enyougetthere.Ihavewineandit’sverygoodwinemadeofar.I’msureyouhaveasteditbefore.”Mr.Fingerwasexcited.

“Good!Good!Let’sgo!Whyaren’twemoving?”Thetwolittlefigureswalkedhandinhandamidtheflowersuheafterglowofthesettingsun.WastheirmeetingarrangedbyFate?OrwasitGod’sWill?PerhapsyousayGod’sWillisthedecreeofFate.Si’sGod’sWill,itisthehighestsecretoftheuniverse,whiansurmiseandascertain.Justasintheunfathomableuniverse,thestarsrotateacctoaspecialorderandroute.

KingDimitridebarkedfromthesailboatahebeautiesupthestepsleadingtowardsthemountainpeak.Helookedupattheflocksofbirdsflyingtowardsthefarawayforestandthought,“Ahyes,itwasduskandtimeforthebirdstogobacktotheirs.”Herememberedhowinthemundaneworldthewildpigeonssqueezedtogetherontheeavesofhisapartmenthouseatduskquibblingandgrumblingincessantly.Uheeaveswashishome,asmallstudio,whichcouldbesideredhis.Whehoughtoftheshabbyfurnishingsandtheusedandbarelyfunalfurnitureinhisroom,italwaysbroughtawarmfeelingtohisheart.Justthen,thebeautiestooktheirleaveofKingDimitriandwalkedoverthebeautifulrainbowlikesuspensietowardsthepeakofthemountaihegrandandmagnifitpacewas.Therewasalotofworktobedohemtopreparefreatbaonight.JustasKingDimitriwasabouttocrossthespaciousairstrip,wherehishelicopterswerekept,andwalktowardstheadministrativebuildingequippedwiththetestieology,heheardsomeonebehindhimcallout,

3

“KingDimitri,pleasewaitased.”

Dimitriturnedandsawitwasgolden-hairedMary.Shehadiionallyggedbehiherbeauties,evidentlywishingtotalktohimaloneprivately.“Istheresomethingyouwanttotellme,mydearest?”Marywalkedoverandstoodbeforehim,silentforamoment.Thenshesaid,

“KingDimitri,Ithinkyouknowthatinyourstudioapartmentinthemundaneworld,youareurictsurveilnce.Everyerofyourroomhassecretsurveilncecamerasandrecmaes.Yourphoapped.Theydidnotmissanypossiblerouteyoumayhaveofunigwiththeoutsideworld.”

“Iknow.Iknowallthat.”

“Thenoneday,astrangesmokepermeatedyourroohinkitmusthavebeenWhiteFairywhohelpedyouescapetheirsurveilheywerearmedandpanic-stri.Nowtheyarethrownintopletefusion.”

“Howdoyouknowallthat?”

“Iamtheonewhowasorderedtokeepaneyeonyouadailytothemaboutyoureverymoveanda.”KingDimitrinodded,hisexpressionshowingthathesuddenlysawthelight.“Usingtheseimmoral,dirty,low-dowhodstopersecuteahelplessblindmanisreallytooabominable.Ididn’twanttopyanypartintheirschemeandwan.ButthenIthoughtthatifIdid,theywouldosomeoodothejob.IthoughtitbesttoetotheKingdomofDreamsandaskforyouradvicesoutourheadstogetherandeupwithatermeasure.”

“Yourdecisioniscorrect.D.Imaystillneedyoutoshieldme.Istillhatlittleroomtosafeguardmefromtheelementsandeotioweavemanymorebeautifuldreams.”

“Really?”Marydidn’treallyuand,butshedocilelyacceptedKingDimitri’sdecision.“IntheKingdomofDreamslifeissowonderful,urainedandcarefree.IamcrushedwithasenseoffearathethoughtthatonceI,IwillbebathatawfulmundaneworldtofaceeverydaythehardshipsoflifeandtheheavyworkloadofthejobIhate.IloathelivinginanenvirowhereIhavetomaketoughdecisionswhenrightandwrong,goodandeviresoentwiobepelledtoputupwithsdalsandscumoftheearthandbeforcedtoassociatewiththem.WhenIthinkofallthisIamscared.Whatisworse,Ihavetodealwithintensegesandfluctuationsofmyownfeelings.ThesemoodswingsmakemevulnerableandIoftenfeelIothaanymore.”

“Don’tbeafraid.”KingDimitrifortedhersaying.“Don’tbeafraid.Suchislife.Inthecourseofone’slife,itisiablethatonewouldbefrohhardshipsandsorrow,justasashipotexpecttobesailingsmoothlyforeverincalmwaters.Don’tfetnomatterhowdangerousthewatersorhowvioleorm,myKingdomofDreamsisforeveryoursafehaven.Solongastherearedreamsinyourheart,youeandgoasyouwillwithouthindrahatisalsothereasonwhyIwishtoremaininthemundaneworld--tomakemorewonderfuldreamsformybeautiesandforallthosewhohavedreamsintheirhearts.”

3

“Isthatwhyyoustayinthatsmallroom?”golden-hairedMaryasked.“Whyyouvoluntarilyacceptthesmallsurveilnce?Doyouknowthatnothinginyourlife,includiprivateas,isexemptfromtheintrusionsofsecretcameras?Thisisdualtorture,bothphysidmental.Doesn’tthatpainyou?”

“OfcourseIfeelpain.”KingDimitrireplied.“Ihavepersonallyexperieheheartwrengpain.Butthesharpestpainbegedtoanamazingpoem,gentlyfloatingtothehighestlevelofspirit.Thismarvelousrevolviionofthesoulishardtoexpininafewwords.ButItellyou,don’tbeafraidofmoodswingsorimbanceofyourfeelings.Themostviolentofstormsintheendwillwayscalmdowntobelevelwiththeeternalhorizon.Whehanobstacle,ifyoufeelyoutra,thenyouwillsurelybeabletodoso.Doyouuand?”

“No.”Maryshookherheadandrepliedholy.KingDimitrismiledalypattedhercheeks,whichlookedsonaiveandstillretaischildlikeinnoce.

“Ididn’tthinkyouwould.”hesaid.“Youaretooyoungandckexperieheworld.Thewineofyourlifeisnotquiteferme.Onlywhenitisfullyfermentedandyouhavetastedthesweetnessofthewineoflifewillyouuandwhatlifeis.”

“Alright”saidMary.“I’lltasteitwhenitisfermehen.Imustgotothepadhelptheotherspreparefortonight’sba.”Sayingsosheturnedandranlightlytowardsthebridgesuspeweewinpeaks.LookingatMary’sretreatingfigure,hermisty,goldenhairswayingwiththewind,asmileexudedonKingDimitri’sface.

Suddenly,KingDimitriglimpsedtheglittering,solidgoldpacetowardshisleftandhisheartlurched.Yes,suchalotofgoldingfrommarketsallovertheworldandsuddenlydisappearingwouldbecertaintocatchtheattentionofintelligenceagenciesalroundtheworld.Thefactthathewasurictsurveilncemaywellbetheresultofthisalertnessontheirpart.Itwasamatterofcourseandhereallycouldn’tbmethemfordoingso.KingDimitriaowledgedthatwhathehadinflictedonEileenwasdunusualpunishment.Itwasanunfivableact.Couldthisbuyingupofsomuchgoldfrommarketsallovertheworldandbuildingthispaceoldbeherpre-meditatedandmaliciousplottogethimintrouble?Orcouldthereevenbeamoresinisterandvilinousschemeofrevenge?JustthinkingofEileen,withherdeceptivebeautyandserpentineing,gaveKingDimitritheshiversandbroughtonafeelingoffear.Iy,whatKingDimitrihadtofacewassomuchmoreperilousandprecariousthahought.

EversinceOliverKaffeegrabbedholdofthetrolofWorldBank,hedeliberatelysabotagedtheordersingfromtheKingdomofDreams.KingDimitri’sbuildingofthepuregoldpahisKingdomrequiredalotofcapitaltopayfortheshipmentshebroughtinfromworldmarkets.OliverKaffee’smaneuveringstributedtothedryingupofKingDimitri’sresources.Whatwasinallymerelyatemporaryshe,whichcouldeasilybedealtwith,becameahailstormwhenrumorsspreadbyOliverKaffeebroughtdoubtsonKingDimitri’ssolvensinuatingthatthefihemysterioustrillionaireDimitriJawereindisarraythatthecrahisfinancialempirewerespreadinganddeepening.OliverKaffeeusedthesemomentsifinstabilitytoapproagDimitri’semissariesallovertheworld,tellihattheKingdomwasunderviciousattabarbariansandwouldsoonbeannihited.Soooldthem,theKingdomwouldceasetoexist,andthattheyhadbetterthinkofapntosavethemselves.TheseemissarieswereallloyalsubjectsofKingDimitriandwerealltrustedwithimmensecapitaltheywerefreetoiastheythoughtfit.TheywereproudthattheywerethecustodiansofKingDimitri’sunfathomablewealth.ButuhepresentcircumstaheycouldnotstanduptotheseveretestandfellvictimtoOliverKaffee’stemptation.Theybecamesemi-indepeandtooka‘wait-atitude,feigningpliaheordersfromtheKingdombutactuallyresisting.SomeevenopenlybrokewiththeKingdomandrebelledagainstKingDimitri.Psuchtumultuouscircumstances,KingDimitri’sfinancialempirebegantocradshowedsignsofdisiion.KingDimitristoodaloweenheaveh.Hefeltlonelyandhelpless.Couldheoverethehurdleandtriumphoverthistempest?Hewasnotsure.

Ninegonswerepcedatdifferentstrategicpositionsaroundthefountainsothatthewaterthatsproutedfromtheirmouthscrisscrossedandformedaravagantwebofwaterdispy.KingDimitristoodtherelookingatthebrilliant,shimmeringdiamondsthatcoveredthebottomofthefountain.HerememberedthatitwastheformermainadministratoroftheKingdom,Eileen,whoorderedthemtobepouredthere,allfiftykilosofthefi,purestqualityAfridiamonds.KingDimitristaredatthemulticoloredsparkihatdecoratedthebottomofthewaterfountainandthought,

“Whatdoeswealthandrichesmean?Tosome,itwastheultimategoaloflifeandtheywerewillingtodowhateverittakestogettheirhandsonthembyfairmeansorfoul.Insatiablegreedpushesthemtoriskeventheirownlives.Buttome,Dimitri,wealthandrichesareonlytheorsoflife,likethesesparklingdiamondsatthebottomofthefountain.IfIwao,thewholeworldcouldbetainedinmybrain.AlthoughwhenIinthemundaneworldIwillonceagainbeapennilessvagabond,ablindman.Butwhatofit?Solongastherearedreamsi,IfeesifIpossessedlimitlesswealthandtakethehardshipanddifficultiesoflifeinmystride.”

Feelingalotmorerexedafterhecametothisclusion,KingDimitriquicklywalkedupthestepsandgotintothesolidgoldelevatortotakehimtothetopfloor.NormallythepresentmaheKingdom,MegginnawelvebeautifussistantswouldbebuzzingabouttakingcareofeverythingintheKingdeandsmall.Todaythingsseemedtobeoutoftheordinaryastheofficeswerequietaed.ThedoortoMegginn’sofficeenandKingDimitrisawhersofullyfocusedonthepaperworkpiledhighonherdeskthatshewasunawareofhersurroundings.HetiptoedtothesofabeforetheFrendowfagMegginnandsatdown.Watgthebeautysoimmersedinherwork,KingDimitrifeltdeeplygratifiedandcouldn’thelpsmilingather.MegginnwasusingthepureivorydeskinallyorderedbyEileenforherownusewhehemaheKingdom.Notonlywasthematerialexpehedesignandcarvingsinanduitwasmadewithsuchexcellentcraftsmanshipthatitcouldeasilybecssifiedasanexquisiteandpricelessworkofart.Bothofitsmistresses,thepresentandformermanagers,werestrikiies,capableandintelligent,buttheirheartswereasdifferentasnightandday.Onepure,wholesomeandihrivedinthemagnifitKingdom,whiletheother,schemingandnefarious,plottedinthedarkherregionsoftheunderworld.Megginnknittedherbrowsandmumbled,

3

“Whyisn’thehereyet?Somethingmusthaveeup.Hehassomuhispte...”ShelookedupattheskiesoutsidethewindowtogagethetimeofdayandsawKingDimitrismilingather.Hertenanceimmediatelycleared.ShestoodupandwalkedovertoKingDimitrisayingughingly,

“Whendidyouein?Ididn’thearyouatall.Youscaredme!”KingDimitritookherhandandpulledherovertohimsaying,

“I’vebeeeawhile.YouweresotratedonyourworkIdidn’twanttointerruptyou.Nowtellmewhatisthisurgentmatteryouwereinahurrytotalktomeabout?IthinkIknowwhatitisaboutthoughI’mnotquitesurehowbadthesituationis.”Meggioldhimaboutitiailfrombeginningtoend.KingDimitristoodupaowalkfromoneendoftheroomtotheotherandthenbackagaihought.Outsidethewindow,thesunbegangraduallytodropbeyondthehorizon.Megginnadded,

“What’sworseis,rumorshavebeenaboundingthatthemysterioustrillionaireDimitriJahasdied.Whoaretheseemissariesscatteredalroundtheworld?”

“Friends”answeredKingDimitritersely.“Theyareallmyfriends,justlikeRichardandJamaz.”

“Haveyoudoneanybackgroundchethem?”askedMegginnnervously.

“No.Ionlyknowthatmyretionshipwiththemisfulloftwistsandturnsaoryofourfriendshipismoreplicatedaingthanma-sellingnovels.”

“What?”excimedMegginn.“Whatdidyousay?”Shecouldn’tbelieveherears.“.........youtellmewhatkindofpeopletheyare?”

“Ofcourse”repliedKingDimitri.“Theyareoxbutchers,disbarredwyers,escapeddeath-rowvicts,dejectedauthangmembers,unsuccessfulfrustratedpolitis...”

“KingDimitri!”interruptedanangryMegginn.“Doyouknowyouareinchargeofyourvastkingdomandnotwritingahereisadifference,youknow.”

3

“OfcourseIknowthat.”saidKingDimitriseriously.“ButIthinktheyarethesamebecauseIbelieveinhumannature.“Iallowthatinthisworldtherearenaturalborncriminalswholivetoitcrime.Butthesearefewandfarbetween.Mosthumansarebasicallygoodandkied.Taketheblueskiesforinstance.Darkayfloatbyanddarkenitandoccasionallymayeveneclipsethesunpletely.Butallthisisonlytemporaryandiheskieswillrevertbacktoitsnaturalbluecolor.Soishumannature.Ifirmlybelievethatbrightnessisalwaysrgerthandarkness.”

“Youareanincurableoptimist!”observedadejectedMeggiheryouaretoonaiveorIamtooignorant.”

“Ifyoudon’tbelieveme,let’smakeanexperimentonhumannature.SomeofmyoldfriendsmayhaveshownsignsagaihatisbecauseIhavenotunicatedwiththemforalongtime,thusgivingcredeherumorsofmydecease.NotknowingwhatisgoingonintheKingdom,theyaretakinga‘wait-atitude.Thisisrayalbutacautiouswayoflife.Makesomevideos,eaepersonalizedanddifferentaouttothebelievetheirmemoryofourfriendshipisstillfreshanddeep.Weevaluatetheirreaandknowwheretheystand.”

“Good”noddedMegginn.“That’sagoodidea.Thiswaywetestthemwithouttheirknowihcorrupt,KingDimitri.Imustremindyounottouimateitshugelureaation.Ifanyoftheseemissariespntoembezzleyourmoney,youotbesoft-hearted.Theymustbedealtwith.Weotletithappenandmusteupwithatermeasure.Letmedealwiththis.”

“Fihat’sperfect.”Thenhegedthesubject.“Howeit’ssoquietheretoday?Whereareyourtwelvebeautifussistants?”

“Haveyottenit’sAisha’sbirthdaytoday?”smiledMegginn.“Everyonehasgohepacetohelppreparefortonight’sbirthdayba.Aishaiskindtoeveryonesosheisverypopur.Everyostopitandmakeherbirthdayaveryspecialoccasion.Waitahere’llbemanypeoplegettingintoxicatedtonight.”KingDimitri’sfacecloudedwhenherememberedMr.Finger’swhisperedwordsinhisears,butMegginnwasnotpayingattentionanddidnotnoticehisgeofexpressioinued,

“Weusedtoseeeachotherquiteofteninthemundaneworld,butnowthatweareinydom,weseldommeet.Doyourememberhowyouusedtoappearwhenevermydipidatedtancoloredcarbrokedowheyjustces?Anyway,Iwantyoutopromisethatwhenwegobaundaneworldyouwillearbeforemewhenevermycarbreaksdown.OK?”

“OfcourseIpromise.HowIrefusesuchacharmingandiingdate?NotonlywillIappearbeforeyou,Iwillsopushyourcar.”Bothofthemughedatthat.Suddenlytheneighingofahorsesplittheair.TheylookedoutofthewindowandsawMedusaflybyfollowedbyLightning.Theybothheoppositepeak.“It’sgettingdark”KingDimitrisaid.“Timetogototheba.”

“Iwantyoutocarryme!”poutedMegginn.“Youcarriedmeintomydipidatedcar,soIpromisedtoetdom.Iwantyoutocarrymetotheelevator.Youhaven’tcarriedmeforalongtime!”

“Yesm’am”saidDimitri,stoopingdown.“Mypleasure”.

3

Thetwelvebrightredpacestylenternshangingfromtheeavesofthefrorahepaceemanatedanairoffestivity.Uhemtwonakedbeauties,oeonebck,weretalking.WhentheysawKingDimitriandMegginnwalkihesuspensieandingtowardsthem,thetwohastenedfreetthem.

“Aishaaskedmetoeayou”saidWhiteFairy,“butMedusaheresaidshesawyoufromthewindowtalkingtoMegginnandyoutwoseemedtobehavingaseriousdiscussion.Sheadvisedmenottodisturbyou.Butyouareherenow.Hownice!”Dimitrismiledandhem.HesaidtoMedusa

“YouhaveworkedhardtodayiingtheborderswithLightning.Iseverythingpeaceful?”

Medusahesitatedandthensaid,“Ifyouwillgrantmeanaudieyourearliestvenience,Iwillmakeyouafullreport.”KingDimitrinoddedandsaid,

“Good!Youmustbetired.Lateronatthebayoumustdrinkafewmorecupsofwineandloosenup.”Anotherbeauty,Lotus,walkedoutofthepacegatesaying,

“ein.ein.Everyonehasbeenwaitingforquitesometimenow.”Thepacewasbrilliantlylit,rfmesbzedinthevariousfirepdfemaleattendantswerebusymixingallkindsofcocktails.ThebeautiesstoodupfromtheirseatstoweleKingDimitriandhisretinue,gtheirhandsinwele.KingDimitritalkedsolicitouslywitheadeveryohembeforewalkingtotheterofthehalndsittingdownonhisgem-studdedthronewhichsparkledlikemyriadsofstarsinthesky.Helookedaroundhimaveryhappytoseethetworowsofbeautiesassembledohersideofhim.Hesuddenlyasked,

“Howisitthatwehaven’tseenAmaliaretly?Doanyofyouknowwhereshehasgoo?”Aisha,thefirstbeautytoeheKingdomofDreamsanswered,

“Idon’tknowwhatcouldhavecaughtherattentionandhaskeptherawayallthistime,butshehasnotebackforquitesometimenow.Weareallworriedabouther.”

“Ihavetoldhertimeandagain”saidYoko,“thatsheshouldstayathomemoreassheisinganyyounger.Weareallhereandkeepherpany.Butshejustwouldn’tlisten.Ireallydon’tknowwhattodowithher.”

“Retly,”musedShei“Ihavefoutingmoreabsent-minded.Shewouldrepeatsometinylittlethingmany,manytimesbutintheendwouldstillfet.Itworriesme.”

3

“Ohdear,”saidElina“ThissoundslikessymptomsofAlzheimer’sDisease.IwillexamiheimeIseeherandrussuchasMRI.Ifitisthatdisease,shewouldneedmedication.”KingDimitrinoddedandsaid,

“Let’sthinkofawaytokeepherherewhensheesback.”

“Iknowofawaytodothat”pipedupavoitheback.EveryournedandsawitwasnaughtygirlDorna.“Iwillstealherflyingbroomandhideit.Thensheotrunoffanymore.”ThebeautiesallughedandKingDimitriwiherseemingtoapproveofherpn.Hesaid,

“Perhapsthatisan.Pleaseputyourheadstogetherallofyouandseeifweeupwithanythingnew.”

“Idon’tthinkthat’sagoodpn”saidLotus.YouallknowifAmaliagetsreallyangry,whoamongusholdherownwithher?”

“I”saidYoko.“Shelovesmebest.Ijusthavetodshewon’tknowwhattodo.”

“Itoowilldomypart”saidShei.“ItwasAmaliawhogavemeasedlife.Shesavedmylife.Ifshegetsreallyangry,letherventitoherseoreveme.Istandit.”EveryonelookedatSheiandrememberedthestrasofthepast.Itwasreallyanunthinkableandunbelievablestory.SeeBook1.

“WhereisStephanie?”askedKingDimitri.“Whyisn’tshehereatthisfestivegathering?Whyissheabsent?”

“Shehasn’tbeehestfewdays”repliedAishahurriedly.“Youjustgotback,soIhaven’thadacetotellyouaboutit.”

“Isshesick?What’swrongwithher?”KingDimitri’seyesturnedinquiringlyatElina,abrilliantdoctorwhotookcareofthehealthofKingDimitriandeveryoneelseintheKingdom.

3

“Herillnessisstrange,”repliedElinainaperplexedandworriedvoice.”Igaveherquiteafewfullphysicalexams,butthetestsallcameoutive.Physicallythereisnothingatallwrongwithher,butherappetitedecreasesdailyandherenergylevelisverylow.Straill,theweakersheisphysically,thehappiershefeels.Everyday,sheisimmersedindeepmeditation.Likeahappybirdflyinginthecalmblueskies,shespendsallhertimeiation,tingandprayers.Thesestfewdays,shehasnotbeeoswallowanyfoodordrink.Thoughnearigasp,sheliestherepeacefullylookingattheblueskies,hersmilesatisfiedandhappy.”

KingDimitriwassilent.Theoodupandsaid,

“Iwillgoandseeher.Perhapsitishertimetobedivine.”

hebeautiesuoodwhatwasgoingon,norwhatKingDimitrimeantbyhisenigmaticwords.TheykhatuhetutorshipofKingDimitri,Stephaniehadbeenpractigeseoccultarts.Coulditbethatshehadreachedthefinalstageofherpractice?

“Stephaniehasmovedtothegoldpace”saidAisha.“Shefeelsthatsheisheblueskiesthere.Thegoldpacesymbolizesherpure,brilliantsoul”

“It’stetoday”saidKingDimitri.“Letusgotheretomorrow.HesatsilentlybahisthroheimageofStephanieseemedtoebeforehiseyes–aslim,elusivebeautywithlong,lusciousbckhairreagtoherankles.Herrgealluringeyesseemedtohideamillios.

“ItwasIwhhtherheretotheKingdom”thoughtKingDimitri.“Butnowsheisleaving.Howotfeelsad?”Thenhelookedatallthebeautiessurroundinghim,allbroughttotheKingdombyhim.

“Theyhavegiveheirlovewhole-heartedly.WhatdidIgivethembareturn?Alovethathadbeenchoppedagainandagainintopiecemealbits.Thisisnotfairtotheverkhatreceivingtoomuchlovecouldbesodisquietingandvexing,endlesslytroublingandunavoidable.What’sgoodaboutthisisit’sallbutadream.OnceI,thebeautieswilllgotheirownway,backtotheirownpre-ordaiination.Gooddreamsareshortaimefesalltoosoohetimeapproaches,thereisallyupwhoowesmore,whopaidoutless.SoIshouldbeallthemoreappreciativeofthepreomentsinourdreams.”Justthen,anattendantbroughtoutnewlycoctedcocktails.KingDimitritookagssandsaid,

“Cheers!It’sAisha’sbirthdaytoday.Let’sdrinktoherhealth.Mayshealwaysbeyoungaiful!”Thebeautiesallraisedtheirgssesandsaid,

“Cheers!”Aishastoodup,herexpressionserious.ShewalkedstraighttoKingDimitri’sthroneadownbeforehihebeautiesdidnotknowwhattomakeofitandexcmationsandcriesroseandsubsidedalround.BeforeKingDimitricoulddecidewhattodo,heheardAishasay,

3

“ThankyouKingDimitriforleadingmeheretdomofDreams.Iamgreatlyhoobeoneofyourtwenty-fourbeauties.Igaveyouallmylove.MentallyIamfaithfultoyou,butphysicallyIhavebeenastrayandittedthesinofiy.ImustfessholytoyouorIwouldnotbeabletolivewithmyselforeverfacemyownscewithposure.”

KingDimitristoodupbeforeAishafinishedspeakiretchedoutbothhandsandhelpedherup,whisperingsoftlyinherears,

“Saynomore.Ifiveyou.Itwasnotyourfaultalone.IfiveyoubecauseIknowyou.IknowyousoIwilltrustyouasIdidbefore.”HeheldAisha’shandandsaidtothebeauties,

“NowIwillformallyprocimthatfromthismomentoowonAishathetitleofQueenofmyKingdom.Onthemorrow,procmationswillbepostedallovertheKingdomtonotifymypeople.Doanyofyouhaveobjes?”Thebeautiescppedtheirshahusiasticallyandshoutedandcriedtheirapproval.Dornawhistledshrillyandexcimedrepeatedly,

“See!Itoldyouso.KingDimitrihaslongwaodothis.Hejustdidn’tannouuntiltoday!”KingDimitrithoughtforawhileanddecidedonapromise.Hesaid,

“Mydecisionispreciselycorrect.Aishaisnotonlyhighlyeducatedandintelligent;shehasdeepfhtandpopursupport.Thenativesbriribaldisputesandquarrelstoherandinafewwordsshesettlethingsfairlytoeveryone’ssatisfa,thusgainingtheloveandtrustofthepeople.ShouldIdiewithoutissue,Aishaistheidealsucythrone.Shouldanheirbeborntooneofmybeauties,hewouldbegreatlyfromaqueenmothersuchasAisha,whocouldteachhimandhelphimwithgtheKingdom.”KingDimitriraisedhishandstostopthecheeringofthebeautiesandtinued,

“Aisha’sbraveandhobehaviorjustnowshouldbeyourexample.Itisaveryrarevirtue.Fromnowon‘behooone’ssone’sheart’willbethemottodomthateveryoneshouldabideby.Anotherburstofappuseandcheersbrokeout.KingDimitriheldAisha’shand.AishaturnedandhidherfaKingDimitri’schest,heldhimtightandcriedforjoy.

Abeautiful,luminousfullmoonhadrisenunobtrusivelybehindGiantMountains.Imosphereofjoyaivity,theexuberaiessurroundedKingDimitriandAisha,preparingtositdowntothevishbirthdayba.Suddenlythemoonlightwasshroudedbyadarkcloud.Ohno!Itwasn’tabckcloudbutagiganticbat!Oeranotherseveferociousbats,allofthesamemonstroussize,appearedinthesky.Furiousandenraged,Medusa,witheverystrandofherserpenthairarousedandstandingonend,chargedwildlyoutofthepadsoaredintothesky,rushingtodispersetheaggressorswhohadeoutofhefppingofmightywingsapaniedbyhigh-pitchedshrill,screegshriekssplittheair.ThesemassivecreaturesdidnotappeartobeintimidatedbyMedusaandherpiergeyes.Medusa’sbzinggncewaslethaructive,havingthepowertoturnallwhodaredlookherintheeyeintostothesebatsallhadanatural,internal,fleshandbloodsonanavigationsystem,whichcouldascertaiionanddistinguishobjectswithoutthesenseofsight.Therefore,theywereimmuoMedusa’smagic,magiceyes.Thesecreatureshadeprepared.TheysurroundedMedusa,finingherinacirdthencrisscrossedeachothertoattackherinasystematicorder.Employinghermagicpowers,Medusawasabletodefendherselfandusedhermightycwstoattackherenemies,butastimewentby,outnumberedandoutmaneuvered,shetired,andshowedsignsoflosingthefight.

KingDimitrilookedupworriedlyattheferociousbattlebeingfoughtintheskies.Dropsofbloodshowereddownfromonhigh,sptteringtheroofsandwindowsofthepace.Aishamutteredtoherself

“Heavens!AreallthoseterriblesesIsawinmydreamsabouttoetrue?”ThebatsflyingallovertheskyresumedtheirviciousbutorderlyattadMedusawasableonlytodefendherself,nolongerhaviaminatoattack.KingDimitrisaidtoWhiteFairy,

40页

”Quick!Bringmemybowandarrow!”

“No!KingDimitri,”shereplied,“Lookhowfasttheyaregoing.WhatifyouhurtMedusainstead?Yicbowishernemesis.Haveyottenhowyouhurtherwithiti?”

“Thenquick!Bringmemysword.”

“Hereitis!”saidDeanna.“Buthowareyougoingtoflyuptotheskiesandfightthebats?”KingDimitrididnotanswer.Hestrodebrisklytothepacegateandwhistledshrilly.RapidlyapproaghoofsheraldedthesroachofLightning.Holdinghistreasuredsword,sosharpitcouldcuteasilythroughhardrocks,KingDimitriswungontohissteedandLightningtookoff.Mightywingsfpping,Lightningsoaredintotheskyandmanandsteedjoiheferociousandbloodybattle.Thebeautiesexcimed

“WhydidhinkofLightning,theflyinghorse?Luckilyatthecrucialmoment,KingDimitrihituponthispivotalidea!”AishasaidtoWhiteFairy,

“Iwonderwhatelsewillhappe.WeshouldalertthenativetribesandsummooeandhelpdefendtheKingdom.”WhiteFairytookoutthergeseashellMedusanormallyusedasameansofunicationandblewonit.OnhearingtheemergencycallthetribesscatteredaroundtheKingdom,livinginisotionintheforests,mountainsaoncesprangintoa.Somecamerunningonfoot,somepaddlingsmallboatsoroes,allmakingforthepcewherethesummonscamefrom.

AsKingDimitriflewuptotheskies,ahugebatcamestraightathim,baringitssharp,hideousteeth.KingDimitridrewouthisswordandshouted,

“Youwickedmonster!Idonotwanttokillyou,soIwillonlywoundyou.Gobacktowhene!”Whileturninghisbodytoevadethemightywingsofthebat,heluitswingandsshedadeepgash.Thebatshriekedinpainanddroppeddowntowardstheground.KingDimitri’stimelyassistancewasashotofadrenalioMedusa.Summoningupherstrength,shesankhercwsdeepintothebackofanebat.Meanwhile,Lightning,theultraintelligentwarhorse,tooktheinitiativeandsoughtthemostadvantageousangleforhismastertoswinghisswordahereonitsownaccord.Whereswordandfleshmet,bloodspurtedoutinstreams.Thebatswereallreadywouheadditionofafresh,strongopporoutedtheirinalsystematicattadtheykherewasnohopeofvictory.Sosquealingandsquawking,theyflewswiftlytowardsthenorthwestandsoondisappeared.KingDimitriandMedusarushedafterthem,butseeingtheenemywereinfullretreatandsoonvanishedfromsight,theystoppedandflewbacktowardsthepace.WheivesgatheredonthehillsandkesaroundthepacesawKingDimitriflydownfromthesky,theyallgavearesoundingshoutofvictory.Theyhadneverseentheirkingactiveinbattlebeforeandweremesmerizedbyhisceandbraveryunderfire.Itstreheirloyaltytotheirliegearibes’allegiaowardstheKingdomwasstrohanever.

Thefullmoonmovedslowly,sograduallyastobealmostimperceptible,scatteringitsalluringradianceoverthetranquilmountainsandwaters.Thecarcassofatalree,evidentlydeadformanyyears,stoodinthemidstofawoodedareabythedesotekesideacrossfromthepace.ApairoflittlepeoplesatosbrawasMr.Fingerandhisnewpanion,Vio,whohadeoutonthisentedeveningtoadmirethebeautyofthefullmoon.Theyhadjustwitheferociousbattlethattookptheskiesashortwhilebefore.Mr.Fingersaid,

“Iamsoproudofmyoldfriend,Dimitri.Ihaveneverseenhistruecolorsbeforethis,alwaystakinghimforamellowgoodguy,somewhatlikeabrokenballdiscardedbytheroadside,tobekickedaboutbyanyonewhopleases.Whowouldhaveknownhehadhiddehs,withadaringandresolutionthatpelsmetoseehiminapletelynewlight!”Viostaredstraightaheadacrossthekeatthefiresthatdottedthehillsidearoundthepapletelyignthewordsofherpanion.ItwasthepeopleofthedifferenttribesgatheredtheretodohonortotheirKingandcelebratehisvictory.Indistinctfragmentsofsongs,musidughterdriftedoverthewater.Viostiffenedandhereyesbecamecoldandsharpasabde.Shesaidcoldly,

4

“Disasterising,butyouhavenoinklingatall!Youarereallyimbeciles!”

“Whatdisaster?Whatareyoutalkingabout?”

“Don’taskaboutit.”repliedVitofaceMr.Fingersolemnly.“Ifoneday,DimitriandIetoaheadtoheadfrontation,adeadlyonewhereonlyonewillsurvive,whosesidewillyoubeon?Hisormine?”

“Suchthingsothappen!”repliedMr.Fingerimmediately.“Dimitriismyoldfriendandyouaremywoman.Howtherebeanymortalfrontatioweenyou?”

“Nevermindaboutallthat.Ijustwanttoknowwillyouhelphimorme?”

“OfcourseIwillhelpDimitri”repliedMr.Fingeruantly.“Heismyoldfriend.Ihaveknownhimformanyyears,butIhaveknownyouforlessthanaday.OfcourseIwillhelpmyoldfriend!”

“YoujustsaidIwasyourwoman.”saidViomournfully,sntingareproaggazeathim,hereyesfullofgrief,bitternessandanger.“Igaveyoumyfleshbodyayouenjoythesweetnessofmarveloussensations,butyousayyouwillsidewithDimitriandbeyenemy!Areyousostupidthatyoudonotknowthediffereweenwhoisclosetoyouandwhoisnot?Iwilskyouoncemore,whoismoreintimatetoyou?Meorhim?”

“Ithink......Ithink......”Mr.Fihoughtforamoment,thenanswered,.“Ithinkitshouldbeyht.Right.Iamclosertoyouthenhiwasfusedthereforamoment.Sorry.Sorry.”

AsatisfiedsmilecameoverVio’sbeautifulfatig,seductivebutalsoslightlysinister.SheputherarmsaroundMr.Finger,holdinghimasamotherwouldholdherchild.Mr.Fingerwasthuseasilycaptured.

Butontheoppositesideoftheke,theatmospherewaspletelydifferent.tlesscampfiresbzedonthehillsideoutsidethepace,circledbyjoyfulpeoplesinging,dang,andughing,inhighspiritsrejoigatthevictoryoftheirking.Acelebratorymoodpermeatedtheairwithpeoplereiteratingoverandaiailsoftheeventsoftheday,extollingthebraveryoftheirkingandhisdexterity,ceandexpertiseinbattle.Theyallfeltproudtobesubjectsofsuchagreatandfearlessking.Butihepace,themoodwassomber.Dimitri’sgrave,unsmilingandthoughtfuldemeanorsilehebeauties.AlsoMedusahadbeenseriouslywounded.Overexertionileandlossofagreatdealofbloodmadeherlookpaleandfatigued.Elinawasattendingtoherwounds,butMedusaneedednomedicationbecauselikeCyclops,herbodyhadthemagicpowerofhealingitselfquicklywithoutbeofmedie.Dimitrilookedaroundhimandnoticedtheforlorn,cheerlessairthatenvelopedwhatinallyybirthdayba,whichsubsequentlyturoakindofationceremonyforQueenAisha.Seekingtolightenthemood,hehelduphisgssandsaid,

4

“Letusdrinktotheprotectordom,thebraveMedusa!Bottomsup!”Medusastoodup,tossanddrankitinonequaff.Shesaid,

“Ireallydonotdeservethis.IfitwerenotforthetimelyinterventionofKingDimitri,thesequenceswouldhavebeendisastrous!NotonlyamInotworthyofpraise,IamactuallyderelimydutyasprotectoroftheKingdom.Ibegyivenessandasktobereprimanded.”

“No.No.No”repliedKingDimitrishakinghishead.“Itwasnotyourfaultatalndyouhavesustainedwoundsinmanypartsofyourbodyinthelineofduty.It’sreallyunthinkablethattheseanimalscouldactuallywithstandyourlethalmagicstare.WhatIamworriedaboutis,iftheyebackagaininrgerhetwoofusotpossiblyoverethem.”

“YourMajesty”saidMedusa,whoseemedtohaverecoveredheriigableenergy,daringandintelligence.“Youneedhavenoworryonthatscore.Isuggestwearmtheroofofthepace,theadministrativebuildingandthehighspotsofthemountainswithhuge,powerfulbowsandarrowstoformakindofwebofarrows.IfthebatsdaretoiheKingdomagain,nonewillsurvive.”

“Good!”KingDimitrinoddedandsaid.“Iwillleavethistoyou.”ThenewlyanointedQueenAishasaid,

“Ithinkthattofullyresolvethissituation,weofindoutwherethesebatscamefromandwhytheycamehere.”

“Right.Right.”KingDimitrihesearenoordinarybats.Theyarehugeandferociousandhavebeentraioattack.Whoknowstheinoftheseanimals?”

Thebeautiesbegantalkingamongthemselves,guessingattheinofthesehugeanimals.ActiveDornaaleLotusledthepacestaffinbringingforthdeliciousdishesandfilledupthecupsofKingDimitri,QueenAishaandthebeauties,graduallyrevivingamoreactiveandexuberantatmosphereinthepacehall.ClementineawinsisterCharmainewereferringtogetherquietly.

“IthinkitistimetotellKingDimitrithetruth”saidClementine”Charmaihemirrornoddedhersent.SoClemeoodupandsaid,

“Iknowtheinofthesebats.TheyefromtheSeventhHeavenahescoutsandvanguardsofKingZeus.AfteresgfromthegoldenwebofApollo,Ihavepletelydisappearedfromtheirview.Perhapssomehowthesebatsdiscoveredmywhereaboutsandhaveetofindoutthetruth.”

4

“Orperhapsitisme.”saidCharmaine.“PerhapsmyainusingthenameofFatherZeustoamassthecelestialgoldsmithstobuildthegoldpaonenighthasetolight.ItrembletothinkofFatherZeus’angerandrage.Hewilluseallhispowertoteardownthegoldpace.Thismaybriruontdom.”KingDimitrifrowned.Hefeltthatthissituationwassomuchmoreperilousandmenagthanthe200,000RomansoldierswhoysiegetohisKingdomallthoseyearsago.QueenAishasaid,

“Ihavebeenthinkingofthissituationeversinightthegoldpacewasbuilt.Ihavealsothoughtofasolutiontotheproblem,butIdon’tknowifitwillwork.”

“Let’shearaboutit!”criedKingDimitri.“Ihavealwayshadthegreatesttrustandrespectforyourintelligendwisdom.Itisalwaysanotchabovetherestofus.”AishaturhetwiineandCharmaineandsaid,

“IhavereadaboutGreekmythologyfromascripts.TheysaythatZeusifthefatherofthegods.Thoughheisalmightyandpowerful,hehasajealousnatureandotbeartoseeanyoneoranythihebetterofhisthattrue?”ThetwonoddedandCharmainesaid,

“FatherZeusisnotonlyveryjealous,hewillandforsomemortaldowhowningapaceold,overshadowinghisbronzeone.Heissuretoedownaroythegoldpadmayeverdohavebroughtdangeranddisastertdom.Iamsoverysorry.”

“Pleasedon’tbmeyourselftoomuch,”fortedQueenAisha.“ActuallyyouarenotonlybmelessbutyouhavetributedgreatlytotheKingdowtheproblemishowtoavertdisaster.”Shethoughtforamomentandthensaid,

“Ihavethoughtofapn.Wecouldgildthegoldpacewithacheapmetal,makingitlookcheapandofmuchlessvaluethatZeus’bronzepace.Wouldthatbeenoughtoappeaseandbancehisjealousnature?IknowKingDimitrialwaysthoughtthatlettingapricelessgoldpacestandhereinthewildernesswastoospicuousandostentatious,easytoprovokeenvyandjealousy.Bydimmingitsbrilliance,gildingitspricelessexterior,wepullthewoolovertheireyesandappeaseZeusjealousy.Isn’tthatagoodpn?”

“That’sgreat!That’sgreat!”saidDimitri,feelingasifagreatweighthadbeenliftedfromhisshoulders.“Let’sdoasyousay.Butwherewegetrgequantitiesofcheapmetaltodothejob?”

“TherearergequantitiesofmetalsinthemountainsaroundtheKingdom”excimedDeaedly.“Bronze,iron,tinamongothers.Therearealsequantitiesofgold.Wehaveboughtgoldontheworldmarket.What’sherewouldhavebeenenoughandwouldn’thavecausedanyripplesisideworld.”KingDimitrinoddedandsaid,

“Wewillmiheironandgildthepace.WewillleavethedetailsofallthistoRomybecausesheisfamiliarwithitall.”Romyhesitated.Shewasanarchitectbytraining,notametallurgist,soshewasn’tsureshetothisenormoustask.Butundersuchdireandcatastrophiccircumstances,shecouldonlyitherselftothejob.

4

“Alright.I’lltakethechalleIoleavetheKingdomofDreamsaurntothemundaneworldtolearnaboutmethodsmetandaboutwelding.”KingDimitriwasveryhappywiththeturs.Hehelduphisgssandsaid,

“Bottomsupeveryo’sdrinktothesuccessofourproject.Maydomprosperandflourish!”

Fromthatdayon,thekingdomwasonthemoveagain.DianawasresponsiblefanizingthevarioustribesandactedasliaisoweenthechiefsandKingDimitriinminingthemountains.Medusaledthewarriorsiinguphugeandmightybowsandarrowsonrooftopsandhighvantagepointsinthemountainstainstattacksfromtheair.RomypreparedtoleavetheKingdomofDreamsthateveningtocollectretivematerialsonminingahetestteologyonthefofmetals.QueenAisharemaiatiohepachargeofeverything.KingDimitrineverfotStephanie,whowasonherdeathbed.Hekhatthefollowingmwasthesttimehewouldbeabletobewithher.ButthegreatesthiddendaheKingdomdidnotefromtheoutsideworld.ThebarbariansweregrowingstrongereachdayandgraduallyencroachedontheKingdom.Theyhadlonghadtheiionofinvadingthegoldpace,killKingDimitriandusurptheKingdom.Tobemorespecific,theyhadlongcovetedKingDimitri’stwentyfourfabulousbeautiesandwahemforthemselves.

Inthepalelightofearlydawn,thesun,risingfrombehindthehorizon,releasedupohitsfirstraysofdazzlingsunshihewholeKingdomcametolife,bustlingwithexcitementandactivity.Nativesofthedifferenttribesmadetheirwaytothemihemountains.KingDimitri,armedwithhispreciousswordandmagicbow,sprangontohisflyingsteedLightningandflewacrossthewideexpaheketowardsthegoldpace.Medusaledhundredsofwarriorsinthemakingandinstallingofthebasetoshootawebofhugearrowsintotheskyfromthehighvantagepointsofthevariousmountainpeaks.Astreakofwhitesmokedartedbadforthbetweenthemountainmines.Needlesstosay,itwasthemesseheKingdom,WhiteFairy.Sittingonthebranchofadeadtreehiddeninthemiddleofawoodedarea,weretersons,Mr.FingerandVio.Theywerepeekingcuriouslyattheactivitiesacrosstheke.Viosaid,“Iwonderwhat’sgoingohere.Everyoobesobusyrunningaround”“Sowhat?What’sthatgottodowithus?Letthembe.Wehadbetterthinkofsomethingiingtodo!”JustthenMedusagedintotheformofahugebckbirdwithpiergeyesandserpenthairandwascirgaroundintheskies.Becausethesituationwassoulinganduable,shewasonhighalert.WhenhereyeszoomedonthewoodedareawhereVioandMr.Fingerweresitting,theyquicklyloweredtheirheadsandscrambledintoatreeholetoescapedete.

Theihetreeholewasarevetionihoughsmall,theroomwaspletelyfurhminiaturefurniture,atable,chairs,chests,andabedaswelsalltheamenitiesofdailylife.Thefurniturewasmadeofbranchesanddrygrass.Inoneerweresomepotterymadefromcylocaltothearea.Thoughcrudelyfashioheirshapeswereuniqueachedwithsimpledesignsthatgavethemanartisticair.ThiswasthehomeViomadeforherself.AftermeetingMr.Fihepatchoftulipsthedaybefore,shebroughthimtothisdeadtree.Darkburnswereevidehadoruckbythunderandlightning.Partingtheweedsthathidaholeatthebaseofthetree,shewavedhimonandsaid,“Thisusedtea.Ipouredwaterintotheholeandkilledtensofthousandsofthesedreadfulcreatures.Thereusedtobeabeehiveatthetopofthistree,whichiseverworsethas.ImadeapoisonouspotionfromsomeherbsIgatheredfromaroundhereandpouredthemintotheir,killingallthebees.SonowIhaveforcefullyoccupiedthewholetreetomyself.”

Mr.Fingergaveherthumbsupandsaid,“onderful!Remarkable!Youarereallygreat!”

Theyclimbedeasilyupthehollowtrunkofthetreeusingslightlyprotrudiionsasfootholds.Soontheycametoapthemiddleofthetruheprotrusionwasratherspacious.Remnantlightfromthesettingsuninginthroughanotherholeirunkshoinybed,coveredwithmulticoloredflowerpetals.Itlookedveryfortableandweling.Mr.Fingerlookedalroundandsaidinamazement,“Youdidallthisbyyourself?”

“Ofcourse!”repliedVioptly.“Notfarfromhere,thereisastrawhut,whereawomanoftenlived.OnedayIslippedinwhileshewasawayandlookedaround.Icopiedherstyleandmadeformyselffurniturethatsuitsmeandmyneeds.”

“Yes.Yes.”Mr.Fingernoddedandsaid,“ThatwomaniscalledLotus.SheisoneofDimitri’sbeauties.Ah!Whatalovelywoman.Butsheistoobigandtallforme.”

“Whataboutme?”askedVio,givinghimawhiteeye?“DoIsuityou?”

4

“Ofcourseyousuitme”answeredMr.Fingercheekily,gettingclosetoherandinhalingthesweetnessrance.“Ofcourseyousuitme.Youareheaven’sgifttome,justasIamheaven’sgifttoyou.syoubetterthanmeinsize.”

“Shameless!”smiledVio,halfiandhalfinannoyance.“Youareimpudent!”

Mr.Fingerjustsmiledather,pletelysmittehoughtofsomethingandasked,“HowdidyouandDimitribeesuchmortalenemies?LikeIsaid,heisamellowguy,agoodman,muchlikeabrokenballkickedaroundbyeveryone.Howdidhebeeyourenemy?”Vio’seyesnarrowed,beinghardandcoldassharpknives.

“Doyouknowheoncekilledawomanusiremelycruelmethods?Hetiedherhandsandhungheruponatree.Heorderedherchoppedintwofromthewaist.Wheitedlowerbodyyinapoolofbloodontheground,herupperbodywasstillhangingfromthetree.Iwasonlyafetusthen,butIburstfrommymother’swombatthatmomentorItoowouldhaveperisheduhesword!”

Mr.Fingerwasalwaysveryetric,doingwhateverhefeltlike,wheneverhefeltlikeregardlessht,trueorfalse.Notwaitingtohearthewholestory,heflewinteandcried,

“Rascal!Rascal!HedarestodothingsthatevenIdarenotdo!Don’tbeafraid.Iamhere.IsweartoGodforthelifeofmeIwillhelpyougetridofhim!“Viotinued,

“Iwastileaobemasterofmyownasatthetime.Ifloatedintheairlikeadandelionseed,livingondewandhoney.IwastakenbythebreezeoverthewideexpanseofketothissideoftheKingdom.Wheoawoman’sform,IrealizedtomysorrowthatIwouldneverbeabletocrossthekeonmyownabacktotheotherside.DayandnightIseemtohearmymother’scriesandmoans.Sometimesthesecriesturlesummons,callingformetogobacktoher.Mr.FingerheldVioinhisarmsandsaid,

“Don’tbeafraid.Youhavemenow.PerhapsIhelpyougetyourrevenge.”Onhearingthis,Vio’seyesbrightened.

“Really?Ifthatisso,yod,mymaster!”Perfectlytentandhappywithhimself,Mr.Firuttedaroundtheroomlikeanemperor.Thatnightforthefirsttimeinhislife,heuoodwhatitwastobeamanandquerawoman.Vio,too,reallyuoodwhatitwastobeawomanbutshewasnotquered.Orary,itwasshewhoqueredaman.

KingDimitrimountedhisflyinghorse.Fppingitsmightywings,Lightningsoareduptotheskiesheadingtowardsthegoldpace,whichsparkledwithglitteringlusteruhesun.Thenearerhegottoit,themoreihebrilliance.Goldwasbasicallyararemetalwithoutfeeliion,buthumaivitygaveitnewlife.Thesmallestmoleculeoflightdanit,happyandlivelyinthefluctuatinglight.Facedwiththisfshy,dazzlingarrayhtnessandcolors,KingDimitricouldscarcelykeephiseyesopen.Lightning’shoofstoucheddownslowlytotheground.KingDimitricollectedhisthoughts,steppedontothesolidgoldpavementandwalkedon.Forthefirsttimeherealizedthemajestideurofthegoldpace.Theexquisitefresdreliefsoneverywalisticsculpturespcedaroundthepacedepictedthebeautiesindifferentposes,allinallydesignedandeboratelyexecuted.Butanairoflonelinessaionpermeatedtheatmosphere.Theonlysoundscamefromtheoccasionalrustleofwindblowingthedriedfallenleavesoutsidethepadthehollowechoofhisownfootsteps.Thenhecametotheuniquelydesignedspiralstaircase,sodevisedthateverystepemittedadifferentnotelikethekeysofapianoandtheechoofthatnotewouldresoundinthesurroundingatmosphere.KingDimitritrodthestairsslowlyandcarefullysoasnottooverlydisruptthestillnessandtranquilitythatexistedinthepace.Suddenly,hefelttheimpactofastrong,inexplicablecurrentandstoppedtosideritsin.Hefounditwasakindofmood,truefeelingsfromthedepthofhisownsciousness,calm,bandserewasatruefeeling,abstractyetreal.Whenhecametotheveranda,hesawStephanielyingonacouch.Hereyeswerehalfopen,staringatthecloudlessblueskiesyandsatisfiedsmileonherlips.Herbodywassoemaciatedthatshecouldonlybreathewithdifficulty,butthehappinessandsatisfainherheartwaslikeaneream,flowingthroughherwholebody.Thedazzlingbrillianceofgoldglitteredalroundher,everymoleculeoflighthappyandlively.Evealshavealifeforce,avitality.Justthen,Stephanieseemedtofeeslight,almostindisiblege,afshofvicissitudefntoherinnerworld.Itcameaswiftlylikeafshoflightning.ButthesedistrasdidoinfluenceorbotherStephanie,whosehearthadlongbeehthewideexpanseofblueskies.KingDimitrisatdowlyontheflooroStephaheirtwosoulsuoodeachothertacitlyandcouldunicatewithoutwords.Justthen,astreakofwhitesmokeflewintothegoldpadcamebeforeKingDimitri.Hesaid,

4

“GoquicklyandaskthebeautiestomediatelyandsaygoodbyetoStephahewhitesmoketurnedandstreakedbackacrosstheketocarryouthisand.

Onheariidings,thebeautiesquicklywenttothepacegardenstogatherbouquetsoffreshflowersandthenhasteosaicrosstheketoStephanie’sbedside.Meanwhile,Stephanie’sfacestillretainedherhappyandsatisfiedsmile.Ihour,sheseemedtonoticevoidmovementaroundher.Openinghereyessheasked,

“IsthatyouKingDimitri...?Youarehere....”

“Yes,it’sme”repliedKingDimitri.“Howareyoufeeling?Ithinkyourtimeisheriddleisnowsolved.”Stephaed,tryingtotrolthefiercejoyinherheart.

“Yes.......Yes.......Thetimeisnear.......ButbeforethatIhadalreadysolvedtheriddle.......WhatIwanttosayis.......”KingDimitriputhisfiohislipstostopherfromgoingon.Hesaid,

“Don’ttellme.Domeknowbeforehamefindoutformyself.Isn’tthatbetter?”

“WhatIwanttosayis.....”Stephaedandsmiledsaying,“Allbasmustend......Afterthebaisover......youmustmakeappropriateandsatisfactementsforthefutureofthebeauties......SoonydomofDreamswilldisie......pletelycolpse......”

“Really?”Startledandtotallytakenbysurprise,Dimitriasked,“Why?ythingbedoopreventit?”

“’ttellyou......’ttellyou.......Youwillknowteron......Youwillknow.”

“youatleasttellmewhenallthiswillhappen?”KingDimitriimmediatelyasked.Stephaniewasgoingfast.Shemaosaybyfitsandstarts,

4

“......whenbloodseepsoutofthebareyellowsoilofGiantMountain......whenbloodspeakswithahumanvoice......thenitistime......thenitistime......”Upsetanddisturbed,KingDimitricouldo,

“WhenbloodseepsoutofthebareyellowsoilofGiantMountaihebloodspeakswithahumanvoice.Thenitistime.Thenitistime.”EuphoriacameoverStephanie’sbodyandsoul,bringieure.yandsatisfiedsmile,sheclosedhereyesandgaveupherspirit.

Amagnifitrainboearedintheskiesacrosstheke.PetalsoffreshflowerscoveredStephanie’sbody,forthebeautieshadarrivedtootetobidfarewelltotheirformerpanionandcouldonlycoverherwiththeirfloral.Suddenlyalovely,melodiousvoicebrokeintosongandthebeautiesalljoinedherinachorus:

Whoisitthatishidingbehindtheendlessblueskies?

Itisyou.Itisyourmellifluousvoice.

Whoisitthatiswalkingamongtheflowersinthespringrain?

Itisyou.Itistherustleofyarments.

Whoisitthathaslosttheribbononherhair,colorfusarainbowacrosstheskies?

Itisyou.Itistheoryouusuallywear.

Whoisitthatisstarilydowhliketheremnantlightofthesettingsun?

4

Itisyou.Itisyouralluriimentaleyes.

Whoisitthatbrokethroughthebarrierofdarkcloudsandlikethemoonhastenstorendezvouswithmyriadsofstars?

Itisyou.YouaretheonewhomImostwishwouldeinmydreams.

Sosinging,thebeautiesfollowedKingDimitrioutofthegoldpace.Hegazedattherainbowacrosstheskiesaboveandthenlookeddownontheheavyyellowsoilbehhisfeet.InhishearthesilentlyrepeatedStephawordstohim.Herprophesy.

Chapter7Dream-maker’sBakery

Dimitriwokeupshiveringinthechillywind.Heopenedhiseyesandlookedaround.Everythingitchdark,sohekhenthathewasbackagaininthemundaneworldwherehewasahomelessblindmancursedbyfate.Hemutteredtohimself,“Whereismymajestigdom?Mymagnifitpace?Wherearemytlessbeautiesandthenewlystructedsolidgoldpace?Aretheyonlyfancifulcreationsofmydreams?No.No.Itshouldn’tbelikethat!Eveniftheyaredreams,theyarethefruitoftheborofmybraincells.No,theyotbeonlydreams.”Havingjustwakenedup,Dimitriwasagaihought.Herememberedoernoonwhenheandhisbeautieswerewhilingawaysometimebythesideoftheke.Thewarmsunandspringbreezemadehimdrowsyandhefelsleep.Hedreamedhesawaraggedvagabondwithawhitee,strugglingalonginadensefog,obviouslyablindman.No.Thatblindmanwashimselfbecauseherememberedhecouldonlydisfuzzylightandshadowyformsofpeople.Allofasuddenhemissedhisstepandfellintoswiftcurrentsofwater.Hecriedoutinfrightandwokeuptoseethebeautiessmilingathiminamusement.Oneofhisfeetwassoakedinthecrystalclearkewater!Atthetime,Dimitrireallydidn’tknowwherehewas.Hewastotallylost,fusedandbefuddled.WasitKingDimitriwhodreamedofapoorblindman,orwasittheblindvagabondwhodreamedofthehonorable,majestigDimitri?Realityanddreams–whichisreandwhichisfantasy?Perhapsbothwerereal,orbothwereunreal.Real,lifemayberal,situatedbetweendreamay.Orperhapsrealityisdreamsanddreamsarereality.Thetwoaresuperimposed,withnotraceofreality.Theidwaftedovermouth-wateringsmellofnewlybakedbreadandDimitriwasimmediatelyhitangofhunger.Hesuddenlysawthelightandmuttered,

“Yes,itisreallyverysimple.Smelloffoodmakesyoufeelhungry.Noneedficordialectituitionisallthatisnecessary.Dimitri’sbrainswhirled.Heseemedtobefasatedbythisplicatedmindgame.Hetinuedinhistrainofthoughts.

“MyKingdomofDreamswasbuiltbytheborofmybraincells.Butbraincellsareanicmaterialthingofthebrain.Theyarenotme.WhodesignedandbuiltthisbeautifulKingdomofDreams?Itisapairofinvisiblehands.Justastherealworld,whichismadeupofmaterialthings,isbuiltbythosehand,sotooismyKingdomofDreamsbuiltbythesamepairofhands.TherealmaterialworldandmyKingdomofDreamsbothreallyexist.Youalsosayherofthemexistsbecauseonedaymaterialthingswillperishjustasthefleshbodywillonedaydie.”

DimitriseemedtoseeagainStephanieiminute.Shewasstaringatthecloudlessblueskywithasweetandhappysmile.Ihofherheart,alotofcealed,almostindisiblethoughtsseemedsuddenlytoetolife,likethesmallestmoleculesoflightdanghappyandlivelyinthefluctuatinglight.ButStephaniewasonlyaby-stander,silentlywatgthemovementsofherthought.Shewasonlyaby-stander,asifthesethoughthadnothingtodowithher,forhehearthadlongbeehthewideexpanseofblueskies.Theblueskiesdonotmindtheingsandgoingsofdarkclouds.Dimitrisuddenlysaidexcitedly,

“Stephaniesolvedtheproblem!Itoowillsolveit!Iamsureouranswerswillbethesamebecausethereisonlyoh!Thingsarereallyquitesimple.Whenthenosesmellsthearomaoffreshly-bakedbread,thestomachfeelshuisallprettystraightforwardanddirect,withnoneedfiddialectituitionisenough.Itispinandsimple.”Dimitriughedathimselfandmuttered,

4

“Iamhungryandmybrainisstillpyingtheseplicatedgames.What’sthepoint?Ihadbettergoandfindsomethi.Fillingmystomachistheimportantthingtodo.”Butthehought,

“What’swrongwithpyingthesemindgames?Theywhileawaytheabundantleisuretimewhidsheavyonmyhands.”

Colorfulfallenleavespavedthegroundandthenrustlingofdryleavesblownaboutbythewindfilledtheair.Inthemidstofthis,ahoarseoldvoicecouldbeheardsayingexasperatedly,

“JustwhenImaosweepthemallintoapile,thewindesandscattersthemalloverthepceagain!IfIstillhadmymagicflyingbroom,Icouldhavesweptthemallupirokesandputtheminabag.IknowitmustbenaughtygirlDornawhotookmybroomawayandhidit.NowIampletelystudotgowhereIwanttoanymore.YoujustwaittillIgetmyhandsonthatgirl!She’llhaveiting.....”HearingthefamiliarvoidthementionofDornaandamagicflyingbroom,Dimitrikoncewhoitwasandhecalledout,

“HiAmalia!Isthatyou?”AmalialookedaroundandsawDimitri.

“HiDimitri!Whatareyoudoinguheeaves?Haveyoubeenweavingdreamsagain?”Dimitrismiledsheepishlyanddidnotdirectlyanswerherquestion.Heaskedagain

“Whatareyoudoing?Sweepingdryleaves?Doyoustartthedaythisearly?”

“Icertainlydo!Thepoorleavesareshiveringwithcoldinthechillywind.TheylookedsopitifulIthoughtIwouldsweepthemupandputtheminabagforthewinterwheretheywouldbewar’sreallysad.”Amelia’swordsremindedDimitriofhisdreamandofStephanie’sprophesy-hisKingdomwouldsooncolpseamakeappropriatearrasforthefutureofhis24beauties.

“Whatadauntingtask!”hethought.“IbroughtthemonebyoomyKingdom,thinkingthattheretheywouldfindpeadlivehappylives.UnfortunatelymyKingdomofDreamsisnotthesafehavenIthoughtitwas.Ifsomethingshouldhappen,howIarrahefutureofthebeauties?Thereobeapletege.......”

Thewindwaftedoverthedeliciousaromaoffreshlybakedbread.Dimitrisuddeveryhungryandhisstomachgrowled.

50页

“Youhaven’tbrokenyourfastyet,haveyou?”Amaliaasked.“Youmustbehungry.etomystore.Wehavefreshlybakedbread.Youhavesomeasofhotcoffeetowardoffthecold.”Dimitrifollowedhertothestore.Herememberedthattherewasasmallbakeryheke,notfarfromtheapartmenthousewherehelived.Didhespendthenightuheireaves?Thedaywasstillyoung.Themoonaarswerestillintheskyglitteringinicyglory.Suddenlyashuredartedoutfromthedoorandmadefortheemptystreet.Amaliatookherbroomandswattedatthefleeingfiguresaying,

“Youwretchedman!You’rehereagaintostealthingsthemomentIhavemybackturned!”

“Ha!Ha!Ha!”ughedtheoldman.“Ieal!IjusttakewhateverIwantmyself!”

“Don’tyoueverdothatagaitimedIcatchyouIwillbreakys!”

“Whoishe?”askedDimitri.

“Whoknowswhoheis”repliedAmalia.“Retlysomehomelesspeoplehavebeenlaroundthisneighborhoodandheisohem–astrangelookingdwarfwithawhitebeard.Healwayssquatstherebytheeracrossthestreetdoingnothing.Whenaskedwhathewasdoingthere,hewouldsayhelikedthesmellofbakihathecouldextrautritionjustfromthearoma.Wheneveryourattentionisdistracted,hewouldsneakin,snatebreadorpastryandrun.Itoldhimagainandagaintherewasfreeday-oldfoodattheer,butheispidtakesonlyfreshly-bakedooldhim,”Ifyoureallywantafreshly-bakedloaf,justaskforitandIwillgiveyouone.Don’tsnatchityourself”Youknowwhathesaidtome?“Ihavealotofmoney.Whowantsyourbread?’Hisannerreallymakesmemad!”Dimitrismiled

“Hisetricbehaviorremindsmeofafriendofmine.Mr.Finger.”

Theycametothebakeryandwalkedin.Theroomwasfulloffreshlybakedbreadandpastry,waitingtobepackagedandarrangedforsale.Allthishadtobedonebeforethestoreopened.Abeautifulvoicewasheardhumminghappilywhilew.

“Hey,Shei!”calledAmalia.“eandseewhoishere!”

“Dimitri!”excimedSheiwhehemanstandingbehindAmalia.“It’syou!IjustheardMarysayyesterdaythatshefoundyouandhereyouaretoday!That’sgreat!“

5

“Yes.IsawMaryyesterdayaalkedforawhile.Butwewereinahurryandshedidn’ttellmemuchabouthowthingsarewithyouall.”

“Youtwocatchupandtalk”interruptedAmalia.“Imustpackagethebread,anizeandarrahepastryos.Alotofwork!Ihavealottodobeforethestoreopens.”TheywatchedasAmaliahurriedouttothefront.TheDimitrilookedinquiringlyatShei.Sheuoodwhathewasaskingandanswered,

“YokolisteoDornaandhidAmalia’smagisoshecouldnoloakeoffonawhiwsheisgettioitandbeingquiteiedintherunningofthisbakery.Butshehasabadtemperasintumentswithers.Shehasoffendedquiteafewofourolders.”

“That’salright”saidDimitrinodding.“Solongastheproductsaresuperior,thepriceisrightandduestandaboveboard,theywillebadbusinesswillflourish.Areyouinchargehere?”