Chapter1Returh

AfterDimitri’sfleshbodydisappearedmysteriouslyintothinair,aminusculeshredofhissciousness,invisibletothenakedeye,floatediuniverse.Sometimeshefeltasifhisbodycouldextendindefinitelyandmergewiththeuniverse,thoughactuallyatthatmomentitwasnomore.Atothertimes,hefeltthathisbodycouldtractatwilluntilitwassmallerthaiparticleofdust.Thus,Dimitriroamedfreelyintheuniverse,herhappynorsad,justfloatingincessantly,urainedlyandspontaneously.Forhim,timehadnotinuitywithnobeginningandnoendandspace,too,wasofnosequence.Dimitrirealizedthathewasattheveryinalspotoftheuniverse.

Dimitri’ssciousnessloiteredattheinalspotoftheuniverse.Hewastiredofwanderinganddidnotwanttodriftaimlesslyaroundanymore.Hefeltasenseofpeace.Hewasalsotired.Thesestraions,hazyandobvious,weremixedwithamildfeelingofjoy.Butno,itcouldnotbecalledjoybecauseifitwasjoy,itsopposingfeelingofsadnesswouldbesuretoexist.Norwasitafeelingoffortandeasebecauseitstrastiionwouldbepainandworry.No,itwasaralfeeling,seeminglytherebutnotreallythere,existient.Ithadiveortrastiions.Dimitriwasnotwillingtothinkfurtheroranalyzethequestionrationally.Hehadgivenuponthoughtandimmersedhimselfpletelyinenjoyment,fullysavthisstrange,warmfeeling.

Dimitri’sshredofscioushatnon-materialsubstance,restedcalmlyattheinalspotoftheuniverse.Tiredofroaming,hewasnotwillingtodriftaboutanymore.Suddenlyapicturepoppedintohissciousness.Apairofnakedloverswasasleep,cspedfortablyineachother’sarms.Theyseemedtobesleepingsosoundlythatitseemedasifnothingcouldeverwakethemup.Themanwashandsomeandmusdthewomanwasslenderaifusaflower.Dimitri’sheartlurched.“Aren’ttheymyfaithfulservantsCreativityandImagination?”Hehopedtheywouldsleeponforeverandneverbecauseiftheydo,themaivitywouldworktirelesslyonandthewomanImaginationwouldrackherbrainsfuriously.“Theywoulddestroytheperfectequilibriumofhispresentstateofmind,sopeaceful,brightaiful”hethought.

ButDimitriwasdisappointed.Imagination’sslim,delicatefingersmovedandcaressedCreativity’sbroadchest.Creativityblinkedopenedhissleepyeyes.Standinguphestretchedhissculpturedlimbszily.Extendinghishandtohisbeautiful,curvaceousanddelicatepanionwhowasstillreingograsshecarefullyhelpedherup.Thetwoofthemthenwalkedintothewoods,towardsastreamofclearandpure,waterasyetuninatedbyhumans.Theyscoopedupthecoldcrystalclearwaterwiththeirhandsandsprayedtheirheadsandfaceswithit.Thenughingjoyouslytheydivedinandswamaroundhappily.Theyfrolickedlight-heartedlyierspshingeachotherinfun.ImaginationthrewherselfintoCreativity’sarmsawoembradkissedeachother.

“Look!Howbeautifulthegaxyis!”shesaid,lookingatthemyriadsofstarstwinklinginthenightsky,feelinghappyandsatisfied.“Ourearthtooshouldbeohosebrilliaialbodies,buthumanshaveusedupalmostalloftheearth’sresourdhavebroughtdestru,pollutionandinationeverywheretheywent.Ohbeesunfitasahumanhabitatweofindasafehavensomewhereelseintheuniverseahemtoit.Tosomeotherpperhaps?Buttheenviroheremayableforhumans.ThatisaproblemIhavebeentryingtosolveforalongtimebuthavefailedtofindadesirablesolution.”Creativitywassilentashetoohadnogoodaoherquestion.SuddenlyImaginationjumpedupandcppedherhandshappilylikeachildandsaid,

“Yes.Yes.Whydon’tweourselvescreateanotherpsuitableforhumanstoliveandrelocatethemthere?Whatdoyouthink?”

“Goodidea!Goodidea!”excimedCreativity;hiseyesalightashegraspedthepossibilitiesestion.“IimitateGod’smightandpowerthatheusediingtheuniverseaeanotherpsuitableforhumans,withlight,heat,air,os,ndandallkindsoflife.Theclimatewouldbewarmandfortable,suitableforpeopletoliveandprocreate.Goodidea!Averygoodidea!”Thetwoofthemdancedhappilyiream.“Whydon’twebeginthewhtaway?”hesaid.Handinhawoofthemwalkedoutofthewaterontond.

Suddenlyahuge,eye-blindinglybrilliantballoflightappearedinthedarksky.Afigurecouldbeseeninthatballoflight,whospokeinaloud,solemnvoice,“Youtwomiserable,ignoranthumanbeing!IdroveyououtoftheGardenofEdenbecauseyouhadacquiredknowledgeandthought.Nowyouhavetheaudacitytothinkofcopyingmycreationoftheuniverseanddaretothinkofcreatingapofyourown?IamtheCreatoroftheuniverse.IandIalorolit.Itoperatesonmyordersacctomypn.Howdarethetwoofyouchalleopyourcreativityandimaginationatonceoryouwillincurthewrathofheaven.”CreativityandImaginatioontheground,cowed,flustered,andpanic-stribecausetheykheyhadangeredGodhimself.Thebrilliantballoflightdisappearedandblurryandindistinctdarknessonceagainreigheuniverse.

“Waitaminute.Waitaminute”shoutedDimitri,raisinghisheadtowardsthegraypre-dawhat’snotfair!Yousaidmanwasmadetoyourownimageandlikehatmeanstherearehumasinyouanddivisinman;thereforetherearepartsofyouinmeandmeinyou.YouarepartofmeandIampartofyou.Tobeperfectlyfair,itcouldbesaidthatyouandthehumansyoucreatedhavemuonandarecreatedmutually.Manshouldhavetherighttomakehisowndecisionsandnotbeyourvassal.”Thegrayskiesdidnotanswerhim,butwassomberandsilentasusual.

Dimitriwokefromhisreverieandfoundhimselfsittingonabenchbytheke,hisshouldersandhatcoveredwithdew.Hisdipidatedjacketandloosebcksckswerealsowetfromthefogandmist.Hewasdeeplyshockedtorealizethathehadbeensittihewholenight,hismindfranticallyimaginingthings.Hesuddenlyrecalledthathisfleshbodyhaddisappearedintothinairandhisminusculeshredofsciousnessloiteredattheinalspotoftheuniverse,savsensationsofpeadtranquility.Howehewasbaearthagain?Whatwasthereonthisearththathecouldnotrelinquish?Heennilesshomelesspersonandblindintothebargain.Whatcausedhimtogsotenaciouslytothismundaneworld,unwillingtodepart?Ah!Itcouldonlybebecausehevaluedthispreciousfleshbodyandtreasuredlifeitself,sohecouldnotgivethemupsolightlyandcasually.

Daybroke.Thefirstlightofdaygraduallybrighteheskiesdispersingtheblurryandindistinctpre-dawnbleakness.Afewcarsdrovepastswiftly.Dimitriuzzledastowhythestreetslookedsodesertedayasnormallytheywouldbecrowdedwithtrafficbythistime.ThenherealizeditwasSundayandmostpeoplewereinchurch,sothereweren’tasmanypeopleoreetsandalsofewercarsontheroad.Herememberedthatinhisreverie,heelevatedthepositionofmantothesamelevesGodandthoughtthatresumptuousself-glorificationonhispartandreallysacrilegious.“IhadbetterleavethequestioionshipbetweenGodandmantophilosophersandwisermenthanItosolve.WhymakesuchadoaboutnothingandrackmybraihisinsolvableGordianknot?

JusttheigaromaoffreshFrenchfriesandpastrywaftedoverfromtheshopsacrossthestreetandDimitri’sstomachgrowled.“Ihavereallyover-estimatedthepowerofmahought.“Takemeforinstance.IamsohungrybutthereisnothingIdoaboutit.I’tevensolvetheproblemofmyemptystomach.Yes,I’dratherbeaninsignifitman.Well,IsupposeIhadbetterpluckmyselfupandrummagethroughthegarbagesarouoseeifIfi-overspeoplethrewawaysoIfillmystomach”saidDimitriless,wryexpressiononhisface.Theimageehamburgercameintohismind.“HowIwouldreallyenjoyitifIhadargehamburgerlikethat”hethought.“Iwouldchewandsavoreverybitebeforeswallowingit.Thefeelingofafullstomachwouldbereallymarvelous!”

Thesunrosehighinthesky.Itwasanotherlovelybrightsunnym.Carsariansincreased.Fromthefastfoodrestaurantacrossthestreetcamethebarkingofadog.Dimitricoulddetermiitwassmedium-sizedogofasmallerspecies,about15-20pounds.Itshouldbeacute-looking,likablepuppy.Dimitrimadefriendseasilywithallkindsofanimalsashisheartwasfulloflove.Normallyashabbily-dressedblindman,tappinghiswayaroundwithawhiteewouldeasilyarousetheenmityofdogs,butnotDimitri.Somehow,eveviciousdogscouldsensehisinnateloveandfriendliness.Animals’reaoresensitivethahink.Wheneverhesatonabench,wildpigeonsflyingoverheadwoulddropdowntothegroundaroundhiminashowoftrustandfriendliness,whetherhehadanythingtofeedthemornot.

SoonacarstoppedintheshadeofatreenearDimitri.Assoonasthecardooropened,abck,long-eareddogjumpedoutandmadestraightforDimitri.Itsfurwasbrightandshinyanditsbodyfatandwell-fed,evidentlysomeone’swell-lovedpet.ThedogjumpedupthebendclimbedontoDimitri’sp,itsshortstumpytailwaggingfuriouslyiing.Itlookedhappyaed.Dimitricaressedthedogainhisarms.Hefoundthedoghadapaperbaginhismouthwithasmallpaperboxi.Somehowhekwasara-rgesizehamburger.Thelovelylittledogbarkedandthepaperbagdroppedfromitsmouthtotheground.IthurriedlyjumpeddowrieveitandonceagainjumpedupontothebendofferedhispaperbagtoDimitri.Hurryingfootstepswalkedover.“Maureen,youareabadboy!”scoldedafemalevoice.Evidentlythedog’smistresswashere.“Themomentthecarstoppedyouranoff.HaveyottehingItaughtyou?”Thefootstepssuddenlystopped.Whenthedog’sownersawherpetpyingwithahomelessmanshecalledoutinsurprise.“Dimitri!Isthatyou?Haven’tseenyouforalongtime.Wherehaveyoubeely?Thepeopleintheneighborhoodareallthinkingofyou.”Dimitri’seyesbrightened.Inhismind’seye,heseemedtoseeatalndslenderwomaninaskybluesuit,withabroad-rimmedwhitesunhatandwhiteleatherwalkingshoes.Iythewomanwasdressedexactlyashethoughtshewas.Hereizedthemencholyandsexyvoidanswered,“IsthatyouCharina?Haven’tseenyouforalongtime.Isthisdogyours?”

“Yes,it’smi’saboydog,butbecauseheissonaughtyIgavehimafemalenameMaureen,hopinghewouldbedocileandfairasagirl.”

“It’salovelydog.IrememberwhenIwasyoungIusedtohaveapyfellowlikethat.Isheasmallbckcockspaniel?AmIright?”

“Yes,yht.”

“IthinkIbeagoodfriendofhis.Iamfriendswithalldogs.Bythe

way,areyoustillsingle?”

“Yes,I’mstillsingle.”

“That’sstrange.”

“Whatsobadaboutbeingsingle?”askedCharinadefensively.

“Heavens!Arethehandsomeyouhecityallblindlikemethattheyletsuchabeautifulyoungwomanlivealone?”jokedDimitri.

“It’snotthatIhaven’tthoughtofgettingmarried”admittedCharina.“It’sjustthatatthemomentImustdevoteallmytimeandattentiontomywriting,soIjustotbedistractedbyanythingelse.Oh,peoyoureyes,Dimitri?”Dimitriseemedtomakeoutshadowymovementsofherhandsastheymovedtoandfrobeforehiseyesuhebrightsunlight.

“It’snothing.Ibecameblind.Ithinkitmustbethewillofheaven.Ihavebeeusedtoit,butitisnotveryvewhenItrytogetaroundireets.It’snothingreally”,repliedDimitriresignedly.

“ItmustbeGod’swill”saidCharina,makingthesignofthecrossonherself.“Hemusthavegreatthingsinstoreforyoutodo.”

“Let’shopeso”repliedDimitri.Thenhequicklygedthesubjedasked,“Areyoustillwritingnovels?Iamagreatfanofyours.Whatkindofnovelsareyouwritingatthemoment?”

“That’swhathasbeenbme”repliedCharina.“Ihavepublishedabouttwodozennovelsandhavealsohadquiteafollowing.ButIfeelthatthenovelsIhavewrittenareshallow,mediodthethemeshavebeenmuchrepeated.Iwanttowriteaboutsomethingthathasnotbeewith,somethingnovendinal.ButIhavenotbeeosettledownonanythingasyetandhaven’twrittenasinglewordforoverayear.YousayIhavebeenhavingawriter’sblock.”

“Really?Whatdoyouwanttowriteabout?PerhapsIgiveyousomematerialsestions.”

“Iwanttowriteaboutwhatisbehindtheblueskies”saidCharinapointingtotheskiesaboveher.“IwanttoknowifthereintheKingdombeyondtheblueskiesthereisloveandwarfare.Thatwouldbeanattractivetopic.”

“Ofcoursethereis”repliedDimitriwithouthesitation.“Wheretherearepeople,therewillwaysbeloveflidwar.Thatisanungeableironcdrule.”

“TellmewhatyouknowaboutthingsintheheavenssothatIusethemibook”beggedChariedly.

“Toputitsimply,”beganDimitrilikeabardofold,“beyondtheblueskiesthereisawealthy,mysteriousKingdoheKingdomisfamousforitsbeautifulwomenwhichareasprolificastheflrowingeverywhereinthegardens.Thisarousedtheenvyandjealousyofaprimitivenativetribelivinginthedenseforestsandmountainsandflidwarfarethusbegan.Solongastherearehumanbeings,therewillbeenvyandjealousy...”

“Stop.Stop”criedCharina.“Thismustbeaveryiingstory.IneedmoretimetolistentoyoutellmeeverythingiailbutnowImustgotochurass.youwaitformehere?Iwillbebackbeforenoon.”

“Noproblewillsithereandwaitforyoutillyoueback.”

“ImeanttotakeMaureenbaebeforeIwenttoMass,butnowit’stoote.Wouldyoubewillingtotakeforme?”

“Sure,noproblem.Iwouldbemorethanhappytotakecareofthislovelylittledogforyou.Wewillbegoodfriends.”

Dimitriwasdifferentfromotherhomelesspeople.Althoughhewasshabbilydressed,hewasnotdirty.Manyhomelesspeoplearebad-tempered,irrationandaddictedtoalddrugs.Theydonotwashandoftengiveoffastinkthatmakesitimpossibleforpeopletogethem.Dimitri,oherhand,wasgentleandwell-mannered,quietlydoinggoodintheneighborhood,earningthereputationofa‘GoodSamaritan’Seebook1TheDream-Maker.ThereforeCharinahadnoqualmsaboutleaviinhiscare.Pointingtothepaperbag,shesaid,“ThisisthebreakfastIboughtforMaureen,butheisahospitablelittleguyandhasevidentlydecidedthathewantsyoutohaveit.Goobefetscold.”

“WhatwillMaureehehisbreakfast?’askedDimitrishyly.

“Oh,hehashisownfood”repliedhisowner.“Waithereamomentplease,”saidCharinawalkingquicklytowardsherdcamebacksoonwithabag.“Thisishisdogfood.Thereisabowlinsideyouusetoscoopitoutandtherearesomebottledwaterthatbothofyoudrink.Mycarisrightthereuhetrees.Ifitgetstoohot,getinthedlistentosomemusic.Iwillbebackbeforenoon.”

“Noprobleveeverythingtome.Youbettergooryouwillbete.BeingteforMassisdisrespectfultoGod.”

“Good.Seeyouter.”Sayingso,sheleft.

AfterChari,Dimitriopehepaperbagandtookoutthestillwarmhamburger.HetoreoffhalfandofferedittoMaureenwhorefusedtheofferasifsaying“that’sforyou.”SoDimitrihappilybitek,chewedblissfullybeforeswallowingit,thinking“ImustthankheavenforsendingmesuchalovelylittledoggenerousenoughsharehisfoodwithmewhenIwasreallystarving.Yes,Imustthankheavenforthat.AfterseeingtoitthatMaureenwaswellfed,Dimitriputthepsticbowlbatothedogfoodbagandstuffeditintohiscoatpocket.Maureenwasanactivepuppytowhomtheworldwasanovendiingpce.Heranaroundonthegrassbythesideofthekeexplwhatevercaughthisfancy.Hebarkedatthesquirrelslookingforfoodontheground,sendingthemscramblingupthetreesinfright.Heharassedthewilddudgeeseuntiltheysquawkedandscreechedastheywaddledindignantlybatotheke.Tohimallthiswasamarvelousgame.ButthemomentDimitricalledout,“Maureen,ebackhere!”hewouldgobackatonce,jumpontoDimitri’spasiftosay,“Look,hereIam!Ihaven’twanderedfar.”Dimitriruffledthefuronhischubbybodyaffeatelysaying,“Goodboy!Goodboy!”Soon,somethingnewagaincaughthiseyeandhejumpeddownandracedexcitedlytowardsthegrass.

Dimitristoodup,stretchedhimselfandmassagedhisagbackbeforereingonthebenchtoletthewarmsundryhismoistclothing.Heclosedhiseyes,pulledhiscaplowerdownhisfadletthewarmsunbathehiswholebody,fullyenjoyingthefreesunshiwasavaibletoall.ItsuddenlycametoDimitrithathewasthemightyrulerofapowerfundmagnifitKingdomwithmanyloyalsubjects.Therewhateverhewishedforwouldmaterializeatoncebeforehim,beithundred-year-oldwiicdelicacies.Hehadma,gealentedbeautieswholovedhimandgatheredaroundhimcateringtohiseverywant,allofthemlivinghappilytogetheriifulpace.Wherewereallofthemnow?HethenrememberedthatthepacehadbeenburhebeautieshadallreturhemundaneworldandhisKingdomofDreamswasnomore.Hewasagainapoorhomelessperson,ablindmancursedbyfate.Lifeoreetsmeantbeingavictimofhunger,coldandillness.Infacttherewerelittleoflife’smisfortuneshehadhrough.LuckilyhecoulddodgerealityanytimehewantedbyesgtohisKingdomofDreams.“Butdoesdream?”heaskedhimself.“Idon’tthinkdreamsareallunreal,norisreallifepletelyrealeither.Bothofthemmaybeunrealorbothmaybereal.IfIwao,IcouldletmytwoloyalservantsCreativityandImaginationbuildanotherbeautifulworldforme.Butiherewouldalwaysbesuccessesandfailures.Ifwecouldhaveoureverywishfulfilledmerelybydesiringitandevengetheseasonsoftheyearatwillitwouldbelikelivinginamagicalrealm.Butinthelongrunevensuchaperfectlifewouldpalndbeeft.Reallifeisfullofsuccessesiwihfailureswithallkindsofvariables,whichiswhatmakesitiing.Otherwiselifewouldbetoodull.

Dimitri‘sfeetmovedsubsciouslyonthegrouedtoseeifhewouldbeluoughtofindahalfsmokedcigarettebuttaround.Inthisdayandage,whenmostpeoplehadgivenupsmoking,theprobabilityoffindingonewasslimindeedathathewasblindmadetheprobabilityevenslimmer.Butstillhestoopedandranhishandsroundtoseeifamiraclewouldhappen.Atall,muscurmanwalkedover,saying,“HeyDimitri,myoldfriend,whatareyoudoing?Tryingtofindacigarettebutt?Ihaveapackhere.Takeone.”Dimitri’sheartjumpedatthewords.“Iamhaviremelygoodlucktoday”hethought.“WhenIamhungryasmalldogesivesmeahamburger.Iwanttosmokeandanunknownoldfriendoffersmeacigarette.It’smyluckydaytoday.”Thetwoofthemsatdowheronthebench.ThetallguyofferedDimitriacigaretteandlititforhim.Maureen,yingnearbynoticedthattherewasastratingonthebenchtalkingtoDimitriandcameragback.HejumpedontoDimitri’spandbarkedatthestrangermakinglow,angrygutturalsoundsinhisthroat.Dimitritookthelittledogintohisarmsandsoothedhimbystrokinghisfurlovingly.“Goodboy.Goodboy.Don’tbenervous.Heisanoldfriendofmine.Don’tbeangry.”Dimitriwasbynaturekindandgenerous,sotohimeveryoneelsewasgoodandkiedtoo.Themanearedsosuddenlywasstrongandmuscurwiththefiercefaceofaruthlessmurderer.Whenhesmiled,heseemedguilelessandiwithatouchofslyness.Soitwashardtodetermiherhewasgoodorevil,hoordeceitful.Dimitrifeltthatthisman’svoicewassomewhatfamiliar,thathehadheardhimtalkbefore,buthecouldnotreallypcehim.

“HowdidyouknowmynamewasDimitri?”heaskedwhilehepuffedonhiscigarette.

“EventhoughIamhisareaIheardofyousoonafterIarrived.Inthisneighborhoodwhodoesn’tknowyourname?”repliedthemanughing.“Yourniameis‘brokenball’.Anyonekickyouaroundandyouwillnotbeangryorretaliate.Youarereallyagoodsport,butperhapsyouaretoogoodasport,myfriend.”

Dimitriwassilentforamomentmulliheman’swords.Hefelttherewassomethingwrongwithhisanswer.“Idisappearedintothinairstwinter,aroundChristmastime.Lookingattheclimatenow,itshouldbearoundJuneorJuly,soIhavebeefromthisregionforatleasthalfayear.Themanprofessestobehisareabuthasheardaboutmeandknowseverythingaboutmelikeanoldfriend.It’sstrangeaaddup.”ButDimitrididnotwanttothinkfurtheronthisdiscrepancy.

“Isthisy?Itlooksverywhyishesounfriendlytome?”

“No”repliedDimitri“He’snotmine.HowcouldIaffordsuexpe?Iamonlytakingtemporarilyforhisowner,”

“Istheowhetall,beautifulyoungdywhowastalkingtoyouamomentago?Theohepaleblueskirt?”

“Yes,hernameisCharina.She’stheonewhoaskedmetotakeaureenforawhile.”

“Doyouknowwhereshelives?”themanaskedsuddenly.

Dimitriwasatonhisguard.Whywasastrangeraskingabouttheresidenceofasinglewomanhedoesn’tevenknow?

“Idon’treallyknow”herepliedevasively.“Shouldbesomewherearoundhere.”

“Good”repliedtheman“I‘msureIwillbeabletofindher.”Dimitriwastroubledbyhiswordsandwasafraidthattherewouldbetrouble.Maureeyincreased,growlingangrilyatthestranger.

“Myoldfriend,wewillmeetagain,”saidthemanstandingup.Hethrewsomethingonthebendsaid,“Here’ssomecigarettes,thereshouldbehalfapackleft.Thelighter’salsointhere.Enjoy.HestretchedouthishandtostrokeMaureeheangrylittledogtursheadtobitehishandviciously,butthemanwasagileandwithdrewitquicklybeforehecouldbebitten.

AfterthemaheteuationwasdiffusedandMaureenjumpeddowntothegrassagaintoresumehispursuits.Dimitrisatonthebenchsmokinghiscigaretteandthought,“I’msureIhaveheardhisvoiewherebeforebutIotpceit.IshouldnothavetoldhimthatCharinalivedinthisneighborhood.Ifheisuptomischief,Ihavejustshorteheareaheosearordertofindher.Ihopenothingwillhappen.”Justthen,agroupofpeoplecameontotheseandDimitricouldhearughter,shoutingaedchatterbehindhisbench.Fromthesevoices,Dimitriakeoutthatitwastwofamiliesandtheirchildrenabouttopyagameofsoccer.Thefatherswerethecoachesaherswerethecheerleadersshoutingencements.Dimitriwassurethattheywouldhavebroughtanabundanceoffoodwiththemtohaveasumptuouspiicaftertheballgame.Maureenwaseagertojoininthefun,buthewasnotabletokicktheball,sohewaitedbythesidelines.Wheneveraballrolledout,hewouldrurieveitanddribbleitbacktothegame.ThepyersweredelightedwithMaureenandcriedout.“Goodboy!Goodboy!Youaresosmart”Theywouldshakehispaws,pathisheadandpywithhim.SoonMaureenartofthegameaheveryone.Dimitrithought.

“Lifeshouldbelikethis,fullofhappinessandughter.Unfortunately,flict,dissentanddiscordfarexceedpeadharmony.”

Dimitriinhaleddeeplyatwhatwasleftofhiscigarettebefretfullytossitothegroundandsoutwithhisfoot.Thenhepickedupthebuttandputitinhispocket.

“Hey,olddog,”avoicebesidehimremarked,“Areyoutoostingytothrowawayyarettebutt?”

“No,I’monlypigituptothrowintothegarbageter”repliedDimitri.Heknewfromthatvoicethatitwasoneofhishomelesspals,adirty,dipidatedbum.

“Ifyouoffermeacigarette,Iwilltellyousomegoodnews.”

“Whatgoodnews?”Takingoutacigarette,Dimitrigenerouslytossedittohisfriendandlighteditforhim.Themanpuffedgreedilyathiscigaretteandthensighedinsatisfa.

“It’sbeenalongtimesinceI’vehadarealcigarette.”

“Whatgoodnewsdoyouhave?Goontell,soIshareinit.”

“Areyouhungry?”askedthemanabruptly.

“No,Ijustateandamquitefull.”

“Furtherondowreet,someacademyisholdingagathering,somekindofoutdoorparty.Thereisalotoffoodthere.Yougoasome.It’sfree.Youmaybefullnow,butyousayyouwon’tbehungryteron?Ourstomachsarebothersomethingsaobefedeveryfewhours.Whydon’tyougogetsomeofthefoodaforwhenyou?”

“That’sagreatidea,butI’tgobecauseIamtakingcareofadogforafriend.I’tleave.”

“Oh,that’sMaureen”saidthemanlookingatthecutelittledogrunningaroundonthegrass.“Itsowhattallbeautifuldy,right?”

“Yes,that’sshe.”saidDimitrinodding.

“Iwouldlovetodosomethingforher,too”saidtheman“evenifIdiedoingitbuteoplefromtwoentirelydifferentworldsthat’tevendreamofintermingling.”

“Whyarewepeoplefromtwodifferentworlds?Weliveonthesameearth.It’sonlythattheylikethesedentarylifeofbeiledinonepcewhilewepreferanomadone,roamingalroundthepce.That’stheonlydifference.”

“What’sthematterwithyoureyes?”askedtheman,wavingahandinfrontofDimitri’seyeswhilepuffinggreedilyathiscigarette.

“Blind”repliedDimitrishortly.

“Areyoureallyblindoronlypretendingtobe?”

“OfcourseI’mreallyblind.WhyshouldIpretend?”

“Ithoughtitwasyourchoiceofoccupation,youknow,pretendingtobeblindtogetthesympathyofpeoplepassingby.Youcouldjustsitatastreeterandaskformohat’sacushywayoflife,man.”

“PerhapsonedaywhenI’mreallydownandout,Iwouldbeforcedtodoso”sighedDimitri.“Thatisoomakealiving.Inthisworldifitweren’tforthefactthattherewasnowayout,whowouldbewillingtolosetheirself-respedbeeabeggar?”

Themanstoodup,tossedawayhiscigarettebuttandthenlookingslylyatDimitri,said,“Hey,olddog.Ifyouarewillingtogivemeanarette,Iwilltellyouaboutaerestingpieepehisneighborhood.”

“Goon,takeanotherone”saidDimitritakingouthiscigarettepadgivingthemananotherowasgiventomebysomeoneelseanyway,sowhynotshareitwithfriends?”

“Retlyaverystupidthiefbeganappearinginthisneighborhood”themanbegaakingafewpuffsathiscigarette.“He’snotonlyathief;heisalsoasexualpredator.Hemadeuseofthefactthatinthisrethotweathersomepeopledon’tclosetheirwindowstightlyatnightsohegotintopeople’shousesthroughopenwindowsandtriedtomolestthemistressofthehouseoryounggirls.Theywokeupandscreamedandshoutedandsomeevenmaocall911.Uptonowhehasneversucceededinhisendeavors,buthesomehowalwaysmaoescapeeverysiime.Imyselfsawhimproponehandonthewalndjumpeasilyintotheyard.Thensomehowhevaultedtothetopofthehouse,jumpingfromrooftoroofagilelyandeasily.Thepoliceshotathimbuthim.HemustbeanaplishedgymnastandaofeseKunFutobeableteupsuchheightsandmakehiswaythereasifitwereftground.”Dimitrisankihought.HeintuitivelyfeltthatthepersonwhoinquiredafterCharina’saddressawhileagowassomehowlihissexualpredator.“Hey,olddog.Doyoustillremembermyname?”askedtheman.“I’mDavid,remember.”

“Yes,Iknowyourvoice.You’reDavid.”

“Hey,olddog,whataboutlendingmeysses?Theylooknice.”

“Whynot?”answeredDimitri,takingoffhissungssesandhandioDavid.Themanputonthesungsses,scoopedupthewhiteeatDimitri’sfeetandswiftlywalkedaway.

“e,baeback.You...you...you...”sputteredDimitriindignantly.

HearingDimitri’sshout,MaureenturnedandsawahomelessmanwalkquicklyawaytakingDimitri’sewithhim.Theintelligentdogknewsomethingmusthavehappened,soheimmediatelyfollowedhiddle-agedwomanwalkingdowepsofthepostofficetookpityonhimandtakingabillfromherpurse,haohim.David’seyeslightedupbehindthegsses,

“Ohthankyou,generousandkieddy.Thankyouforthefive–dolrbill.”

“Howdoyouknowit’safivedolrbill?”askedthewomaninastonishment.“yousee?”

“Ohno,no,no...”stutteredDavid.“Iamblind,butIfeelthatit’sfivedolrs.”

“What?”saidthewoman“Youknowhowmuchabillisjustbyfeelingit?”

“Eh...no...no...no...Imean...”Davidwastryinghardtoextricatehimselffromthisembarrassingsituationauredwithhishandlooseninghisholdoee.Maureen,whohadbeensittingnearbywaitingforanopportunity,immediatelydashedupaedtheefromhishands,turnedandquicklymadeoffthewayhecamewiththeefirmlybetweenitsteeth.

“Givemebackmywhitee,yousonofabitch”screamedDavid,runningafterthedog.“Givemebackmywhitee...”

Catgontothefactthatshehadbeenswihemiddle-agedwomanshouted,“Liar!Liar!”PedestriansstoppedtowatchDavidrunningafterthedogwhilethewomantoldthemherstory.Davidrealizedthathisploytogetmoneybypretendingtobeblindhadbeenexposed,sohegaveupchasingMaureenandquicklyslippedawayinanotherdire.

Maureencrossedseveralblockssafelyandmadeforthesideofthekewiththewhiteeinitsmouth.Whenhisfigureappearedattheerofthestreet,thechildrenandadultssurroundingDimitrisawhimingandcriedouthappily,

“Hey,yourlittledogisingback!”

“Look!Hehasyourwhiteeinhismouth!”

“Gooddog.Gooddog.”

“Heisreallysmart.”

Dimitriwasveryhappy,butjustatthatmomentheheardthesuddenscreegoftiresandthepeoplearoundhimexcimedandshriekedinarm.Dimitri’sheartlurchedinfear,“Whatcouldhavehappened?Ihopeit’snotMaureehought.Althoughdogsarecolorblind,Maureenhadundergonespecialtrainingaelligentlittledoguoodthediffereweentraffials.Redmeantstopandgreego.Charinahadalsorepeatedlytaughthimso.Butthistimehewasinsuchahurrytogivethewhiteebacktohisnewfriend,thatheigheredlight.Justwheothemiddleoftheroad,asedancamedrivingupswiftly.Luckilyitbrakedjustintheniebeforeithitthedog.Maureenwasscaredoutofhiswitsandsatdownmelyinthemiddleoftheroad.Theangrydriverrolleddownhiswindowandwasabouttobsttheculpritwhoalmostcausedaterribleactwhenhiseyesrestedonacutelittlepuppysittinginthemiddleoftheroadwithawhiteeofablindmaninhismouth,hisexpressionscaredbutalsoengaginglypitifuant.Thedriver’sangervahesightandheaskedkindly,“Areyht,boy?”MaureennoddedandthedrivermadeasigntellingMaureentogofirst,andthendroveoffslowlyafterseeingthatithadcrossedthestreetsafely.ThepeoplesurroundingDimitricppedandwhistledandgaveMaureenahero’swele.HismistressCharinawasalsoback.Dimitristoopeddoickeduphiswhitee.Thistimehewasgoingtoholdontoittightlyashewouldnotbeabletowalkanywherewithoutit.MaureensawhismistressandjumpedintoCharina’sarmsandbegannudgingandligherface.“Ok.OK.Goodboy.Goodboy.Hey,stoplignoworyouwillmessupmymakeup!”SheputthedogdowntothegroundandwalkedwithDimitritowardsherdthethreeofthemdroveaway.

Thehotsungraduallylostsomeofitsheatahsofcooircouldbefelt.ThemanwhoaskedaboutCharina’saddresssataloheshadeofatree,murmuring,“Emmanuel.Emmahat’snotabadnameshehasgivenme.”Hiseyeswereonadriedupdeadtreewithantsalloveritandthought,“Iwohatlittletreeisitchywithallthoseantscrawlingonit.”Thethoughtofitgigheitchofhisathletefeet.Heimmediatelytookoffhisshoesandsodrubbedthemoree,firsttherightfoot,thefoot;firstthebottomofhisfeetthenthefront.Alookofsatisfaappearedonhisfadthesly,ismilesoftenedhisfierdruthlessexpression.Hefoldedhisfeetintoayoga-likeposition,muchlikethatofthemonksduriation.Helikedthisposition,buthisheartrefusedtocalmdown.Hishandswerepyingwithadark,rustybrooise.Heturoverandsawonitsstomacharowofcharacterswhichlookedasiftheywereaesepictographs.Hedidnotuandanyofthosewordsbutjustlikedtheshapeofthetortoise.Itsheadandtaillookedaliveandinmotionwhileitsfsseemedtobeswimmingier.Hehadjustacquireditactallyearlierthatafternoon.

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Hewaswanderingaimlesslyaroureetswhenhehappeostepintoastorepiledhighwithallkindsofproducts.Theywerenotcategorizedandexhibitedinanorderlyfashioherstoressothaterscouldseewhatwasoagnfact,everythingiledckadaisicallyontablesandstrewedaboutanyoldway.Thesalespersonwasaveryoldwoman,stoopedandwrinkled,oionherhead.Whenshesawaerstepin,hereyesshohintelligendlookedEmmanuelupanddownsaying,

“Sir,Iseeyouareschizophrenic.Wouldyouliketotalktome?Ichargeonly15forthat.ButifyouwanttoknowmoreiailIusethetarocardstotellyoufortune.ForthatIcharge50.Howaboutit,sir?”Asithappehatthiswasnotonlyanantiquestore,buyingandsellingoldthingsbutitwasalsoapceforfortuelling.

“Tohellwiththatmumbojumbo”repliedEmmanuelrudely,wavingtheoldwomanaside.“Idon’tbelieveinthatstuff.”Theoldwoman’ssharpeyesfollowedEmmanueshewanderedarouore.Theinteriorofthestorewasdimandthewaresexhibitedthereweremostlyoldradios,mps,armclocks,telephoneanddust-coatedswallow-tailedcoats,nothingmuchofi,iingonlytojunkcollectorsandpeoplewhocherishedoldthings.Emmanuelwasjustabouttoleavewhenhisfootkickedagainstsomethinghardontheground.Hepickeditupandsawitwasanoldrustybrooise.

“Putthatbackwhereyoufoundit.It’snotforsale”saidtheoldwoman.

“Whatrot”saidEmmanuelcrudely.“Whatisitdoinginyourstoreifit’snotforsale?”

“Itbelongstoawhite-beardeddwarfwholeftitwithmefiftyyearsago.Hesaidhewouldbebackforit,buthenevercameback.However,Iwillkeepmypromiseaforhim.Putitbackwhereitbelongs.”

Emmanuelrefusedtolistentotheoldwoman’sexpnations.Peelingouttendolrsfromhiswallet,hethrewitoableandwalkedquicklyoutofthestore.“Hey!Hey!Hey!eback!Robber!Thief...”criedtheoldwoman.Butperhapsbecauseshewasold,feebleandnotabletowalkveryfast,shedidnotrushoutafterhim.ThusEmmathisbrooisebycheatingtheoldwomanoutofherantiqueandpayingonlyapittance.

Emmanuelexamihetortoiseinhishand,tougandpullingit.Hefoundthatitstailwasmovableandshouldhavesomekindofmeismattachedinside.Hepulleditoutasfarasitwouldgoago.Itbouncedback.Ah!evidentlythereringinside.Justatthatmoment,athinlineofpowdersquirtedoutofthetortoise’mouthstraighttowardsEmmanuel’snoseandmouth.Heseemedtosmellthesweetfragranceofunknownflowersandfellfastasleeponthebench.

Awhileago,CharinaandDimitriweresittingatthetwoendsofheroblongdiningtablewithMaureeweenthem.Ablueballooangledinabranchofatreeinherbackyard,dahebreeze.Sheinallywareathimtoaniahighcssrestaurant,butDimitrishrugged,poiohisdipidatedclothingandpolitelydeedsayinghewasnotdressedforit.CharinatookhimtoanoptometristandboughthimapairofsuorepcethepairDavidtookandtheothegrocerystoreandboughtsomegroceryanditemsfordailyuse.Befoinghome,shestoppedatapizzashopandorderedsomepizza.Dimitrisatatthetableenjoyinghisextremelysatisfyingmeal,drinkingfromhistallgssofbeerfromtimetotime.Hefeltthatthefoodhewaseatingwasdeliciousandlifewasreallywonderful.FearingthatMaureen’slongearsmightbrushintothecheeseandothersauhisdishwhichwouldtarnishhislongsilkyfur,Charinatiedhisearstogetherwithabowatthetopofhishead,makinghimlookcuterthanever.Shehadcutupsomepizzaintobite-sizepieaureentomakeiteasierforhimtoeat.Tohismistress,Maureenwasamemberofherfamilyandequalinpositiontoanyotherhumanbeing,sohesatatthetablewiththemandpartookdaintilyofhismeal.AsforCharina,shehadapteoffreshlettucedribbledwithsomevinegarandpepperandasliceofturkey.Shemurmured,“Womeobebeautiful.Iokeeptheirfigurestheyhavetosacrificetheirenjoymentoffood!”ShelookedatMaureenandsaid,“Itisarareopportunitythatbroughthimintothisworld.Iknowdogsarenotsupposedtoeatthesamefoodashumans,butIwanthimtoexperiehedifferentgourmetfoodwehumanshavesoasnottowastethisuniqueceofhishavinglivedinthisworldofours.”

NowthetwoofthemweresittinginCharina’srgebrightlivingroom.Exhaustedbyhism’sadventureofrunningaround,jumpingandpying,Maureenybyhismistress’ssidefastasleep.CharinatookasparklinggsshalffullofcrushedidpceditinfrontofDimitriandthenpouredsomegoodwhiskeyintoit.Shealsopouredanssforherself,heldupthegsstoDimitriandsaid,“Cheers!”Dimitritoohelduphisgssawoofthembothtookasip.“Well”Charinathensaid,“nowweareallset.HowaboutgoingonwithyourstoryoftheKingdomintheDreams?Itmustbeaveryiingandfasatingstory.Iamallears.”“WhereshouldIbegin?”murmuredDimitri,gazingattheskyoutsidethewindow.“Let’sstartwithmytwenty-fourbeautiesthen.Theyarealldifferentandhavedifferentbackgrounds;Iwillintroducethemtoyou.”Hetookanothersipofthewhiskeyandasifreminisgaboutthepastbegantotellhisstory.

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Theafternooabatedsomewhatandtheairbegantocooldownwiththeeveningbreeze.AthiiedtoablueballooahabranchofatreeinCharina’sbackyard.Theballoonbobbledrestlesslyinthelightbreezeasifstrugglingtofreeitselffromtheshacklesofthethreadandflyawayintotheskies.Butitsfootwasboundbythethinthread.Dimitri’sstorycametoacloseforthetimebeing.Charinaaddedsomemoreiitri’sgssandpouredmorewhiskey.Shedidthesameforherself.Shetookasipandasked,“WhenyouledthebeautiesonebyoheKingdomofDreams,whydidyetme?Whydidn’tyoutakemetheretoo?Ifyoudid,Iwouldhavehadmorematerialformywriting.”

“Er...er...Ihoughtofitatthetime.”Dimitrihoughtshewouldasksuchaquestionanddidnotknowwhattosay.“ButyoumakeuseofthecreativityandimaginationthatisiinyouaeforyourselfyourownKingdomintheDreams.”

“Butmykingdomwouldnotbeasbeautifundperfectasyours”

“No.No.No.No.”saidDimitriwavinghishandsindisagreement.“Youjustoscattersomeseedsiilesoilofyourdreamsandtheywillnaturallygrowandblossomiifulflowersinyourdreams.Liketherefleierofthemagnifitsitains,theywillbejustasbeautiful.Solongasyouhaveapureandkiearsinyourdreamswillsuretht,calmaiful.”

Charina’seyesbrightehiswordswhichshookupherheartwithuraiimentsbutshecouldnotdistinguishwhatkindoffeelingthatwas.Shesuddenlystoodupsaying,”EverydayIreleaseablueballoonintotheskiesfrommybackyard,hopingitwouldbringmebaessageabouttheworldbeyondtheblueskies.Butdayafterdaymyhopeshaveallbeendashed.Inevergaveupandtiodoso.Let’shopethattodayIwillgetsomeextraordinarynews.”Sayingso,sheopeheFrendowsandsteppedintothebackyard.Shegrabbedholdofthethreadtiedtotheblueballoonaouttheairintheballoon.Shewaskeyedupasherhanervouslyallovertheftballoonandthenexcimedexcitedly,“It’shere!It’shere!Ihavenewsfromtheworldbeyondtheblueskies.It’sahisisreallytoofasating!”Affectedbyheremotions,Dimitrialsobecameexcited.Hetookuphiswhitee,gropedhiswaytowardstheFrendows,alsowalkedoutintothebackyard.Charinaheldapieceofpaperinherhandandsaid,“It’shere.It’shere.”Thetwoofthemstoodtoreadthenotefromheaven.Itsaid,“DearKingDimitri,Knowingyourloveforroamingfreelyaroundtheworld,Iwouldnothaveintrudedonyouexceptforrealemergencies.Retlyemissariessentbythealmightygod,Zeushavebeenflyingoverdom.TheyreportedtohimthatnifitpacehadbeenburntdowntothegroundaofironcthegoldpaceattheotherendoftheKingdomhadbeentornoffanditisagainshiningbrilliantlyinallitsglory.Zeuswasmystifiedastowhathadhappened.HewantsyoutoebacktdomofDreamsandwantstomeetwithyou.SignedMedusa”

“Medusa...Medusa...thenamesoundssofamiliar.Issheohegoddessesihology?”

“Yes,”noddedDimitri.“That’sher,Medusa.”

“Howcouldthatbe?Howcouldthatbe?”mutteredCharina.

“Whycouldn’tthatbe?”askedDimitri.“Anythingispossibleindreams.”

“eon.eedCharina.“ebacktothelivingroomandtellmeiaibouteverythingthathappenedinydomofDreams.”Dimitrisatdownathisiinthelivingroomandfellintoadeepreverie.“WhydoesZeuswanttoseeme?HeknowseverythingthathappeheKingdom.HistwobeloveddaughtersCharmaineainewouldhavetoldhimiaiboutit.Whatmoreisthattotalktomeabout?”Charinacameoutofherroomcarryingabottleofwineinherarms.Thebottlelookedcssidantique,obviouslyquiteaged.Shesaid,“eon.Thisisabottleofwireasure.Iieditfrommyfatherandhavekeptforalongtime.UptonowIhaveneverbeeedtoopenitwhatevertheoccasion.Today,Iwillmakeaionahebottleforyou.Youdrinkthisrareanddeliciouswiellmeyourstoryatthesametime.”

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“No.No.No.Thiswhiskyisgoodenoughforme”saidDimitri.“Don’topenthisbottlejustforme.”

“Ohno”repliedCharina“Thisisthehighestformofenjoyment.Agoodstoryshouldbeapaniedbygoodwine.”Sayingso,shepulledthecorkoutofthebottle.Immediatelyanintoxigfragranceofagedwinefilledthewholeroom.EvenMaureenwokeupandsniffedherearsuprightandhereyesbright.

“Alright”saidDimitri“Sinceyouhavealreadyopehebottle,Iwillgoonwithmytale.”SohetoldthestoryofhisKingdomintheDreamsmuchasaminstrelofold.

Itwasafternoonutetimearaffithefreewaywasbumpertobumper.Inthelineupwasanold,dipidatedpickuptruckchuggingalonglikeatiredoldox.Thesettingsunbzeddownwitheye-dazzlingbrilliaherearviewmirror,causingRichardtoadjustitsangle.Keepinghisfootonthegaspedal,heinchedalongwiththeslowtraffieedlesstosay,hispanionwasJamaz.Thetwoofthemwereidealpartnersandinseparable.TheyhadbeenwhardforMrs.NovelSilkesthesestfewdays,mowingthewn,cuttingandprunireesandbushes,sprayiilizersandiicidesandwererewardedbyagenerouspayment.

“Wegotpaidtoday”saidRichard.“Whereshallwego?”

“Uptoyou.Youarethebrainssoyoudecide.”

“WhatdoyouthinkofMr.O’Brian,Novel’sfiancé?”askedRichard,gingthesubject.“Iheardtheyareabouttogiveahugewedding”

“Iknow.Heseemslikeagoodguy,veryrefined,esfromapedigreefamily,hasanenormousfortuneandistheenvyofeveryo,iIfeelpretty...IfeelbadforDimitri.”

“Why?”askedRichardinsurprise.

“HetookoverWorldBankaswelsNovel,oneofDimitri’sbeautiesintheKingdomofDreams.Hegrabbedsomeoneelse’smoneyandsomeoneelse’sbeauty,ofcourseIfeelbad.”

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“Ha.Ha.Ha.Ha”ughedRichard.“Myoldpal,youreallydonotuandDimitri’siions,doyou?Whydoyouthinkhebroughtallthesebeautiessafelybacktothismundaneworldandthendisappearedpletelyhimself?Hewantedeveryohemtofindtheirowndesireddestination.Youmeanyoureallydidn’tuandwhathetookgreatpainstoaplish?”

“Really?Wasthathisiion?ThenIwon’tfeelbadatall.”saidJamaz,greatlyrelieved.

Thedipidatedpick-uptruallyleftthegestedtraffic.Gettingoffthefreeway,ittwistedandturilitcametoaquieter,adesertedrosegarden.Thehalfburnthouseihegardenwastheirtemporaryabode.However,thedaysoftheirresidenceheremaybenumberedbecausea‘forsale’signhadbeeedatthefrorahepropertywassuretobeauedoffsooingoutofthecar,thetwoofthemwalkedtowardstheentrahegardenandstoppedabruptly.Oepsoftheentrancewasafashionablybutstilydressedyoungwoman.Shehadonalowcut,bralesstanktopandminishortsthatshowedoffherlongandshapelylegs.Thoughthesunhadsetanditwasdusktheycouldstillseeanenormousdiamondsparkledazzlinglyer.

“Areyouwaitingforsomeone,Miss?”askedRichardwalkioher.

“No,Iamlostanddon’tknowhowtogetoutofhere”sherepliedinalowaigvoice.

“That’seasy”saidRichard.“Wewilldriveyouaroundtowninourcar.Youlookatthehousesandtelluswhieisyours.How’sthat?”

“No,thatwon’tdo”shereplied.Shestoodup,showingoffheralluringfigure.Shewalkedoverandopenedhernamebrandhandbagbeforethem.“LookatallthiscashIhavehere.Whydon’tyoutakemeoutfhtoown?”RichardandJamaz,theexpresidentandvice-presidentofWorldBankwerenerstomoheyhadseenitpileduphightotheceilingsinthebankvaults,sotheywerenotdazzledbythisdispyofwealth.Howeverinthepreseing,thesightofabeautifulyoungwomanwithahandbagfullofcashandanenormousdiamersurprisedthem.

“Whynot?We’lltakeyouonanightoutoown.Butwejustgotoffworkaofreshenup.Whydon’tyougiveussometimetowashandge?”

“Good.Good.”saidtheyoungpingherhandshappilylikealegirl.“Butbequick.”

“Wewon’ttakelong.Butit’sdarknowandnotsafeforyoutobestandingherealone.Whydon’tyoueintothegardenandwaitforus.”

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“Surething”saidtheyoungwomanandfollowedthemintothedesertedrosegarden.

Richardbroughtathree-leggedchairfromthehouseadownonthegroundsaying,”Haveaseat,butbecareful.Thechairhasonlythreelegs.Don’tfalldown.”

“Really?Thisisiing.Iliketopydangerousgames.”TheysmiledateachotherandRichardwalkedbatotheloedhouse.Theelectricityhadlooff,buttherewasafauthegardenthatstillworked.Jamazhadalreadystrippedhimselfnakedandwasvigorouslywashinghishairandbody,gettingridofthesweatandgrimeoftheday.Richardjoinedhimbeforethefaudsoapedhimselfbriskly,asking

“Whatdoyouthinkofthathot,sexybroadoutthere?There’ssomethingnotquiterightabouther.”

“What’snhtabouther?Hey,it’safeastthatjustdroppedontoourps.”

“No,somethingisnotquiterightthere.”repliedRichardafterthinkingamoment.“Mr.Fingerhasdisappearedforquitesometime.Thatlittleguylikestomaketrouble.Couldhehavegotintotroubleagainandmademischief?”

“No,Idon’tthinkso.Butnowthatyoumentionit,thatbroad’ssuddenappearanceisquiteoutoftheordinary.Doyouthinkshecameforus?”

“No,Idon’tthinkshecameforus.IamafraidshecameforDimitri.”

“Dimitrinevermentionedhehadanenemyasbeautifundattractiveasthisfemale.”

“Idon’tknow.We’llgowiththeflow,actacclyahingsturnout.I’mafraidshe’saspy,heretogetnewsandinformationaboutDimitri.Nevermind,we’lljustgoalongwithherandseehowitgoes.”

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Havingco-coordiheirpnofa,RichardandJamazquicklydriedthemselvesandputontheirjeans.Theweatherwasstillhotsotheyeachworeat-shirtontopaout.Thoughnotparticurlyhandsome,thetwoofthemexudedamasecharmandcharacter.RicharddroveMegginn’staxiouttotheentrahegardeherspiledinahreeofthemquicklydrovetowardsthecityforawildnightoowhelightswerenumerousasthestarsintheskyandjustasdazzling.

Thestraysofthesettingsunwereenvelopedbythedarknight.Theroomwasdark.Dimitritiellinghisstory,buthiswordswerebeginningtobeslurred.Hewasverytired.Hehadnotsleptatallthenightbefore,havihetimeinwildandfrenziedimagination.Hedidnothaveacetotakeanapallmandalfternoonandnowthewonderfulwinehehadbeenofferedbegantotakeeffect.Hefeltdrowsy,butCharinawassittingacrossfromhimalttention,eyeswideopen,pletelyentrancedbyhisfasatingtalesoDimitritriedhisbesttogoon.Intheeoppedtalkinginthemiddleofasentendhissoftsnrewlouderandlouder.HewasjusttellingabouttheexgbattlebetweenKingDimitriandthesungodApollointheblueskieswhenhefelsleep.Notwishingtodisturbhisslumber,Chariheroomdarktopreservethemysteriousatmosphereofnight.Shesatalohesofaandsippedfrss.ShethoughtofherversationwithDimitriawhileago.Hehadsaid,“YoumakeuseofthecreativityandimaginationthatisiinyouaeforyourselfyourowifulKingdom.”“Heisright”thoughtCharina.“Whydon’tItryanddoitmyself?”Sherememberedalsohiswordsaboutdreams.“HesaidthatIjustoscattersomeseedsiilesoilofmydreamsandtheywillnaturallygrowandblossomiifulflowers.Beautifulseryreflectedierwasjustasbeautifustheinalseryitself.Solongasmysoulispureandkind,itsrefleinthisuglyworldwillbejustasbeautifusmysoul.Flowerswouldpropagateandpeoplewouldbekindandgood.”Charina’sbrightandshiningeyesshohasacredlight.“Right!”shethought.“DimitribuilthisKingdomintheheavens.Whydon’tIbuildacalm,peadbrightparadiseonthismundaneworld?Solongasmyheartandsoulispure,goodandkind,whateverIseewouldbejustasbeautifundght!Thatwillbethetopiybht!Good...”CharinalookedatDimitrisleepingsosoundlyonthesofa,andthought,“Heismyspiritualmentor.FromthetimeIfirstsawhimIknewhewasnotasimplehomelessperson,butwhyhasfatebeensoharshonhimandnedhimtoalifeofdarknessasablindman?It’sreallysad...”

CuteandcleverMaureenjumpedontoCharina’spmakingaseriesofwhininghroughhernoselikeaspoiltchildpining.Charinalookedattheclodrealizeditwaseighto’clock.”Ohsweetie,areyouhungry?Alright,alright,Iwillgiveyousomefood.Butyou’thaveanymorehumanfoodtonight.Toomuchofitisbadforyou.Youhavesomeofyourowndogfood.”Charinascoopedupabowlofdogfoodandputitbeforeheroable.Maureensitandthenagaihewhiningnoiseinprotest.Charinaknewwhathewantedandsaid,“Alright,alright,I’lddsomemilkinit.”Sayingso,shewenttothekit,gotsomemilkandaddedittohisbowl.Maureenwassatisfiedthenaoeathappily.

CharinalookedatDimitristillsleepingsoundlyonthesofaandthought,“Whydon’tImakeaninerforthispoormanbeleagueredbyfate,thishomelesspersonwhoisatthesametimenobleasapoet?”Charinapeeledanddiassortmentoffruitsandmadeabowloffruitsad.Sheheatedovermediumheatsomeofthecmchowdershehadmadethatmandputsomebreadintheoven.Theookasteakfromtherefrigeratatheredupasmallbottleofgasandafryingpanaoutintothebackyardtocookit.Sheworkedsilently,herthoughtsstillonDimitri’smagicalstory.Shedidnotturnonthelightafraiditwoulddispersethetranquility.NoohatDimitrimadeuseofthisshortnaptogobacktohisKingdomofDreamsandcarriedoutearth-shakiions.

CharinaandDimitrisatattwoendsofthebeautifullyspreaddiningtablewithdlesburningbrightlyintheirsilverholders.Dimitriatewithgusto,appreciativelyexpressinghisheartfeltthanks.Asahomelesspersonhesidereditluckytobeabletofillhisstomach.Itwasinceivabletohavehisbeautifulhostessgotothetroubleofcookingasumptuousfeastjustforhim.Charinadidmudjustnibbledoucesadandafewsliokedmeat.

“Don’tsaysuchthings”shesaid,interruptinghiseffusivethanks.“Tomeyouaremyspiritualmentuardian.IhavereceivedmorefromyouthananythingIeverdoiurn.Fromnowon,pleasedon’tstandonceremonywithme,ok?”

“Sure”repliedDimitrinodding.“Iwon’tsayitagain.ButIreallyhaven’tdohingforyouexcepttellyousomestories.Bytheway,wherewereweuptoiory?I’mafraidIhavefotten.”

“YouweretellingmeaboutKingDimitri’sexganddecisivebattleintheskieswiththesungodApollo...”

“Ohyes,that’sright...Whydon’tIgoonwiththestoryandfinishthewholenarrativeafterwehavedoing.Actually,thereissomuchtotelboutthethingsthathappenintheKingdomthatit’shardtocovereverything.Ahemcouldbeincorporatedintoyourwriting...”

“Ohno,no.That’snotnecessary.YouhavealreadytoldmealotabouttheKingdomofDreamsaimetoabsorbanddigestthesteadofswallowingitwhole,itwouldbemoremeaningfulifIhadtimetoponderoverthembeforetinuing.Todootherwisewouldnotbedoingfulljusticetothisfasatingandwonderfulstory.”

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“Good”saidDimitri.“Thenwewillmeetagaihesedaysandtihthestory.”Hewasfeeliremelysatisfiedafteramealofgreatfoodandwine.Hehurriedlyedhispteoffthestcrumbsofdinneranddrankupthecoffeethatremainedinhiscup.Pattinghisstomagratificationhesaid,“Howwonderfullifeis...!Itiste.Ihadbetterleaveandyouorest.”

“It’soteatnightandyouotsee.Won’tthatbetoodangerousforyou?Wherewillyougo?”

“Lookhowwonderfultheweatheristonight,herhotnorcold.Thesparklingstarsctheskiesarewaitingforme.Onsuightandinsuchbeautifulweatheritwouldbeawastetostayindoors.Iwouldnotfeelfortabledoingso.”

“Alright,ifthatiswhatyouwant”repliedCharinahelplessly.Dimitriidhishandonhershouldersaherguidehimdoweps.“Thisusedtobemygarage”shetinued,“butIhavemadeitintoMaureen’spyroom.”

“Really?That’sagreatuseofspace.”InaerofthegaragewasMaureen’sdoghousewithasoileddogdiaper,whichCharinahadfottentodisposeof,strewnbesideitandrgeandsmallballswerescatteredallround.CharihesidedoorandledDimitrioutontothestreet.TherewasasmallpetentrancecoveredtothesidedoortoallowMaureenfreeaccess.ThelittledogkwastimetosaygoodbyetohisnewfriendsohejumpedintoDimitri’sarms.Dimitrikissedhimandsaid,

“Mypreciouslittlefriend,we’llseeeachainsoon.Takegoodcareofyoumistress.Uand?”Maureenbarkedtoshowheuood.

“HowIfindyou,Dimitri”askedCharina.

“NowthatIamblind,mymovementsaresadlycurtailedandIotwaoofarsoIamalwayssomewherearoundthisneighborhood.WhenyouwantmeyouletMaureenoutandwithhissharpnose,hewillfindme.”Dimitriwavedhishandandtookleaveofhistwofriends.

Relyingonhiswhitee,Dimitrimadehiswayalohedarkstreet.Thenightbreezeblowilyagainsthischeeksclearedhisheadandtheeffectsofthealcoholhehadtakenrgelyreceded.Hewalkedoly.Fromforceofhabithisfeetbroughthimtotheareaoftheseniorcitizenapartmentheusedtolivein.Hehadn’tbeenbaorethanhalfayear,ahoughtthatlittlestudioapartmentwhichhadkepthimsafefromtheelementsmusthavebeeosomeoneelse.Theycouldnothavekeptitemptyforhimallthistime.“WhereIsleeptonight?”hewondered.Hetrudgedonaimlesslyaroundandfoundhimselfhealleywhereheusedtohaveadipidatedshadrememberedtherewasadesertedwarehouseoit.“HoweIhavewanderedbayoldhangoutstonight?”hewondered.“IfIhadstayedonatCharina’spight,thatwouldhavebee.Iwouldbelyingfortablyonasoftmattressnowandntofindsomewheretosleepoonehardgroundawayfromthewind.Hm....Inmypresentsituation,pennilessandblind,withoutthehelpofmygoodfriendswhomIhavelosttactwith,howlongIst?No,Imustpersistinmynomadlifeandotgiveupmywayoflifejustforthesakeofawarmandfortablebed.Fateislikeakaleidoscope.Whoknoillhappe?”tratingonhisthoughts,hedidnotnoticewherehewasgoirippedaonhisfacetotheground.“Ohgosh”hethought.“Thisisterribleandwillhurtmebad.Itmayevencauseacussion.”Butstraosayhenotonlysufferednopainbutfeltasifhehadndedohingsoft,likeamattresswithspringsinit.Hestretchedouthishandsstrokingthesurfaceofthismiraculousthingwhichhadcaughthisfalndfounditwasindeedanolddiscardedmattress.“Whowasthisthathavenardforpublicwelfareandthrowawaysuchargeobjectcarelesslyblogthesidewalk?”herailed.Butthehought,“Hey,butthat’sgoodforme!Hejustgavemeapcetosleep.Todayisafortunatedayindeed;whateverIwantandneedestomeeffortlessly.WhenIneedapcetosleepsomeonepreparesamattressforme!”Hemadehimselffortableontheoldmattressandwassoonsnaway.

WhileDimitriwasstillinastateofbeinghalfasleepandhalfawakeinthemediumbetweeyandfantasy,hefoundhimselffloatinglikeafeatherupintheairashighasthedesertedwarehouse.Heawokewithastartthinkinghissoulhadlefthisbody,andatthatmomehisbodyfallingdownwards.Whenitwasalmosttougthegrouookadeepbreathahislungsbefilledwithair.Thehefppedhishandsaroundandatthesametimekickedhislegsasifhewereswimmingfrogstyle.Hestayedhisdestandmaoholdstilndfloat.Hewasnotswimmingierbutintheairandafterafewtrialscouldco-ordinatehishandsaandhisbreathingsowellthathecouldfloatforwardorbackwards,upordownandturnaroundatwill.

1

Suddenlyhefoundtohisincrediblejoythathecouldseeagaihoughtthatperhapsitwasjusthisimaginationaivityatworkthatwascausingthisillusion,butwhetheritwasrealorunrealdidnotmattersolongashecouldseeagain.Heswamonintheairuntilhecameuponaseofnoisyandthrivingnightlifewithfshingneonlightsshiningoncrowdsofjoyseekers.HehappeocatchsightofhisoldfriendRichardtalkingwithayoungwomanbeforeanightclubwhileheleisurelysmokedacigarette.Shewascurvaceousandfashionablybutstilydlookedhotandwild.Soundsofshoutinganddiscordcamefromihenightclubasiftherewasafightgoingon.DimitrishoutedtoRichardcallingouthisnameloudly,buthedidohear.Heplungeddownwarduntilhejustfloatedovertheirheadsbuttheydidonoticethateither.Heseemedtobeinvisibletothem.Dimitriwaslostinanothersphereoftime.

Richard,JamazandSalinawalkedoutoftheluxuriousfive-starhotefterargeandsatisfyingmeal,havingsavoredsomedishesthetwomenhadastedbefore.Salinawasiedinallkindsoffood,thebestandmostexpensivedishes.TheyhadanIndiancurryseafoodptecalledSamundariZhazanawhicludedalobster,acrab,fourabalohwhitetruffleandcaviarstuffedinsidehalfatomatoandquaileggs.Richardnoticedthatadazzlingdiamondneckcehadsuddenlyappearedmagicallyaroundherneckwhicharousedhissuspisastowhothisyoungwomanreallywasandwhereshecamefrom.OntherideovertothehotelRichardhadaskedher,

“Beautifuldy,couldyoutelluswhatyournameis?”

“Salina”sheansweredafterapause.Richardhadwohetimewhyshehinkbeforeanswering.Duringdinner,heaskedheraquestioncallihatsheseemedoblivious,asifhewasnottalkingtoherandthatSalinawasaectedtoheratall.Evidentlythatwasn’therall,justacoverup.Whenpayingforthedinner,Saliohavenonotionofmoneyandhadtroubledistinguishiweenthebillsshehadonhand.SoRichardhelpedherbytakingmoneyfromherpurseandaddingasizabletipbeforethethreeofthemwalkedoutofthehotelhappyandfull.

Salinastrolledoreetsarminarmwithhertwoescortsexg.“Ah,whatawonderfulmeal!Isn’titgoodtoberich?Youeatallthosedeliciousdishesandreceiveprincely,VIPtreatmentfromthestaff!You’thavethatwithoutmohearmsofthetwomehevibrationsfromherboung,esticbreastsasshesqueezedtheirarmsierintimacy,buttheydid.Thewomaninadresswalkingabitaheadofthemturnedherheadandtheysawafacecoveredwithabeard.SeeingJamaz’stalndmuscurfigure,thepersonputhisfingersintohismouth,issuedashrill,appreciativewhistleandthrewhimaflirtingandcoquettishlook.Jamazscowledangrilyathiminrepudiation.Thepersonmuttered“You’restupid!”Heprancedawayseductivelyswayinghishipsandsoondisappearedintoasidestreet.

“Hey!Isthatamanorawoman?”askedSalina.

“WearenowattheCastroDistriSanFrancisco,thegaycapitoloftheworld.Thesexesofmanypeopleherearedifferentandopposingtotheirphysidpsychologicalmakeup.I’treallyexpintoyoutheintricategesofcourse...Youknowwhat,whydoopateverybarandnightclubweeacross.Wejustgoin,haveadrinkandlookaround.Youwillhaveaneye-openingexperiendyouwilluand...”

“Great!Great!”excimedSalina,jumpingupanddown.“That’sjustwhatIwaodo.”

“ButMiss,”saidRichard.“Pleasetakeoffyourdiamandneckce.Wearenotgoingtoagrandpartyandsuchexpensivejewelryisnotsuitableforstrollingaroureets.”

“Sowhat?Thesearenotexpensiveanddon’tworthmuch.Withthetwoofyouasmystrongandmuscurbodyguards,whathaveItoworryabout?eo’sgo.”

1

“Miss,acctomyestimatethesejewelsarereahwelloveramilliondolrsandyouthinkthey’renotworthmuch?“ButRichardcajoledinvain.Salinaobstinatelyrefusedtotakeoffherexpensiveringandneckdtherewasnothinghecoulddoaboutit,sothethreeofthembrowsedaroureetsinthisareaofspeciali.

Dimitri’ssphereoftimehadgedagain.HeseemedtobehintheairaboveacityinEurope.Hedesdedabitfromhisheighttogetacloserlookandfoundthatonmanyofthestreetstherewerestoreswithrgedispywindows.Tohisamazemehatwhatwasondispywerenotmannequinswearifashions,butactuallivewomensittingthereinallkindsofalluringposestoattracters.Dimitrisuddenlyuoodthatthiswastherednterndistricts.Mencouldshoparoundthedispywindows,chosewhotheywant,discussthepridthengointoaroomtohavesexwiththem.Hewassciousofaninexplicablesenseofsorrowbecausenowthathedidnothaveafleshbodyhecouldnotenjoythepleasuresoftheflesh.Hefeltthatinfiniteandunhinderedfreedomwasnotasimportantandmesmerizingassexualgratificationwithitssoul-shatteringasms.Dimitri’seyes’metthoseofthewomaninthedispywindowandwassurprisedtofindhisbodysuddenlyrespondingiuedway.Justthatexgeofgazeshadbroughthimtoasexualclimax.Dimitriwasshockedbuthewasstillpuzzledanduain,sohefloatedtoanotherdispywindow.Whenheexgedghanotherwomanihewindow,heagaihepleasuresofsexualintercourseandalsoclimaxed.“HowcouldIattainclimaxandasmjustbygazingatawoman,withoutactuallyhavinganysexualtactwiththewoman?”hemarveled.Dimitriwasoverjoyed.Hedancedhappilyintheair,shoutingexuberantlyinoonecouldseehisfigureorhearhisvoice.

Whehethreeofthemstoppedatabarhtclub,anotherpieceofjewelrywouldmagicallyappearonSalina’sbody.WhentheylefttheestablishmentasiderableentefollowedthemattractedbySalina’sbeauty,heralluringfigureandanauraofwildnesswhichaddedtoherfasation.Heradmirerswereloathtodepartaonfollowingheraround.Bythendazzlingdiamondbraceletsshoneonherhandsandanklebraceletsdecoratedherlegsandtheranksofherescortshadswelledtosuchasizeastocausequiteaotioninthearea.Atsttheyenteredanightclub,satdownandorderedsomewine.AnexquisitepairofdiamondearringsappearedonSalina’sears.Twohuge,dazzlingdiamondshungdownonsholdsadornedherdelicateears.Salinaappearedtobeintoxicated.Hersultryeyesbewitched,hertipsymannerismsentrandthetwodiamondearringsswayedwithhermovementsrevealedandatedherwantonnessanddebauchery.RichardrealizedthatsooerSalinawouldcausetroubleandwasabouttaclosetotheiradventure,whenthreebigandhuskymeheirtableandsaidtoRichard.“Thetwoofyouscram,butleavethewomanhere.”“Ik”thoughtRichardresignedly.“Troubleishere.”ExgingameaningfulghJamaz,heslowlyfihewineinhisgssandsaidtoSalina,“Let’sgooutandhaveabreathoffreshair.Mybrotherwilltakecareofthingshere.”Sayingsohestoodup,heldouthishandtohelpSalinaupandledheroutofthenightclub.

Richardstoodsmokingoutsidethenightclubseemingpletelyatease.ItwasthenthatDimitrisawthemandflewabovetheirheads,buttheycouldnotseehimandhadnonotionhewasnear.

“WillJamazbeabletotakecareofallthreeofthosebigguysalone?”askedSalinanervously.

“Don’tworry.Everythingwillbealright.JamazfoughtlionsandtigersintheAfrigrassndswithhisbarehandsandwohreeguysarenoproblematall.Whydon’tyoustayhereforamomentanddon’tmove.Iwillgoanddrivemycarover.Wheback,thingsshouldberesolvedandweleave.”

Shouts,criesandsoundsoffightingsoundedihenightclub.ThethreebigguyssawthatJamazwastall,musdheavilybuiltandwouldnotbeeasilydefeated,sotheydrewouttheirknivesandsurroundedhim,cirgthreateningly.Takingthewileoablebytheneck,Jamazsmashedthebottomontheerofthetable,creatinguneven,jaggededgesassharpahastheteethofawildanimal.Withoutfurtheradoherushedatohemenandthrustthebottleathischestwithallhismight.Themanscreamedaotheground.Fromtheleft,thekheseanpluhisribs.Jamazkepthiscool.Blogthekhhisleftarm,hejabbedthebrokenbottleinhisrighthandstraightattheman’sthroatandthemanfellwithawhimper.Scaredoutofhiswitsthathewastheonlyoneremaining,thethirdmanknewhecouldnotpossiblywinandtriedtoescapebutitwastoote.Hisbackwastothewalndtherewasreat.IndesperationhemadeastditchstruggleandrushedatJamazwithhison.Jamazsteppedasidetolethimpassandthenrammedthejaggedbottlefiercelyintohisback.Themaothegroundunscious.Jamazthrewthebrokenbottletotheground,dustedhishandsandsauofthenightclubobliviousofhisdumbstriaudiewasonlyafterfiveorsixsedsthattheyrealizedwhathadhappenedandbrokeintoloudcheersforJamaz’sbravery.WhenSalinasawJamazstridevictoriouslyoutofthedoor,sherantohimandputherarmsaroundhiswaistasking,“Allsettled?”

“Hmm”repliedJamaz,i.ghimtoherbodyeventighter,Salinacheeredandsaid,“You’rereallygreat!Youaremyhero!”

“That’snothing”repliedJamaz.“IhaveabrotherwhoisjustasgoodandiseveerthanIam,”

“Really?therebesuchaperson?Whoishe?Iseehim?”

“Sure,butheisamonknowandhavenothingtodowithawoman.”

JustthenRichardarriveddriviaxi.Thetwoofthemquicklygotinandtheydroveoffafewblocksawayfromthepolicewiththeirbzinglightsandscreamingsirens.

Dimitrifeltpletelylostbetweenthedifferentspheresoftime.Thesebeforehiseyesshiftedoncemoreandheseemedtohavegonebacktoapreviousperiodoftime.Shadowsofveryfamiliarpeoplepassedbeforehim,hisgoodfriendsandbrothers,butwheretheheckwashe?Itlookedliketheabandardenorwasithislittlestudioapartmentthatprotectedhimfromtherainandwind?Hewasreallyfused.HesawRichardturningmbchopsonthegrill.Dropsoffatdrippingontothehotemberssizzledandhissedaingaromapermeatedtheair.

“ItisstrawehavenotheardanythingfromDimitriyet”saidRichard.‘HehasbeenawayfromquitesometimenowandIamwwhenhewillreturn.Couldhereallybedead?”

“Idon’tthinkheisdead”saidJamaz.“Ifit’shisturntodie,itisIwhoshoulddieinhispcebecauseIamnotafraidtodie.”

“No,no,nobro”interruptedathirdmandressedasamonkwhowassittingcross-leggedbytheside.ItwasBig-O.“IfanyoneshoulddieinsteadofDimitriitshouldbeme.Mytwohandsaretaihtoomuchblood.Forme,deathmaybethereleaseIneedandmybestceatredemptiomedie.”Richard’smbchopwascookedtoperfeaoeat.HehaoMr.Kaffee,whorefusedsaying,“Nothankyou.I’vealreadyhadquiteafewpiedamalreadyfull.AtmyageIhavetobecarefuboutdiet.Toomuchmeatisbadformydigestionandwillmakemystomafortable.Youguysdon’thavetoworryaboutDimitri.Heisthekingofarealmandmusthavehisownpnsforwhattodo.I’msureheispnningwhattheepshouldbe.TherearestillunresolvedthingsinhisKingdom,sodon’tworrytoomuchabouthim.”Richardhahembchoptothewhite-haireddwarfMickeywhotookitandstuffeditintohismouthravenously.Hetookaquaffofhishardliquorbeforehehadevehemeatproperlyandswallowedeverythingdownhisthroat.Heneverhadanytablemaospeakofsohisfriendstookitiride.“Right”hesaid.“Yht.IbelievethatsoontherewillbegreatDimitri’sKingdomofDreamswhichhewouldhavetodealwith.Hemayalreadybebackamongstus,onlywedon’tknowofityet.”

Dimitri’sheartswelledandwasgddeheheart-feltwordsofhisfriends.Hewasaionalmanaeary-eyedthathehadientlymadefriendswhowereevenwillingtodieforhim.Helongedforabottleofhardliquorsohecouldtakeargegulptocalmhisagitatedheart,butthenrealizedthathisfriendscouldherseenorhearhimthoughhewasintheirmidst.Itwasasifhewasn’tthereatall.Hissoulmusthavelefthisbodyhethoughtandhisfriendsofcoursecouldnotseehissoul.“Butaretheresuchthingsassoulsinthisworld?”hewondered.“ItmustbeaspecialeffecoctedbymyloyalservantsImaginationaivity.Ifmyfleshbodyisnotinthissphereoftime,howcoulditenjoythestimutionthatliqustothebody?HowcouldIfeelfullifIoteat?”

TheentigaromaofsizzlingmbadeDimitri’smouthwater.Astrahinghappened.Hefeltfulndsatisfiedjustbyinhalingthefragrahemeatandbecametipsymerelybysmellingtheliquor.Hefeltasstimutedasifhehaddrunkthealcohol.Thisdiscoveryexcitedhimmorethanever.Sightcouldbringhimsexualsatisfa,andsmellakehimfeelfull.Theastoundiionstunnedhimandfilledhimwithetion.DimitrisuddenlyrememberedthathehadjustseenRichardleisurelysmokingandtalkingwithabeautifulyoungwomanoreetsoftheothertown.Howeheisnowgrillingandchattingwithfriendshere?CoulditbethatIamseeinghimintwodifferentdimensionoftime?Doesthatmeanthattimedoesnotproceedinastraightligoforwardstothefutureandbackwardstothepastaswell?Thisisreallyfusing.”Dimitriagaioturnintoafeatherfloatingintheair.

RicharddroveacrosstheBayBridgetowardsthecitytheyhadstartedoutfrom.Hestoleaghispassehroughtherear-viewmirrorandsawthatSalinahadtakenoffherexpensivesandalsandwascurledupfortablyhalfsittingandhalflyingonthebackseat.ThesightofherstilydressedfigureandfullyexposeddeepcleavagegaveRichardadeepjolt.Tothesetw,virileandcharismaticmales,theattrasofthewomanweregreaterthanabomb.Salihatshehadpletelyeheheartsofthesetwomenasshereedonthebackseat,idlychattingwiththem.Herhalfinebriatedstateincreasedherdistragcharms.“Thiscityisgreat…butyoumustberich…otherwisewhoiswillingtogiveyouVIPtreatment,besosubservientandobeyyhtestwish?Moneyisreallyuseful…butthatisnotsatisfyingenough.imewemustthinkofsomethingnewandmorestimuting.”RichardandJamazlookedateachothersilently.Shethentinued,“Mygoldpaceisgrandandreallymagnifit,butitissituatedinthedeepforestssurroundedbyendlessmountains.Thewideexpanseofbluekeisspectacurbutafterawhileitallgetsold.Theyotbeparedtothevibrantandkaleidoscopiightlifehereiy.Thetwoofyoumustthinkofsomethingelseeveerestingthatwetryoutime.”HerwordswerelikecoldouredoverRichard’shead,dousingallhisardorandslowingdownhisragheart.HisheadclearedandhewascertainthiswomancamefromDimitri’sKingdomofDreams,buthehadnowayofknowiatusthere.“Whocouldshebe?”wonderedRichard.“CouldshebetheonecalledViowhoissaidtobeMr.Finger’snewbride.Butnoonehadeverseenbefore.Mr.Fingerhaddisappearedfromthefaceoftheearth.Whocouldthiswomanbe?”Richarddroveoffthefreewayandturothelocalstreets.Salinasuddenlysatupstraightandanded,“Stop!”Richardhastilysteppedonthebrakes.Salihecardotoutandsaid,“IknowwhereyoutwoliveandwillebywhenIamfree.Goodbye!”Shewavedcarelesslyandwalkedlightlyaway,herheavilybejeweledfiguresoondisappearingattheturnofthestreet.Sheappearedintheirlifelikeadreamanddisappearedalsolikeadream,leavingnotraceatall.Thetwomenshruggedanddidn’tknowwhattosay.

Dimitrimadehiswayswimmingfrog-stylevigorouslyupwardsintheairmakinguseofbotharmsahewindwasstronghigherupintheairbetweentallbuildingssohehadtoexerthimselftoasd,buthewasveryhappybecausetherewasabrandnewideainhisheart.Likeaneifewhojustfoundoutsheregnant,itwasawondrousa-felthappihespecialeffectproducedbythebinedeffortsofImaginationaivitymadehimveryhappy.Itwasasiftheyhadgivenhimaninexhaustibletreasure.Actuallythistreasureisineveryone’sheartbecausecreativityandimaginationareiineverylifeatbirth.Buthowbesttousethemisaboundlessandlimitlessinsightperfectedonlyafterloudyandfrequehisway,thelossofsighttoDimitriwasablessingindisguise;forotherwise,hewouldnothaveientlyacquiredtheuniquecreationofCreativityandImagination.

2

DimitrisuddenlyfoundthatthetallbuildinghewasswimmiowastheheadquartersofWorldBank,whichwasonlyasmallportionofhisfinancialempire.Heactuallyhadnoideaofhisowntotalworth.Thenherememberedthathisentireempirehadcolpsed.Buthethoughtifsightcouldproducethesatisfaofsexandsmellcouldappeasethecravingsofhisstomach,moneyerfluoustohislife.Dimitriswamtothetopofthebuildingandstoodswayingdangerouslyontherail.Actuallyhisfeetwerefirmlyandsolidlypherails.Hethrewouthisarmsandshouted,“IamDimitri.Iusedtoownfabulouswealth.Iamwillingtogiveitallupandshareitwiththoseinneed.Iamwillingtoshareitallwiththeworld.”Withthesewords,pilesuponpilesofcashinrgedenominationsappearedbeforehim.Hetookuparmfulsofthoseentigrgedenominationcashandscatteredthemintotheair,lettingthemraindowerfliesblownaboutinthewind,orlikefallenleavesflutteringtotheground.Butwhentheyreachedthegroundtheydisappearedlikeraindropsabsorbedbythesoil.WasDimitriperfamagicfeat?Well,weotreallydoitwas,butherwesaythatitwasnot.Itwasreallymagiawaybecauseinscatteringthecashhisheartwasabsolutelybenevolentandinear,wishingtosharehiswealthwiththeworld.Butinthisworldthereisnofreelunch.Wealthcouldonlyefromsweatofthebroworfromborofthebrain.Notasinglepennycouldberaineddownfromonhighlikerainorsnow.Therefore,whenthedenominationcashreachedtheground,theydisappearedwithoutatrace.Dimitritioasthigherintotheskyuntilhereachedanotherdimensionoftime.

Apolicecarcameslowlytoastopbythesideofthestreet.Atalndstern-lookingofficergotoutandwalkedquicklytowardsEmmanuel,whowasfastasleeponabench.

“,sir.Getup!”saidthepolishakinghim.“Thisisnotthepceforyoutosleep.Itisforpeopletowaitforthebusandfortouriststosita.Ifyouwanttosleep,gobae.”

“OK,ifyouwomesleephere,I’lljustsitup”repliedEmmanuel,lookingdisdainfullyatthepoli.Hewasjusthavingawonderfuldreamandwasaobeawakened.”How’sthat?”

“Ofcourse,ofcourse.Thatisyht.ButtherehavebeenquiteafewunfortunateactsaroundhereretlysoIwouldadviseyoutogobae.Itisnotsafehere.Youmightgethurt.”

“That’smyownbusinessandhasnothingtodowithyou.Justsittinghereisnotagainstthew,isit?”

“Arightthen,sit!”saidthepoliturningawayresignedlyandwalkedbacktohiscar.Hisfoothitaontheground,arustybrooise.“Don’tfettotakeyourtoywithyouwhenyouleave”headdedandgotintothecar.

“Thatguybacktherereallylooksbad”saidthepolianwhowasinthedriver’sseatastheydroveaway.“Helookslikearuffianandamurderer.”

“Yah,that’swhatIthinksotoo.Retlythisareahasnotbeenverysafe.Therehavebeenmanycasesorrape.Wehadbetterbeonthelookoutsothatnothingbadhappensonourwatch.”

Emmachedasthepolicecardroveoutofsightandthenlookedattherusty,brooiseontheground.Thetortoise’sheadwasraisedhighasiflookingathimanditsmouthen.Emmanuelrememberedpullingatthetailwhenathinlineofpowdersquirtedout.Hesmelledthesweetfragranceofunknownflowersandfellunscious.“Wow”hethought,“itcouldhavebeensomekindofmagicpotiobehindfromaimesandIjusthappeoactallyeacrossit.ThiswouldbeaninvaluableassetwhenIamouthuntingwomen.”Charina’stall,slenderimagedressedinaskybluedress,withbroad-rimmedwhitesunhatandwhiteleatherwalkingshoescametomindandwouldnotgoaway.“IfIdo…and…IcouldeasilydowhateverIwantwithher!”thoughtheandaslysmilelituphisface.Hepickeduptherustybrooisefromthegroundandcarefullytuckeditinsidehispocket.Thenexhibitinghisskillofswiftnessandagilityhequicklydisappearedintothenight.

2

Charina’swhite,jade-likearmsseemedevensmootherandmoredelicateuhemoonlight.Shetookagss,half-filleditwithcrushedidthenpouredingoldencoloredwhiskey.Shetookasip,putthegssontothecoffeetableinfrontofherandybafortablyonthesofa.Itwasaeroftheroomthatthemoonlightcouldnotshonedirectlyon.Thewholehousewasdarkandlitonlybythemoonlight.Maureenyatherfeet,seeminglyfastasleepbuteverynowahepartingwordsofhisnewfriendcametomindand“Takegoodcareofyourmistressmypreciouslittlefriend.Uand?”resoundedinhislittlebrain.Hewouldlifthisheadandlookathismistressasiftoassurehimselfthatthingswerealright.OnlywhenhesawCharinasittingfortablyonthesofadrinkingherwhiskeyahingwassereneandquietasusualwouldheputhisheadbackdownonhispawsahismistress’feet.FromtimetotimeCharinawouldputthesoleofherexquisitefeetonMaureenandcaresshissoftandsilkysmoothfur,whichmadeherfeelgood.SinceDimitrileft,shehadbeensittingonthesofa,sippingherwhiskey,deepinthoughtabouteverysentenceDimitriutteredandeverydetailofhisstory.Shehadsufferedaseverewriter’sbloostoneandahalfyearandcouldnotfindanythingworthwritingabout.Dimitri’sstaveherinspirationandhercreativetaleimutedandenergized.Onceawakened,literarythoughtssuddenlyflowedandsurgeduntiltheywerealltaogetherandshedidnotknowwheretostart.Shedrankgssaftergssoftheexcellentwhiskeyandlostt.Perhapsitwasthealcoholthatcloudedherbrainandhamperedherabilitytotrate.Sleepinesscreptonher.ShedecidedtolookDimitriupthedayandtalkwithhimmoreiail.Shewouldstartwritingaftershehadabettergripandoveralluandingofthestory.Shefeltitwasuselesstotiinghereandtryinvaintomakeheadortailsoutofthehashinherbrain.ShewasjustabouttostandupandgotoherbedroomwhenshesuddenlyrememberedDimitri’stellingherhowheledhistwenty-fourbeautiesonebyoohisKingdomofDreamsandhowwhencamitystruck,hesafelyevacuatedthembaundanewain.“Whatawonderfulpcetostart”shethought.“Icouldbeginwiththelivesofthetwenty-fourbeautiesaftertheirreturh!”Shefeltinvigoratedandre-energized.Thepent-upvexationsofthepastmonthsweresweptaway.Shestoodupandwalkedwaveringlyintoherbedroom.

Partingthelonghairbehindherneck,sheunzippedthezipperofherskybluedressandsteppedoutofitwhenitpooledatherfeet.Theookoffherpedi-coat.Thoughtipsy,Charina’smovemeainedherfemininecharm.Theweatherbeingsohot,shedecidedtotakeoffherbraaswelndydownperfectlyrexedonherfortablebed.Shecoveredherabdomenwithalightbandfelsleep.Shehadfottentocloseherslightlyopenedwindowandasmallmosquitoflewinthroughthecrack.Afterflyingaroundtheroomafewtimes,itlocateditstarget,stoppedonCharina’sbeautifulthighaosuckherblood.Feelingitchy,Charinasppedatherthigh.Thegreedylittlemosquito,heavywithfreshlysuckedbloodwassluggishandslowtomoveandwassquashedunderherhand,leavingaspotoffreshbloodonCharina’ssnowwhiteskin.

Uhemoonlight,ashadowfshedby.EmmanuelproppedonehandonthewalndjumpedeasilyintoCharina’sbackyard.Hendedalmostnoiselesslyonbothlegs,butstillhunchedbehindatreetosurveytheyout.Seeingnothingoutoftheordinary,hewalkedsilentlytoaslightlyopenedwindowtopeekilytemptedbyCharina’salmostnudebody,hepulledoutabrooisefromhispocketandpoisheadatthedirethenoseandmouthofCharinawhowaslyingonthebednearby.Hepulledandthenreleasedthemeismatitstaindathinlineofpowdersquirtedoutofthetortoise’mouthstraighttowardsCharina’snoseandmouth.Charinawasnotreallyasleepyet.ShewasthinkingifshecouldenterDimitri’sKingdomofDreamsthatnightitwouldbesuretobeawonderfuljourneyandexperience.Justthenshesmelledanintoxigfragranceofflowersandfellfastasleep.

Afterafewminutes,Emmanueljumpedthroughthewindowandsothebed.HepulledoffthelightbCharinahadcoveredherselfwithandheralmostnudebodywasfullyexposedtohisview.Charina’sfullbreastsandlongshapelylegsenticedhimbeyondtrol.Hotbloodrushedtohisbrainsbringinghimtofulrousal,sohehungrilycaressedherbodyurainedlywithbothhands.Justwhenhewasabouttotakeoffthestremainingclothingonherbody,heheardasuddenthumpfollowedbyastreamofadog’sfranticbarking.IntelligentMaureenhaddiscoveredthestoftheunweledintruderandhadbeenwatghimfromadarker.Hislittleheadtoldhimhewasnomatchforthetall,strongandbrutallookingruffianandthateveackedhimwithallthemightandpowerofhislittlebody,itointlessandsuicidal.Sohedidthecleverthingandescapedthroughthepetentrahegarage.TheclosingofthefpmadeathumpingsoundandhebarkedtoscaretheintruderiheroouelhadfottethatMaureenhadaveryintelligentaremelyprotectivedog.Hesworeprofusely,“Sonofabitch!Thatlittledog’stryingtowreckmyhuntingandspoilmyevening.”HewentbacktoCharina’sbedandtiofondleandpywithCharina’scurvaceousbody.Howsadandunjustthatabeautifundtalehorsuchasshebecameapythingiruder’shands.

Trancelike,Dimitricametoapcewhichlookedstrafamiliar.Beforehimwasawideexpanseofblueskieswithoutasinglecloudwhereheswan-style.“ThiswideexpanseofblueskiesseemssofamiliartomeasifIhadseenitbefore”hethought.Thenhelookeddownandsawawidestretchofkewater,withitsroilingwaves.“Isn’tthattheStar-MooIhavealwaysbeenthinkingof?Ah,IhaveebaagicsphereofmyKingdomofDreams.”Hedesdedtowardsthegroundasifdesirousofrevisitinghismagnifitpace,butwhatmethiseyeswasonlydipidatedwallsandburntoutbuildings,aspleteruin.“Ahyes,mymagnifitpacehadbeenpletelyburnttotheground.Whatisleftareoigesofitsremains.”Hesuddenlyhadanoddthought,“Didmymagnifitpaceeveractuallyexist?SinceIseeitsremains,itmusthaveexisted”hereasoned.“Irememberthebeautifulpacewascreatedbyapairofinvisiblehands.NowIknowtheinvisiblehahebinedeffortsofmyloyalservantsCreativityandImagination.Theyworkedacctomydesignandrealizedmydesires.Theybuiltthismagnifitpae.ButwhetheritwasCreativityination,theywerebothabstractideologis.Whenthisabstrasciousnessbecamegraphidcrete,theycouldbeereandtangibleobjeourexternalmaterialworld.Thisprocessthestrengthofourmindpowerintomaterialthingsisreallymagidunbelievable.Ifwegoonreasoninginthisway,thenthemagnifitpace,thebeautiesandthepeopleoftheKingdomroduysoundhadneverexisted.Butthentheseruinsprovetheyhadexisted,sohowcouldwedisavowtheirpreviousexistence.Buildings,pavilions,paceshadoncereallyexistedhere;therehadbeensongs,dandughterandshadowsofthebeautifulwomeneverywhere.Howcouldwesaytheyneverexisted?Dimitriwasagainfused.

Floatingandthinking,thinkingandfloatingDimitriflewpastthekeandfoundhimselfheGiantMountain.GiantMountainlookedlikeaparalyzedgiantlyiandhelplessonthehorizon.Thoughhewouldhavelovedtogehisimmobilizedbodytoanotherposition,heowerlesstomoveevenafiwasasifhewasfrozenforeverinanendlessnightmare.Ifheshouldeverbefreed,thethiedmosttodowouldbetositup,standup,stretchhissoreandstiffmusclesandshakeofftheyokethrustonhimbyfate.

Dimitri’seyesweresuddenlyblihebrilliantanddazzlingsheeal.Themagnifitpacebuiltofsolidgoldappearedbeforehiseyes.Realizingthathewasflyingtoolow,hewasjustabouttoasdwhenhundredsofbarbarianwarriorsappearedfrombehindthegoldpace.TheangrymassofbarbariansrushedtowardsDimitrishoutingandscreamingandthrowingtheirspearsathiuckilyDimitriasdedsoquicklythatthespearsandarrowsmissedhimandwhooshedbyharmlesslybehhisfeetandhewasabletoescapeunscathed.Afterreagasafeheight,Dimitrilookeddownonthesebelowandsawthatbarbarianwarriorsweregathereddownonthegroundasfarashiseyescouldreach,screamingathiminanguagehecouldnotuandauringmenagly.Dimitrididnotmindbutfounditstrahisbodycouldbeseeninthisdimensionoftime.Hewasjustabouttoleavewhenhediscoveredthatatthedomeofthegoldpaceaskilledmarksmanyinwait.Thesharp-shooterhadarhinoceroshornoopofhisheadandstrange,peculiarlookihatthefrontandbackofhishead.Hewasnakedexceptforaleopardskinathiswaist,andbulgingmusclescoveredhisbody.“Why,that’sCyclops,”thoughtDimitri.InthemeahemantookuphisbowandarrowandtookaimatDimitri.Hepulledtautthestringofhisbowwithhisrighthandtotheshapeofafullmoon.ThesightofthebowandarrowgreatlyarmedDimitribecausenooneuoodbetterthahemagicalfunsandattributesofthismiraculouson.Heusedtobetheirmaster.Theirpresentowner,however,washisenemyandnemesisCyclops.Hekhatthemagicbowcouldsendthemagicarrowafterthetargetsetbyitsowneranditwouldtenaciouslyandpersistentlyfollowthetargetuntilitreachedaroyedit.Therewasnostoppingthearrowowasonroute.ThestringofthebowzingedasCyclopsletflythearrowwhichflewstraightatDimitriswiftaslightning.Shockedandhorror-stri,Dimitrilosttrolofhisequilibriumandfellfromhispositionintheair,asifdroppingfrombeyondtheskyintoafathomlessabyss.“Oh,thiswouldbethedeathofme!”heshouted,ashekhatafallfromsuchaheightwouldsmashhimtopieces.

Dimitriithperspirationashewokefromhisnightmare.Hefoundhimselfstillsleepingontheolddiscardedmattressthrowncarelesslybytheroadside.Thoughthemattresswaslumpyandnotveryfortable,toDimitrihavinganythingtosleeponwasaluxury.Thesesinhisdreamscamebackagaintohim.Helikedtodwelloailsofhisdreams,reiteratingandmullihehefirstpartofhisdreambroughthimthejoyofagreatharvest,fromwhichhegainedpreciousknowledge.ItwasasifFatewashintingatsomethingtohim.Hedecidedthatheshouldthihedetailsmorecarefullyiogairientsoritwouldnotbedoingfulljusticetoagooddream.Butthesedhalfofthedreamwasanightmareandbroughthimarmandhorrorthathefoundhardtoface.Hopefullythatwasonlyafragmentofthedream,notthetotal.ButitalsoseemedasifFatewastryingtogivehimawarningthroughthedream.Whetheragooddreamhtmare,Dimitridecidedturgitateandweighallrelevaailssoasnottoloseanyinformationormessage.

Dimitriwehedetailsofhisdreamoverandainwithgreatrelishandfellihought.Hefeltapainonhisleftfootasifawilddogbititauggingatit.“Hey!”hethought,gettingangry.“Iamnotdeadyet.Areyouinahurrytogettomybones?”Heraisedhisfootintendingtodrivethedogaway,buthisfootectedwithitssoftbelly.Itcriedoutinpain,butinsteadofgoingaway,itcameevenclotoress.Dimitriseemedthefamiliarbark.BitingontoDimitri’ssleeve,itkepttuggingatit.Dimitri’shandactallytouchedthesoft,silkyfurandrgelongearssignalingtohisbrainthatitwashislittlefriend.“AreyouMaureen?It’sveryte.Whyareyououthere?HassomethinghappeoCharina?”“Woof.Woof”repliedMaureenasifsaying“Yht.Nowhurry.Let’smakehasteandsaveher.”Dimitriseemedtouandthedogandrosequickly,pickeduphiswhiteeandhadjusttakeepswhenherealizedthateverythingitchdarkbeforehiseyes.Hewasblind.Hewouldhaveahardtimejustmakinghisownwayoreets.HowwashetosaveCharina?Maureeasifpressinghimtohurry.Awideexpanseofbeautifulcloudlessblueskiesappearedagaininhisbrain,asesoverydeartohimandtowhichhewasveryfamiliar.ItwastheskyinhisKingdomofDreams.Hesawabovingswiftlyihereandmadeitouttobeahugeflyingbird.Ah,itwasthesnake-hairedbeautyMedusa,theprotectoroftheKingdomofDreams.HecalledouthernameloudlythreetimesandthebckbirdturnedandmadeswiftlyforthepcewhereDimitrihadcalledherfrom.ItflewfromtheremoteandfarawayKingdomofanotherdimensionoftime,leapinghurriedlypastthetimebarrierandreachedthemundaneworld.

Theairaroundthedesertedwarehousewasdisturbedbyagustygaleraisedbymightywings,sendingcurrentsflurryingandwhirling.Abigbckbirdflewpast.Itturnedaround,closedherwings,somersaultedintheairanddroppeddownswiftly.Asitreachedtheground,itturohumanform.Yes,itwasMedusawhomwehaven’tseenforalongtime.ShehadcoveredhersnakehairwitharedbandanaanddonnedabckT-Shirtthesamecolorasherskin,bluejeansandapairofwhitetennisshoes.Shewastalndathletic-lookingseemingtohaveinfinitereserveofenergyandpower.LittleMaureenhidinDimitri’sarmsandlookeddumbstrudtransfixedatthevisitorwhocouldgefrombirdtohuman.MedusawalkedtoDimitriandbowed.

2

“YourMajesty”shesaid.“Iamhere.Whatareyourorders?”

“Thisismynewfriend,Maureen”hesaidsmiling,softlypattingthedog’sintelligentlittlehead.“Hisbeautifulmistressisintrouble.Pleasegoandhelpher…Go,mylittlefriend.LeadMedusatoyourmistressatomightbetoote.”Maureeoasiffromadream.Hejumpeddownandranswiftlytowardshishome,followedbyMedusa.Theirtwofiguresdisappearedintothenight.

Itwasfarintothenight,almostgettingneardawnbutDimitrifoundhecouldnolobacktosleep.Hedraggedthemattresssothatitleanedagainstthewalndwouldn’tobstructpedestrianstoomuch,hopingthatthenpeoplewon’tnoticeitandwouldjustleaveitthereforhimtobeabletohavearestingpceforafewmhts.Dimitrisatdownagainstthewall.ThoughthesuspenseofhowMedusaandMaureenwerefaringitempttosaveCharinawasgnawingathim,asablindmantherewasnothingelsehecoulddoandworryanduneasinesswerefutileandpointless.Dimitriwasfilledwithhopelessahisowninferiority,hisinpetendinabilitytoact,thinkinghehadbeeauselessgood-for-nothing.Justthenthewideexpanseofcloudlessblueskiesagainappearedbeforehiseyes.ItwastheblueskiesofhisKingdomintheDreams,sodearandfamiliartohim.Wasn’titfromthedepthofthisdimensionoftimethatMedusaflewtothemundaneworld,leapingacrosstimebarriertoanswerhiscall?Blurry,indistinctimagesthatlookedlikeflowersmovedaroundintheblueskies,thesightofwhichdispersedDimitri’sdepression,leavingnotracebehindoftheworriesandrecriminationsthathadbeentroublinghim.Itwasaremelybeautifulblossom,awhitelilywhichsuddenlystoodoutfromamongtheindistinctfloralimagesinthesky.Itlookedlikealily,butDimitriwasnotsurewhatkindoffloweritreallywas.Hecouldseeitswayingintheslightbreeze,itswhitepetalsflutteringslightly.Thensuddenlyitturoanentingnakedbeauty,averybeautifulwoman,sexuallyentigandalluring.Dimitrirubbedhiseyesandstaredathertomakesurethatitwasne.Butjustasquickly,sheturnedbatoawhiteflowerthatlookedlikealilybutwasnotactuallyalily.Suchstrangeandmagicaltransformationstookpcerepeatedlyamongtheshadowyandblurryflowersintheskies.Abrightredflowerthatlookedlikearose,otherdelicateyelloaleblueblossomsallturonakedbeauties.Blossomsthatlookedsopureandsacredsuddenlybecamelustywomen,lewdandwanton,luringhimonwithexplicitmotionsandexpressioedbeyondtrol,Dimitrifelthimselfreagimpulsivelyandastrongsexualurgepulsedthroughhisbody.Butjustashewaslosingtrolofhimself,thebeautiesagaiedbacktotheirfloralshapesthatseemedsopureandsacredanduntouchedbyearthlyvices.Dimitriwasstartled.Howcouldpurityandsaessbeectedinanywaytolewdnessandwantonness?Butthehought,“Purityandsaessarereallynotthatmuchdifferentfromlewdnessandwantoheyarebuttwooppositesidesofthesame.Takethesesbeforeme,pureandsacredflowerscouldturnintonakedbeauties,andthesamenakedbeautiescouldgebacktopureandsacredflowers.Theinterimbetweenthemishardtodefine.Whyhemappearanddisappear,re-appearandoncemoredisappearbeforemeastheywill.Whytrytocategorizetheirdifferences?Whatsignificeisthattome?Iamonlyacool,level-headedandintelligentobserver,heretosilentlywatchtheprocessofthesecapriciousges.

Quietandmelodiousmusidedinhisears.Afluteandastringedinstrumentwerepyingoutamusicalversationi,oneaskingandoneanswering.Dimitriwascuriousandtriedtofindthesourceofthemusic,whentohisamazementhediscoveredthatitactuallyinatedfromthedepthofhisow.ItwasaduetproducedbythebinedeffortsofhisloyalservantsCreativityandImaginatioivitywasslowlyplughisstringedinstrument;hisglitteringeyesbrightandiwithfierquenchablesexualfire,hisbodysendingforthastrongmasemuskyst.HewastryingtoseduceImaginationwithhismusic.BeautifundfasatingImagination’sfluteansweredhiscall,tactfullyrefusinghisrequestforlove,yetinamannersohesitantandvulnerableastoleaveroomforresideration,expressingayounggirl’sshynessandbashfulakingthepositionofhalfresistihalfweling.Theduetofthestringedinstrumentaewassometimesharmoniousbutsometimesdivergeherewasintriguingharmonyintheirdivergence.Fromtimetotimethemusicwaslowaleandthenbecameloudandfervent.Dimitri’snerveswasnowtautandnowrexed;thebloodcthroughtheveinsalsoeitherspeededuporsloweddownacctothemusidhismetabolismcreatedretivegescausinghimtofeesexualimpulsestrongerandmoreexplosivethanhehadeverfeltbefore.Dimitriwasfbbergasted.“AremytwoloyalservantsCreativityandImaginationganginguptotoywithme?”hethought.“No.Ithinktheymeanttousetheirmusistrumentsascatalyststoexpeditemyiality,sothatthegraduallyagingansinmybodywouldoncemorebefulloflifefordIcainmylongvanishedyouth.Whattheydonotuandisthatitisonlymyfleshbodythatcouldbemaniputed,therealmeisalevel-headedandintelligentobserver,silentlywatgthesegesbutwouldneverbepartofthem.

Oherhand,Emmanuelwastotallyarousedbythebeautylyingexposedbeforehim.Hewasdevoidoftheabilitytodistinguishbetweenrightandwrong,goodandevil.Hisbraiohavestoppedfuningaltogetherandhisonlyobjectivewastoihispenis,hardandstiffasaspear,intoCharina’sbody.HepartedCharina’sbeautifullegsandwasabouttoforcethespearintoherbodywhenthesoundofloudpoundingsatthefrontdoorapahefranticbarkingofadogbrokeupthequietofthenight.Emmanuelkhattheracketwouldbesuretotheneighbors,thusspoilinghisnefariouspnsforthenight.Furiousatthisinterruption,hepickeduphisunderpants,putitonandturowalkedoutandtakecareoftheunweledvisitors.Butbeforehecoulddoso,therewasaloudcrashandwoodensplintersflewalloverthepce.Medusahadkickedopenthefrontdoormadeofsolidhardwood,whichfelltothegroundwithabang,andsherushedintothehouse.Theredbandaiedonherheadfelloff,freeingtheheadofserpent-hairtupinalldireshissingsavagely.CleverandintelligentlittleMaureenfollowedcloselybehindbarkingloudlyandangrily.OnelookatMedusa,theprotectoroftheKingdomintheDreamsandEmmanuelkhathewasnomatchforherbraveryandstrength.Hequicklywalkedbacktothebedroom,castaregretfundlonginggbeautifulCharinalyingnakedandunsciousonthebedandmadetherelutchoiceofretreat.Smashihewindowohim,heleaptintothebackyard,jumpeduptotheroofandquicklymadehiswayfromrooftoroofandsoondisappearedintothenight.Medusawaogeintoabird,flyupintotheskiesandcapturetheshamelessrapist,butthenshehadsedthoughts.Shedidnotwanttodrawattentiontoherselfandscaretheneighbors.ItwouldalsobeharmfultoDimitriwhowastryingtokeepalowprofile.Lightsintheneighbhousescameoerahadnotbeenpeacefulinthisneighborhoodidaysbecauseoftherapistandeveryonewasonhighalert.Medusadecidedtoleave.AftercupCharina’snudebodywiththelightbhebed,shestoopeddowntoMaureen,pattedhimontheheadandsaid,“Imustleavenow.Takegoodcareofyourmistress,uand?”Maureenbarkedtosignifyheuood.Medusaoncemorecoveredhersnakehairwiththebandanaandwalkedquicklyoutofthehouse.

Medusawalkedquicklyawayfromthesesprintinglightlyaloeshehadefrom,inahurrytoreportbacktoKingDimitri.WhenDimitri,whowassittingalohesideoftheemptystreet,heardlight,firmfootstepsrunningswiftlyinhisdire,hekwasMedusaingback.Thesoundofhertreadtoldhimthatshecamebearinggdtidings.IndeedMedusasoonappearedbeforehimandbowedsaying,

“Yourordershavebeencarriedout,yourmajesty.EverythinghasbeenstraighteandIsavedthebeautifulyoungwoman.”

“Really!pened?”askedDimitricuriously.

“It’snothingmulyapettyburgrwhobrokeintoaprivatehome.TherascalusedsomekindofpotiontorehemistressofthehouseunsciousandwasabouttorapeherwhenIarrivedandfoiledhisevilpnsjustinanie.Hehastilybrokeabadowandescapedthroughit.IwaorunafterhimandcatchthekhenIwasafraiditwouldscaretheneighbors,disrupttheneighborhoodandbringunwaentiontous,soIlethimgo.”

“Right.Youdidright.Myphilosophyhasalwaysbeenteissuesintosmallonesandsmalloonothing”saidDimitri,endihematterhadbeenhandled.

2

“Butstraosay,thatrapistseemedtoknowme.WhenIrushedintotheroomhewasgreatlyagitatedtoseemeandimmediatelyturaindran.Hebrokeawindowandescapedwithoutlookingback.Hewasextremelyagile,jumpinguptotheroofandmakinghiswayfromrooftoroofasifhewereflyingandsoondisappearedfromsight.TheimeIseehimIwillcatchhimahebottomofthis”saidMedusastillgreatlyannoyed.

“We’llseeaboutthister.Bytheway,couldyoutellmehowourpeoplearefaringintothedenseforestsandsteepmountains?”

“Don’tworry,yourmajesty”repliedMedusainhighspirits.“WeevacuatedtoWhiteFairy’stempleacctoyourordersaasourterand.Wehavesetupguardsinthesurroundingforestsandmountainsaablishedstronglinesofdeferesistanyoffeion.Allyoursubjectsareuheirdeterminationtthenourselvesandexpandourpotential,waitingforthedaywhenyourmajestyreturnsandleadusoutofsteepmountainsandtroubledwaters.Ledbywewilldestroythebarbarianswhoforciblyoccupieddomandtakebackourhomendwithitsbeautifulmountainsandkes.”Dimitrismiledwrylyatherwords.

“Ihavealromotedpeacemywholelife”hethought“andhaveakenuparmslightlybecausewarbringslossoflifewhichIamloathetosee.However,sometimeswarisiableandisthesimplestandmostdirectwaytosolvedisputes.Iwohereisawayinthisworldtosolvecrisiswithoutrestoarmsandsheddingblood.ThisisacetotestmyintelligeurningtoMedusa,heasked,“Whathavethebarbariaotely?”

“Nothingmuch.WhiteFairyisinchargeofsurveilnddetebecauseshegeintoaflowerandhideamongrealflowersorturnintoapuffofsmokewhichisimpervioustoons.Shereportedthataftertheyoccupiedourterritoryandtookoldpace,theyseemedtobeperfectlysatisfied.Alltheydoiseat,drinkandmakemerryanddoohaveanyendaontheirminds.What’sstraheirleaders:theferociousCyclops,theseductivebutintelligentViohavenotbeeely.WhiteFairyisafraidtheyareuptonogoodandhavesteppedupsurveilnce.”

“Theseareverycorrectstepstotake”saidDimitri.Thenhesuddenlygedthesubjedasked,“BythewayMedusa,Igotthemessageyousentme.DoyouknowwhyZeus,theKingofgodswantstoseeme?Whatdoeshewanttodiscusswithme?”

“Isupposeit‘sthatmagnifitgoldpaceagain.Vio,thatbewitgandviciouswomahebarbarianstotearofftheironthatwecoatedthegoldpacewith.NowadaysthesolidgoldpaceisagainshiningbrilliantlyuhesunandmusthavesparkedoffthejealeoftheKingofgods.Ithistoseeyouandtakeyoutotaskfornotfulfillingyourpromisetocoverupthegoldpace.”

“That’sanotherheadache”sighedDimitrishakinghishead.“Anyway,IwillebackmyselftotheKingdomatthesuitabletimeandsolvethesedifficultproblems.”

“Yourmajesty,thedayisbreakingandIhadbetterleaveorthesightofmewouldarmtheresidentshere.”

“Sure.YouleavefirstandIwillebacktotheKingdomassoonasIhavedealtwithsomeproblemshere.”

2

“Takecareofyourself,yourmajesty”saidMedusa,lookingattheblindhomelessmanstoopingataerofthestreet.Hisclothesweredipidatedandhisfaceweather-beaten.WhowouldhaveguessedthathewasKingDimitri,nobleasapoetandbelovedofallthepeopleinhisKingdom?“Don’tfetthatyourpeopleareingtheirneckswaitingforyoutoreturnaheminthefightagainsttheaggressorsandrebuildtheirhomend.”Sayingso,sheopenedherarmsandherbodyfloatedupwards.Theurnedasomersault,gedagaintoahugeserpent-hairedbckbirdandsoaredstraightupswiftlyintotheskies.Actually,whileDimitritookashortnaponCharina’ssofaearlierinthenight,hemadeuseoftheopportunitytogobacktohisKingdomofDreamsandarrangedanddirectedahair-raisingsario.ThereheactallydiscoveredthesecretloveaffairbetweenMedusaandWhiteFairy,whichhedidnotwishtodealwithitatthetime,soheburieditihofhisheart.Thedetailsofthisepisodewillgraduallyberevealedtothereaderteroninthenarrative,buttoavoidfusionastothelogicalsequenceofevents,wearefirstmentioningithereatthetimewhenitactuallyoccurred.

AfterMedusaleftlikeawhirlwind,Dimitriremaitingattheemptystreeter,hisbackagainstthehardcoldouterwallofthedesertedwarehouse.Hewasagaihought.HewentoveriailfromtheverybeginningofhowhistwoloyalservantscreatedhisKingdomofDreamsforhihiswascarriedoutwithhissent.CreativityandImaginatioedtheKingdomfortheirmasteroutofthegoodnessoftheirheartstoaddusic,lightandspecialeffectsthtenhispoor,lonelyandforlornnomadlife.TheyneverrealizedthatsituationstheyhadnonotionofwouldevolvewhichproducedmyriadsoffusingboweenDimitriandhisKingdom,unitingthembytlessties.Hefeltasifhewasentangledinaspiderwebfromwhichhewasuoextricatehimselfagreatlyworried.Hedidnotbmehistwoloyalservants.Hewasonlytryingtothinkofasatisfactorywayoutofthispricklypredit.Justatthismomentwheryingtosolvethemultitudeofproblemshewasfag,anotherdramawasunfoldingontheoppositesideofthewallieriorofthedesertedwarehouse.

Thisdesertedoldwarehousewasneandwasfilledonlywithoddsandendsofabandonedbrokendownfurniturecoveredwiththickcoatofdust.Infact,dustballscoveredthewholeareaanddensecobwebshungdownonthefourersofthewall.What’sstartlingwasthatinthemidstofthisdesotese,twotinyhumanvoices,amaleandafemale,wereheard.Theyseemedtobetalking,ormorepreciselytheywerequarreling.Ashafthtmoonlightcamethroughthebrokentransomwindowandshoneonaerofthewarehousewhichwasmucherthaofthepce.Thefloorhadbeeandcoveredwithalyfoldedbhfreshflowerpetalsstrewnalloverit.Uhemoonlighttwolittlepeopleweretalking.Thefemaletweakedthemale’searscoldinghimsaying,

“Iaskedyoutoapahismundaneworldnotforyoutopyaroundandrunwild.Wearehereonseriousbusiness!Lookwhatyouhavedone!Youhavebeenbreakingintohouses,tryingtorapeyoungwomenaingafuror.Howcouldyoushowyourfapublicafterthis?Youarenotonlyofnohelp;youareruiningmyimportantpns!”Herfeatureswereclearlyrevealedintheluminousmoonlight,beautifugbutalsowildanduwasVio!Ah,ifViowashere,thelittlemanwhoseearshewastweakingmustbeMr.Finger.

“Don’tbmeme.YousayIbreakintohousesandtrytorapewomen,therebyruiningyourpns.Whataboutyourself?Didn’tyougooutoownwithRichardandJamazandflirtedeouslywiththem?Didn’tthethreeofyoupaiownredandgotdrunk?Andyoubmeme?”ViotightenedherholdonMr.Finger’searandtweakeditharder.Mr.Fingerbentdowninpainandbegged,“Letgo!Letgo!Iwillobeyallyourordersfromnowon.I’llbegood.”

“Whatrighthaveyoutoreproachme?”scoldedVioangrily.“Ihavemyownpnsandarras.Youonlyhavetocarryoutmyorders.Don’tfetyouhavesighepaperthatsoldyourselftomebodyandsoul.YouliveifIletyouliveanddiewhenIwantyoutodie.Uand?IfIdidn’ttransfusehalfthebloodinmybodyintoyours,howcouldyeandtractyourbodyatwill?Howcouldyoubestrongerandmilethananynormalman?NotonlyareyounotgratefulforallIhavedoneforyou,youdaretoreproachme?Youarebeyondcure!YousayIhangoutwithRichardandJamaz,that’sbecauseyougavemetheinformationthattheyareDimitri’sgoodfriendsandthatImaygetinformationabouthimfromthem.Wasn’tthatwhatyoutoldme?”

“Yes.Yes,yht.It’sallmyfault.It’sallmyfault.Pleaseletgoofmyearameexpin.Please.Please.”Vio’sangerseemedtobemostlyspentsosheletgoofhisearandsaid,“Alright.Tellmewhatyou’vebeendoingandwhatresultsyouhavegotthesestfewdays.”

“AsamatteroffactIhavealreadyfoundoutDimitri’swhereabouts,buthehasdiviesoIfindithardtogetnearhim.ThereasonItriedtorapeCharinawasbecauseIwaoflushhimout,givehimabashontheheadasitwereaehisegoandhisarrogance.Ididitforyou.Isthats?”

“Youriionsmaybegood,butthingsmustproceedacctopn.Youmustpythecardsyouaredealtinalogidorderlyfashion.Yourwayofdoingthingsatrandomandkigupafussrecklesslywillnotdo.Lookwhereitndedyou,youledthesnake-hairedMedusastraighttous!Youknowsheisournemesis.Nowwhatdoyouthinkweshoulddo?”askedVio,stilngryatthelittleman.

“OK.OK”saidMr.Fingerspreadingouthishandsinresignation.“Iwillobeyyourordersfromnowonandnotdoanythingonmyown.Willthatdo?Nowhowdoyouthinkweshouldproceed?”

2

“Firstofallyoumuststayoutofsightforatimeandnotshowyourfatilthemessyouhavecreatedblowsover.I’lltellyouthenwhattodo.”Vio’seyeswereinsightfuoneresolute.“Dimitrimayhavedivinehelpandweotgettohimdirectly,butwe’llseewhatbedoohistwenty-fourbeauties.Theyareallhisdarlingsaohisheart.Hewillnotbeabletowithstandanyharmingtothem.WeneedonlytakeafewofthemhostageandDimitriwillbesuretoerunning,willingtodoanythitogetthemback.Hewillbebeggingmyfivenessforwhathehasdone.Hedaredtodestroymypuregoldpaydearestdreamscouldnotberealized.Iwanthisbloodiionforhissins.”VioandMr.FingerleatextremeloggerheadswitheachothertothepointwherebothtriedtokilltheotherseeBook2KingdomInTheDreams.Itwasstrangeandsurprisingtofiogetherhereclosepartnersandspirators.

Thedaydawhecitywokeupslowly.Carsariansgraduallyincreased.Dimitriwasstillsittingatthecoldstreeter.Hetookoutacigaretteaosmoke,hisspiritscalmandhappy.Hehadlookedintothedepthofhisheartandsawhistwoloyalworkaholicservantslyingonthelushgreenfieldfastasleep.Siheyonlystoppedwwhentheywereasleep,thatwasalsoDimitri’scetofeelsereneandpeaceful.Hewastotallyignorantofthefactthathehadalreadybeentargetedforrevehathisenemieswerepnningtogettohimthroughhispreciousbeauties.ThatwasbecausetherewasnotraceofthethingsthathappehedimensionoftimeofhisKingdomofDreamsinhispresentpracticalworld.

Chapter2TreasureandHatred

ThiswasabouthalfaturyagowhenDimitriwasstilboy.Ortobemoreprecise,itwasafragmentofrecollesabouthispreviouslifethathadlingeredinDimitri’smemory-anindeliblepictureofaspringm.Thepureandclearmsunlightshohedipidatedbuildingsoftheslumswherethetrashinthedecrepitgarbageoverflowedtothegroundsurroundingit.Perhapsirashtherewasadeadcatwhosecarcasssentoffwaveafterwaveofrancid,stinkingodor.Likeapatientsufferingfromseveredepression,dismalmoodflowedinhislimbsandbody.Annoyinganddisorderlyswarmsoffliesbuzzedaroundnon-stop,refusingtobedispersed.Byceagustbreezepassedbycarryingalongwithitatinyflowerseedwhichwasdroppedactallyontothisdirtypatchofearth.heretowaterorfertilizeit,butthenutrientsiinthesoilprovidedenoughnourishmenttolettheseeddevelop,sproutandgrowintoalovelyflower.Theblossomingoftheflowergeddeagidmadethisdirtyandmessyplotofndintoaparadiseoh.

Rhythmicalmusiotesfloatedintheairlikecolorfulbutterfliesdanginthespringbreeze.HundredsofpeopleassembledinthesquarebeforetheCityHall,seeminglythereforsomegatheringorfestival.Onthemakeshiftstage,skillfundprofitjazzmusiswentallouttratingonperfaicDixiendtypeofmusicothatwaslight,quidhadastrongrhythm.Dimitri’sweather-beateuresappearedbehindthergeballofpinkcottondy.Hewaslikeachildagain,ligatthedyinhishand,savitssweettaste.Henevermissedlivelyoccasionslikethese,fullofhustleandbustle.Hewouldpushhiswayintothecrowdtolistelytotheperformance,hisfoottappingihemusidthenhewouldgetoutofthecrowdattheotherendtojoinandchatleisurelywithhiscrowdofnomadfriendswhoweresittingorlyingonthesidewalks.Tinyalmostinvisibleflowerpollenaalswereliftedintotheairbythespringbreeze.Ah,theseweregoodtimes.WhenDimitriappearednooneknewfromwhencehecameandwhenhedisappearedinthecrowdatwillnooneknewwherehehadgoo.Hewaslikeahappyfairywhohadedowhtohaveagoodtime.

Inthisseasonofpollinatingtreesandflowers,abuscarryingonlyafewpassengerswasmovingslowlyaelyoreetsofthecity.Thedriverwasinahappymoodasheleisurelytookchargeofthesteeringwheel,geniallycallingoutgreetingsandgoodbyestothepassengersastheygotonoroffhisbus.Onsuchabrightandcheeryspringday,itwashardtobeinabadmood.Butstraosay,thecrimeandmurderrateofthiscitywasveryhighandneverseemedtodrop.It’sreallyperplexingthatinspiteofsuchbeautifulweathertherewerepeoplewhowoulditcrimesandevenmurder.Justthenashrilloldvoicesoundedfromtheseatbehindhim.

“Excusemesir,IogetoffatBroadwayand13thStreet.Couldyoucallmewheimees?”askedanolddwarfwithalongwhitebeard.Heworeesestylepantsandshirtandamelonshapedcap,buthadnopigtail.Helookedstrangeandoutndish.

“Suresir,noproblem.Iwillcallyouwhehere;butforyourowy,pleasedon’tleaveyourseatuntilIstopthebus”repliedthedrivergood-naturedly.Heslowlyeasedthebustoastandstilttheopandamuscurman,obviouslydrunkgoton,stillholdingahalfemptybottleofliquor.

“Ihavenomooday.Iwillpayime”heannounahoarsevoidthenswaggeredarrogantlytowardsthebackofthebus.Thedriverreizedthemanasafrequentfree-loaderanddecidedtoputhisfootdownonhis“freerides”thistime.Hestoppedthebus.

“Pleasedonotdisruptpublicorder”hesaidthroughhismicrophone.“Everyoneisrequiredtopayforhisticket.Ifyouwillnotdoso,pleasegetoffthebus.Iwon’tbudgeuntilyoudoso.”Theotherpassengersbegantoboo.Thedruwasdangeroustoincurpublicwrath,soheslunkoffthebusfromthebackdoor.Standingoutsideheshoutingcursesatthedriver,whoignoredhimanddroveaway.Attheophestoppedthebus,stooduptocarrythewhite-beardeddwarfinhisarmsahimdownonthesidewalk.“Haveaniceday,sir”hesaidpleasantlyae-beardeddwarfwavedhisthankstothedriverwhogotbacktohisseatanddroveaway.Hehelpedtheolddwarfbecausehewasshortinstatureandlighti,lookinglikeafive-year-oldchild.Whathedidn’tknowwasthatinthedwarf’spocketwasanotherevensmallerperserthanafinger.

2

Noohisspringdaywasrexedandleisurely.Pedestrianswerenotinsuchashurryandmanysatiing,drinking,chattingandughing.Richard,Jamaz,BigOandMr.KaffeenormallymeteveryotherdayastheytookturnsingforMr.FihatdayitwasRichard’sturn,butheandJamazwerecalledtowork,sotheyaskedDwarfMickeytotakeoveriakingcareofthistrouble-makinglittlemanwasask.LuckilyMr.FingerwasasleepinDwarfMickey’spocketandhadnotwokenup,sohewasabletotakeabreakandenjoysomewindowshoppioodinfrontofanoptometrist’sandlookedattheframesexhibitedthere,butthenrealizedhemsuitedhim,sohewalkedontotheorewhichhappeoselllkindsoftobadpipes.Hewasnotiedinthoseeithersohetiothefollowingonewhichwasabookshopwithallkindsofneersandmagazihefront.Hepeekedinsideandsawthatitwaslihbookshelvesfromfloortoceiling,andtherewasanareawhereerscouldsitandreadanddrinkcoffee.DwarfMickeywalkedin.Hecouldohebottomshelvesasthetopooohighforhim,sohecasuallygrabbedoneandfounditraphicmagazine.Justashewasentranced,avidlystaringatthepictures,agentle,admonishingvoicebehindhimsaid,

“Ahmylittleboy,don’treadsuchtrash.It’snotgoodforyou.”Itwasawomanaboutfortyyearsold,amotherofthreeperhapswhohadagedwell.DwarfMickeyraisedhisheadandlookedathersaying,

“It’sbadforme?Butlookingatthepicturesmakesmefeelyoungandstrongagain.InfactIthinktheyarebeneficialtome!”

“I’msoahead.Idon’twanttobotheryou”saidthewomanhurriedly,greatlyembarrassedwhenshesawDwarfMickey’sdeeplywrinkledfadrealizedthathewasnotanaughtyyoungboyasshehadfirstassumedbyjustlookingathisback,butawhite-beardeddwarf.Justatthatmomelemaninhispocketwokeup,stretchedhisarmsandlegsandshouted,“Letmeout!Letmeout!”Thewomanlookedaroulysurprisedatthevoiingoutofnowhere.DwarfMickeyquicklycoveredupbysaying,“Oh,don’tbesurprised,thatonlyameicaltoyIhaveinmypocketthattalk.”Sayingso,heputthemagazinebatheshelfandquicklyleftthestore.

DwarfMickeylefttheaisandwalkedonmakingseveraltwistsandturnsuntilhecametoaquiet,narrowalleywherenootherpedestrianswerewalkingby.OnlythendidhetakeMr.Fingercarefullyoutofhispocketandpcedhimontheground.Whelemangothisbearings,hestretchedhisarmsandlegsaurningtothewhite-beardedolddwarfbeganhistirade,

“Youoldson-of-a-bitch,whydidyouleavemeinyourpocketforsolong?Youcouldhavesuffocatedme!Didyouwanttomurderme?”DwarfMickeywastakenbysurprisethatthefirstthingMr.Fingerdiduponwakingupwastoshoutathimsorudely.Thoughhewasveryold,histemperwasnolessvotile,sopushingupthesleevesofhisjacketasiflookingfht,hesaid,

“Youdisrespectfullittleson-of-a-gun,notonlyareyouunappreciativeforwhatIhavedoneforyou,youaredhtungratefundrude!Iputyouinmypocketsoyoucouldsleep