbsweretiredandthedesiredeffectoftheexercisewasreached.Shethenwalkedslowlyupthestepsofthepoolwithdropsofwaterdrippingdownherslenderandgracefulbody.Takingupthergebathtowelontheloungechairshedriedherselfwithitandthenpacedupanddowgrassuntilsherecoveredherbreath.Shepouredhalfacupofbrandyandydownontheloungechairtorest.Shewasusirenuousexercisetogiveherbrai,butnowthattheexercisewasdone,herworriesaioohavereturned.Shehadbeentryingtorecallherdissertation“OnLifeinMatriarchalSociety”whichshehadbeenwritingwhileshewasintheKingdomofDreams.ButthebarbariantribeshadiheKingdomandthemagnifitpacewasburnttotheground,probablyturningherunfihesistoashesatthesametime.Totryandwritedownthewholemanuscriptfrommemorywasofcourseimpossible.Shecouldremembermostofthetentsbutmanyofthedetailsandfinepointswerehazyaualresearchwouldhavetobedooncemore.Writingathesiswaseasywhenparedttoreproduceahalf-finishedonefrommemory,whieededmorepainstakingcareaalbor.AsAisha’seyesgazedatthenightskies,shrillscreamsofpolicesirensintheneighbstreetsbrokethepeacefulserenityoftheresidentialdistrictaspolicecarsrushedby.Thisfemaleschorhadbeensolelytratedoudiesandwasimmersedintheseaofthemysteriesofknowledge.Thedisruptivedisturbanceremindedherthattherewasanoutsideworldwithturbulentuandcriminactivities.Aishawassurprisedthatsoteonsuchaquietnightthepolicewouldriskwakingthewholeneighborhoodbytheirsirens,loudspeakersandragpolicecars.Somethingmustbeafoot.Shesuddenlyrememberedthegossipsgoingaroundherneighborhoodthattherewasaserialrapistwhobrokeintoresidencesbyfordattemptedtorapewomen.Sheroseabruptlyfromherloungechair,crossedthegrassonherbarefeettostepintoherbeautifundexquisitesandalspreparingtogobacktoherhouseandsecurelycloseallthewindowsanddoors.Sheneverdreamedthatdangerwasalreadydrawingnearandwasrightoutsideherwoodenfence.

EmmanuellookedcautiouslyrightaandwasoverjoyedtofindthattherewasnoonearoundandthatallwasquietandserehatobnoxiousJamazhadapparentlygoneaway”hethought“There’snotimelikethepresent.”Stretgouthisarm,hevaultedoverthefendjumpedintothebackyard.Aishawassteppingintoherbeautifulsandalsandwasjustabouttoturnaroundwhensuddenlyshewasfrontedbyatalndstalwartmanstandingrightinfrontofher.Shestaredathiminshodbeforeshecouldshoutforhelp,themanpressedameismofthesmallobjectheheldinhishandandathinlineofpowdersquirtedoutstraightatAisha’snoseandmouth.Sheonlyhadtimetosmelstrongfloweryfragrancebeforeshefaintedandlostsciousness.Emmaookafewstepsforwardandcaughtherbythewaistbeforeshefelltotheground.Hewasetedbyhissuccessandwasabouttocarryherintothehousewhensomeoneelsejumpedoverthefencebehindhimshouting,

“Hey!Whatareyougoingtodotoher?”EmmaurnedhisheadandfounditwasagainthatspoilsportJamaz.

“WhatIwanttodoismybusiness”repliedhecrossly,“andhasnothingtodowithyou.Scram!”

“Isawyoufromafarrushingtowardsthishouse”saidJamaz,withhishandsonhiships.“Youweretooengrossedinyournefariousiionstonoticemeandjusthidinthebushes.”JamazpoiAishasaying,“Don’tyouknowwhosheis?SheisthequeenoftheKingdomofDreams,theroyalspouseofyourfriendKingDimitri.Whatareytodo?”

“Whatrot!Whocareswhethersheisqueenornot.Dimitrihasmorewomenthanheknowshowtodealwith.Why’tIhavesomefunandshareohemwithhim?Idon’tthinkhewouldmind.InfactIamsureitwouldbealrightwithhim.”

“Oh,soit’sjustawomanyouwant.That’seasy.I’lltakeyouwomanhunting.Youtakeyourpidhaveasmanyasyouwant,butyouottouchthisone.”Emmanuelflewinte.Hestrodeoverthewn,carefullypcedAisha’sunsciousbodyontheloungechairandpointinghisfiJamazbeganhistirade,

“Shutyourtrap!WhosaysI’thavethiswomaheonlyonewhohaveher?YouthinkIdon’tknowwhatsheistoyou?Iwashidinginhersandalsthatdaywhewoofyoingatitandsaweverythingfrombeginningtoend.IwasonlyasbigasafihetimesotherewasnothingIcoulddoaboutit.NowIamtalndstrongasanymansoIdowhateverIwantwheneverIwantto.Whoareyoutostopme?MindyourownbusinessorIwillkillyou.”JamazwasatfirstappalledatEmmanuel’soutburst,butafterherealizedtheguyknewwhathewastalkingabout,hegedhistuneandbecamemoreciliatory,

“ThatdayIwasaskedtoeheretothepoondtakeegardeningworkforafriend.peweenuswasafluke.Shewasinasemi-sciousstate,notatallintrolofhersensesandherreason.Iwasobsessedbysomedevilishideawhenwehadsextogether.IsweartoyouatthetimeIwasnotawarethatshewasAisha,KingDimitri’sroyalspouse.IfIdid,Iwouldneverhavedohishorrificdeed.SoIamadvisingyounottofollowinmyfootsteps.Donotdosomethingthatwouldbedisloyaltoyourfriend.Tofindawomanistheeasiestthingintheworld.I’lltakeyoutofindoneorasmanyasyouwant.”

10

“Shutup.Scram.Don’tstayhereyappingyournonseodayIamsetonhavingthiswoman.Sinceyoudaretostopme,Iwillkillyou.”Sayingso,Emmaookupapairoflong,sharpgardeningshearsandaimeditstraightatJamaz’schest.JamazdodgedbutpersistedintryingtotalksomeseoEmmanuel.

“Yousavedmylifeonce,soIoweyouseeBook1.Ifyouwanttokillme,sobeit,eame.Ipromisenottoraisemyhandagainstyou,butIwillnotstandbyandwatchyoudishonorQueenAisha.”Emmanueldidnotreply,butattackedJamazfromallkindsofingandcraftyahhisgardenshears.Sinceacquiringthebodyofastalwartman,Emmanuel’smovementsbecameasfastanddeadlyasthespottedleopardrunningfreelyonthegrassnds.Jamazwasnotawareofthisgeandinamomentofcarelessnesswaswoundedbyathrustoftheshearsonhisleftarmwherebloodsproutedoutandreddenedhiswholearm.JamazwipedthebloodthathadsprayedontohisfacewithhisrighthandandsmiledatEmmanuesifhedidhepainatall,saying,

“Sure,letthebloodflohebloodbemytrition.r.Finger,eandkillme.TodayIwiltoneformysinwithmylifeandprovemyloyaltytoKingDimitri.”Thetwoofthemtiheunevenfightearly,oagaggressivelywithouthavingtothinkofdefense,aheronlydefendinghimselfwithoutattaghisoppo.

Richarddrovehisjalopytowardshispre-arrangedrendezvouswithJamaz,hisricketytrugingnoisilyalongtheway.HewasabouttowhistletoannouncehispresencewhehenoiseofbatandshoutingingfromthebackyardofAisha’shouseandknewsomethingwasamiss.Hequicklygotoutofhiscar,rantothewoodenfendalsojumpedover.ThefirstthinghesawwasthetendergreengrasssmearedwithbrightredbloodflowingfromJamaz’sseveralwounds.Hisoldfriendwasinabadshape.Hehadlostsomuchbloodthathismovementswereslowandclumsy,butEmmaillpressedolesslywithhissharplonggardenshearsandfinallystabbedhiminthechestwithamightthrust.Jamaztotteredbackafewstepsandlookeddownatthegapingwoundinhischestwherebloodurtingout.Hebckedoutaotheground.Emmanuelwasshockedandonlythendidherealizetheseriousnessofhisas,thathehadkilledhisgoodfriendJamaz.Richardrushedovertohisfallenpalwhowasshortofbreathandwhosethroatrumbledwithpainfulgroans.HekdouttinghisfaceclosetoJamazsaid,

“Myoldfriend,up.Don’tyoudaredieonme!Pleasestruggletoremainscious.Youmustliveon.Youotdie!HowIliveonalohisworldwithoutyou?Don’tbckoutplease.I’llgethelp.Whenyourecover,wewillgooutoownasusualeat,drinkandbemerry.Don’tdie,Jamaz.Dimitriwillnotagreetoletyoudie,either…”Emmanuelrusheduptothemshearsinhandinfulttackmode.Richardthrewuphisarmtowardofftheattadwasbadlyihbloodflowingfromhiswound..HehadtakenmeasureofhisbearingsassoonashecameontheseandknewwhatmusthavehappewasfortuhehadalreadytactedMr.KaffeeandBig-Oandaskedthembothtoeahereincasere-enfortswereneeded.RichardcalcutedthattheyshouldalreadybeontheirwayaimportantthingatthemomentwastocalmEmmanueldownandstallfortime.Thatlittlemancouldnotdistinguishbetweengoodandevil,heshouldnotbeallowedtowreckmorehavoc.StandinguphefacedEmmanuelwhostoodtherefiercelywiththesharp,bloodyshearsstillinhishands,buthisexpressionwasalsotiharmandpanic.

“Ok,Iknowwhoyouare”saidRichardcalmly.“Listen,althoughyouhavegedyoursizeandyourshape,fromyoureyes,IknowyouareMr.Finger…Ifyoustillhaveanytraandecyleftinyou,thinkofthepastandofhowIhavealwaystreatedyou.Lookatthismanlyingatyourfeet,dying.Thinkbahowhetreatedyou.Howcouldyouhurthimtosuchadegree?Whowasitthatfedyouwhenyouwerehungryandgotyouwinewhenyouhadathirstforliquor?Wasn’titthetwoofuswhotookyoueverywhere,tobarsaaurants,osandbrothels,anywhereyouwaogotomakeyouhappy…?Althoughyouhadoncesavedourlives,youhavealreadytakenbackhis.Doyouwanttotakemineaswell?I,Richardamamanwhobelieveinloyalty.Ifyouwantmylife,eafromme…”Beforehefinishedspeakinganotherflyingfigurecameoverthewall.ItwasBig-O.Richard’sheartgddehesightofthemonk,forifhewashereMr.Kaffeecouldnotbefarbehind.

“Youowehimyourlife”shoutedthebigmonk,“butIdonot.Standasideaake.Iwanttofindoutwhatkindofaheroisamanwhowouldkillhisoldfriendandbrother.”Sayingso,Big-OcametostandbesideRichardandmadeastanceofbattle.Richard’eyesturoaspotbehindEmmanuel.Hesmiledeffusivelyandsaid,

“Hi,KingDimitri,whendidyougethere?Wearejustsettlingsomeunfinishedbusinesshere,pleasedon’tyourselfwithit,wedealwithhim.”Emmaurnedaroundbutsawnoone,andimmediatelyrealizedhehadfallenforatrick.Big-Omadeuseofhisiiontograbthegardenshearsoutofhishandandelbowedhimhardonthechestthatmadehimstaggerbackafewsteps.Mr.Kaffeestrolledoutfromtheshadowstotheswimmingpoolwithacellphoneinhishandsaying,

“Hello,isthatthepolicestation?Areyoulookingforaserialrapistthat’sbeenterrorizingthisdistrict?Heishere.Ifyouwanthimpleaseeasquicklyasyou.I’tberesponsibleifherunsaway.Myaddresshereis…Pleaseeasquicklyaspossible.Ohyes,therearetwopeopledowhemwithsevereinjuries.Pleasesendanambuncealongaswell.”Emmanuelrealizedthatthingsweregettingoutofhand.Nowthatre-enfortshadarriveditwasthreetoohepolicewereingaswell,sothebestpnwastovamoose!Saroundhejumpedoverthefendescapedintothedarkness.Big-OpickedupthepairofgardenshearsandthrewitatEmmanuel’sdepartingfigurebeforeRichardcouldstophim.Luckilyitmisseditstargetandwasstuthefence.Big-Ojumpedoverthefendranafterhim.RichardlookedatMr.Kaffee.

“It’sokay.Lethimgo”saidMr.Kaffee.“ThepolicewillbeheresoonandBig-Ohasalongpolicerecord.It’sbetterforhimnottobeseenthepolice.LethimrunafterMr.Finger.Nothingwillhappen.”Shrillsoundsofpolicesirenandthewailingoftheambunceearerandnearer.Mr.Kaffeelookeddownandsawatinyrustyobjectlyingonthegrass.Hepickeditupandfounditwasanexquisitelymadeantique-lookingbrooise.

1

“Ah”,hethought“ThatmustbewhatDwarfMickeywastalkingabout,thethingwithmagicpotionismelledlikeflowersandakepeoplelosetheirsehisisevindshouldnotbeallowedtoexist.”Sayingso,hethrewitintothedeepwateroftheswimmingpool,sothatthisevilthingwouldremainforeverier,justasthegoldpacewouldremainforeverinthekewatersintheKingdomofDreams.Innotimethebackyardwasswarmingwithpolicetakingphotosofthecrimeseandlookingforcluesandfingerprints.JamazandAishawereputongurneysandtakentothehospital,whileRichardandMr.Kaffeeweretakentothepolicestationaseyewitogivetheirsworimony.

Emmanuel’smovementshadbeuchmorenimbleandagileafterheacquiredtheabilitytogethesizeandshapeofhisbodyatwill.Hesprangfromrooftoptorooftopjumpingupanddownasifitwerelevelground.Butthepersonfollowinghimwasnomeanfigure.Big-Owasarenownedassassin,havingkillednumeroustargetsandhadhisownueiqueforhuntingdownhisprey.HefollowedEmmaenaciouslytingup.EmmanuelkhatintheendBig-Owouldcatchupwithhim,sohethoughtbacktofacehim,takeaststandfightitout.Butthenheknewhewasnomatchfortherenownedassassin…Suddenlyherememberedhisoldtrick.Hejumpeddownfromtherooftoptothegroundandgedbacktohisinalshapenotallerthanafinger.Hethenhidhimselfintheshadeofagarbagepile.Thereweremanyalleysandsidestreetsalroundthatitwaslikeamaze.DwarfMickeyhadoncebroughthimheretobuyliquorforhimsohekhedistrict.SoonBig-Ocamerunning,butwasflummoxedbytheplicatedterrairiedonealleyafteranotherandfinallychosealongandtwistingoneandranon.Emmanuelytohavefooledhispursuer.Hejumpedoutofhishidiriedtehisbodybyshakinghisheadasheusuallydidbutfailedagainandagain.Nomatterhowmanytimesheshookhishead,hisbodyremaihesizeofafinger.Emmanuelwasdevastated.HerememberedthathehadsignedauredotandswornanoathtoViothathewouldobeyherinallthingshiswholelife.HehadhisoathandhadbetrayedViobyhisas.Couldhisoathhaveebacktohaunthimnow?Emmanuelwasscaredandarmed.Butsomethingworsehappened.Argebckcatjumpeddownfromtheroofofahouse,fshinggreeneyesshiningfiercelyasitlookedhungrilyatthetinyfigureofMr.Finger,apparentlytakinghimforamouse.Itcroucheddoithitsstomachtougtheground,movingforwardbyisgettiopounce.Mr.Fingerwasinnopositiontosavehimself.Infacthewasnoteveorunaway.Stepbystepheretreatedfromhispredatoruntilhefoundhimselfbackedintoaerwithogo.Indesperationhecriedout,

“Dimitri!Help!Whereareyou,RichardandJamaz?Wheretheheckareyouguys?Iamintrouble.eandhelpme!”SuddenlyherememberedthathehadseverelywoundedJamazwhomayevenhavedied.“Oh,howcouldIhavedonesuchadastardlythingaskillingmygoodfriend?Ireallydeservetobepuhisisiablyjustdesertsformycrimes.”ThebckcatpouMr.Finger,whoquicklyydownftonthegroundandrolleduhecrackofthedoorofthehouse.Inthiscritientoflifeah,heagainhadanarroeandmaosavehislife.

DimitriputhislefthandonCharina’srightshoulder,holdieewhichheishout,inhisrighthand.ThetwoofthemtogetherwithMaureen,whichCharinaledonaleash,walkedleisurelyonthesidewalksaroundLakeMerritt.Charinaseldomcameoutsoteatnight,soshemadesurethatherdogwasleashedforfearitwouldtakeitintoitsheadtoadveintothenightonitsown.Thekewaterwascalmandsmooth,coveredwithalightcoatoffog.Carsdrovebyfastandtherewerenootherpedestriansabout.Nowandthenapolicecarwoulddriveslowlyby,evidentlyonpatrositdidnothaveitssirenbring.Thesituationhadcalmeddow,quitedifferentfromtenseandnerve-ragatmosphereearlierinthenight.Dimitritooseemedmoreposed.Heseemedtohavetakena‘ewhatmay’attitudeaboutthefuture,aswwouldnotmendmatters.TheymadeawholeroundofthekeinaboutanhourandCharinaledDimitritoabendsaid,

“It’sbeenquiteawalk.Let’ssitdownandtakeabreak.”Dimitrinoddedhisassentandbothofthemsatdown.MaureeovertoDimitriandsatdownbyhisside.Dimitrilovinglystrokeditssilkysmoothfurandsaid,

“DidyouknowthatIusedtohangaroundhereallthetime?Therosegardepassedwasoneofmyfavoritehaunts.Iwouldbringabottleofliquorthereahenightintheopenwiththebeautifulroses.SometimesIgetdrunkandworrythattheflowerswouldwiltwhileIsleep…Sadlysuchcarefreeaimesarenomore.”Charinashookherhead,herlonghairswaying,givingoffarose-likefragrandsaid,

“Solongasthereispoetryinyourheart,yourlifewillbebeautifusapoem.Poetiviroisalwaysaround,sothereisionofitsdisappearingandbeingnomore…Butsometimes,Ihaveafantasyofdressingupasahomelesspersonandgogallivantingtothefarthestersoftheworldwithyou.Thatshouldbeawonderfulexperience.”

“Thelifeofahomelesspersonisnotasromanticasyouseemtothink”repliedDimitrismiling.“Itisnotthekindoflifemostpeoplecouldhandle.Ifyouareied,wecouldgiveitatryandyouwouldknowalltheupsanddownofvagabondlife.Apolicecardroveslowlybyandstoppednearby.Thepolirolleddownhiscarwindowandgavethemapuzzledlook:abeautifundcssylookingwomansittioamiddle-agedhomelesspersowopletelydifferentcssesofpeoplewereactuallysittingpanionablysidebyside.Hesteppedoutofhisdwalkedovertothemsaying,

“Wearelookingforapairoffugitives,amanandawoman.Haveyouseenanyonelikethemaroundhere?”

“No”repliedCharina.“Wehavemadearoundofthekeandhaven’tseenanotherperson.”Thepolisizedupthepairinfrontofhimanddecidedtheywerenottheohepolicewereafter.Hetookouthisnotebookandaskedpolitely,

11

“MayIhaveyournames,pleaseandyouroccupation?”Charinatoldhimherhatshewasafreeer.HiseyesturowardsDimitriandasked,

“What’syours,sir?”

“PeoplecallmeDimitri.Ihavenostname.Iamavagabond.”

“MayIknowthehislittlecockspaniel?”

“Maureen.”

“Thatagoodname”smiledthepoli.Thenhesaid,“Thisisnotthesafestpcetobe,especiallyatnight.Alsowearetryingtocapturetwodangerouscriminalswhoareontherun.Foryourowy,Isuggestyoutwohadbettergobae.”

“Yessir”repliedCharinapolitely“We’resittingdowntocatchourbreathandwerejustintendingtoleave.”

Asthepolicecardroveoff,Charina’scellphoinsistently.SheopeandhaoDimitriwhoaskednervously,

“Richard?ThisisDimitri.Howarethingsgoing?”

“Goodnews.Goodnews”cameRichard’sexcitedvoitheotherend.“Jamaz’ssurgerywentverysmoothlyandwasasuccess.Heisnotoutofthewoodsyetandisstillincriticalditiotwodayswillbecrucial.Ithinkhisstrongandrobustphysiquewillstandhimingoodsteadandgivehimagreatercetorecover.Why,heusedtorunaroundthewildsofAfrica,fightingwithleopards.Heisnotthateasytokill.Iamfidentofthat.”

11

“Yes.Yes”repliedDimitri.“Ihavefidenhim,too.Iamsurehewillsurvive…”

“Jamazisnowinintensivecare”tinuedRichard.“WhenQueenAishasawthatthesurgerywentwell,shewasextremelyrelievedabaetorest.Maraisnowwithhimtotakecareofhiseveryneed.AfterthemembersoftheKingdomofDreamslearnedhowheroicallyJamazfoughtandriskedhislifetosaveQueenAishafrombeingharmedbytheserialrapist,theyregardedhimastheirheroandviedfortheprivilegehimbacktohealthagain.Theymadealist,takingturnstoetotheIdseetohisfort.”

“That’sgreat”saidDimitrihappily“Thatiswhathumanbehaviorshouldbelike.Ohyes,anynewsofMr.FingerandVio?Theyhavenowmadethepolice“MostWanted”list.IthinkweshouldsendthembacktotheKingdomofDreamsbeforethepolicearrestthem.”

“Big-OranafterMr.Finger”answeredRichard,“butwehaven’theardanythingfromhimyet.PerhapsDwarfMickeywillknowofawaytogettothesetwolittletrouble-makers.IiogonowtothetemplesandpceswhereDwarfMickeyusuallyfrequentsandseeifIfindhim.”

“Good,good.That’sagoodidea.”saidDimitri.Thenheaskedsolicitously,“How’syourwound,Richard?”

“Noproblem”repliedRichardproudly.“It’sonlyafleshwound.”

“Good.Keepmepostedonhappeningsonyourend.Goodbye.”Dimitrihungupwithasighofrelief.

“Well,that’sthat”saidCharinawithasmile.“Youdon’thavetoworryaboutthemanymore.”ButDimitrishookhisheadandsaid,

“Howotworry?IfMr.FingerandVioarearrested,therewillbehelltopay…Ifthepolittoknowwheretheyarefrom,theeriousveilwouldbetornfromtheKingdomofDreamsaureofthenativeslivingtherewouldbeseriouslyjeopardized.Itwouldbehardtodetermiwouldhappenthere.

“Let’sgoandwaitathome”saidCharinaandthenfortedhimsaying,“Whoknows?PerhapstheremaybegoodnewsfromtheKingdomofDreams.”Sayingso,shehelpedhimupfromthebendthetwoofthemtogetherwithMaureenquicklywentontheirwaybacktothehouse.Charinathenquicklywentandgottheblueballoon,filleditupwithair,tieditupwithathreadaflyhighupintotheskies.Sheinstinctivelyfeltthattherewillbegoodnews.

11

Mr.Fingerrolledintotheroomfromuhecrathedoor,hisbodycoveredincoldsweat.Hehadluckilyoncemoreescapedfromthejawsofdeathandhadnotfallenvictimtothesharpdteethofthergewildcat.Hepulledhimselftogetherandlookedaround.Hewasinasmallroomwithanaltar,onwhichtwoflickering,almostburntoutdlesgaveoffaweaklight.Therewerealsoseveralstatuesofgodsoar.Thergewildcat,angryatbeingdeprivedofitsmealwashowlingindignantlyoutsidethedoorandscratgthewoodendoorwithitssharpafiteatnotbeingabletopousvictimandbiteitwithitsrazor-liketeeth.herwasMr.Fingeroakethingslyingdown.Oncehewasreasonablyassuredofhissafety,hegotupfromthegroundandwalkedtothedoor,kickeditwithhisfeetandagainbeganhistirade,

“Youdar,youanimalyou.NormallyIcouldeasilychokeyoutodeathwithjusttwofingers.YouthinkyougetthebetterofmenowthatIamonlythesizeofafinger?Waitandsee!”Helookedaroundtoseeiftherewasanythinghecoulduseasaon,buttheonlythingshefouhetwoalmostburntoutdlesoar.Ifhethrewthematthecat,theanimalcouldeasilydodgethem.Ifhesetfiretothissmalltemple,thebuildingwouldburndownwithhiminitbutthecatwouldhaverunawayandescapedallharm.That’snotworthit.Hehunghisheadindespairandthensuddenlyhisangerspiltinanotherdireahought,

“YouDimitriyou!Youcallyourselfmygoodfriendandsaywearecloserthanbrothers,butwhereareyouwhenIamintrouble,beingpreyeduponbyacat?Whatkindoffriehatyoudon’tetomyaid?Screwyou!Wewon’tbefriendsanymore.”ThehoughtofRichardandJamaz.“Andyoutwo,RichardandJamaz.Youalsosayyouaremyfriendandbrother.Weeatanddrinktogether,gogamblingandwhtogether.Yousaidwewillsticktogetherinlifeah,throughthidthin,butwhenIamintroublenooneisheretohelp.Whatkindoffriendareyou?”Suddenlyabloodysefshedthroughhismind.Jamazwasmortallywouhbloodgushingoutoftheseveralwoundshehadinfli.Thehrustthepairoflonggardenshearsfiercelyintohischest.Jamaztotteredbackafewstepaotheground.RichardrushedtohelpandMr.FingerrememberedcuttingRichardonthearmwiththeshearsaswell.ItwasthenthatMr.Fingerrememberedwhathehaddone.Largebeadsofspeduponhisforehead.Hepacedtheroomgreatlytroubled,rubbinghishandstogetherinay.Hehithimselfonhisfaceg,

“Iamreallymuddle-brainedandthick-headed.WhathaveIdone?IhavekilledmygoodfriendJamaz!Iamworsethanananimal…IwonderhowJamazisnow.Couldhehavedied?Oh,whatamoronIam,worsetha…”Heraisedhisheadandlookedatthestatuesoarandthought,“ThereisnothingIdonow.Letmepraytothegodsandhopeamiraclewillhappen.”Hekdownbeforethestatueinthemiddleandkow-towedrepeatedlysaying,“Ohgodhighabove,IamyourundeservingdiscipleMr.Finger.InafiteIcouldnottrol,ImortallywoundedmygoodfriendJamaz.Hemayevenhavedied.Ifhehasdied,mysinisinexcusableandunfivable.Pleaseprotecthimahimlive.Ididnotkillhimonpurpose.Iswearit.Iamwillingtogiveupmyownlifeinexgeforhis.Really,really,Ididnotdoitonpurpose.IwillswearanoathtoyouthatIdidodoitandIamwillingtogiveupmylifeifyouwouldsparehis…”Mr.Fingerlookedupatthestatueherayingtoandsawthatitlookedaloof,unmovedandindifferent,andhadthesamewoodenexpressionshowingnosignofhavingheardhisdesperateprayers.Heagaiveryangry.Jumpingupandpointinghisfithestatue,heburstintowordsofdiscriminationandnation.“Whodoyouthinkyouare?Ikdownbeforeyouandpouredoutmyheart,beggingfivenessandmercy.Butyoudidn’tevenhearmeandjuststoodthereexpressionlessandmutelikethemudfigureyouare.Whatareyoubutalifelessthing?Youarenottheonlygodhere.Thereareothersbetterthanyou.I’llgoahem.”Mr.Fingerkbeforethestatueontheright,kowtowedrepeatedlytoitaedhisprayersasbefore.Buthedidaerresults.Heagainroseandwasabouttoheapinsultsonthatgodtoo,whenheheardsomeoneughingcoldlyathimandashrillvoicesaid,

“Whyareyouprayingtothosemudandwoodstatuesfor?Theyeitherseenorhearyou.Youarejustwastingyourtime.Whydon’tyoupraytome,aliveandrealgod?Ha-ha.Iseeyouareonlyafool.Ha-ha…”Mr.Fingerfollowedthisvoidsawintheshadowsohestleftsideofthealtarwasaatue.Hewalkedovertothestatueandsawthatithadwhitehairandalongwhitebeardandwaswearingasmallmelonlikecap.Why,wasn’tthatDwarfMickey?Mr.Fingerwasextremelyhappytoseehimandshouted,

“Hey,DwarfMickey,oldbrother!Whatareyoudoinghereinthisdipidatedoldtemple?It’sarealcemeetingyouhere.Justmygoodluck.Lookslikemyluckisfinallyturning.HeyoldbrotherIneedyourhelp.Pleasehelpme…”DwarfMickeyinterruptedhimbeforehehadfinishedspeaking.Hewavedhimoversaying,

“Hey,kneeldownandstartkowtowing.Iwantyoutorepeattheperformanceyoujustdidforthosetwogods…”Mr.Fingerrubbedhishandstogetheragainasifabashed.Heresumedhisnormalcheekybehaviorandsaid,

“eon.Don’tbesosarcastic.We’refriendsafteralnddon’thavetoghallthatshenanigan.IknowyouarethegodofwealthandIgreatlyrespectyou.YouheardmepraytothemjustnoreallydidohurtJamaz,butinafiteIwasnotabletotrolIhurthimbadly.It’stherealtruth,Isweartoit.Ireallyamwillingtogiveupmylifeforhisifhislifeisindanger.IreallymeanitDwarfMickey,Iswear!”

“Youdaretofacemeaftertheatrocitiesyouhaveitted?”scoldedDwarfMickeysternly.“Howdareyouhurtyouownfriend…Butyoutritionandyourwilliogiveyourlifeforhis,showthatyoustillhavesomeshredofdecyleftahereforesalvageable…Jamazwon’tdie.Hestillhasworktodo.Heavenwohimdielikethat.”

“That’sgreat.Youhavesetmyheartatrest”saidMr.Fihasighofrelief.“ButwhatareyoudoihisdipidatedtempleistoosmallfreatbiggodofwealthlikeyouDwarfMickey.”

11

“WhatamIdoinghere?”askedtheDwarfgringatthelittleman.“Iamwaitinghereforyou,that’swhy.”

“Waitingforme?”askedMr.Fingerinsurprise,pointingathimself.“Whyareyouwaitingforme?Whatdoyouwantwithme?”

“Tocollectadebt.Doyoumeantosayyouarenotgoingtopayyourdebt?YouandViobrokeintomytreasuretroveandbroughtabagofdiamondtothismundaneworldandhadgreatfunscatteringitalround.Don’tyouthinkIhavetherighttocollect?”

“Thathasnothingtodowithme”saidMr.Fingerrighteously.“ItwasViowhobrokeintoyourtreasuretrove.Itwasshewhhtmewithher.Itwasshethatdideverythingandsohasnothingtodowithme.”Heshovedoutthepalmsofhishandsasiftopushawayallresponsibility.“GoandfindVio.Ithasnothingtodowithme.”

“Ohyes.WhereisyourwifeVio.Whyisn’tshewithyou?”askedDwarfMickey.

“ShewentbacktotheKingdomofDreamslongago”Mr.Fingerreplied.“Shesaidthismundaneworldhaslostitsattraandsheishomesick,soshewentback.”

“Yourwifeisverycleverandhasgonebacktowhereshebelongs.Whyaren’tyouwithher?”

“Ihaven’thadenoughfu.Iwillstayonforawhilelongerandhavemorefun.”Hewalkedovertothedoor,butstoppedatthethreshold.HewalkedbadsaidcheekilytoDwarfMickey,“Hey,DwarfMickey,weareoldfriends,right?Ihaveafavortoask.Youmaybeadwarfandareshortinstature;youarestilbletotakecareofthecatoutside,right?PleasegoanddrivethatcatawaysoIleave.”DwarfMickey‘sfacewaswithoutexpressionashesaid,

“Iknewyoingtodefaultonyourdebt.Thatcatwascalledbymetostaybythedoortoblockyourescape.So,youaretryingtoescape,right?Ifyoudaretotakeoofthatdoor,thecatwillpoundbiteyourheadoff.Ifyoudon’tbelieveme,justgiveitatry.”Butthatwasthewrongapproachtotakewiththelittleman,whoagaingotonhishighhorseandbecamereallyangry,saying

“What?Youwanttoscareme?I’llletyouknowIamnotafraidofyourstrongarmtactics.IfyoudaretothreatenmeIwilltakethedlesoarafiretothistemple.Youoldmanwillburh.Idon’tcareifIdiesolongasItakeyouwithme.YouthinkIdon’tdaretodoso?”DwarfMickeykhatthislittlemancouldnotdistinguishbetweenrightandwrong,goodandevil.Ifaershisbrainheableofcarryingitardlessofsequences.Herolledhiseyesaroundandthoughtofapn.HesmiledatMr.Fingerandsaid,

11

“Hey,oldfriend,haveyouhadanywioday?Ihavethisbottleofexcellentliquor.Wanttotrysome?Thenightislongandwedon’thaveanythingtodo.Whataboutwhilingawaythenightwithgooddrinks?”DwarfMickeywaogetthelittlemandrunksohecoulddealwithhimandhekhatwinewasohingMr.Fingercouldneverrefuse.Ihelittlemantookthebaitandhismouthwateredattheprospectofgoodwine.Heswallowedhissalivaashismouthwateredandhesaid,

“Where’syourwine?Bringitout.Bringitout.Thewinebugsinmystomacharerioting!”DwarfMickeyjumpeddownfromthealtaranddoveuhetable,bringingoutahenwinejaraybowl.Hebrokeopenthesealedjarandthefragranceofseasonedwinefilledtheroom.Hepouredsomewiothebowndasked,

“Whatdoyouwanttodo?Wouldyouliketolieinthereanddrink?That’syourfavoritewaytoindulge,right?”

“Yeah,oldfriendsarethebestbecausetheyknowallmystrangehabits”Sayingso,Mr.Fingerbegantotakeoffallhisclothesandjumpedintothebowlofwineandbegandrinkingveraciously.DwarfMickeymeanwhiletookupthewholejugandbegandrinkingfromit.Hekhattoletthelittlemanremainalohemundaneworldwouldcauseunimagirouble,sohedecidedtogethimdrunkandtakehimbackbyforcetotheKingdomofDreamsandpcehimiodyofhiswifeVio.Viowouldbeabletokeepasharpeyeonhimsohewouldnotbeabletorunaroundcausingtrouble.ItwouldalsosetKingDimitri’sheartatrestifhedidn’thavethistrouble-makerunderfoot.

Thedoortothedipidatedtempleushedopenanduhecrestmoonashadowyfigurecouldbeseenhastilystreakingintotheroom.ItwasRichard,whohadbeentryingtotrackdownDwarfMickeyattheoldman’soldhaunts.Helookedaroundthedimlylitemptyroom,lightedonlybytwodyingdles.Hesawajugofgoodwihreequartersgone,aybowlwithssofwiinitandknewwhatmusthavehappened.DwarfMickeyandMr.Fingerhadbeenhere,drinking.Knowileman’setrichabit,hemusthavejumpedintothebowndenjoyedhisdrinklyingdown;whileDwarfMickeywouldhaveheldthejugfastinhisarmsanddrankstraightfromit.Wherecouldthetwointoxicatedpeoplehavegoo?Richardatienttotinueonhismissionandsodidnotbotherseargtheroomformoreclues,therebymissingthecetostopagreattragedyfromhappening.Sihepersonshewaslookingforwerenotthere,RichardproceededtoothertemplesDwarfMickeywasknowntofrequent.HedidhewordsDwarfMickeywroteohickdustontopofthealtar.Itsaid,“Ihavecapturedthelittletrouble-makerMr.FingerandamonmywaytotheKingdomofDreams.IwillleavehimwithhiswifeVio,whoistheonlyoheworldwhotronddisciplinehiydutyisdone.IwillbegoingbaytreasuresandwillsinkdowntothebottomofSunMooogetherwiththem.Myfavoritepastimeishavingagoodtimewithmyfrieianddrinkingwine.Ihatealltragientssuchassayinggoodbyetooldfrieoseeeachain.ThereforeIamleavingthesewordstobidyouallfarewell.Adieumygoodfriends”Itwassigned“DwarfMickey.”Inhishurry,RicharddidhehereforewasnotabletoinformDimitriofthisabruptandsuddenturnofaffairs,causingirreversibleaerinthemindsofDimitriandallthepeoplearoundhim.

Themoonleaningtowardsthewestshonedhtasday.Asmalleflyihemirror-likewaters.Thebulgingmusclesonthearmsofthemanattheoars,flexedashepaddledfastandfuriously.Why,wasn’tthatMr.Finger?Hehasoncemorerevertedtothefigureofatalndbrawnyman.ThewomanattheotherendoftheoewasthewildlygeousVio,butherexpressionnowwasgehanandnotaswildasbefore.WhenshefirstgotbacktotheKingdomofDreams,sheclimbeddownthesheerclifftothedepthofGahannatovisitherparents,whonowspenttheirdaysferventlypraying,deeplytriteoftheirsins.Viowasextremelyhappytofindthattheirlifewasthesameasitwasthesttimeshewashere,withnogesatall.HermotherAileen’sbodywhichhadbeentwo,hadmiraculouslybioone.JustasDimitrihadpredicted,asthefireofrevengeinherheartdimitlebylittle,herbodyrecoveredandetogetherlittlebylittleaswelndthedaywouldewhenshecouldwalklikeanormalhumanbeing.WhenViovincedherselfthatallithherparents,shewentbacktoherownlittleireehole.Whensheclimbedontothelevelpartofthehole,shesawMr.Fingerlyingonthebed,thrashingandshouting,

“Iswear…Iswear…Ididnotkillhimonpurpose.Heismygoodfriend…IswearthatifIcouldexgemylifeforhis,Iwoulddoit...Iswear…IswearItrulymeanit…Ididnotkillhimonpurpose…”Hewaslyingonthebedbuthishandswereswingingaroundandhisfeetwerekigfrantically.Viosaidnothing,butwalkinguptoMr.Fingerbegansppinghimhischeekshard.Mr.Fingerwokefromhisnightmarefeelionhisface.HeopenedhisdrowsyeyesandsawViohandsonhipsstandingbeforehim.Twistingoneofhisearswithherhand,sheasked,

“Whatbadthinghaveyoudonenow?Youkilledsomeone?Whohaveyoukilled……?”

“No,no,no…”stutteredMr.Finger.“HowIkil’snothinglikethatatall…”aoldViothestoryfrombeginningtoend.“Youknow,it’sallyourfaultfmeintoatinyfigureandthesoIcouldn’tgebacktehumanfain.Icouldeasilyhavebeealforthergewildcat.Itwasreallyscary.”

“Nowyouknowmypowers.Don’tfetyousworeanoathandsoldyourselftomewhenyousigheiurepapers.Yourbodyandsoulbelongsolelytome.YouliveifIletyouliveanddiewhenIwantyouto.”HerfingersowistedharderandMr.Fingercriedoutinpainsaying,

11

“Yes,yes,yes.Iwilllistentoeverythingyousay…Iwillliveifyouletmeanddiewhenyouordermeto.I’lldowhateveryousay,please,pleaseletgoofyers…”VioloosenedherhandandsatdownbesideMr.Fiheysatsidebysidelikeanyotherordinarycoupleandtalkedaboutthingsthathappehepasttowhileawaythenight.Suddenlytheysawintheeroftheroom,thecottonpouchtheyhadusedtocarrythepreciousstoheytookawaytothemundaneworld.Therewerestilbouttwodozenofthemleftinthepoudtheyseemtobestrugglingiryingtogetout.Orthereseemedtobeasmalnimalirugglingtobefree.Violookedatthecottonpoudsaidasifrecallingsomething,

“WasitDwarfMickeywhhtyoubackheretotheKingdomofDreams?”

“Whoelse?WhenIwokeupIwaslyinghereonthebed.Itmusthavebeenhim.Whoelsecouldithavebeen?”Violookedatthepoudsaidquietly,

“DwarfMickeyhasreturnedhere.Hemusthavegohetreasuretroveandsummonedallthetreasuresthathadbeenscatteredallovertheworldtoebacktotheirinalhome.Sothatmustbewhythosediamointhepoucharestrugglingtojoinrankswiththeirrades.Theyareuselesstoushere,sowhydoakethembacktothetreasuretrove?”Vio’scharacterseemedtohavemadea180degreetransition.Somesacredandmysteriousstrengthhaddissipatedhernormallyinsatiablegreed.Thatstresbetweenheavehandifproperlyeledakelifemorebeautifulthanever.VioandMr.Fingerpickedupthecottonpouch,climbeddowairsireeandwalkedoutofthetreehole.Sheshruggedandgedherselftoanormalhumanshape,turningintoabeautifulyoungwoman.Mr.Fingerfollowedsuitbutnothinghappened.Hewasstiltinyperson,smalsafinger.Viogiggledathisfrustrationandsaidtohim,

“Fromnowonyougeyourshapeonlywithmypermission.Uand?”Mr.Fingernoddedhisheadhelplesslyandsaid,

“Yes.Yes.Youaremymaster.Iwilllistentoyoureveryand.”

“Alright.Youmaynyourselfahappens.”Mr.Fingershruggedagainandimmediatelygedintoatall,stalwartman.Theyjumpedintoaoeandrowedtowardstherwaterfall.

Theoedashedintotherwaterfallwhichwasnoisyasaherdofraghorses.ThedropsofwaterdangintheveilsofthefalldrenchedVioandMr.Finger’sheads,fadbodiesastheypassedthrough.Aftertheydockedandsecuredtheiroebythebankoftheke,Viotookoutthecottonpouchshehadbroughtwithherandfoundthatthediamondsinsidewerejumpingandstrugglingevenmoredesperatelythanbeforeasifsciousthattheyweregettingheirhomeandsowerebeiremelyexcited.Sheuhestringstothecottonpoudthediamondsjumpedout,gedintotinyhumanforms,somemalesomefemaleandmadefranticallyfortheshore.Theydashedupthestoepsskippinganddangrightuptothemouthofthecave,whichshimmeredwithamulticoloredrainbowofcivenoffbythediamondsgatheredinside.Apartywasinfullswingihecave,whichwasfullofughterandbusyfootsteps,apaniedbymelodiousmusir.Fingeralsowalkedupthesteps,curioustoseewhatwasgoingon.Suddenlytheyheardafemalevoiging,

“Forreasonsunknohousedtobestarsintheskies,

Havebeenscatteredfarandwide.

11

Whyarewegatheredtogetherhereagain

Nevershallwepartagainsincewehavebeeed

Beitintheheavens,ohoratthebottomofthewater

Nevershallwepartagainsincewehavebeeed…”

VioandMr.Fioodattheentrahecaveandpeekediinyfigures,whohadbeengedfromdiamonds,filledthefloorofthecave.TheonesingingwasherthanthewalkinggirlknoinkPuzzle.Shehadbeentransformedintoareallivegirl,happyandvivacious,dangandsingingamoherstinyfigures,whochimedin,singing,

“Nevershallwepartagainsincewehavebeenunited,

Nevershallwepartagainsincewehavebeenunited…”

Suddenlyavoiongthedangandsingingfigurescriedout,“Outsiders!Thereareoutsidersatthemouthofthecavepeepingin!”Aburstofuproarandotionfollowedasthesetinyfigurestransformedfromui-coloreddiamondsquicklyfoundtheirseeminglypreordainedpqueuesandhastilyjumpedintotheirownwoodenbox.Thetopsofdozensofboxesautomaticallyclosedwithabangandinnotimethecavetiedofalltracesofthepartyingfigures,withnotasinglediamondremaining.ItwasonlythenthatVioandMr.FingersawDwarfMickeysittinginthemiddleofthecave,sopletelysousedthathecouldhardlykeephisdazedandblurryeyesopeiarastuddedwithahugerubywhichheworeonhisheadwasaskewbuthekeptdrinkingfromthepotinhishand.Thenhespoke,

“Soyouarehere.Ikmustbeyoutwo,VioandMr.Fihediamondsyouhavestolenfrommehavealleback.Theyhavereturned,withnotasingleonemissing…”DwarfMickeystoodupandwalkedshakilytowardsawoodenbox.Proppinghimselfwithhisarms,hevaulteduptheboxandsatonit.Tiltinghishead,hetookanotherswingfromhispotofwine.HelookedatVioandsaid,

“Itwasagreatideatostoreallmytreasuresinthiscave.Whehquakestruck,thecavesanktothebottomoftheke,whichwaswhyheryounorIcouldfinditallthistime.Ithoughttheyhadgedbacktostarsaurheirptheskies.ThankheavenstheyresurfadIrecoveredmylonglosttreasuretroveintheKingdomofDreams.That’sgreat.Mydutyisdone…Youtwobetterleave…”Hetookanotherswingandmuttered,“Yes,it’sagreatideatosireasuretrovetothebottomofthewater.Noonewilleverbeabletogettheirhandsonthemagain.Well,nowthatIhavefoundthemagain,myjobisdone.IwillremainwiththematthebottomofSunMooilltheendoftime.That’sagreatidea.Goon,youtwo.Youhadbetterleave.”Viohungherheadshylylikeanaughtygirlwhohadbeencaughtdoingabadthinganddidnotknowwhattosay,butMr.Firiedtodissuadehimsaying,

11

“Heyyouoldman,youreallytakethingstoohard!Howcouldyousinktothebottomofthekewithyourtreasures?Whowillbemypanionanddrinkwithme?”DwarfMickeyinterruptedhimbeforehefinishedspeaking.Gringathimhesaidgruffly,

“Shutup.Saynomore.Youtwobettergetgoing.Doyoureallywanttosinktothebottomofthewaterswithme?”Mr.FingerandDwarfMickeyhadbeengoodfriendsandoftencrackedjokesateachother.Mr.Fiookgreatpleasureteasingtheolddwarfuntilthetterwasreallyriled,sohethoughtnothingofmakingtheoldmanmad.Buthealsokhattheoldmanwasastraightarrowandalwayssaidwhatwasonhismind.Hesaidwhathemeantandoncehismind,nothingcouldswayhim.Suddenlythecaveshudderedaobesinking.VioandMr.Fingerlookedateachotherandwithoutawordbentonesgfromthesinkingcave.Bothturnedandranoutofthecave,rusheddoweps,jumpedintotheirlittleoe,dashedthroughthewaterfalndrowedfortheoppositeshoreasfastastheycould.Behindthemcamethesoundofahugecrash,butuime,itwasnotfollowedbyanyndslidesortsunamisothetwoofthemwereabletoreachtheoppositeshoresafely.

Itwasthecrackofdawn;thesun’srayshadjustbeguntopeepouti.ItsgoldenraysgraduallyspreadovertheearthandnaturallyshoneonCharina’slittlebackyard.AsCharinaandDimitrisatbeforetheFrenchdoorsofthelivingroom,hereyeskeptroamingtowardstheblueballoonsoftlyfppinginthebreeze,hopingfornewsfromtheKingdomofDreams.Dimitrilookedverysolemn,hishandsanxiouslyclutgthearmsofthesofa,uoanythingbutsittherewaitingfornews.HehadheardfromRichardjustasdaybrokeahatDwarfMickeyhadleftbehindahedipidatedlittletemple.RichardhadreadtheshortoDimitrioverthetelephone,soDimitrikhelittleoldman’siiontosinktothebottomofSunMooogetherwithhistreasures.Richardhadspeerpartofthenightinthemaze-likestreetstryingtotrackdownDwarfMickeyandMr.Ficouldfindnoclueoftheirwhereabouts.ItwasthenthathecameuponBig-O,pantingfromhissearch.Thetwoofthemputtheirheadstogetheranddecidedthatinsteadofseargrandomlytheyshouldgobacktothedipidatedoldtemple,whichwasthestpceRichardfoundtracesofthetwoandstartagainfromthere.TheysearchedthepcecarefullyandsawthewordsDwarfMickeyleftbehindohickdustofthealtar.HeimmediatelyreportedtoDimitri,whosaid,

“Okay.Iknownow.Thetwoofyouhavebeenseargallnightandmustbeverytired.Youshouldbothgohomeandtakeabreak.Thereisnothingwedoatthemomentexceptwaitfornews…HopefullynewswillesoonfromtheKingdomofDreams…We’lltalkaboutthiswhe.”Charinahadheardtheversationahegistofthings.SheimmediatelysuggestedgoingbacktotheKingdomofDreamsrightaerhapsstopDwarfMickeyfromgoingdowntothebottomofthekewithhistreasures.

“Toote”sighedDimitrishakinghishead.“It’stoote.Hehadleftquiteawhileago.”

“Howcoulditbetoote?InydomofDreamsthereisnosuchthingasthestartingpointortheendingpoint.Thereisnobeginningandnoend.Anypointcouldbetheinalone,andwecouldgobacktothetimebeforeithappened.Youtoldmeitwaslikeflippingthepagesofabook.Youcouldstartatthebeginning,theendorthemiddle.Ifyouwanttoyoucouldwriteapletelynewbookandnoonewouldstopyou.Howcoulditbetoote?”

“Don’tfetthatDwarfMickeymaylooklikeashort,etricdwarf”repliedDimitriwithawrysmile,“butactuallyheisthegodofwealthinchargeofalltherichesoftheworld.Heknowswhatheisdoingandthereissuretobeareasonorpnforhisas.Iknowhimwell.Oncehehasdecidedonacourseofa,wildhorsescouldnotdrawhimback.Hewillperseveretotheendandnoonecouldgehismind.Whoknowswhatisinstore?Perhapsgingthecourseofthingshehasdecidedonwouldbringaboutunknisequences.”

“Really?”saidCharinamystified.SherememberedthefirsttimeshesawDwarfMickey.Hisdictatorialmannersandstigtohisohateverothermaysaydidnotleaveherwithafavorableimpression.Infact,hisslovenlyclothingandterribletablemannerswerequiterepulsive.Butasshegrewtoknowhimbetter,shediscoveredthathewasquitewittyandhumorousandwasalovableoldman.Hewasveryold,withsnowwhitelongwhitebeardandeyebrows,buthatedtobecalledold.Ifyoudidso,hewouldflyinteandturnhisbayou.CharinaturoDimitriandasked,“RichardreadyouthenoteoverthephonesayingDwarfMickeydecidedtogodowntothebottomoftheSunMooogetherwithhistreasures.Doesitmeanhewillitsuicide?Willhereallydie?”

“Idon’tknow”repliedDimitri.“IotansweryourquestionbecauseIdon’thavetheanswer.Asyousaid,anythinghappenintheKingdomofDreams.Nothingisimpossible.Itisnotaquestionofyesorno.IthasnoahereforeIotansweryourquestion.

Inthewideexpanseofblueskies,awhitedovecouldbeseenflyingfreelyintheblueskies.Whenitsawtheblueballoon,itseemedtohavefounditstargetaowardsit.Itencircledtheballooimesandslowlydesded.Catgsightofthewhitedove,Charinasaidinatremblingvoice,

11

“It’shere!Thewhitedoveishere.ItknowsmeasIhaveseenherbefore.SheisthemessengerfromtheKingdomofDreams.”ChariheFrenchdoorsandranintothesmallbackyardwaving,jumpingandcallingtothewhitedovesaying,“I’mhere.I’mrighthere.Haveyhtmegoodnews?”ThedovealsosawCharinaandopeningitsbeakdroppedthenoteshehadbeenholdihenitturnedaroundandflewbacktowardsthedeepblueskies.Charinarantowardsthewhitepieceofpaperflutteringdownfromabovearicateditfromthebranalltree.Assheranintothelivingroomwiththenoteinherhand,Dimitriaskedanxiously,

“Whatdoesitsay?Whatdoesitsay?”Charihenoteandwitheyeswideopeslowlyandclearly.

“DearKingDimitri:Iwanttoreporttoyoodnews,butIdon’tknowwheretobegin.Itisquiteanunbelievablemystery.GiantMountainhasrevertedbacktoitsinalfiant’sparalyzedposturehoweverhasged.Itisnolongerlyingprostratebutisreingtowardstherightwithhislegsslightlybent.Hisrighthandcupshisandhislefthandisonhisabdomen.Heisfastasleep,hisexpressionsereneandfortable.Helooksasifonedayhewould,yawn,situpandstretchhimself.Hemayeverstandupandwalkaround.Itisreallyquitesurreandunbelievable.NothingisimpossibleintheKingdomofDreams.Youmustbeveryhappytohearofthisgoodnews.Ahioreportis,thathugecliffwithits30–40meterwaterfallthatemergedattheentrahekeaftertheearthquakeandtsunami,somehowsuddenlysanktothebottomoftheke.Deannaswamdownandfoundthefloorofthekesmoothandwithnotraceofthefallencliff.Isn’tthatstrange?IhaveledthenativesbacktotheKingdomTheyarefishing,huntingandfarmingastheyusedtoandhaveresumedtheoldorderoflife.ThemountainsandwatersoftheKingdomofDreamsareevenmorebeautifulthantheyusedtobe.ThepeopleareallwaitingimpatientlyforthereturnoftheirKing.Whenwillyoueback,KingDimitri?Whyareyoustillwanderingaroundinthemundaneworld?ebaajesty.SignedMedusa.”TherewasionofDwarfMickey.Medusadidoknowthatthetreasurytrovewasinthehugecliff,andthatDwarfMickeyhadsunktothebottomofthekewithit.“Well”saidCharina.“Thatshouldbesideredgoodnews.Right?”Dimitrinodded,butdidnotreply.Withhishandsonhischeeks,heseemedhalfasleepashefellintoadeepreverie.Charinadidnotwanttobotherhim,soshetookMaureenandtiptoedoutofthelivingroom.DimitrirememberedthefirsttimeDwarfMickeyenteredhisdreams,andreminiscedabouthowtheyterbecamefriendsrememberingeverylittledetail,eachdropletsofversation.DwarfMickeywasincredibleandinexplicable.Dimitricouldonlysavetheimageofhisoldfriendintahisheart.

Chapter4Imaginationaivity

Uhesunlight,aslewofsoapbubblesfloatedintheair,glisteningwithmulti-coloredsheen.Ayoungmotherholdingher4-5-year-oldsonwalkedpastDimitri.TheboylookedatDimitricrouchedattheerofthestreet,hisclothestattered,hisdisorderlybeardunshaved,staringattheblueskieswithsightlesseyesaasenseofpityforthepoorhomelessbeggar.HewalkedoverandheldoutsomethingtowardsDimitrisaying,

“Here.Thisisforyoutopywith.”Dimitriheldouthishands,ranhisfingersovertheobjedkwasatoyliketheonehehadpyedwithwhenhewasaboy.Itwasasmallgssbottleattachedwithatinystrawcircledwithsomewire.Helookedtowardstheboyandsaid,

“Thankyouverymuch.Godblessyou.It’sverykindofyou.”Theboygiggledandranbaotherawoofthemwalkedawayholdinghands.Dimitriwasjustfeelingboredwwhattodowithhistimewhenherewasatoyhehadnotpyedwithsincehewassmall.Hehadlongfottenthatsuchathied.Pullingoutthestopper,hedippedhistinystrawintothebottleandblewonit.Astringofmulti-coloredsoapbubblesfloatedintotheair.Dimitriseemedtohaverecoveredthechildlikeinnoceofhischildhoodandtioblobubbleswithgreatrelisha.Alroundhimwerenoisyfootsteps,somebrisk,andfulloffidehoughhewasblind,Dimitricouldfeelthevibesofthejeeringandsfullookscasthisway,looksthatwerepletelydevoidofhumaiment.Theyseemedtosay,“Timeismoimeproducewealth.Sittingattheerofthestreetisjustwastingtimeandwastingyourlife.Youareadregofsociety,agood-for-nothing!”ButDimitrisattherepletelyignthoseknife-likedigs.Ashetioblobubbles,hemutteredtohimself,“Iliveformyselfalone.Whathasotherpeople’slookshavetodowithme?Tocareabouttheopinionofothersislikeaskingfortroubleandwmyselffornothing…”Themulti-coloredbubblesfloatingupwardsandsoondisappeared.Likedreams,bubblesbursteasily,butsoonotherbubblesfloatuptotheskies,justasotherdreamsetotakethepceoftheirpredecessors..Thus,Dimitri’sblifebecameridfull,andckedfornothing.Hefortedhimselfsaying,”Solongastherearedreams,everythingwillbefine.Solongastherearedreams,lifeisbeautifundIshallwantfornothingandIhingelse.”Heblewanotherfabulouslyrgebubblewhichfloatedupanduptowardstheskies.