eryofenemies,shewouldzoomdowntothespotahem.Asshehadsurmised,theyfoundseveralgroupsofbarbariansintheforest.WhenMedusaarrived,shedidnotkillthem,butjusttrainedhereyesonthearmofsomenativesandturntheselimbsintostoheshewouldletthemgo.Suchmeasureswereoverlyddrastic,buttheydidachievehergoalhteningtheehebarbariansthatgotawaywentbadtoldtalesofthecoldaifulsnake-hairedmonsterinKingDimitri’sKingdom,whoseeyesweresharpasaknife.AnylivingthingthatwascaughtinhergnceswasturostoheywouldthenexhorttheirskepticaudieogoandlookatthearmsandlegsofthosethatMedusahadturostone.Medusa’sfamespreadandthebarbarianstrembleatthemerementionofhername.NonehaddaredtostepontoKingDimitri’sKingdom.

“Thisisnotapermasolution”saidQueenAisha“WemusttinueminingtheironandgildthegoldpacewithittodiminishitsbrillianceasKingDimitripromisedZeus.HepromisednottopetewithZeusonanyfrontandsworeallegiaohim.Thesoohisisdohesoonerourpeoplegobacktotheirhomesahepeacefullifetheycrave,secludedfromtheworld.Won’tthatbegood?”WhiteFairyandMedusanoddedinagreement.Aishathenasked,

“WhereisDeanna?Whensheesback,pleaseseome.Iwanttoknowhowtheminingisgoingon.”WhiteFairypromisedtodosoandstooduptoleave.Medusaalsostoodupandsaid,

“Iahewarriorsintogroupstoehesafetyofthepace.”Afterthetwoleft,AishaalsogotuptovisitAngelicaagainandseeifshehadmadeanyrecovery.

Lotuswascarefullymendingthegirdlewith,closestitches.Atsttheworkwasdohoughthemendingwouldalwaysbevisible,itwasasgoodassheakeitandthatwasallshecoulddo.Remaininginthesamepositionfortoolongaperiodhadtiredherback.Shelookedupandsawthatduskhadarrivedandtheskiesweredarkening.ShestooduptostretchherselfandturoseeQueenAishaeinwithDorna.ShewasabouttogoupahemwhenQueenAishasignaledhertosilence.Shewalkeduptothebed.SeeingthatAngelicawassoundasleep,eyesclosedahingnormally,shefeltgreatlyrelieved.ShewavedLotusoutoftheroomandclosedthedoor.InthespaciouscorridorQueenAishaasked,“HowisAngelica?Isherditionstable?”

“Sheissoundasleep.ElinasaidthatsheshouldbeOKwithsuffitresttolesseension,spsheshouldbealright.”

“That’sgood!That’sgood”excimedagreatlyrelievedAisha.LotustappedDornaontheshouldersaying

“Hey,naughtylittlegirl,youarereallybrave.Youdaretofightwiththebarbarians.IfitwereI,IwouldhavefaintedawayrightbesideAngelica!”

“That’snothing!”boastedDorna,heair.“KingDimitritaughtmesomeesekungfu,whichIusedtosendthemsprawliime,IwillrideAmalia’sbroomandflyintotheairandbatZeushimselfoneonone!”

“Don’tbrag!”admonishedAishaseriously.“ThistimeyouwononlywiththehelpoftheceoustigersKojakandCortez.Otherwiseyoutoowouldhavebeeasacrificeofthebarbarians.Ifthereisaime,don’tshowoffandthrowyhtaround.”Dornamadeaicalface.QueenAishaturoLotusandsaid,

8

“It’sgettingte.etothesidehalndhavedihus.”Lotusthoughtforamoment,thenreplied.

“IfIgowithyouandAngelicawakesup,shewouldfretandbescaredagain.Ihadbetterstayhereandkeepherpany.”

“That’sgood.Iwillsendyourdinnersherethen.”Sayingso,shewentdowairswithDorna.

TherestofthebeautiesfiledintothesidehalldiningroomafterAisha.Aftertheywereallseated,thepaceattendantslightedthedlesoableinfrontofthem.Theflickeringdlelightseemedlonelyandforlorninthedeepeningdusk,afarcryfromthejoyoustimeswhenallthebeautiesgatheredtogetherherewithKingDimitri,enjoyingluxuriousbas,ughinganddrinkinginanatmosphereofwarmthandgeniality.Thebeautiessattherewiththeirheadsbowed,slowlyandsilentlychewingthefoodsetbeforetheshalookedatWhiteFairyandasked,

“WhiteFairy,hastherebeenanynewsofKingDimitritely?”WhiteFairydidnotpartakeofearthlyfoodandwasonlydrinkingsomeredwine.Shereplied,

“Iwenttowaitforhimathisstudioapartmentbytheke,buttherethetableandchairswerecoveredwithdust,tellingmehehasn’tbeenbackthereforquitesometime.Idon’tknowwherehehasgoo.”

“IsawMegginnstnight”saidAisha“andtalkedtoherforalittlewhile.ShetoldmeKingDimitriandsomeofthebeautiesfromtheKingdomhaveopenedupasmallbakerysellingbreadandpastries.Iwonderwhy?”ThebeautieslookedatAishainsurprise.

“What!”saidDorna.“KingDimitribakebread?Itseemsthere’snothinghe’tdo!”

“Whatishethinkingof?”mutteredAisha,swallowingthefoodinhermouth.“HeleaveshisKingdomwithoutathoughtaoopenupasmallbakery!ImustaskhimaboutthistheimeIseehim.”Natalie,theballerina,wasalighteaterasshewasusedtobeingonastridiettokeepdownherweightsoshecoulddanimblyandlightlyonstage.Shewasthefirsttofinishhermeandstoodup.WhiteFairyalsostoodupawoofthemtooktheirleaveofAisha.SoonNovelandElinaalsotooktheirleave.elledrankhergssofredwineandstoodup.

“Justaminuteelle”saidAisha.“CouldyoupleaseaskoheattendantstosendupsomedioLotusandAngelica?We’tletthemgohungry.”

8

“Noproblem.IwillbriheirdinnermyselfasIwasabouttogoandvisitthem.”

“Waitforme!”saidDornawhostooduphurriedly,hermouthstillfulloffood.“Waitforme!Iwillgowithyou!”AftertheyhadleftonlyAishaandDeannawereleftinthealmostemptydiningroom.Theytoohadfiing.DeannaturoAishaandsaid,

“YourMajesty.WhiteFairytoldmeyouhavesomethingtoaskme.”

“Yes.”repliedAisha.“Iwanttoknowhowtheminingprojectisgoi’sgoandtalkaboutitinthesmallparlor.”

Inasmallparlorinthesidehall,thefireinthefirepcewasburningmerrily.AishaandDeannasatdownonthesofabytheFrendows.AishawasserenelydrinkinghercoffeeandDeannapinghercupofherbteafromtimetotime.Theatmospherewastranquindquiet.Aishabegantheversationbysaying,

“Let’sbeginwiththeminingproject.Howisitgoing?”

“Yes,yourmajesty.Afterwefoundthemineraldeposits,wesuccessfullymihem.Acctotheexperts,theironreserveshereareextremelyabundant.Weootapasmallportionofit.Furnaceshavebeenbuiltbyindigenousnativemethodsandtheyhavecutdowntreesfromtheforesttouseasfuel.Thefireinthefurnacesgoesonnon-stopdayandnight.Thestrooftheyouhetribeshavebeenchosentotreadthewindmillsandwereformedintogroupstoworkinshifts.Someofthefurnaceshavealreadyproducedironingots.Acctothetribaleldersweonlyhavetomelttheseironingotsintoliquidformanditisreadytobegildedontoothermetal.Butwehavenoideahowtodothegilding.”

“That’sgreat!That’sgreat!Youhaveallworkedveryhard.PleaseveyKingDimitri’sandmyheartfeltthankstothechieftainsaribesmen.Siheworkhasproceededsosuccessfully,KingDimitri’spromisetoZeussoonbefulfilled.Nocostistoohighandnoworktoohard,ifitmeansKingDimitrikeephiswordtoZeus.”

“Yes,yourmajesty.”

“Idon’tknowwhy,butwehaveheardnothingfromRomi,whomwesentouttolearnaboutthetestteologyandgilding.Iamsurprisedandpuzzledandwillsendoutsomeoofindoutwhatisgoingon.”Theversatioforamoment.ThenDeannasuddenlysaid,

90页

“Yourmajesty,thereissomethingI’mnotsurewhetherIshouldmentiontoyou.”

“Whatisit?Ifyouhavesomethingtotellme,pleasefeelfreetosayit.Don’tbestrained.”

Deannacollectedherthoughts,reviewedtheofeventsinhermindandthenretedthefollowingstorytoAisha.

Shortlyafternoontime,aboutwhenthebarbarianswerediscoveredencroagontheKingdom,Deannawasiintheforestheminialkingtosomechieftainsaboutproceduresandrateressoftheminingproject.Whentheycameoutofthetentafterthemeeting,theyweregreetedwitharaordinarysight.Hundredsofapes,somewalkingontheground,someswingingfromtreetotreeintheforestroceedinginthesamedire.Deannaandthechieftainswerecuriousbecausetherewasnothinginthatdireexceptsheercliffsandprecipitousines.Whywouldsomanyapesmakeforsuimpasse?Theyfollowedstealthily,hidingbehindrgerodtreessoasnottoattracttheattentionofthismovinggroup.Theypassedthroughdeahickets,climbeduptrailingvioahillside.Bythentheirclotheswereshreddedbythebranchesandjuttingrocks.Hidingbehindahugerock,theypeekedoutandwereshockedbytheunbelievableseenactedbeforetheirhorrifiedeyes.Hundredsofapesstoodinanorderlyfileaotheirdeathintothefathomlessabyssbelow.Amongthemweresomefemaleapescarryingnew-borheirarms.Theytoojumpeddowomlesschasm.Thesilverbackmaleape,whoseemedtobetheleaderofthepack,lookedbackattheforest,thefamiliarpcewherehewasbornandgrewup.Helookedupattheskiesandhowledtragicallybeforehetoojumpeddownthecliff.Deannaandthechieftainscameoutofhiding,shockedbeyondwordsbythemassivetragedythathadjustoccurred.Oneachieftainmutteredunderhisbreath

“Thisisnotagoodomen.Thisisreallynotagoodomen......”Deanna,everalert,wasimmediatelysensitivetopossiblesequencesamoribesshouldatsofthisibespread,sosheimmediatelysaid,

“Idon’tthinkthisisagoodomeher,butpleasedoatsofthisibespreadoutsideofthepeoplepresenthere,asitwillcauseinstabilityandhavothetribesmenhearofthis.Ohepeoplebeejitteryandpanicky,itwillbehardforustopleteourprojeschedule,whichwillleadtoeveertrouble.”Thechieftainsheirheadssaying,

“Yht.Ourlipsaresealed.Nowordofthisiwillleavethishillside.Nowisacriticaltime,especiallywithKingDimitriabsentfromtheKingdom.PleaseassureQueenAishawewilldoourbest.Wesuggestsheanizeargereligiousventiontobegheavenforblessing.Iamsureitwilldoalotofgoodandbringludhappidom.”

“Sure.IwillletQueenAishaknowofyourrequest.”AfterhearingDeanna’satofthei,Aishagaveherathumbupandsaid,

“Youdidverywell,Deanna.Firstofall,yousquashedtherumorbeforeithadacetospread.That’sthemosteffitmethodtocopewiththissituation.Sedly,thewishofthepeopletanizeareligiousventiontosupplicatetheheavensforblessingisareasonableandlogicalrequestandshouldbegranted.IwillsubmittheirpetitiontoKingDimitriater.Thingsshouldbeprioritizedinorderofimportahereligiousventionwillhavetowaituntiltheminingprojectisfihirdly,whetherthismasssuicideoftheapesjumpingdownthecliffisabadomenornotishardtosay.Peopleofteomixallkindsoffarfetchedanduedanaloguestogetherandgivethemstraierpretations,untiltheybeesomethingelsealtogether.Thisisthesourceofsuperstition.Animalsoftengetheirbehaviorandaormallyduetogesinclimate,terrainorsomeirresistiblefactor.Thishasnothingtodowithgoodorbadomen.OfcourseIwilllookintoit,gatherinformationandmateriandtalktoexpertsinanimalpsychologicalbehavioraboutit.We’lltalkaboutitwhenweetoadefiniteclusion.”Deannanodded.ShehadagreatrespectforQueenAisha’sabilitytoanalyzeeverythingclearlyahodically.Aishatinued,

“Rumorsarereallyterrible.Taketherethappeningsindomforexample.Stephanie’sdyingprophesy,Charmaine’sdisappearandClementine’sdissolvingherfleshbodyinthekewaterhavespreadfarandwide,causinguandfearamongthepeople.Ifnewsofhundredsofapescollectivelyjumpedoffasteepcliffinamassivesuicideweretospread,domwouldcolpseinternallywithoutaernattack.”Aishadecidedthatshewouldcallthechieftainstoherthedayandtalktothemfranklyontheseriousnessofthesituation.Shewouldgiveciseorderstoputagagonthismostretevent.

9

elleandDornacarriedboxesoffoodupthestairsandwalkedintoAngelica’sroovelwastakingAngelica’stemperatureandbloodpressure.ShewasaqualifiedR.N.,whohadbeeehusband’sprivatenurse,sosheknewhowtotakecareofsickpeople.Allvitalsignsbeingnormal,ElinaaskedAngelica,

“Howareyoufeeling?Everythingseemsnormalnow.”

“Ijusthadagoodnapandamfeelingmuchbetter,butthereisspasmsometimesinmyhandsa.”elleopeheboxesoffoodandsaid,

“Eatsomething.Itwillgiveyth.”Angelicalookedatthesumptuousfoodintheboxandsaid,

“Mycheststillfeelsstifled.Iwouldlikeagssofredwine.”

“Redwineisgood”repliedElina.“Itwillhelpsettleyou.Eatterwhenyouarehungry.”Lotusmeanwhilefelthungryandwassittingdowlyeatingherdinner.AngelicasaidtoDorna,

“TherearesomebottlesofgoodwihewineetthatKingDimitrihadstoredforalongtime.Wouldyoupleasegetoneforus?”Dornadidsoandpoppedoutthecork.Thefragrahewineimmediatelypermeatedtheroom.

“Hm-hm”saidhiswileastaturyold!!”Shepoppedopentwomorebottlessaying,

“HoweKingDimitri’swioredhere?Doalltoyourself,let’sshareit!”Thebeautiesallknewshewasafrankandstraightforersonandsaidwhatshethoughtwithoutthinkingtwiceaboutit,soookoffeoherwords.Lotussaid,

“WeshouldinviteQueenAishaheretopartakeofthiswonderfulwine.”

9

“Ofcourseweshould,”saidDorna.“Ihaveanestion.Angelicaisverytimid.Whydon’tweallstayheretonightandkeepherpany?”

“Maybenot”saidElina.“Itmaydisturbmypatient’sslumber.”

“Ohno,no,no!”interruptedAngelica.“Thatwillbefiwillmakemefeelwarmandsafeaive.Dorna’ssuggestionisjustmycupoftea!”

“Butthere’sonlyonebedhereandsomesofas,”saidNovel.“Youwantustosithereforthewholenight?”

“Thatproblemiseasilysolved”repliedDorna.“Whydon’tweallgobacktoourroomsandbringourownbeddingshere,pillows,bsandquilts.Thecarpetissothinkandsoft.Justcoveritwithafewquiltsanditwillbeveryfortable.WewillsleeponthefloorandkeepAngelica’spany.Wechattoourheart’stent.Whoeverfeelssleepysleep.Thosewhodon’twanttosleepchatthenightaway.”SeeiesseagertokeepthemhereandwithDorhusiasticaboutasleep-over,thebeautiescurredandthoughtthiswasanovendiingexperience.

AishaandDeannawalkedupthestairsandheardughteraedversationingfromAngelica’sroom.Theysawthebeautieswalkingbusilytoandfrpillows,quilts,bsandallkindsofbeddingandwonderedwhatwasgoingon.Dornawalkeduptothemandtoldthementhusiasticallyoftheirpnsforasleep-overhere.Aishawasiheirfestivespiritandsaidnothingtostopthemfromdoingso.Dornabroughtheragssoftheredwine.Aishatookasip,feltthefragrahistury-oldwineandsaid,

“Wow!Goodwine!”Whenthebeautieshadsettleddownandpletedtheirsleepingarras,QueenAishasaid,

“Let’snotstandonceremonytonight.Beateaseanddowhateveryoufeellike.Yousitorsleepordowhateverpleasesyou.”ShelookedatAngelidsaid,“Youlookmuchbetter.Feelingalright?”Angelicastoodupandsaid,

“Thankyou,yourmajesty.Iamfeelingmuchbetternow.”

“Ijusttoldyounottostandonceremony”admonishedAishagently.“Whydidyouhavetostandup?Sit.Sitdown.”IoftendeplorethefactthatbygiviitleofQueen,KingDimitrihasdeprivedmeoftheclose,sister-likeretionshipweusedtohave.Whydidhehavetogivemethetitle?Ithasdrawnaninvisibleliweenus.TheimeIseehim,Iwillbeghimtotakebackthetitle.Thenwebesisterslikewewerebeforeandeveryonewillbemuchcloser!”Thebeautiesughedandsaid,

9

“Courtetiquettemustbeobserved.Youarehonoredandlovedbyalloursubjedonlyyouarefirtobeourqueen.”QueenAishahelduphergssandsaid,

“Let’sdrinktoAngelica.Mayshefullyrecoversoon.”Everyonehelduptheirgssandsaid,

“Cheers!”QueenAishaturoNatalieandasked,

“Haveyouposedanynewdalyforustoenjoy?”

“Yes,yourmajesty,”repliedNatalie.“Retly,IhavewrittedahestoryofCharmaineaiakethepartofClementine,afleshandbloodbeautyandWhiteFairyisCharmaine,anillusionwithnosubstawhoreallyexists.Thedanceisfinished,butretlyWhitefairyhasbeenverybusyflyingaroundalloverthepce,sowehaven’thadmuchceforrehearsal.”QueenAishagncedpensivelyoutofthewindow,wifshewouldeverseethetwinnymphsagaininthislifetime.KingDimitrimusthavethesamefeeling,shethought.Natalietinued,

“Retly,IamposinganothersolodanceforWhitefairy.Onlysheandnooneelsedoit.Sheissolightaherealthatsheisabletodaoeonwater.Ipcethesebythekewithitscrystalclearbluewatersunderobscuremoonlight.Whitefairywilldanetimesasapuffofsmoke;sometimesasaslendergirl,hertoespyingwiththesurfaceofthewater.Whatdoyouthinkofmyidea?Isohopeagoodartistcouldimmortalizethisseonvas.”

“Good,”saidQueenAisha.“Thisideaisverygood.Welookforwardtoseeingtheperformaheotherbeautieswerealsoexcitedaboutitandaddedinchildlikeenthusiasm,

”Yes,rehearseitquickly!”

“Weotwaittoseethisartisticperformance”

Afterawhile,QueenAishathoughtofsomethingandasked,

9

“HasanyoneseenMr.Fingerretly?Ihaven’tseenhiminquiteawhileandamafraidsomethingmighthavehappeohim.HeisKingDimitri’sgoodfrieemperamentaliremeandimpulsivewithnosenseht.Iamworriedhemightbeintrouble.”

“It’sgoodwedon’tseehim”saidDorna.“IamalwaysangrywhenIdo.Lookathislustful-lookingeyes,alwayscastingfurtiveandshiftygwomen.Hisobselooksmakemesick.HeshouldbedrivenoutoftheKingdom.”

“Right”saidNovel.“Yht!OnedayIwastakinganap.Somehowhegotonmybedandwokemeupcrawlingaroundmyprivateparts.Iflippedawaymybandsawitwashim,soIcriedout‘Whatareyoudoinghere?’Heactuallysaidthathewaslookingforsomething!Isn’tthatawful?ToletsuchalittlemanroamfreelyintheKingdomisreallynotalogicalthingtodo.”Lotus’cheeksturnedredasshesaidtoNovel,

“Iwasashamedtotalkaboutit,butsinceyoualreadystarted,Iwanttthisoutintheopentoo.Thatday,whileIwasalsosleeping,Mr.Fiuallywascrawlingaroundmyprivatepartsandwokemeup!Itoldhimthatwasarivatepartandhehadnobusihere.Heactuallysaid,‘MynameisMr.Finger.SinceIamafinger,IgoanywhereIwant.Why’tIgothere?’Don’tyouthinkthat’stoomuch?Hisrebuttalwassorudeandeousitmademecrywithangerandfrustration.Onlywhenhesawmytearsdidheslinkaway.”

“Whywereyouashamedtomentionit?”inquiredDorna.“Weshouldallsaywhatwethink.IwilltalktoKingDimitriaboutbanishinghimfrdom.”Thenormallyretitellesaid,

“AlthoughMr.Fingerisinedtolustafterwomen,heisnotallbad.Heisnottotallyobliviousthtandwronganddoeshaveasensehteousness.ShethentoldofhowMr.Fingerjumpedfroma5-storeyverandausinghishandkerchiefasaparachuteandgotKingDimitritoeandhelpherwhenthatthugBig-Owasattemptingtorapeher.seeBook1

“SinceheisagoodfriendofKingDimitri’s”saidQueenAisha,“weotbetoohardonhiwilltalktohimaboutitandwewilldecideonwhattodo.”Sayingso,shestoodupandsaid,

“Iamgoingtobed.Don’tstayuptalkingtoote.Goodnight!”

“Ohno!”criedDornaindismay.“You’releaving?You’renotgoingtojoinoursleep-overandchatthroughthenight?”QueenAishasmiledandshookherhead.Inherheartshekhatherpresencewouldonlyputadamperonthespiritsofthebeautiesandthatrestraihedisparityoftheirmutualstations,thebeautieswouldnotfeelfreetoactwithoutrestraint.Shelefttogivethemfreerein.Thoughshetalkedaboutdoingawaywiththeinvisibleboundariesthatseparatedherfromherformersisters,sheknewsuchbordersoteasilybeerased.

QueenAishawentbacktoherluxuriousquartersandsatdownonhercssical18thturyhighbackchairwithtwoarmrests.Apaceattendantpcedacrystalbasinbeforeherfeet,pouredwarmwaterintoitandQueenAishaputherbeautifuljadelikefeetintothewater.ThiswasaroutistartedwhenKingDimitritoldherthesecretthatanightlysoakinginwarmwaterwouldhelpherrecoverfromthefatigueofthedayandeogetabetternight’ssleep.QueenAishafoundthatitnotonlydidthatbutalsohelpedhertrationandpowerofanalysis.Manyofherbestthesistainedilluminatingthoughtsthatcametoheratnightwhenshewassoakingherfeet.Buttonight,QueenAishawasnotinthemoodtoponderonanyacademicthesisbecauseshesetaurbed.ShewasthinkingabouthowtocurtailMr.Finger’sirrationanderroneousasandcametotheclusiowaywastofindhimafemaleterpart.Butwhereintheworldcouldshefindadiminutivewomanofhissizea?Itwouldbeoimpossible.Atthistime,QueenAishahadnowayofknowingthatMr.FingerhadalreadyfoundauniquepanioninVioandilyenjoyinghishoneymoon,thehappiesttimeofhislife.

9

AhingthatdistressedherevenmorewasMedusa’sretreportonCyclops.ShesaidthatlesurveilnceshowedthatthesightofCyclefronteyeseemedtohavepletelyrecovered,buthestillwalkedbackwardssometimes.Itmaybemisdireonhisparttohoodwinkusandurgedustobevigint.QueenAishaknewMedusa’seyesweresharperthanahawk’s,thatherreportcouldnotbewrong.Cyclopswasoverwhelmedwithlust.Itburntlikefireinhim.Wasn’tthisinsatiablesexuappetite,thisdesiretopossessalltwenty-fourofKingDimitri’sbeautiesthatcausedacrisiswhichalmostdestroyedtheKingdomofDreams?KingDimitrihadwanderedfarandwideintothemundaneworldandtherewasnoknowingwhenhewouldbeback.Wasn’tthisagreatopportunityforCyclopstodoasheliked?IfhedecidedtoiheKingdom,wouldMedusaalonebeabletostophim?ThesetwoetricithrlibidosiheKingdom,onebigonesmall,bothcapableofcreatinghavoccausedQueenAishagraveandgavehermanysleeplessnights.

“AhKingDimitri”shesighedinwardly.“Whenwillyoueback?HowIcarrythisheavyloadalone?Doyoumeaydomandthebeautiesherewholongforyoudayandnight?”Thepaceattendantwhostoodnearbyaskedgently,

“YourMajesty,thewaterisgettingcold.ShallIaddsomehotwatertoit?”

“No,thankyou”Aishareplied.“Iamgoingtobed.”

Duskhaddesdedandthebusyafterworktraffichadsloweddowntoatrickle.Daylighthourswereshorternowthatitwasclosetowinter.Darknesscameonearlyandwithitthetemperaturedroppedsharply.Thereweren’tmanycarsorpedestriansoreet.OnlyafewcarsoftheemployeesstilldottedthehugeparkinglotofWorldBank,buttheareaallottedtothetopbrassofthebankwasatfullcapacity,crammedwithexpensivename-brandcars.Obviously,thepreparatorymeetingcalledbythenewleadershipoftheCEO,upperma,boardofdirectorsandstock-holderswasstillinprogress.RichardandJamazhadseizedthetrondmaofWorldBankusiremeforce,adramaticcoupd’etatenactedbeforetheeyesoftheentireboardofdirectorsandstockholders.Iably,ithadleftanunfavorablemarkonthemindsofthosepresentausofWorldBankasagiantofthefinancialindustrywithaservativeandrocksolidreputationhadsuffered.Thisfidencecrisisoberepaired,soMegginndecidedtocalgeneralstockholdermeetingagainassoonasthenewmace,toshowcaseabrandnewleadership,fullofvigorandvitality,owerfulnewresolution.Samantha,thevice-presidentofWorldBankwasabsentfromthisimportantpreparatorymeeting.Shewasbusywithanotherimportanttaskthatobetakencareof.Shekhatwhegeneralmeetingwascalled,therewouldfivesixhundredpartitsandsuffitamountofrefreshmentsmustbeprepared.Thiswasaformidableassignotonlybecauseofthequantityneeded,butalsothequality,whichmustbesuchastosatisfythepamperedtastesofthestockholders.Atfirstshewasjustgoingtohireacatererwhospecializedindesserts,butthehoughtsheshouldtalktoDimitri.Perhapshemightbeiedintakingonthisbigjob.WhenSamanthatalkedtoDimitriaboutit,hewasquiteenthusiastic.

“It’sforoneofmyownbusinesses.Whynottakeonthechallenge?”Hewentaboutbusilymakingupthemenu,writingdownalistofmaterialstobuyandarrangeforenoughstafftogetthejobdone.Everythinghadtobepiculouslyinadvance.

Alltoosoon,thebigdaywasnear.Everyonewasdashingaboutfranticallytryingtogetthingsdoneacctoschedule,butofprimarytoDimitriwastheoldproblemofckofhands.LuckilyRichardandJamazbroughtfreshhelptotheshop,Mara,thegypsygirl.Asithappened,RichardandJamazwerelonthebusycitystreetsasweretheirwont,whetentionwascaughtbythequick,melodiousbeatofaseriesofnotesingfromsomeonepyingaguitaratanearbystreeter.Thentheyheardafamiliarvoigingagypsysong,romantidsad,tihtheSpanishFmingostyle.Theyquicklyturnedaerandwalkedtowardsthemusic.Theysawaslender,gracefulyounggirlleaningagainstthewall,singingandpyiar,withatinatherfeet,intowhichpeoplehadthrownsomeloosege,sanddolrbills.Thegirlwasfocusedonhermusidtooknonoteofhersurroundingsuntiltheend.Sheheardhandsgandsawtwomenwalkedtowardsher.OnfurtherobservationshesawitwasheroldfriendsRichardandJamaz.Thethreeofthemweresohappytomeetagainonthebusystreeterthattheyhuggedeachotherwarmly.

“DoyouknopeoYoko?”sheasked.“IinquiredeverywhereIgobutnoooknow.Doyouknowwheresheisnow?”

“Doyouwanttoseeher?”askedRichardsmiling.“FollowmeandIwillbringyoutoseenotonlyYoko,butalsosomeotheroldfriends.”

“Really!”excimedMara.“That’swonderful.”Sheshoulderedherguitar,pickedupherbelongingsontheground,stuffedthemoneyfromthetintoherpocketsahreeofthemhurriedaway.

9

Thatday,itwasbusinessasusuatDream-maker’sBakery.Buttheyweresoshort-haheywereonlywhatwasontheshelvesandwouldnotreplenishthestock.TheonlyoneinfronttakingcareofbusinesswasAmalia.Bynoontimeeverythinghadbeensold.ThedoorwasclosedandAmaliasatbythetertingthecash.Shediditoverandain,butthesumtotalnevercameoutthesame.Thatistosay,hertingwasnevercorrect.ButAmaliadidomindandyjustsittingtheretingmoherestofthestaffwerebusyattheback,wtoexhaustionwithperspiratioingtheirclothesbecausetheWorldBankferencewasscheduledforthedayandallproductsforthemeetingmustbefiheendoftheday.DimitrihadbeentrainingRichardandJamazallweekonhowtoworktheovewomayseemiandckadaisicalmostofthetime,theystepuptothepteandreallydeliveratcriticaljunctures.Then,theirasareswiftandeffit,muitri’sgratification.Theyhadanothererrand–delivery.Whentheproductswerebakedandpackedintoboxes,thetwoofthemwouldcarrythemtoRichard’sdipidatedtrureagWorldBank,theywoulddelivertheboxestotheemployee’scafeteria.Whentheywereoutdeliveringgoods,MarkandLavernewouldtakeoverthetendingoftheoven.Markwasretardedandcouldnotworkindepely,buthewasstrongasanox.WithLavernebyhissidetohelpanddirecthim,heworkedonhappily.Marawasthenewer,butYokotookherinhandandshebecamequiteapetentworker.Thenimblefingerswhichseticallypyedtheguitarwerejustaslivelyatwork.NottingDimitri,SheiandMarywerethetwoskilledpastrychefsintheworkroomandtheyusedboththeirbrainsandtheirhands,usingtheirpotentialphysicalfunstothemaximufterwork,SamanthaandMegginnalsocametohelpinaspiritofcamaraderie,neverfeelingthattheirpresentpositionofpresidentandvice-presidentofWorldBankmadethemsuperiorinanywaytotheothers.Assoonastheycamein,theywoulddonanapronadoithano-nonseitude.Timewentbyhourafterhour.Amaliawouldsometimesein,butiyshecausedmoremischiefthanhelp.Insustances,Dimitriwouldeoveranddivertherattentionelsewhere.Whentimewasoftheessenceeveryminutereciousandnottobewasted.Amaliaseemediedintakingdessertfromthebakiandpagthemintoboxes.Butherattentionspanwasshortandsoonshewouldwanderbacktothefrontandstarttingmoneyagain.Nightfell.Dimitrisawthat90%oftheprojectwasdone,soheletoutasighofreliefandrexedhistensemuscles.Themoodintheworkshopalsobegantoeasedownabitandentsandughterwasonceagainheard.Someoartedhumming.

Twht,powerfulheadlightsswungacrossthepavementandahalf-oldtaxicameoutoftheparkinglotstructurewhereOliverKaffee,theardentandfanaticalcarlover,usedtohaveexclusiverightsto.Therehestoredhismanyexpensivesportscar,sedansandSUVs.Amongthosehigh-priame-brandowparkedtwohalf-oldtaxicars,especiallyboughtfortheuseofMegginnandSamantha,thepresidentandvice-presidentofWorldBank.Sometimes,whentheywereoutonpersonalerrands,orwhentheywenttomeetDimitriorothermemberssotheKingdomofDreams,theywoulddisguisethemselvesanddrivetheseinspicuousrentalcarsioavoidrousingunwaention.NowSamanthadroveoutwithherkangacappulledlowdownonherforeheadandwearingapairofold,goofygssesthatcoveredhalfherface.Thosebeautiful,bewitgeyesbehindthelensesseemeddulndlistless.ShestoppedbythesecurityguardcheckpointandhegaveheraknowingsmileandmadeaVsignwithhisfingers.Samanthanoddedheraowledgementandquicklydroveaway.ShehadtalkeditoverwithMegginn.TheyagreedsheshouldgofirstatheBakeryandMegginnwouldeassoonasthepreparatorymeetingeheyheardthatthelong-lostMarahadbeenfoundandtherewastobeawelepartyforheraftertheworkwasdoneifeverythismoothly.WorldBankwasnotfarfromtheBakery,onlyabout10-15minutesawaybycar.SamanthadrovepastthekeandfromadistanceawayshecouldseeRichardandJamazloadingboxesontoRichard’sdipidatedtruck.HedidnotstartthecarimmediatelybuttookouttwobottlesofbearandgaveooJamaz.Theytwistedopenthelidanddrankamouthful.Theookoutacigarette,lighteditandstoodbythetrunkcoollysmokinganddrinking.Samanthakhenthateverythingwasgoingsmoothlyandtheyevenhadfihework.RichardandJamazalsosawSamanthacrossireetfromtheoppositeside,wearingfadedbluejeansandadenimjacket.Theclotheswereloosefittingandfortable,butcouldnothideherslenderwaistandfabulousfigure.Samanthawavedtothemandsaid,

“Hi!Goodevening.Howareyou?Howarethingsgoing?”

“Everything’sOK”repliedRichard.“Thisisthestdeliveryandthenwe’llbedoheyareallinthereingup.”

“Thatfast?It’snoteven8o’clockyet!Imustgoinandhelporit’llbetoote.”Sayingso,shewalkedthroughthebackdoor.RichardandJamazfiheirbeer,steppedontheircigarettebuttandstartedupthetruaketheirstdelivery.

SamanthacrossedthebackyardintotheworkroomandsawMarkingahuge,clumsybucketusedformixingdough.Lavernewashosingdownthekneadingboardsandtheremnantflour,butter,creamandothermaterialsdroppedonthefloor.Dimitriwasscrappingandingtheboardswithabrush.YokoandMarcelweremoppingthefloor.WhereverLaverne’shosewent,theyfollowedwiththeirmops.MaryandSheiwerewashingdirtytoolsandinstrumentsinwarmwater.Thiswasnotaaskastheywereallstidoilywithbutter,creamanddoughandcouldonlybeedater.Samanthawalkedinsaying,

“Sorrytobete.Sorry.You’veallbeenwhard.Letmehelp.I’mte.”Sayingso,shetookoffherkangadgoofygsses,rolleduphersleevesandpreparedtohelpwiththework.

“Isthatyou,Samantha?”askedDimitri.“We’realmostdonehere.Whydon’tyougointothekitauptheesetake-outsthatweorderedinthemicrowaveoven?Wehaveien,friedridoodstuff.We’vebeenwnon-stopalldaytomeetthedead-lineandhaven’thadtimetostopaadetmeal.Alsoutthegoodwiheback;we’llhaveapartytowelaraback.”

“OK.Noproblem”shesaidandwalkedtowardsthekit.SoonMegginnalsohurriedinsaying,

“Sorry.Sorry.I’mte.”Shetookoffhercap,releasingamassofgoldenhair,keptinpcebyahairband.DimitrikwasMegginnandasked,

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“Howdidthepreparatorymeetinggo?”

“Noproblehegeneralmeetingtomorrowwillbeapieceofcake.”

“That’sgreat.That’sgreat.You’rejustintimeforourpartytowelara.”

Megginnlookedaroundatherpanionsandsawtheyalllookedverytired.Theirhairwasamessandmanyhadtracesofflourandbutterypoundsontheirfadclothes.Theywerewetayandnonelookedliketheirusualpretty,debonairself.

“Isuggestourbeautiesgoandupandgeintosomethingandfortable.Aftertheyhaverestedupalittlewe’llhaveourparty.”Everyoneagreedaupthestairstotheirroomstoupanddressup.MegginnturnedandsawAmaliasittingonachair,yawningsleepily.Shewasgettingalongiiredeasily.

“Amalia,youaretired.Wouldyoulikemetohelpyoutoyourroomsoyousleep?”Amalianoddedhersent.Perhapssleepisherhighestenjoyment.MegginntookAmaliaupstairstoherroom,attendedoingherreadyforbedandsoonheardsoftsoundsofsn.MegginnwalkeddowairssawSamanthabusilywalohekitaohelpher.Shetookoutthewarmedupfood,pcedthemonthemakeshifttableintheworkshopahetable.Whenallwasready,MegginnlookedaroundandsaidtoDimitri,whowassittingnearby,

“Thisdoesn’tlookquiteright.Something’swro’sthelighting.Thisfluorestlightistooplebeianandunrefined.Let’sturnitoffandusedlelightinstead.Howaboutthat?”

“Uptoyou”saidDimitrismiling.“Dowhateveryouwant.WhateveryouthinkisalrightisOKwithme.”Megginnlookedaround,foundsomedlesanddleholdersandputthemattheterofthetable.Shelightedthedlesandturnedoffthelight.dlelightflickeredandshone,seemingtadreamlikequalitytotheroom.Theyounggirlscamedowairs,alledupandtheyhadputontheirhes.Ah,theresilienceofyouth!Theyseemtohaveendlessphysicalstrengthandenergy.Nomatterhowtiredtheywere,alittlerestandtheyweregoodashegirlshadregaiheirglowiyandradiatedhealth,youthandenergy.Everyoarouablemadeupofboards.Dimitrihelduphisgssandsaid,

“Cheers!”Everyonehelduptheirgssesandsaid,

“Cheers!”Theydrankandthealkingaing.Soontheroomwasfilledwithsoundsofughterandhappy,excitedversation.

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“Howaboutsomemusic?”saidMary.

“Mara,”saidDimitri.“Wehaven’theardyourbeautifulvoidmagnifitguitarforalongtime.Howaboutsingingasongforus?”Everyonenoddedandcpped,ting,

“Mara!”“Mara!”“Asong!”“Singforus!”

Marcelstoodupsmiling,tookupherguitarandpluckedafewuneupherinstrumentandwasabouttosing,whensuddenlyapuffofsmokeflewinfromthedoor,encircledtheroomafewtimesandthenmadeforavase.ThereitturoasnowwhiteEasterlily.

Everyoneexcimedinsurpriseandamazement,

“Isthatyou,WhiteFairy?”

“Isthatyou?”

“Whydon’tyouappearbeforeus?’

“Whyareyouhidinginthevase?”

”IneedsomeclothesbeforeIeout”repliedWhiteFairyshyly.TheneveryonerealizedthatbecauseMarkwasthere,astrangerandaman,WhiteFairywastooshyandembarrassedtoappearbeforethemwithoutanyclothesouralstateasanakedbeauty.Marywalkedovertothevase,liftedouttheflowersaying,

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“Sorry.Itwascarelessofme.Pleaseewithme.”aupthestairswiththewhitelily.Soonshecamedown,followedbyaslender,younggirlwithaheadofsnowwhitehair.Herskinwasdelicateandsmooth,herfeaturesasexquisiteasapainting.Shehadanairthatirituandunworldly.EveryonesqueezedtightertogetheratthetabletomakespacefginnpssofredwineforherandeveryonehelduptheirgssesandtoastedWhitefairy.WhiteFairytookasipandputdownhergss.Shedidnotpartakeofhumanfood,onlyoccasionallydrinkingsomeredwine.Hercheekswerealreadybeginningtobeflushed.

“WhiteFairy”saidDimitriturningtoher,“Howdidyoufindus?”WhiteFairyseemedinsedandgrievous.Shesaid,

“QueenAishasehemundaneworldtofindoutpeoRomi.Ididn’tknowwheretostart,soIwenttoyourapartmenttowaitforyou.Butyoudidnotgothereforalongtime.IcouldonlylookaroundeverywheretoseeifIcouldfindaclue.ThiseveningIsawataxihurtlebyandthedriverlookedlikeSamantha.Ifollowedherandsawherwalkintothishousethroughthebackdoor.Iwouldhavefollowedher,butthereweretwobig,stroandingoutsideandIdidn’tdaretoein.”

“ThatmustbeRichardandJamaz”saidYoko.“Theyareoodfriends.Youbeafraidofthem”

“Aftertheyleft,”tinuedWhiteFairy“IsawMegginndivingaaxistophereandwalkinside.SoIkhismustbetheDream-maker’sBakeryQueenAishamentioned.SoIcrashedthegatesuninvited.”OnhearieFairy’sstory,thebeautiesbeganchattingandughing.Someonesaid,

“YhttoeinWhiteFairy,otherouldnotbereunitedoncemore.”Everyoneughed.ButWhiteFairymumbledasiftalkingtoherself,

“RetlyalotethingshappenedindoventheGodofWealthinKingDimitri’ssecretroomsomehoearedandpeoplesaidhehadfled.domisyae.Everywhereyougoitislonelyandforlorn.MedusanotonlyhastodefendtheKingdom,butmustalsobepreparedtoresistaeriattacks.Deannaisbusyco-coordinatingthevarioustribesonminingiron.QueenAishaisleftalooshouldertheheavyloadofrunningtheKingdomandfagsomanycrises.Sheisoerhooks,livinginay,buthereyouareeating,drinkingandpartyingandhaven’tbeenbacktotheKingdomforalongtime.Don’tyouthinkitwouldmakeQueenAishafeelletdownanddisappointed?”

Herwordseffectivelysileheughterandchatterofthebeauties.Dimitriuoodtheveiledreprimahherwordsandthought,

“Iamwrongnottogobackforsuchalongtime.ButStephanie’sdyingprophenotbeignored.Imustprepareforthefutureandfindsomewhereforthebeautiestoretreattoshouldherprophesyetrue.Thisismydilemmatoresolve,butnotsharingitwithQueenAishahadcausedherunnecessarypain,ayandmisuanding.IotleavethesecurityofmywholeKingdomonherslendershouldersalohisisnhtandunjust.ThebeautiesIleftintheKingdomdonotknowthewhereaboutsoftheirking.Thisisirresponsiblebehavior.Inaword,itisallmyfault.SinceIhaved,Imusttrytomakeamends.”Turningtothebeauties,hesaid,

“Yes.Yes.Wehaven’tbeenbacktotheKingdomofDreamsforalongtime.Don’tyoumissloriousmountainsandkes,nifitpaces,ourloyalsubjedyourbelovedsistersleftbehindintheKingdom?”

100页

“Yes.Yes.Ofcoursewemissthemall”criedthebeauties.

“Siisso,”saidKingDimitri“let’smakeuseoftheThanksgivinglongweekendandallreturntdomofDreams.”Onhearingthosewords,thebeautiesshoutedwithjoy.Happyaed,WhiteFairystoodup,heldhergssuphighandsaid,

“Let’sdrinktoit.Cheers!”Shefinishedherdrinkwithaquaff.Thecoloronhercheeksflushedrosierthanever.Everyonedranktoeachotherandtheyughedandchattedmerrily.Mara’sguitarpyedahappytune.Somesangandsomedahetuheflickeringdlelightanddangshadows,Dimitrisattherelostioxigatmosphere.Hedidnotknowwhetherthiswasreallifeoranotherfantasydream.Ifthiswasonlyadream,thenhisKingdomofDreamswouldbereality.Dreamsorreality?Dimitrifeltataloss.Hewasfusedanddidnotknowwherehewas.

Marasangon,onesongafteranother,alternatiweenfastandslow,exg,romantidmencholygrabbitentionofheraudiehherstrong,gypsy-fvoredmusic.Everyone’sgssemptiedandrefilledagainandagain;allofthemwerelostimosphereofeuphoriaandrapture.Buthappytimesgobyquicklyandalltoosoonnightwasdeep.SamanthaandMegginnexgedgndbothstooduptotakeleaveofDimitri.

“Sorrytobreakuptheparty,butthereisanimportaingtomorrowaleavenow,getagoodnight’ssleepsoastohaveenougheodealwithaverybusyday.”

No,no”saidDimitri.“Yht.Businessfirst.Wetoohavehadabusydayandit’stimeforusalltohavesomerest.”HesentMarkouttoseethemtotheircarsandsafelydriveaway.WhiteFairystooduptotakeherleavesaying,

“ItooshouldleaveandgobacktotheKingdom.QueenAisha,thebeautiesandallyoursubjectswouldbeetedtohearthewonderfulhatyouwillbeingbacktotheKingdomverysoon.Ohyes,KingDimitri,haveyoudecidedonwhichdayyouwillbereturning?”Dimitrithoughtforamomentandthensaid,

“Threedaysfromnow,whehanksgivinglongweekendbegins,IwillbringallthoseherewithmebacktotheKingdomsothateveryonewillhaveawonderfulreunion.

AthrilledaedWhiteFairywasabouttogetoapuffofsmokeandleavewhenDimitristoppedhersaying,

“Justamisofast.IheardyoumentionthatQueenAishasentyoubackheretolookforRomi.Whatisallthatabout?”WhiteFairyfrownedandsaid,

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“TheminingandfofironisalmostnonenowandweeologyonhowtogilditontothegoldpaiwassenttolearteologybuthavenotbeenheardofsiherehasbeennonewsofheratalndQueenAishaisrestlessandagitated,nervousasanantonagriddle.SheseoseeifIcouldfindoutpeoher.Iwillgonowahemthegoodnewsofyourimmireturheirmindsatease.ThenIwillebadtiolookforRomi.”Sayingso,WhiteFairyturoapuffofsmokeaothenight.AfterWhiteFairyleft,thebeautiesweretootiredtoup.Theyblewoutthedlesandtrudgedupthestairswithheavyfeetaobed.Dimitritookuphisold,dipidatedbrownjacketandwalkedtothebackyard.Heydownonhisloungechair,gettiosleepwheawarmlittlehandpushhimontheshouldersaying,

“SorrytobotheryouDimitri,butIhaveamomentofyourtime?”

“IsthatMarcel?”heaskedturninghishead.“Whatisit?”Marcelhesitatedforamoment.

“There’ssomethingIshouldtellyou.”saidshe.“It’sRomi’sprivateaffairsoIdidn’twanttomentionitinfrontoftheothers.That’swhyIeprivatelytotalktoyou.Perhapsitwillhelpusfindher.”

“Oh,isthatso?”Dimitrisatuponhiswnchairtolisteentively.

“Thatday,IwassingingonastreeterwhenIsawawomanlookingverymuchlikeRomi.Shewaschidexpensivelydressedbutlookedverysad.ItwasalookthatwassoRomi.Atalndsuavemanwasbyhersideiailoredsuit,lookingstylishandfashionable.HehadhisarmaroundRomi’swaistaobeonintimatetermswithher.Surroundingthemwere6-7menalsodressedinbcksuits,lookinglikebodyguards.Peopletoldmethatthetallsuavemanwasthenewmafiaboss.IfthatwomanwasreallyRomi,howcouldshebemixedupwithsuchaman?SoIthoughtIshouldletyouknowaboutthis.”Dimitrinodded.

“ThankyouMara,”hesaid.“Ihavetakehis.Itiste,andyouaretired.Gotobed.Iwilldealwiththis.”Aftersheleft,Dimitrithoughttohimself,

“IttookalongtimeandalotofeffortformetouheGordianknotinRomi’sheadandreleaseherfromthedarkshadowsofherunfortunatemarriage.Herthirdex-husbandwaslikeademonknowingatherheartandbody.Ihelpedherescapehimandledhertoasafehaven–theKingdomofDreams.Shejustwentbaundaneworld.Couldshehavefallenintoafall?Isthatherdestiny?No.No.Eveniffatehadordaiobeso,Iwillsaveheroncemorearicateherfromtheclutchesoffate.Whoisthattall,darkandhandsomeman?Imusttrytogettothebottomofthis.RichardandJamazarealwayshangingaroundstreetersandknowabouteverythingthat’sgoingon.Iwilskthemaboutitandhaveageneralideaofthesituationbeforedegonwhattodo.”Haviledonapnofa,Dimitriydownonhisloungechairanddrowsilyfelsleep.

Them,everyoneearlyaintoabecausetheshelveswereemptyaoberepleheywouldalsohavetodealwiththebriskbusinessinthefrontoftheshop.Everyonewasbusy.Dimitrigotupat4:30a.m.doingthepreparatorywork.Hemixedandkhedough,leavingittoriseinthebucket.Theurheovensothatitwouldheatupgraduallytothenecessarydegree,whichwouldtakesometime.Oof6:30a.heothersallbegantheday’swork,busywiththeirallottedtasks.By8o’cloeoftheirproductswerealreadyontheshelvesandYokoopehedoortobusiness.SheandAmaliaworkedinthefronttakingcareofsales,whiletherestbusiedthemselvesintheworkshop.Aroundnoontime,RichardandJamazstaggeredin,sleepy-eyed,seemingstilltobesufferingfromahangover.DimitriimmediatelytookthemtothebackyardandaskedthemtoscoutaroundfornewsofRomi.Hesaidtothem,

“It’salreadynoontimenow.Thisafternetthelohothattalldarkmanis.Youhavealldaytomorrowaswell,butbynighttimeofthethirdday,IwillbetakingeveryoneherebacktotheKingdomofDreamsandIwantthissettledbeforeIleave.”Richard’sspiritsroseonhearingthatDimitriwassendihisexgandstimutingmissiowideawakeandsaid,

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“Noproblevethistothetwoofus.We’llhaveoreportinnotime.”Sayingso,theylefthurriedlyintheiroldtruck.

AfterWhiteFairygotbacktotheKingdomofDreams,hatKingDimitriwouldsoourningspreadlikewildfire.QueenAishaandthebeautieswereexultantandrejoitheirhearts.AllthepeopleintheKingdomlookedforwardtoseeingtheirKingagain.ThistripofWhiteFairy’shadcertainlybroughtunforeseeableanduedgoodnews.NovelcametoWhiteFairyandsaid,

“IdidnotknowQueenAishasentyoutothemundaneworldtolookforRomiandthatyouhadnoideawheretostartorelseIwouldhavetoldyouofRomi’swhereabouts.”

“Ohreally?Whereisshe?”

“OncewhenRomiandIwerechatting,weexgedouraddressesinthemundaneworld.Wefoundwelivedquiteclosetoeachother,separatedonlybyake.Iliveohsideandshelivedohside.Wecouldactuallyseeeachother’shousesacrossthewater.Youneedonlylookforheracctothesediresandyouwillfindhereasily.”

“I’llgobackatohemundaneworldandlookforRomi”saidWhiteFairy,jubinttogetsuchprecisedires.Shegedintoapuffofsmokeandwasabouttoleavethroughthewindow,whensheadded,“PleasetellQueenAishaaboutthis,Novel.”

“Restassured.Iwill.”

ItwasduskwhenWhiteFairygotbaundaneworld.Itwasn’tquitedarkyet.Pedestriansfilledthestreetsandtrafficwasstillgested.Shewaogoaboutherbusiotheionedherselftobemorewaryinthisnewenviro.Ifshewentaroundasapactpuffofsmokethatdidnotdisperseandweavedinandoutalloverthepceasiflookingforsomething,sooershewouldcatchtheattentionofsomeobservantpersonandrousehiscuriosity.Shouldsuchapersonhavemaliciousiowardsher,heneedonlyopenupargepsticbagandcouldeasilytrapheri.Noteveryoheworldwasgood.Someweremoreviciousandcruelthantigersandwolves.Tellingherselfshehadbetterbealertaenhervigince,WhiteFairygedintoasmallwhiteflowerandhidherselfamongthegrassbythewayside.ShemeanttotakemeasureofhersurroundingsfirstandthengolookingforRomiafterdark.Justthen,agigglingtoddlercamewalkingtowardsherandWhiteFairywasfilledrehension.Whatifheshouldpluckheruppyfully?Thatwouldbedisastrous!Luckilyhismothercalledouttohimurgentlyaoddlerwaddledaway.WhiteFairygaveasighofrelief.

AftersendingRichardandJamazontheirwaytogatherinformation,Dimitrithrewhimselfbatothebusyworkatthebakery.Businesswasbriskandersstoodinlinewayoutontothesidewalk.Noohebusiesttimeoftheday.Peoplelikedtoeafreshout-of-the-ovenpastry,cakesorbread.Itwastasty,simpleandsuitedtheirmodern,fastpulselifestyle.Thetempowouldnotsuntiftertwoo’clock,whenerswouldstillbeinginbutataslowerscale.Normallythebakerynolongerrepleheirshelvesafternoontime,preferringtohaveeverythingsoldoutbytheendoftheday,becausetheydidnotwa-overswhichwouldbestalebytheday.DimitritreasuredthestandingofDream-maker’sBakeryasthefreshestaintheregionandwouldratherdolessbusinessiopreserveitsreputation.Asthedayworeonandbusinesssloweddownabit,Maryaookthedwentshoppingatwholesalemarketsforvarioussuppliesforthebakerywhichhadalmostbeeedbythergeordertheyhadjustfilled.Dimitriwasverypidfastidiousabouthischoiceofingredients.Hewouldnotusesedgradestuff,whichhesideredascheatinghisers.Soifsomethingwasnotavaible,hepreferrednottomakethatproductatall.Yokolookedarouore.MarkwastalkinganimatedlywithAmalia,wholovedhimlikeasowoofthemeachlivedinaworldofhisownandtheirversationwaswideoffthemarkasfarascoherencywased,buttheyseemedtobeenjoyingthemselvesimmensely.Notwantingtodisturbthem,YokowenttotheworkroomtochatwithLaverne.Marayingherguitar,practigtheplexanddifficultteiquesofcssicalmusithebackyard,Dimitriwaslyingonhisloungechair,outwardlycalmandunruffled,butactuallyhewasanxiouslywaitingforRichardandJamaztoeback.Hewaitedandwaited,buttherewasnowordfromhisfriends.Itwasalmostdark.Yokoclosedupshop.MaryandSheicamebackwiththeircarloadedwithsupplies,butstilltherewasnosignofRichardandJamaz.Markwenttothecartohelptakethenewpurchasestothesteroom.MegginnwasalsobadwasinthebackyardtalkingtoDimitri.Shesaid,

“Tonightthereisargepartytoraisefundsforacharityfoundation.Thewho’swhointheBayAreawilllbethereandtheanizerswouldfeelsnubbedifrepresentativesofWorldBankwerenotpresent.YouknowhowIhatetotakepartinthesebustlingsocialfuns,soIaskedSamanthatogoasourrepresentative,whileIetojoinyouguysfordinner,whichismuchmoretomytaste.”

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“Good.Good.ThereissomethiosultyouaboutandIneedyourinputandadviceastohowtogoaboutthisratherprecariousbusiness.”HethenproceededtotellheralboutRomi.Megginnwasengrossedinthought.Ablurrypictureseemedtobegintotakeshapeinherheart.

AfterdinnerAmalia’sillurnedmoreseverethanever.Sheflewintoafitofhysteriaandwasquitebesideherself,lookingalloverthepceforherflyingbroom.ShehurledabusesagainstDorna,whomsheaccusedofstealingitandhidingitawayfromher.ThenshebeganlookingforDimitritogoahebroombackforherandpensateherforherloss.YokolookedmeaningfullyatMegginn,whouoodandquicklyhidDimitriieroom,knowingAmaliawouldcauseaneveerruckuswheholdofhimfacetoface.ThebeautiessurroundedAmalia,coaxiotakinghersedative,wheedliogoingupstairstoherroom.Theretheysoothed,coddledandwaitedoiltheyhadhersettledinherbed.EveheydidnotdaretoleaveheraloneincaseshegotitintoherheadtogofindDimitriandactupagain.TheyknewDimitriwasanxiousandworried,sotheywaosavehimanyunnecessarydisturbaheytoldAmaliastoriesandjokesandtriedtokeephermindoccupied.MeggidownstairsaDimitrioutofthesmallsteroom.Thetwoofthemsatsilentlyinthebackyard.

“Somethingmayhappentonight”saidMegginn“soIdecidedtostayhereforthenightinsteadofgoingback.”

“Butit’ssocrowdedhere!”

“Itdoesn’tmatter.Themorethemerrieranditfeelscozyandintimatetobewithmysisteragain.”Dimitrinoddedanddidnotreply.

“IfI’mnotmistakes”tinuedMegginn“therewillbemoresistersfromtheKingdomjoiningusatthegirls’dormhere.AmIright?”

“Isthatso?Ithinkyouhavesomeinklingofwhat’sgoingtohappen.”Megginnnoddedawoofthemsatthereinsilence.

“QueenAishaalwayssaidthatMegginnwaslikeabeautifulpeonyinfullbloom.”Dimitrithought.“Sheisright.Megginnisadazzling,colorfundartlesspeony.Ordinarilysheishappyandcarefreeasayounggirl,butwhehinghappens,shesobersupandbeesaresolute,sharpandquick-wittedstrongwoman.Sheisreallyagreathelperheavenhassentme.”

Anear-gratingscreegoftiressplitthesilehenight.RichardandJamazwalkinginunsteadilyonwobblyfeet,quiteobviouslyintoxicated.

“Whyarethetwoofyousote?”beratedDimitri.“Ihavebeeernoonandmostofthenight!”

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“Thingswerenotaseasyasweexpected”repliedRichard.“Wemetsomeloaferswhoalsoloiteraroundstreeters.You’taskthemaboutsuchthingspointbnkyouknoheseguysareverystreetsmartandsuspicious.Wheneveryoutouasensitivesubject,theywouldjustcmupandnotsayaword.Sowehadtowaittillnighttimetomaketheroundsofthebarsandtalktothehalf-drunktstherewhosetongueswereloosenedbydrink.Wewereabletogleanfragmentsofinformationfromthemwhichiecedtogether.Idon’tknowwhethertheywillbeofaoyou.”

“Tellmewhatyou’vegot.”

“Thenewmafiabosshastheniameof“’HawkNose’.HeismoredtreacherousthantheformerbossOliverKaffee.Whatisworse,heis......”

“Goahead.It’sOK.Speakyourmind.”

“Youprideyourselfonbeingaproudgardeendingandprotegbeautifulflowers.Hetoolikesflowers,butheabusesthemandtakespleasureininfliggreatpainandsuffering.Infacthethrivesonsuchpervertedactivities.Heisakindofpsyaniac.Heappearstobetalndsuaveandspendsmoravagantly,sohegetsanywomashissightson.Thesewomeofallintohisarmslikemothsthrowingthemselvesatthefire,helplesstoresist.Oncehehashishandsonthemhowever,thesewomenareusuallymaimedphysicallyormentally.Somelosetheuseoftheirarmss;othersarepsychologicallydamagedalmosttothepointofmadness.Hehashurtuntablenumbersofwomenandisstilltakingpleasureinhurtingmoreofthem.”Uponhearingthis,Dimitriwasextremelyangry.ButhewasalsodeeplyedforRomi.Heloathedandsedthesepsychopathswhopreyedontheweakersex.

“Didyoufindoutwherehisdenis”heasked.

“No.Heisextremelysecretiveandisstantlyginghisir.Nooneknowswherehewillbe.”

“Iknowwhoheis”saidMegginnwhohadbeeallthistime.“Heistheaonight’sfund-raiser,MurphyAquiline.Iinallythoughthisnamewasananonym,but

heactuallyusedhisniameashissthisistooridiculous!Ihaveheardthatwhenhewasyounghewasinvolvedforatimewithunderworldfigures,butterengagedinbusinessandbecamerich,managingtomakeaveryrgefortune.Hisstatustoohadsomehowbeenwhitewashedandlegalizedintoaleaderinthefinancialworld.HeisnowohemoversandshakersoftheBayArea.Hehasbeealeaderinthefinancialworld.Hehasahawk-likeitdoesrahishandsomeappearanfact,itgiveshisfacecharacterandakindofcharmandfasationthathasattractedalotoffemaleattention......”

“Yes.Yes.”saidRichard.“Wearetalkingaboutthesameperson.IhaveheardMr.Kaffeementionthathewasoneofhismosteffectiveunderlings,whomhecultivatedandtrainedononehand,butatthesametimereinedinandstrainedforfearthissubordinate’spowerwouldexpandtooquickly.LittledidwesuspectthatbytakingoutOliverKaffee,wehaveleftavacuumforhisrighthandmantotakeover.WeactuallydidhimafavorbyclearihforhimtorisetothetopandbeethenewMafiaboss.Thisisjusttoomuetoswallow!”

10

“Ifthatisso”saidMegginn“Itwillbeahardnuttocrack.”Thefourofthempsedintosilence.Apuffofsmokeflewoverthewall,circledtwitheair,droppedintoDimitri’shandandturoasnowwhiteEasterlily.

“......gotit.”theflaspedandpashort-breathed.“......gotit!IknowwhereRomiis!”

“Whereisshe?Whereisshe?”askedDimitripressingently.

“......justletmecatchmybreath......haveadrinkofwater......andIwilltellyoueverything......”Meggibatothehouseandcamebackwithagssofredwine.ShetooktheflowerfromDimitri’shandandputitdirectlyintothegssofwine.Soonthesnowwhitepetalsrevealedablushofpink.ThiswasthefirsttimeRichardandJamazcamefacetofacewithWhiteFairy,thoughtheyhadheardDimitritalkaboutaslimaifulyoungwomancalledWhitefairywhowastheinationoftheEasterlilyandwhocouldgeintoaflowerortoapuffofsmokeatwill.Nowtheysawforthemselveshowunfathomableandmagicalshewas.WhiteFairyrestedforawhileandthensaid,“penedwasthis......”

Nightfell.WhiteFairygedintoapuffofsmokeandflewacrosstheman-madekeinthemiddleofthecity.Itwasagood-sizedke,butparedtotheoheKingdomofDreamswithitssurgingcrystalbluewaves,thisonewasjustapcidpond.WhitefairyreachedtheoppositebankandstartedseargforRomimethodicallyonehouseaftertheother.Sheflewinthroughthedoorsandoutthecracksofwindows,chegthhlyeverysinglehouse,butfoundnosignofRomi.Frustratedanddespo,WhiteFairywasabouttogiveuphersearchwhenshecaughtsightofasinglefamilyhomeinanout-of-the-wayer.Thewallswerehighareesandshrubssurroundingitweredenseandflourishing.Itlookedlikeanoldandwellestablishedhome.

“OK”thoughtWhiteFairy,“Letmemakeoop.IfIdon’tfihisisit!”Shefloatedupthehighwalndlookedintothegarden.Treatsurprise,shesawseveheftyguardsinbcksuits,sittingorstandinginthefrontandbackyardswithviginteyessweepingthearealikehuntingdogs.WhiteFairywassuddenlysuspicious.

“Thisdoesn’tlooklikeanordinaryhouse”shethought.“CouldRomihaverunintosomekindoftroubleandiseredihehouse?”Shedecidedtoiigate.

Takingadvantageofanunguardedmoment,WhiteFairyflewuptothesedfloorandsqueezedthroughthecracksofawindow.Treatsurprise,thefirstthingthatmethereyesoeringtheroomwasahugepictureofDimitri.Iureheworehisusuallysmile,endearingbutical.Directlyfagthepicturewasargeking-sizebed,whereanakedmanyasleep.Hewastalndwell-made.Heythereseeminglysatedbutexhaustedafterstrenuous,sexuactivities.Hisimpressivepenisnowyfchisthigh.Beforethepicture,anakedwomansatwithherhandsboundbehindherchair.HerprofileandhairstylelookedverymuchlikeRomi.WhiteFairyflewtwicearoundtheroom.Thenakedwoman’sshockedeyesfollowedthemovementsofthepuffofsmoke.SheseemedtohaveidentifieditasWhiteFairy.Ifhermouthhadnotbeensealedwithbroadducttape,shewouldsurelyhavecriedout.ThisboundandgaggedwomanwasRomi,whohaddisappearedwithoutatraceforsolong.Thesleepingmanonthebedmovedandopenedhiseyes.Hehelduphiswristandlookedathiswatch.WhiteFairytookthisopportunitytohastilybeataretreattoavaseofflowerswhereshegedintoaerlily.Whatsheoverlookedwas,itwasavaseofredroseswhereasialkofsnowwhitelilystoodoutspicuouslyratherthanblendintotheflowers.Themansatupandgotoutofbed.Theveryshortnaphadpletelyrefreshedhimandreplehephysicalstaminaandenergyhehadexpehiserhumantraitofthisman.Hequicklyfinishedhiswashingandsoonwasdressedinhistailoredsuit,lookingattractiveandsuave,adapperdon.HewalkedtoRomiandsaidtoherwithasneeringgrimace,

“Yousaidthemaniurewasyourhusband.Haveyoufessedtohim?Didhefiveyou?Everytimewehavesex,Iwillmakeyoufessyouriytohifhewillniveyou,tellhimtoetomeanddemandsatisfa.Idon’tthiheodoso.”Atthismoment,thesnowwhiteEasterlilyamidamassofredrosescaughthisattention.Hewassurprisedandwalkedovertothevase.HebentdowntosmelltheflowerandexamihesacredEasterlily.NeverinhiswildestdreamscouldhehaveimagihatthislilybeforehiseyeswasreallythetransformationofabeautifulyoungwomanfromtheKingdomofDreams.Suddenly,hethoughtofsomethiuroRomiandsaid,

“Imustleavenow.Ihavetogotoafund-raisingfunsp.IwillbebackafterthismeetingandIwillbringmyhelper.HeisahugeAlsatianwolfhound.Iwillgiveyoutohimasareward,likeapieeat.Youtwowillperformbeforethispictureofyourhusband.”Romilookedathimwithfrightened,disgustedafuleyes,butthegrimatheman’sfacewasmoremenagandominousthanever,atinghisrgehawknose.WhiteFairyheardhisrapidfootstepsgoingdowairsandthenheardhimshoutingorderstohisguards.Soiartedup,doorssmmedloudlyandtwobcksedansdartedswiftlyintothenight.

10

Whenthingsquieteddownandpletesilencereighehouse,WhiteFairygedagaintoapuffofsmokeandsqueezedoutthroughthecracksofthewindow.Shelookedaroundandfoundonlytwoseatiohefrontandbackyards.Shewentbacktotherohthesamewindowandgedintohumanform.ShecarefullypeeledawaythebroadbandofducttapesealingRomi’smouthsoasnottohurthertenderflesh.Sheworkedattheknotsoftheropethatbouoherchairaherfree.Romicriedcopiouslyandsaid,

“It’sallmyfault!It’sallmyfault!Ishouldhavebeenstrongenoughtowithstandthatdevil’ssedu!Iwassofoolish!Ifellintohistrap.HowIeverfagDimitriagain?HowIhavetheaudacityandgalltoseemysistersandthepeopleoftheKingdomagain?Theonlythiformetodoistodie.”

“Don’tsaythat”saidWhiteFairy,massagingRomi’snumbandbruisedarms.ShefortedherbytellingherKingDimitriwasnearby.“Wewillbehereverysoontorescueyou.Dohinkofdying.Gogetdressedandpaeofyouressentialthings.Wewillbebackverysoon.”Thengingoncemoretoapuffofsmoke,WhiteFairywentthroughthecrackofthewindowanddisappearedintothenight.

UponhearingWhiteFairy’sreport,Dimitristoodupandrushedtowardsthegateintendingtogoout.Butaftertakingonlyoepherealizedthatbeforehimwasawallofdarkness.Hehadfottenthathewasblindandcouldn’ttakeasiepwithouthiswhitee.Hestoopeddownaalroundhimforhise.RichardandJamazwatchedhim,iltease,notknowinghowtohelptheiroldfriend.MegginoDimitri,helpedhimupandsaid,

“Don’tworry,Dimitri.Themorecriticalthesituation,thecalmerweshouldbe.”

ThewordsbroughtDimitribacktoreality.Heimmediatelycalmeddownandsaid,

“Yht.Yht.ImustcalmdownandthinkofawaytosaveRomi.IotallowanyoneundermyprotetobetreatedsoshamefullybecausetohumiliateanymemberofmyKingdomisequaltohumiliatingmepersonally.”

“Yes”repliedMegginn.“Yes.Weuandthat.Givemeamihinkitoverathebestsolutionis.”Shelookedatherwristwatdsaid,“It’snineo’clock.Thefundraiserhasjustbegun.IfwewanttosaveRomi,wehavetomove.Wemayjustmakeit.”

“Howshouldweproceed?”inquiredDimitri.

“Ifwecallthepolice,”saidMegginn“theywillghasetofproceduresthatwillwastealotoftime.Murphyisaslyer.Wedonothaveanycreteevidenceofhiswrongdoingsathandsothepolicemaynotbeabletodoanything.”

10

“Itwillbeuptousthen.”cludedDimitri.RichardandJamazwerestimutedbythefactthattherewillbeexcitementaheadofthemandtheirheadclearedallofasuddenfromtheirhangover.Richardrolleduphissleevessaying,

“Good.Good.Sonofagun,Iwasjustfeelingboredwithnothingtodo.Hey,Dimitri,justtelluswhattodo.ehellhwaterswewillfollowyou.”

“Don’tbeimpatient”cautionedDimitri.“Wemustnotrushandmakehastydecisions.Iamblindnowandnotofmuchuse.Justthetwoofyouarenomatchforthisoutfit.Let’sseewhatMegginnhastosay.”Megginnagbadforthinthebackyard.Shecametoadecisionandsaid,

“IsuggestresurregMr.KaffeeandBigOahemeoutoftheirretreatanddealwiththis.”

“Oh?”saidDimitriverymuchsurprised.“BringBigOandOliverKaffeebatopower?Youdon’tthinkthat’stoorisky?”

“No.Ithinkit’squiteappropriate.Don’tfetthatMr.KaffeewastheMafiabigshotandHawknoseusedtobeunderhim.Mr.Kaffeewouldknowanythingthatwastoknowaboutthisguyandwouldknowhowtodealwithhimpointbnk.Thisisthemostdirectwaytosolvetheproblem.”

“WillMr.Kaffeebewillingtodothisforme?”

“Ithinkhewill.Youhavetreatedhimmorethanfairlyaurnedgoodforevil.Heshouldbegratefultoyou.Acctomyobservation,youhavepletelycaptivatedhisheartandwhenpushestoshove,hewillbewillingtofighttothedeathforyou.”

“Ifthatisthecase,let’sgiveitatry.Wehaveeralternativeanyway.”RichardandJamazwalkedquicklytowardsthegate.WhiteFairygedtoapuffofsmokeandstoppedthemsaying,

“Waitforme.Iwillgowithyou.Ibeyourmessengerandflytoandfrosothateveryonewillbeinformed.”

10

“Yes”saidDimitri.“Thatwouldbeforthebest.”

“Yourdipidatedjalopylyseattwo”saidMegginn,takiofherpocketandhandingittoRichard.“Takemytaxicabalongaswell.Youmight.”RichardandJamazeachdroveadmadeforthetemplebytheke,followedbyapuffofsmoke.

Whenthere’snoknowinghowthingswillturnout,thewaitingwasatorment.Butatthistimetherewasnootherrecourse.DimitriacceptedMegginn’sadvidtriedtokeepcalmandposed,butinhisheartastormofthoughtsemergedoeranotheranditwashardforhimtokeephisequilibrium.Hethought,