rld.SoWhiteFairydidnotstop,butflewstraightthroughahalf-openwindowinthepace.

ThetwofiguresstrollingaroundthekereallywereAngelidelle.Angelicasufferedfrominsomniaandellewasanightowl,wholikedtosleepte.Thetwoofthemoftenwanderedaroundthepacegroundstogetheronnightswhenthemoonwasbrightandluminous.Thephosphorestradiahemoonshinningontheirwhilebodiesmadethemappeartobepureandperfectasjade.Theywalkedquietlyforawhile.ellebrokethesilencefirstbyasking,“Doesourbeautifulpoetesshaveanynewpoemsforustoenjoy?”

“Ididwritesome”answeredAngelicashyly“butIwasnotsatisfied,soItoremostofthemupandthrewthemintotheaperbasket.Iooitstillneedsalotofwork.”

“Really?Thatmustbeagoodone”saidelleexcitedly.“eoeitformesoIjoyit!”Angelicaclearedherthroataedslowly,

“Bidequietlyanddreamswille.

Butthentheyvanishjustasstealthilyastheycame.

Howdidspringe,andhowdiditdisappearwithoutmyknowing?

Dayafterday,fromdawntilldusklonelinessapaniesme.

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Themoonshinesanddims,thesunrisesandfalls

Dayandnightfreelyalternateandexgeintheskies.

Butwhathasthesegeshavetodowithme?

Iwake,thensleep;sleepandthenbemersedindreams.

Astimegoes,byIageandlosemybeauty.

HowdidIetobeintheKingdomofDreams?

AndhowwillIonedayleave?

Bidequietlyanddreamswille.

Butthentheyvanishjustasstealthilyastheycame.

AfterhearingAngelica’stestpoem,ellestoppediracks,lookedupatthefullmoonintheskiesandsaid,

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“Thispoemissowonderful!Itispregnantwithdeepmeaning.FromthispoemIseemtoseeabeautifulwoman,aloneinherboudoir,whilingawaythelongandlonelynight.Shebegantoquestionthemeaningofherlife,themeritofkeepingvigilforsuchalongtimebecauseofaflutteringanduaindream.Isitworthit?Totellyouthetruth,Itoo,havethoughtofthis.ButIamnotabletoputitintopoetry.”

“Really?Youhavethoughtaboutthistoo?SofarasIknow,mostofthebeautiesintheKingdomneverhadsexualretionswithKingDimitri.Thereisonlyasubtlespiritualstrengthtosustaiionship.Thatisalsothecasewithme.ButIdoubtthataptoionshipwillstlong.”

“Itwillstalong,longtime”saidelle,lookingupatthemoon.“Perhapsforalleternity.”

“Youthinkso?”ellebroughthereyesawayfromthemoonandlookedatAngelicasaying,

“Let’slookatitthisway.Throughouttheages,forhundredsandhundredsofyears,fromgeiontogeion,manhasoppedlovingandbelievinginJesusChrist.Butdidahemhavephysicalretionshipwithhim?No.hethingthattiesthebelievertoJesusisthissubtlespiritualstrength,whibecalledheroworshipiousse.Isn’tthisspiritualstrengthsimirtowhatweallfeelfDimitri?It’sakindoflove,veion,analmioussehatyouandIfindhardtoexpressliterally.”

Angelicasilentlynoddedheragreementtowhatellehadsaid.

JustthenKojakandCortez,thetwoferocioustigersthatwerestandingguardnearby,roaredinangeranddashedtowardsaclusteroftreesbythekeside.Angelica,whohadretlybeenthroughascaryattack,stoppeddeadandclutchedelle’shandstightlyinfright.Afigurefshedintheshadowsofthetreesaifulyounggirppeareduhemoonlight.ItwasnaughtygirlDorna.Shescoldedthetwotigerssaying,

“Youtwomiserablecreatures!Don’tyouknowme?Whyareyourandagupthisway?Look!Youhavescaredawaymygoodfriend!”Thekewaterspshedandanotherslimyounggirlemerged.ItwasDeanna,whowasasagileasafishuer.Shewalkedupthebanksoftheke,leavingbehindanexquisitemirrorandabfloatedoer.Angelicacameoversmilingandsaid,

“Howeyoutwoarestilloutheresoteatnight?Doyouhaveinsomniatoo?”

“Insomnia?”scoffedDorna.“Whatisinsomnia?Neverhadit.IwasfastasleepwhenDeannawokemeup.Shehaddiscoveredasecretandwaoshareitwithme.Iwascurious,soIcamewithhertotheke.Wefoundthergewhitefishfloatingmotionlesslyoer.Gradually,iwinklingofaneye,shesomehowtransformedintoabeautifulwomahetwoofusbutwasnotafraid.Shewavedamicably,signallyustoapproach.Deannaswamtaveheramirrortoletherseeherself.Thenshegaveherabandtaughtherhowtosmoothouthertangledhair.Shewassohappytohavegedintohumanformandintotheformofabeautifulwomanatthat!Butshecouldn’ttalkandherfeetcouldhewater.Itoldherthatifshetiopracticeasceticismafewmoredaysthewayshehadbeendoing,shemaybeabletogoonshore.Thenelehertoourpacetolivewithus.Itwasjustatthistimethatthesetwobadguyscamegallopingandrandscaredournewfriendintogingbacktewhitefishandvanishuer.”Aftershefinishedspeaking,shehitthetwotigerspetuntlyontheheadandtheysquatteddownatherfeet,astameastwecats.

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“Let’sgobacktothepace”saidDorna.“I’lltellthisgoodoQueenAisha.Shehadbeenpiningthatthepacehasbeeingmorelonelyaewithsomanypeoplegone.

Shewillbehappytohearthatanewmemberwillbejoiningourranks.Thatwillmakeherhappy.KingDimitriwillbebacksoon.Wewillgreethimwiththisbigsurprise.”Thefourbeauties,guardedbythetwotigers,wentbaagnifitpace.

Dayandnight,nightandday,thergewhitefishswaminthebluewavesoftheke,nowsurfag,nowsinking.Afterathousandyearsofprayer,hermostcherisheddesirewasheardbyGodandwassoontobegrahroughHisgenerosity.Theverythoughtmadeherbesideherselfwithjoy.Dayandnight,nightandday,shelivedier.Shegrewfromatinytransparentfryintoafishandwasluottohavebeenswallowedbyerohousandyearsofgrowth,athousandyearsofsuffering.Sheabsorbedtheessehesunbydayandthatofthemoonbynight.Dayandnight,nightandday,shefloatedinthebluewaters.Athousandyearsofgrowth,athousandyearsofsuffering.Full,amplebreastssymbolizedherwomanhood.Herglitteringscalesbegantofalloff.Dayandnight,nightanddayshehidinthedeepestwaters,enduringthepainofgrowthaamorphosis.Dayandnight,nightandday,thewavestossedandrolledceaselessly.Graduallyherbodyged.Hertailbecametwoslender,jade-likelegs.Herwaisttracted,herhipsfredtoformawell-shapedfigure.Athousandyearsofprayer,athousandyearsofdesiretransformedintoabeautifundgmoroustenance.Afishierbecameawaterfairy.

Thergewhitefishswamfreelyinthebluewaves.Itwasthisexpanseofbluewatersthatsuckledthismagicamphibian,whichcouldgefromafishtoabeautifulwomanatwill.Nothingossibleinthesemountainsandwaters,forcouldn''''tWhiteFairy,whowasaerlily,intergefromaflowertoapuffofsmokeorabeautifulwomanatwill?Thergewhitefishthought,

“Igetohumanformandbeeawoman.IfewmoredaysandIwillbeabletoleavethewaterandgoonndtothatmagnifitpace.ThereIwillbeabletoserveKingDimitriwiththerestofthebeauties.Buttheseyoungwomenareallsobeautiful.WillIbeabletogetalongwiththem?Willtheylookdownonmeforbeingafish?WillIonedaybeabletogainthefavorofKingDimitri?”Theseintimatefemalethoughtsandfears,whilereasonable,werereallysuperfluous.InKingDimitri’sKingdom,everyohoughtwerebenign,notevilordeceitful.Tothem,allcreatureswereequal.Ifitwerenotforoutsideinterferehiswasreallyaparadiseoh.KingDimitriwaslikeagardenerwholovedandprotectedflowers.Tohim,allbeautifulwomenwerelikeluxuriantlybloomingflowers.Thergewhitefishswamon.

“Istherereallyaparadiseoh?”shewondered.Shewasswimmihegoldpacewhensheseemedtoheartinyvoicescallingher.Shelookedaroundandsaairoflittlepeoplecallingandwavingtoher.Thergewhitefishthought,

“ItwasIwhhtthemoverhere.Perhapstheywaakethembackagaintotheothersideoftheke.”Alwayswillingtohelpothers,thergewhitefishswamheshoreandsighemtoswimouttoher.Thelittlemanjumpedintothewaterandswamvaliantlytowardsher.Shetookhiminhermouthasbeforeandpreparedtoswimaway.Thelittlewomanstoodonshoreandwavedgoodbyetothem.Thelittlemaninhermouthsaid,

“Thankyoukindlyrgewhitefish.PleasetakemetoKingDimitri’space.”Thoughsheuzzledastowhythelittlemanwouldwanttogothere,shehelessdidasheasked.

Ieerofthegoldpace,ViohadpreparedtemporarylodgingsforherselfandMr.Finger.Shecollecteddrygrassandcolorfulflowerpetalsfromthegroundsofthegoldpadmadethemintofortablebeds.Thatafternoon,Mr.Fingerwokefromhisnap.Heturnedoverandcameintactwithacurvaceousfigure.Thesewerethehappiestdaysinhislife.Hefeltproudofhimselfandverymuchsatisfied.Hefinallyhadatasteofwhatitwastobeaman.Butthenhesighedandsaid,

“TheonlyflyimentofmylifenowisIhaven’thadanyreallygoodwiodrinkforquitesometime.Ireallywouldliketodrinktomyheart’stentandbeeintoxicated.”Vio,whowaslyingbesidehim,said,

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“IheardKingDimitriwouldbebaadayortwo.Whydon’tyougotothepatheothersideoftheke?Theretheyaresuretohaveunlimitedwineyoudrink.”

“Idon’twanttoleaveyou”saidMr.Fingercheekily.“Youarethewomandearesttomyheartinthiswholeentireworld.Dimitrihasallthesebeauties,buttheyalllookdownonmeandIdon’tlikeanyofthem.”

“Whobelievesinyourrubbish?”saidVio,sntingaghimhalfpyfullyandhalfvexed“Noexcuses.Thergewhitefishiswillingtohelp,sogoingacrossthekeandingbackagainisnoproblematall.I’llwaysbehere.Whenyouwanttoseeme,justgetarideback!”

penedwasthis.ThatmQueenAishaandsomeofthebeautiescametoihegoldpace.TheyknewKingDimitriwouldbebacksoonandthoughthemightwanttoeandhaveastlookbeforethegoldpacewascoatedwithiron.VioandMr.FingerwerehidinginaerandhappeoheartheirversationsotheyknewofKingDimitri’simmireturly,ViowasbeingimpatientwithMr.Finger,whowasbeingahindraoherpnofrevenge.Hewasalwaysaround;gluedtohersideandwheherewasacehewouldasktomakelove.Shehadnoopportunitytodowhatshewantedmosttodo–seekrevengeforhermother.Sowhensheheardhimpiningabouttheckofwine,shekwasagoldenopportunitytogetridofhimforatimesoshewouldbeunencumbered.

Alsowhenhewasinthepace,hewouldbeabletogetreliableinformationforher.SoViosettoworkontheinfatuatedMr.Fingersaying,

“Didn’tyoupromisetofulfillmydearestwishandhelpgetrevengeformymother?Whydon’tyougobacktothepadfindoutwheretheykeepthesacredbow?Ifpossible,stealitforme.IpromisethatonceIhaverevengedmymother,Iwillgowhereveryouwanttoandkeepyourpanyforever.Wewillneverpart.”HerwordshadahypnoticeffectthatmadeMr.Fingerkeepnoddinghisheadinagreement.Thatnight,thetwoofthemwenttothesideoftheke.Asluckwouldhaveit,theyfoundthergewhitefishswimmingnearly.TheycalledtoherandaskedhertotakeMr.Fingerovertothepaceacrosstheke.

Thesestfewdays,QueenAisha’sbrowshadbeenknittedinayandsheseemedheavy-hearted.Althoughshewassittingbythewindowatthemomentlookinguponthebeautifulmountainsaheycouldnotinanywaylesseressinherheart.Shewasdeepinthought.Twonightsago,WhiteFairycamebathemundaneworldtoletherknowthatRomihysicallyaallydamagedandwouldnotbeabletoreturninthenearfuture.Thatwoulddrasticallycurtailtheprojeiningironandgildingthegoldpace,whifactmayhavetostopaltogether.Buttherenioremedyit.Oherhand,MedusareportedthathugebatshavebeenhabovethegoldpadreyedZeusmessage.TheysaidZeuswantedKingDimitritokeephispromisetocoatthegoldpacewithironandcoveritsbrillianceusingwhatevermethodhewaheywarhatifweincurthewrathoftheKingofgods,thesequenceswouldbedire.QueenAisharackedherbrains,butcouldonlyeupwiththreemediocreideas.Firstshethoughtofcuttingdowreesintheforestandbuildingahugewarehouseoldpace,citpletelythuspgthewholepacewithin.Sedly,shethoughtofmobiliziizensoftheKingdomtodigatthemountainsandburythewholepaderthesoil,imovingthemountaintocoldpace.ButsheknewherideaswouldnotworkbecauseZeuswasjealousandsuspiciousbynature.Hewouldthinkitwasjustcamoufge;thatonceherexedhissurveilnce,wewouldeitherripoffthewoodenpnksupthesoil.Thenthegoldpacewouldbejustasbrilliantandsplendidasever.Itwouldstillexist,overshadowingZeus’bronzeohe7thheaven.Ifheabovetwopnswerefeasible,QueenAishathoughtofathirdone.Sihegoldpacewasbuiltinonenightbycelestialgoldsmiths,whomCharmaineandeereduheguiseofZeus’royalorders,WhynotaskZeustosenddownhisgoldsmithsonceagainanddismahepace?ThatwouldappeaseZeus’angerandjealousyandKingDimitriwouldhavekepthispromise.ThatwouldbekillingtwobirdswithooifwedothatKingDimitri’shonoranddignitywouldbedamagedandtheprestigeoftheKingdomwouldbegreatlyimpaired.KingDimitriwouldneveragreetothat.EvenifKingDimitriagreedtodoitunderduress,howwouldwedisposeofthosetonsandtonsofgolddebristhatwouldbepileduphighlikemountaioionalmarkets?Itmayhelpthetroubledglobaleyintheshortrun,butitmayalsobethestrawthatbrokethecamel’sbadbecatastrophictothealreadybeleagueredworldeywhichisfagtotalcolpse.Butthemostlikelyouteisitwouldkihesuspiofvarioustriesandinstigateeictragsandiigationsthatinturnwouldleadtounnecessaryupheavalsandtroublefdoyway,KingDimitriwouldneveragreetodothis.QueenAishawentoverallpossibleremediesoverandainbutcouldetonopossiblesolution,soshedecidedtoleaveallthisfDimitritodecide.Sheturedanddispirited.Butthensuddenlyshethoughtofsomethingaofasmileattheerofherlipsbrokethroughthedespondencyofherdepressivemood.Itwasasifagleamofbrilliantsunshinepiercedthroughthedarkclouds.ShesuddenlythoughtofwhatDornaandDeannahadtoldher,thatthebluecrystalwatersofthekehadnourishedamagicallife.SoonasedWhiteFairywouldbecreated.ThatatleastwasgoodnewsandKingDimitriwouldbehappytohearofit.ButasthatsmileonQueenAisha’sfacewasbriefaing.ShethoughtofKingDimitri’simmireturnandofhowsheshouldanswerifheaskedabouthisoldfriendMr.Finger?Mr.Fingerhadtherunofthepadthebeautiesavoidedhimlikethepgue.Grantedhewassideredatrouble-makeriontheKingdom,buthewasagoodfriendofKingDimitri’s.Hehadn’tbeenseenanywhereforquitesometime.Itwasasifhehadvahoutatrace,soshewasworriedaboutthelittleman.QueenAishasatbythewindow,restlessandtroubled.

Justthen,rapidfootstepsearerandnearerandQueenAisha’sbedroomdoorushedopenunceremoniously.ItwasnaughtygirlDornabarginginwithoutbeingannouhepaceattendant.Shewalkedinshouting,

“Icaughthim!Icaughthim!”

“Whodidyoucatch?”askedQueenAishainsurprise.ShewasnotangryatDorna’srashentrancebecausethegirlwasherprotégéandtheappleofhereyes,whoalwaysmadehersmilewhenshewasdown.

12

“Guess”saidDornamischievously.“It’ssomeoneyouwaoseebutcouldn’t,thatyouwaofindbutcouldn’t!”

“Mr.Finger!”excimedQueenAishaanimatedly.

“Right.That’shim.Icaughthim,thatlecherousfellow!”

“Whereishenow?”

“Icoaxedhimintothesmallroombythesidehallwherewekeepourbestwinefromtriesallovertheworld.Ipssofverystrongliquoranddroppedhiminthegssintendingtomakehimdrunk.Ilockedthedoor.That’sasgoodascatghim.Right?Thatwouldkeephimfromrunningaroundeverywhere,causingtrouble.WhenKingDimitriesbackyougivethelittlemanbaandyourjobisdone.”

“Younaughtygirl!”saidQueenAishapretendingtobeangry.“Onlyyouwouldthinkofsuchatrickyploy!”

“Look!Idoyouafavor”saidDorna,throwingherpalmsoutwards“andyougetangrywithme.That’snotfair!”

“Justjoking”saidQueenAishasmiling,strokingDorna’shair.“Yourpn,thoughunventional,isreallyquiteeffective.Ithasgivenmeaninspirationastohowtodealwiththislittleman.Hehaswantonlyanddisrespectfullyharassedthebeautiesandarousedpublidignation.Heshouldnolongerhavefreereininthepace.Buttodetainhiminasmallwinecelrisnotagoodidea.Iamthinkingofexilinghimtothebroadopenspace.ThestrawhutwhereKingDimitriusedtolivewouldbeanidealpce.Wewillgivehimfortableandluxuriousclothing,goodwineafood.InawivehimVIPtreatment.IthinkKingDimitriwouldnotfinditinappropriate.”

“Youjustsaidmywaywasunventional”saidDornamakingafunnyfaowyoupraisemyunventionalpn.”

“KingDimitrimaybeinghomeeithertetonightorearlytomorr.Amaliawillbeingwithhim.Sheissuretoaskyoufi.Howareyougoingtodealwithit?”

12

“Noproblem.IfI’tdealwithit,Ialwaysvamoose.Iwillpyhide-and-seekwithherandleadheronamerrychase.”

“Ohyes!”excimedQueenAisha,“IrememberyourmentioningyousawMr.FihecourtyardinfrontofKingDimitri’sstrawhutohersideoftheke.TherehasbeennoboatgoiheothersidethesestfewdaysandLotushasmovedbacktothepace/Howdidhecrossthekeandebacktothisside?”

“Er......er......Idon’tknowandIdidn’task”repliedthecarelessDorna.

“Theimeyouseehim,don’tfettoask.”QueenAishawasnormallyverythh.Shewasdetailorientedandcarefulinherhandlingofaffairsrarelymissingmuch.Butinthisinstance,herfailuretoinquirefurtherintothiscriticalmatteraingitslipbysoeasily,wouldevolveintoadisastrouscatastrophe.

“HowdidyouhappentocatchMr.Finger?”shetioask,jokinglyimitatingDorna’svoidmanner.

Afterleavihofthergewhitefish,Mr.Fingertinuedswimminguntilhereachedtheshore.Hestaggeredontothewhitesandandmadehiswaywearilytowardsthepace.Thedaywasbeginningtodawn.Beingfamiliarwiththeyofthend,Mr.Fingersooheentrahepadsqueezedthroughthecrackofthedoor.Assooihepace,hebegantowanderaroundlookingforwine.Hesearchedhighandloweverywhere,thegreathall,thesidehall,thenumerousrooms,butcouldfindnotraceofanykindofwioquenchhisthirst.Justthen,heheardthesoundoftinklingughterandspiedDornaandDeanna,whomhelookeduponwithenmity,walkingdowairstowardshim,talkingandughichedthemleavethepace,walktowardsthekeanddiveintothecrystalclearbluewater.Theywereswimmingtomeetwiththergewhitefishattheirpre-arrangedmeetingpce.Soontheinhabitantsofthepacebeganstirringandthebeautiesgotuptobegintheirday’swork.Mr.Fingerfelttiredanddecidedtofindasecludedspotandtakeanap.Thesunwasalreadyiwhenhewokeup.Herubbedhiseyesandsatup.HesawWhiteFairyeoutofthesidehalndsilentlythestairsandsooncamedownagainholdingKingDimitri’sswordinherhandandcarryinghismagicbowandquiverofarrowsonhershoulders.AshotthroughMr.Finger’sbodyandhisheartwasfullofjoy.

“Aren’tthesetheonsIcameherefor?Isn’titluckythatIcameupoheveryfirstdayIamhere?Butthesethingslookveryheavy.HowohamItocarrythem?Nevermind.I’lldealwiththatwheimees.ForthemomentIwilljustwaitandfindoutwheretheystorethem.”Mr.FingerslidintothesidehalfterWhiteFairyandfoundadiscreethidingpcewherehecouldseebutnotbeeasilyseen.HesawWhitefairypulloutKingDimitri’ssword.Thesheenandlusterofthismagicalonfilledtheroom.Thisswordwasrazorsharpandcouldeasilycutthroughmetal.WhiteFairyusedawhiteclothtowipeitandthebeforereturningittoitsscabbard.Thescabbardwaseboratelycarvedanddecoratedwithmulti-coloredpreciousgems.WhenwornatKingDimitri’swaist,itmadehimlookimposingandmajestic.WhiteFairythendustedoffthebowandadjustedthestringsothatitwasreadyforuse.Sheexaminedeveryarrowinthequivertomakesuretheywerestraightandsharp.ThesewereWhiteFairy’sgiftstoKingDimitriwhentheyfirstmet.NowtheyhavebeethenationaltreasuresoftheKingdomofDreams.Forsomereason,shehadapremonitiontodaythattheymightbehoughshehadnowayofknowingwhenorwhere.

LaughterandmerrychatterapaniedDornaandDeannaintothepace.Earlythatm,thetwoswamtoapre-arrangedmeetingpcewheretheymetwiththergewhitefish.Itwasasecluded,shallowbeachsurrourees,notfarfromKingDimitri’sstrawhut.Deannabedherhairforherandtookhermeasurementssothatceremonialrobescouldbemadetoorderforher.Althoughthebeautiespreferredtogoaboutintheirnaturalstatemostofthetime,theyalwayswnifitlybeautifunddecorouscourtrobeswhentheyreceivedtheirsubjects.DornawaeachthergewhitefishsomewordsofhumanspeechsothatshecouldsurpriseKingDimitribyversingwithhim,butthergewhitefishwasnotabletospeak,thoughshecouldsingwithaloud,clearvoiceofsingursweetnessandpurity.Herfeetcouldhewater,orshewouldfeeshortnessofbreathandfindithardtobreathe,almostsuffog.Itwasnotaneasypassagetoturnfromfishtohumanandasiderableamountoftimeandprayermayyetbeopletethemetamorphosis.Thethreeofthemarraomeetatdawneverymsoshecouldlearnhumahergewhitefishwalkedintodeeperwater,turnedbatoafishanddisappeared.Thetwogirlsthenswamthelongdistancebacktothepace.Feelingtiredandthirsty,Dornapouredherselfagssofpomegranatewinewhichshebrewedherselfbeforeevendryingherhair.Thewinewaslightandtastyandcouldquenchthirst.DornaandDeaheirgssesandwereenjoyingtheirdrinkswhentheysawWhitefairypagupKingDimitri’sonsinaeroftheroom.

“Hi,WhiteFairy.Thisisnotatimeofwar.Whydidyoutaketheseonsdownfromtheattic?”

“Noreason”repliedWhiteFairysmiling.“Justingandoilihattheywouldbereadyforuseshouldtheoccasionrise.”

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“ehaveagssofpomegranatewine.Ibreweditmyself.”

“Justamoment.Iwanttoputtheseawayfirst”sherepliedholdinguptheons.DornaandDeannatossedofftheirdrinks,lightasfruitjuice.Mr.Fingercouldnolongertainhimselfatthesightofwine.FettingalboutVio’sassig,herushedoutfromhishidingpdstoppedbeforeDorna,shouting,

“Iwanttodrinktoo.Givemesomewine.”Dornalookeddowninsurpriseatthelittlemanwhohaddisappearedfromsightforsolongandcouldnotbefound.Herehewasallofasuddenoutoftheblues.Sheteasedhimsaying,

“Iwon’tgiveyouanywine.Whatareyougoingtodotome?”Mr.Fingerwasbacktohisoldbagoftricksagaidownonthefloorstompinghislegsandstartedtoactupandmakease.PointingatDornaherailedathersaying,

“Youwon’tgivemewine.WaittillKingDimitriesback.Iwilltellhimyouallbullyme,ill-treatmeandwon’tgivemewine.Iwilskhimtokillyou!”

“OK.OK.Sinceyousayso,Iwillcapitute.Givemeyourhand.Iwillgiveyousomewine.”

Mr.FingercuppedhishandstogetherandDornapouredalittlehtwi.Mr.Fiookasipbuttheelyspititonthefloorsaying,

“Whatkindofwihis?Worsethanpiss!Givemerealwine.Iwantsomegoodwine!”

“Youwantgoodwine?”askedDorna.“Thehme.”Sayingso,sheturnedandwalkedoutoftheroomtowardsthelittleroomusedforstwine,followedbyMr.Fingerrunningasfastashislittlelegswouldgo.DornatookdownseveralbottlesofrenownedwineimportedfromdifferenttriesaMr.Fingersamplethem.Hechoseone.Dornaexcimed,

“Well!Imustsayyouareaoisseurofwihisisabottleof100-year-oldMaoTaiWinefroma.Itcostsabundle!”

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“Pssandputmeinit.Thenyoumaygo.”Dornadidasheasked.Thenshequicklylefttheroomandclosedthedoor.ThatwashowMr.FingerwascaughtbyDorna.

AfterlisteningtoDorna’snarrative,QueenAishanoddedandsaid,

“Fromnowon,youwillbetheonlypersonallowedtogointothatrohimsomefoodfromtimetotime.Winealoneisnotenoughtokeephimingoodhealth.Thatisall.Youmaygo.”

“Yes,yourmajesty”saidDorna,turningtogo.ButQueenAishacalledherbackasking,

“DidyoujustsayWhiteFairywasingKingDimitri’sons,theswordandthemagicbowandarrows?”

“Yes.Shesaiditwasbettertohavethemreadyforuseshouldtheoccasioherthanbecaughtunprepared.”QueenAishawasengrossedinthought,forshetoohadaforebodingthatsomethingbigwasabouttohappen.

Myriadsofstarsshoneandsparkledinthesky.Thebluewavesandthemountaiillsoundasleepilenight.Itwastheshortperiodoftranquilitybeforethestorm.Thehugebckbirdperchedontopofthepacehadnoticedthesmallgroupofpeoplewhowerecrossingthesuspensieandweremakingtheirwaytowardsthepace.Shefppedhermightywings,ndedlightlyontheground,turoasnake-hairedbeautyandstoodbythebridgetoawaittheirarrival.ThatofcoursewasMedusa.KingDimitriwalkedinfrontleadingthesmallgroup,followedbyAmaliawithSheiandYokooneachsideofher,solicitouslyhelpiherestofthebeauties,Megginn,Samantha,Mary,LaverneandMarafollowedcloselybehind.KingDimitrihuggedandkissedMedusawhohadetowelethem.Thebeautiestoocrowdedaroundtogreether.Justthen,twoferocioustigersrushedoutfrombehindtherightarearentrahepace,eagertogreettheirmaster.KingDimitrimadeasignatthemfromafar,badingthemkeepsilent,andsoalthoughthetigersleapttowardshim,theydidnotroarormakeanynoisesoasnottothebeautiesstilsleepinthepace.TheyranmadlyaroundtheirmasterincirclestoexpresstheirgreatjoyatseeinghimbackattheKingdomagain.KingDimitristoppedtheirantidledthebeautiesintothepacethroughthefrontgate.Ihelightswereturneddownlowandthefireinthefurnaceswasnverybrightlyeither.Theatmospherewasfortableandserene.Inaerofthepace,thepaceattendantsatdozingandthehssslowlytrickledon.KingDimitriwalkedtohisthroneandsatdown.Histwotigersimmediatelysquatteddowniherightaofthethrone.Medusagentlytouchedthepaceattendantontheshoulder,whostartledup,rubbedhersleepyeyesandlookedatMedusaionsurprise.WheurnedandsawKingDimitrisittingohrone,shequicklywentforward,madeherobeisandquicklywenttoservehimhiscupoftea,whichhearilytookeverym.Thebeautiescameuptothethroneandaskedforleavetogoaheiroldroomsagain.Theywereverymuchattachedtothepcetheimprintofwhichwassoindeliblyetchedintheirhearts,wheretheyhadsomanygoodmemoriesanddreams.KingDimitrinoddedhisagreement.Thebeautieswerejustabouttoleavewhensuddenlyaslimfigureranin,jumpedontoKingDimitri’spaocry.ItwasnaughtygirlDorna.Shesobbedandsaidbrokenly,

“WelehomeKingDimitri......but......imeyouleaveagainwithouttellingme......yougoawaywithoutsayinggoodbye......don’ttakemewithyou......Iamnotgoingtopywithyouanymore......IreallymeanwhatIsayyouknow......imeyouleavewithoutlettingmeknow......Ireallyamnotgoingtobefriendswithyouanymore......”

“OK.OK.”saidKingDimitri,fDornalikeafathercoaxinghisbeloveddaughter.“ime,Ipromisetotakeyouwithme,okay?Lookyouareabiggirlnowandyouarestillgandpoutinglikealittlegirl.Aren’tyouashamedofyourself?”

Thebeautiesughedandwalkedupthestairs.Perhapsitwastheirfootsteps,ortheiropeningandclosingofdoors.OritmayhavebeenDorna’ssobbingandginthehall.Butthebeautiesinthepacewereawokenfromtheirsleepandcameoutoftheirroomstoseewhattheotionwasabout.Inthespacioushall,thesisterswhohadnotseeneachotherforquiteawhilewerehappyandsurprisedatthissuddenreunion.Theycalledouteachother’shrewtheirarmsaroundeachgedandkissedwarmlymurmuringhowsorelytheyweremissed.Theyughed,cried,huggedagainandagainandwereloathtopart.QueenAishaspentsometimecalmingthemdownandthenshewalkeddowairstogetherwiththebeautiestogreetKingDimitri.

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KingDimitrigreetedthebeauties,huggedandkissedthemandtalkedtoeadeveryohemfly.Dawnbroke.QueenAishasaid,

“Whydon’tyouallgoupstairs,adressed.ThenwewillgathertogetherhereatthegreathallwithKingDimitri.”Thebeautiesallbowedandsaid,

“Yes,yourmajesty.”abacktotheirrooms.Thiswasararereunion.AllthebeautiesoftheKingdomwerepresentwiththeexceptionsofRomiwhoremainedbehindinthemundaneworldtorecuperate,EileenandStephanieassedaway,Charmaineainewhohadgonebacktothe7thheavenandMariannawhohadmarried.Theattendiieswereeighteeninall.Itwasareuniontoberemembered,forunbeknowntoall,thiswastobethestreunionofitskindintheKingdom.Butofcourseatthetimenoonecouldknowwhatgesanddevelopmentswouldevolve.KingDimitrisatonhisthrone.Helookedaroundthegreathallnowfilledwithhisbeauties,beautifusflowersandradiatingvitalityandexuberandfeltgenuinelyhappyandsatisfied.

Forthismomentousoccasion,theywerealldressedinformattirewhichheighteheirbeautyandelegancebecausetheyknewsoontheeldersandchieftainsofthetribeswouldeandpaytheirrespedofferhomagetotheirking.KingDimitri’sheartwasfullofgdnessanddelight,butwhenhiseyesfellonthesixemptyseatsintheroomhecouldnothelpfeelingasenseofwistfulnessandloss.Hesuddenlyhadastrangeimpressionthatthebeautieswerealllikeexquisiteflowersinfullbloom.

“Whowaslikethatorchidunfurlingitsdelicatepetalsandinparablefragrahehollowvalleys?ThatwasAishaofcourse,therenownedschor,withanairofunmatchedrefiandelegance.SheisworthyanddeservingofthetitleofqueenofthisKingdomofDreams.”

“Lookatthatcolorfunddistinguished-lookingpeony.Isn’tthatthepersonificationofthedignifiedandnobleMegginn?Onlysheisparabletothepeony.Sheisaniandhappy-go-luckygirl,butwhentheneedaroseshecouldgeimmediatelyintoacapableandresoluteander.ShehastightandpletetroloverthefiheKingdom,butsheisnotproudandarrogantoverherpositionofpower.Wheneversomethingimportantesup,shealwayssultsQueenAishabeforemakingafinaldecision.Thatisreallyrareandudable.”KingDimitri’sattentionwasdrawntoabcktulip,arareanduniquehybrid.Hethought,

“That’stheembodimentofMedusa!”Medusa’simageappearedasofbeforehiseyes,hercoldbutgeoustenance,herheadofsnakehairandespeciallyherpiergeyes,sointimidatingandunnerving.SheisGod’sgifttome,myrightarm.SheistheguardianofmyKingdom.Withherencirgtheblueskiesabove,Irestassuredthatthesafetyofthebeautiesareingoodhands.Uheblueskies,abrightredpoppywasswayinginthewind.Itbloomedfgrantlywithahintofevil.

“ThatwasthepersonificationofIleen.Butisn’tshedead?Shemaybedead,buttheflowerlivesonforeverinthisworld.AlthoughIleenwasschemingandcraftyandwaokillmewithavengeance,Iorderedhertobetwofromthewaist,aremelycruelmethodofexecution.Thatwasamadorder,bornofadesireforrevenge,forwhichIamdeeplyremorseful.Letallthislove,hateaydieoutwiththepassageoftime.Letmerememberonlyherbeauty,rememberonlyhergoodpoints.”AnexquisitelywovenofthornsappearedbeforeKingDimitri’seyes,whereepurplepassionflicallybloomed.

“That’ssomuchlikethepeadmysteriouselle”KingDimitrithought,“WheneverIamwithelleIwouldfeerousedsexually,butatthesametimeitwouldsublimatetoahigherlevelintoaspirituallove.Iwonderifsexandabstinenco-existtogether.Ifitcould,thenitwouldbeanimprovementiouscultivation,aperfectphilosophicattitude.Later,whenIhaveaceIwillpersonallyexperimentwith”.SuddenlyKingDimitrisawawillowywisteriabranchbeingcarriedhighintotheskybyagustofwind,likesomeoneonaswing.Clustersofpurpleblueblossomsdottedthebranchwhichwastossedhelplesslyabout.

“Isn’tthatasymbolofRomi’sfate?”hethought.Sheobeattachedtoamaniolive,justlikethewisteriablossomthatogtoavineioexist.Buthercharacteralwayscshedwithfate,whichmadeherahelplessvictim.Romiisavulnerableflowerthatneedsextratenderlovingcare.”ThebeautiessawKingDimitri’sexpressionturnsluggishandhiseyesstarriilyintospace.TheykhattheirKingwasagaininhisstrangereverie.Wheneverhelookeddulndtransfixed,hisbrainwasactuallyingfastatdoublespeed.Theywonderedwhatnewphilosophyoflifehehadeupwithorwasheintoanotherworldaltogether?IsthereandomofDreamsbesidesthisohebeautiestalkedandughedamongstthemselves,leavingtheirKingaloneinhisabstractedmusings.

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AstrranalltreewaftedtowardsKingDimitri.Helookedbutcouldseenoflowers.Oncloseriion,hefoundmyriadsoftinyyellowblossomsclusteredonthebranchesuheleaves.

“Thismustbetheosmanthustree”hethought,“thepersonificationofCharmaihenymphwithnoimageandnosubstawhoyetreallyexists.Thoughfragrancehashershapenorsubstandotbeseenortouched,it,too,reallyexistsintheair.NowCharmainehasreturoherhomeintheseventhheavehherfatherZeus.Isherlifehappy?Ioftenthinkofherawinsister.”

ThinkingofClementine,KingDimitrienvisionedaregalgreenandebirdwithbluishpurplecrest,abouttofpherwingsandtakeoffintotheskies.Itwasabirdofparadise,abirdhatchedbyaflower.“Thetwinswerenymphsfromtheseventhheavenanditwashtforthemtoreturntotheirheavenlyabode.WhythendidIseetearsshimmeringattheerofhereyes?Perhapsshewasloathetoleaveme?Ah,Clementine,Clementine,fetallthis.Fetme.FettheKingdomofDreams.Wipingallthisfromyourmemorywillmakeyourfuturelifehappierandmoreenjoyable.

SuddenlytheslimfigureofayounggirlswamintothekenofKingDimitri’ssigh,whoselonghairhungdowntoherahen,justassuddenlysheturoapurpleazalea.

“ThatmustbetheembodimentofStephahought.“AfterbringiheKingdomofDreams,Ipersonallytaughtherthemethodofpractiginternartofloy.Shefinallydecapitatedthescarletdragonandsolvedthestpuzzleoflife,proviheoryofthetruthoftheuniverseandlife.Nowshemovefreelybetweendifferentspaddimensions.Butwhydidsheleavemethepuzzlingprophesybeforesheleft?Herwordsmademeuneasyandworried.Ah!Iuand.Itwasherentrustihthetaskofprotegthebeauties.Restassured,Stephanie,Iwillcarryoutmydutiestothebestofmyability.”AnefloearedbeforeKingDimitri.Itwasargeeandyellowbicolordahlia.

“IfparedtoawomabeJunoesque,tall,full-figuredandmiddle-aged.Doesn’tthatdescriptionresemblethekiedMarianna?Ah,oldfriend,Ihaven’tseenyouforalongtime.Howareyou?Howarethechildren?Istillfeelremorsefultowardsyourhusband.Shouldwelethiminonoursecret,orshoulditremainforeverasecretbetweenyouandme.Abeautifulgirlstoodunderacherrytree,wearingayellowblouseandawhitepleatedskirt.

“ItisYoko.Thatwaswhatsheefirstmet.Butherdimplesaremorepronounowandthereforemorefasating.Shewasababy,abandonedonastreeter.Amaliatookherinandbroughtherupasherown.Amaliaisoldenoughtobehergrandmother,butYokolovesherlikeamotherandtakesgoodcareofher.YokoismarriediomygoodfriendRichard.Whewegobacktoourbakery,Ithinkitwouldbegreattogivethemaformal,livelyandcheerfulweddingparty.”

othecherrytreeisacamellia,whereanirlisstanding,thelovelyanddelicateShei.Sheoor,homelessmegirlwhousedtobeateen-ageprostitute.Lefttofendforherselfatanearlyage,shewasfortoprostitutionandwastroduponbytheunderworldelementsofthestreetsandofferedlikeasacrifithealtaroffate.Amaliatookpityonher.Usinghermagicpowers,sheshrankthegirl’sbodytothesizeofafingerandswallowedherwhole,feelingherpassthroughherabdomenandreachherwomb.Thereshewasmadewholeandrebornwithanewbody.Hermenessdisappearedandshewasnormandpleteineveryrespecludinghervirginity,whichshenowprizedaboveallelseintheworld.LikeYoko,shelovedAmalialikeamotherandwasgratefulforthesedlifegiventoher.Bothofthemtookgreataliainheroldage.KingDimitrithought,

“Howluckythesetwogirlsaretofindtheirmother.Sowhatiftheyareedbyblood?Whoismymother?CouldAmaliabemymothertoo,whogavebirthtome,isretedtomebybloodandwhosepedigreeIshare?”NaughtygirlDornabecameimpatientatKingDimitriforlosinghimselfinreverieforsolong.Shewalkeduptothethroneandwavedherhandsbeforehiseyes.KingDimitrididnotrespond.QueenAishaquicklypulledheraway,whispering

“Don’tdisturbKingDimitri.Heisvulnerabletointerruptionsatthispoint.”

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KingDimitricametoagardenthatseemedfamiliartohim.

“I’vebeenherebefore”hethought,buthecouldn’trememberwhen.Fragrantjasminesclimbedalloverthefences,almostobliteratiructuretheygto.Redandwhiterosesandpinkhibiscusflourishedonthegroundbelowit.Thesetwospeciesofflowersbelongtotwodifferentclimatezones,butstrangelyenough,theyarebloomingtogether.KingDimitrilookedatthemassesrantgoldandsilverjasmineblossomsbeforehimandwaslostinthought.Heseemedtorememberasefromthepast.OnenighthehadgooseeDr.Elinaatherhouseforhiseyeexam.Usingherinstruments,Elinalookedilyintohiseyesatcle,almosttoughischeeks.Dimitriihefaiofherbreathahesoft,geouchers.Ah!Howhewishedtheclosetactcouldbeprolongedindefinitely,foreachsedofitrecious.HerememberedElinahadsilverbsoldenhairandsilverear-ringsohatnight.EliresponsiblebecauseitwasthemedicationshehadprescribedthatcausedDimitritolosehissightsoohanheshouldandturnedhimintoavictimofFate–ablindmaninthemundaneworld.Buthehilosophicaboutit.“It’sOk,Elina.Don’tbmeyourselftoomuch.IalwaysregainmysightintheKingdomofDreams.”

Once,whenSamanthawasattheheightofhercareerasafamousiionalmodel,KingDimitrihadpresentedherwithabouquethtred,long-stemmedrosesafterashowandshehadaccepteditwithherownhands.Hehasetedaboutitfordaysonend.Samanthawastheredrose,brilliantaiful,butalsothornyandhardtotouch.Herexpressionwasalwaysaloof,buthersocialskillswereimpeccable–agile,flexibleandadroit.Alltherichpyboyadmirerswhoflockedaroundherwouldlovetohaveaceatintimacy,butwereafraidtobeprickedbyherthorns.“IamhoohavesuchafamousflowerinmyKingdomofDreams”thoughtDimitri.

Thepinkhibiscusshiverediumnwiicallybeautiful,itlookeddelicate.Fromitssoft,tealsKingDimitriseemedtoseethelethargidtiredfeaturesofAngelica,ravagedbyendlesssleeplessnights.Herpale,anemiplexiouatedevenmoreherdeepblueeyes,seaiful,butalwaysressionofay.“Ah,Angelica!YourlifewasgiventoyoubyGod.Don’thurtitinanywayorthrowitawaytoocasually.HowIwishyoucainyourhealth,havesuffitbloodinyourbeautifulbody.Iamwaitingtoreadyourimmortalpoems.”

Inaerofthegardenwasthegracefulcssicflower–clivia.Unwillingtopetewithothersinshowingoffherbeauty,shebloomedtentlyandsilentlyinherer.Asaresult,wheherflowerswerefadedandgohebeautifulecliviatioflourishweekafterweek.Itspatiendlovetypifieshenurse,whotookcareofherrichbutailinghusband,thirtyyearshersenior.Afterhisdeath,NovelcametotheKingdomofDreamswithhercousinElina.

ThemagnoliablossomtuckedintoMara’shairtremblediumnwind.Marahadbeensingingoreetsallday,butthemoneyiinwasonlyenoughtobuyasandwidacupofcoffee.TheseshegenerouslysharedwithDimitri,eachalterakingturnsinbitingintothesandwidsippingthecoffee.Meagerthoughthesupperwasthatlefttheirstomachstillhungryandtheirbodiesstillcold,itidthefoundationfortheirlife-longfriendship.

“Howtimefliesby”thoughtKingDimitrigazingatsnowthithebraheplumtrees.“Theplumblossomsbravelysurvivetheweather.Inspiteofthewindandsnow,theystruggletobethefirstflowerstobloomandtobloomprofusely.OurLaverneislikethatwithherfearlesstenacity.Shetookonherslendershoulderstheburdenofsuppafamilyoherbyblood.Shetookcareoftheoldcoupleshecalledherparentsuntiltheydiedandtiolookaftertheirretardedson,Mark.Shegavemeherheart,butofferedherbodytoMark,herretardedbrother,likeasacrifithealtarofFate,tolethimtiohaveanormalfamilylifeandavesseltoventhissexualurges.Hernoblespiritofself-sacrificeisreallyadmirable.MegginnwhisperedtoQueenAisha,“KingDimitrihasbeenlostinhisreverielohanisusual.Doyouthinkweshouldwakehimup?”Afterthinkingforamoment,QueenAishareplied,“No.It’sbetternottodisturbhimbutlethimetonaturally.”

KingDimitribythenhadreturohisKingdomofDreams.Onamistym,aseaoffloaitingforthefirstcrackofdaear.Everyflowerwasalerttoandwaitingforthebirthoftheflowerfairy,theinationoftheEasterLily.Whenthefirstrayofsunshiratedthefogandlitupthepre-dawndarkness,anexquisitelybeautifulgirlwithlongsnow-whitehairwasseendanglightasthewind,half-floatingintheair.Theflowerfairywasborn–WhiteFairy!Thiswasaseofaballet,writtenanddirectedbyKingDimitri.

Anuredaothestage.ItwasNatalie,thecssicballetdaalndslim,shehadstylishposeandmatchlessgrace,elegandsymmetry,muchlikeagdioblossom.Thetwoofthemdaogetherseamlessly,perfectlychraphed.Nataliewasnotonlyadancer;shewasalsoatalentedposer.Shewoulduseapendsketchpicturesofposturesandmovementsastheycameintohermind.Thenshewouldstriogetherintoadahesesketchesweretherhythmofherlife,snatchesofhersilhouette.Thetwoofthemdanandonuntiltheycametothesideoftheke.

Maryranquicklytowardsthem,hergoldenhairflyingandshimmeringinthemsunlikeaseaofgoldendaffodils.KingDimitrirememberedseeingMaryforthefirsttimewhenshewasrunningtocatchherschoolbus.Justasnow,sheranwithhershiningandripplinggoldenhair,trailingbehihewind.ItwasamomentthatremaiampedinKingDimitri’smemory.

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AloudspshcaughthisattentionandKingDimitrisawaslimgirlburstoutofthewaterandwalkonshore.Herwell-tonedbodyseemedtobenaturallyoiled,aswaterranoffherhairandbodylikepearls.SheisDeanna,asagileandquiderwaterasamermaid.Shecouldremainforthreewholedaysier,evensleepingonitssurface.Shewasborninthesepartsandgrewuphere.Likethenarcissusthatgrowsbythewateranddownatitsrefleallday,Deannaisshyandintrovert.

MarystoodbyherthekesidewithWhiteFairyandNatalie.Allthreeofthemhadlonghairfallingtotheirwaist.Theirthreedifferenttrastingcolorsplementedeachotherandmadeaprettypicture.Anotherspshofwaterbroughtoutanirl–naughtyDorna.Sheraisedherarmandshowedthemthergecarpshehadaught.Sheputdowthewater,butjustasitwasabouttoswimaway,shecaughtitagainbyitstail.Shedidthisseveraltimes,lettingitgoauringituntilthepoorfishwrithedandstruggledfuriously.Intheend,sheletitgoandthefishshehadteasedtofrenzyslinkedaway.Dornawalkedonshore.Shehadnopatiehlonghair,soshekeptitshort,lettingitframeherlovelyface,muchlikeacy.

Notfaraway,theysawLotusstandingbeforeastrawhutholdingsomethinginherarms.Theysawherthrowitupwardsaethingflewhighintotheskylikeacloud.Lotushadbeenstayinginthelowlyandhumblestrawhutspinningallnight.Shepreferredthistolivinginstyleatthemagnifitpace.Shewaolivesimplyandquietlyclosetonature.Oh,shehadnotsimplybeenspinning.Allnight,shehadweavingacloudwhichsheisnowsendingintotheearlymskyandwatgitflitawayhigherandhigher.KingDimitrifelthisheartliftinhappinessandpride.“Ah!ThatismybelovedLotus.Ifyouarewillingtospeofyourlifeinthislovely,humblestrawhut,Iamwillingtogiveupmynomadlife.”KingDimitrigraduallywokefromhisreverieandlookedaroundatallthebeautiesaroundhiminthegreathall.Thebeauties,meantime,haddiscoveredhehadwokenupfromhisdeepreverieandtheyalllookedathimsmilihought,“Imustestablishaparadiseohandcaremeticulouslyforeadeveryohesepreciousflowers.Iwillgivemylifetothisendeavorandwillevehemwithret.”

KingDimitriwokefromhisreverieandbecameawareofthefactthathehadbehavedsomewhatoddlyandinappropriatelyfortheoccasion.

“Sorry,everyone”hesaid.“Ijustsnoozedforalittlewhileandwoketofinditisalreadyspring.Thesuniswarmandalltheflowersareblooming.Rememberhowinthemundaneworlditwaswinter,coldandwindy.Insomepcesitwasevensnowingheavily.ButhereindomofDreams,springisintheairandalltheblossomsareflourishing.”

“Didn’tyouknow”askedQueenAisha“thattheclimateintheKingdomgeacctoourwhims?Itbeanythingyouwantittobe.”

“Really?”excimedKingDimitri.“Idon’tbelieveit!”

“Ihavebeensobusythesestfewdays”saidMegginn“wdayandnightthatIneverrealizedtheKingdomofDreamshadsuchmagicalfuns!”

“Ifyoudon’tbelieveme”smiledQueenAisha,“erimentonit.”Ilikesummer.Itinvigoratesme.”Allofasudden,theenviroseemedtoge.Treesandgrassturoadarkershadeofgreen.Thesunshhterandwarmer.Eveerinthekeseemedclearerandbluer.Megginnjumpedupandcppedherhaedlylikeachild.

“Itry?”askedLaverne.

130页

“Ofcourse”repliedQueenAisha.“Whynot?”

“Ilikefall.”saidLaverhoughleavesfalndflowersfade,theairturnscrisperandIlovethewaytheskiesseemhigherandbluer.”Beforesheevenfinishedspeaking,theserybeforethemgedagain.Leavesfell,buttheyturnedredandgold,addiiccolortothendscapethatextendedfarawayonthehorizon.Theblueskiesseemedendlessandboundless,likeexquisitebluegems.

“Well”saidQueenAisha.“Wehavebeenthroughspring,summerandfall.Wholikeswinter?”

“Ido”answeredShei.“Ilikethesnowyseason.Snowfkesdahewind,givingusasenseofpeadserenity.”Theseonceagaingeddramatically.Snowfkesdottedtheskiesandgraduallyfloateddownwardsuntilthewholeearthwasbedbypurewhitesnow;untiltheworldseemedsopure,sodazzlinglywhite,canytraceofgrimeandugliness.”

“Everyonehashisorherpreferences”saidSamantha.“Howeveryone’swishbesatisfiedthen?”

“Sisters.Sisters”calledoutQueenAisha.“Pleasecloseyoureyes.Thinkofyourfavoriteseasonandthenopenyoureyes.”Somethingevenmicalhappened.Whenthebeautiesopeheireyes,theysawthati,springflowerswereblooming,treesandshrubsweresproutingtendergreenshoots.Ih,thehotsummersudownondensefoliage,whichcasttheirshadeontheground.I,theautumnairwascrisp,thecloudlessskiesseemedhigher.Ih,thewindhowledahwascoveredwithathickcarpetofsnow.Thefourseasonsactuallyco-existedtogether.

“Sister,”QueenAishatinued.“Whenyougobacktoyourroomsandwanttoexperiehefourseasonsinoneday,youhaveonlytothinkhardonyourwishandtheclimatewillgeatyourwill.Anytimeduringthe24-hourday,theweatherturnrainy,sunny,foggyorcloudy.”Delightedexcmationsfilledthehall.KingDimitrimurmured,

“Alltheseyearswehavebeenapartmorethaogether.ThetimeIspetheKingdomofDreamshavebeenminimal.Mostofmydayswerespentwanderingasahomelesspersoninthemundaneworld.IneverkhattheKingdomhadsuchmagicalfuns.Thisreallyisagreatsurprise.”

“WelebacktotheKingdomofDreams,Amalia”saidQueenAisha.“Whatisyourfavoriteseason?”

“Allfourseasreat”repliedthepragmaticolddy.“I’mnotreallyiedinwhichseasonitis.WhatI’medaboutismystomach.I’mhungry.IwouldlikesomePekingduck.”Immediately,argesilverpteappearedbeforeher.Onitwasafreshlyroastedduck,itscrispyskinsizzliingly,givingoffaizingaroma.EveryonewasstuosilencludingQueenAisha.Sherecoveredfromhersurpriseafterawhileandsaid,

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“Ionlykhattheclimatecouldgeacctoone’swishes,Ineverkhatfoodwouldappearacctoone’swishes.Thisistoomagical!”

“Iwantlobsterbakedincheese!”excimednaughtygirlDornaandloandbehold,itappearedtoo.Shetookupherknifeandforkbutsaidwithafrown,

“Ionlysaiditinfun!Whowantssuchgreasyfoodsoearlyinthem?”Sheputdowensilsoeandimmediately,hersilverptewiththelobsterdisappearedpletelyfromsight.Thebeautiesagainexcimedinshodsurprise.KingDimitriwascurious.

“Letmetry,too”hesaid.“Iwantagssofredwinemorethanahundredyearsold.”Strangelyenough,acrystalgssappearedinhishandandfromabovehimintheair,aninvisiblehandpouredredwiohisgobletrightuptothebrim.KingDimitrihesitatedforamoment,aookasip.Thetastewasstrongbutfragrantandhecouldfeelthewinegodowninahotliraighttohisstomach,makingitfeelwarmandcozyasspring.KingDimitriagainlosthimselfinreverie.

KingDimitrisippedhiswineandwasagainlostinreverie.Hethought,

“penedhereisreallyunbelievable.ThisisreallyamagicaldimensionandmykingdomofDreamsjusthappeobesituatedhere.Whosaypensindreamsisnotreal?Atthetimeithappens,dreamsareabsolutelyreal.Whosaythismagicaldimensioexistiexpansionoftheuniverse?Takethiscrystalgobletinmyhandforexample,andthishundred-year-oldredwi.WhenIdrinkit,itgivesmeawarm,cozyfeeling.Whosayitishisluxuriouspace,thismagnifitpadallmyloyalsubjects,don’ttheyreallyexist?Thetwenty-fourbeautiesinthepacearepartofmybraincells.ecialfatesawaittheminmybraihinghereistheproduyimaginationaivity.Yes,theyareallreal,theseproduyimaginationaivity.Whatisimagination?Whatiscreativity?Theyaremytwoloyalservants,wdiligentlyformetwenty-fourhoursofthedaywithoutfoodorrest.Theyaretwoworkaholics.ThenwhatamI?Iamonlyacarefreebystander,notreallydoinganything.IamlikeKingDimitrisittingleisurelyonhisthronedoingnothinginparticur.Whatarethespedinvisibleboweehesetwenty-fourbeauties?Ihaveneverseentheminmylifebefore,buttheyarelikepersonaldossiersthatsuddenlyjumpoutfromalong-sealeddatasterooheirbeautifulfacesarenatural,buttheirdifferentpersonalitiesaretheworkoftheservantcalledimagination.Thatservantcalledcreativitymadeuptheirstories.Thusthetwenty-fourbeautiescametoliveinmyKingdomofDreams.Iambutacarefreebystander,notdoinganything.Mytwoloyandhardwservantsvoluntarilyandunditionallyprepareformeeverythingthatisbeautifundbountiful.Butbehindthisbeautyandbountylurksdangerouscrisisanderoublewaitingformetoface.Iamreallyaskingforvexations.No,actuallynot,becauseallcrisisandtroublearesurmountable,transformableanddissolvablebecauseIhavetwoloyalservantsimaginationaivity.Thetwoofthemwtogetherbeewisdom.Iambutacarefreebystander,notreallyhavingtodoanything,likeaking.”

QueenAishasmiledandlookedatthebeautifulmagisbeforeher.Oh,theyarenotreallymagisbutratherpractitionersofthesasstyinterge,atheorythathumancivilizatioofullyapproach.ButhereinthismagicaldimensionoftheKingdomofDreams,ithadbeenmasteredandpracticed.Whenanimagefshedinthemind,aywouldappear.Themoredetailedtheimage,themoresatisfactorytheentitywouldbe.

Afewdaysago,Samanthapassesanupscaleshoestoreandlikedapairofcrocodileskinwalkingshoes,elegantandtasteful,suitedtoherpositionasvice-presidentofWorldBank.Becauseshewasinahurry,shedidnotwalkintothestoretobuyit.Theimageoftheshoeswasveryclearinhermind.Samanthastoodupandwalkedafewsteps.Theyfitherexactlyandwereveryfortable,butlookingatthemnow,shethoughttheywerenotpatiblewiththeformalcourtdressshewaswearing.Justlikethat,theshoesdisappearedpletelyandshewasagainwearingthesameformalexquisitehigh-heelstheotherbeautieswerewearing.

ellewasionreadingaveryoldbook,withpagesmadeofsheepskin.Itwasoheearliesteditionoftheinalbible,unabridgedandunged.Ithadlongdisappearedfromthefaceoftheearth,butellewishedveryhardtoreaditandtheinvaluablebookappearedinherhands.

Angelicasatfagtheeast.Beforeherwasserydepigspring.Theclearsurfaceofthekeshoneandshimmered,reflegthesurroundingmountains.Thebeautifulpoetesswasgreatlyinspiredandvisionaryandingeniouswordscamefshingintohermind.Sheslowlyrecitedhertestcreation:

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“Proudmountainsfightvaliantlyagainsttheerosionoftime,

Butcouldnotwithstandthecaressofthespringbreeze.

Iamlikethelonelyweepingwillowbythewater.

HowIresistyourtendereyes,softlyrog?”

Lotuswalkedtowardsthewindow.Shetookherhandkerchiefandthrewitintotheair,whereitbecameawhitecloud,floatinghigherandhigherinthesky.Lotus’heartwasfilledwithhappiness.Ihecloudwasalivinganiswasenergyproducedbymovementsoftheheartandmind.Thebeautiesalctedupondesiresclosetotheirhearts.However,nonewishedforriches,jewelryorpreciousgemsforinthisfabulouslyrigdomofDreamstheywereeverywhereandtherebysideredonandcheapastherodtiledebristhatlitteredthegroundinthemundaneworld,andtherebynotsideredrareorunique.

NaughtygirlDornajureduparabbit,whichshechasedalroundthehall,ughingmerrily.Amalia,whostillretaiheéofyouthinhersedchildhood,joinedherinrunningaftertherabbit.SheiandYokowereafraidshewouldfalndetoharm,sotheyranafterAmaliaandheldherbythearms.Bythen,AmaliahadpletelyfottenaboutaskingDornatogivebackherflyingbroodusawatchedthenorth-westernskiesandsawonlyaneretchofcloudlessblue.Everythingappearednormal,butMedusaseemedrestless,filledwithasenseoffearanduneasiness.

KingDimitrisaashappeninginthegreathall.Itseemedtofirmwhathewasthinkingaboutinhisreverie.Heraisedhiscrystalgoblettohislipstotakeanothersip,butfouy.Hehelditoutsaying,

“Fillitupagainforme,please!”Theinvisiblehandpouredhimanss.ThebeautiesstoppedwhattheyweredoiheysawKingDimitriwasawakeagainandfocusedtheirattentiononhim.KingDimitritookasipofhiswineandsaid,

“Ladies,yourattentionplease.AndIbegyoutotakemywordstoheart.Theywillbeofgreatbeoyouinyourfuturelives.WhatIwanttosayisthis,“Thoughitisogetheexternalworldoutsideofyou,yourinternalstateofmindbeged.Youmustuandhowtooperatea.Onceyourinternalstateofmindisged,itisequivalenttogiernalworld.”Thesewordsmayseemhardtouand,buttheywillbeverifiedteroninyourlife.”Everyoakenabackbyhiswords.OnlyQueenAishasmiledinacquiesce.

WhileKingDimitriwaslostinreveriejustnow,hismihroughawindingandtortuousjourney.Hethought,

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“Iennilesshomelessvagabond.Thenbyatwistoffortune,Ibecameblind,avictimoffate.LuckilyIfouer,apcetoliveandshouldbesatisfied,butmytwoloyandhardwservants,imaginationaivity,thoughtotherwise.TheydidnotthinkthatthepcewasgoodenoughandsoworkedhardtocreateaKingdomofDreams–asafe,trustworthyhavenwhereIalwaysretreattoanytimeIwantandbefreeofthechaotidfuriouslypetitivemundaneworld.ButactuallytheKingdomofDreamsishersafenordependable.Thereispressurefromtheskiesaboveandalroundtherearehostile,barbariantribeseyeingtheKingdomfiercelyandcovetously,lookingforwaystoaastheirown.Perhapsiexpaheuniverse,therereallyisisabsolutelysafeanddependable.Ifthatisso,whydon’tImovethisKingdomofDreamsbaundaneworld?IshallgobacktothepwhenceIcame.Won’tthatbegood?Atthemoment,inthismagicaldimensioheKingdomofDreamsissituated,Ihaveseenthatwhimsareastrongsourceofenergy.Theymakeirationswasinyourmindbecamerealityiwinklingofaisanareawherehumancivilizationhasbeeodealwith.Itissomethingthatotevenbeimagihemundaneworld.Whimisastrongformofenergywhencorrectlyused.Whelyharnessedaedflexiblyaically,itbesuitedtothedifferentimperfeddefitobjectiveenviros.Thisspecialenergybegedtoallkindsofformstoadapttothedifferentpeopleandthingsisideworld.KingDimitrisuddenlythoughtoftheapartmentwherehelived.Everydayatnoontimeorevening,thestreeterswouldbeethelpceofprostitutes,drugdealers,drunkards,killers,homelessaallyillpeople.Theseeopleostracizedbycircumstaolivingonthefringeofsociety.Suddenly,thesepeoplebecamelovable.Theywereallsmiling.Thoughtheywerestilldangerousaaiheiraggressivenature,intheireyescouldbeseenthebenevolenceofonewhosescestillretairacesofartlessé.KingDimitriwassuddenlyenlightenedaboutthesituation.

“Yes,IshouldmovetheKingdomofDreamsbaundaneworld.SolongastheKingdomofDreamsremaininourheartsandinoureyes,theyretaithateveryoheyseeislovableandthateverythingisgoodaiful,thenIestablishamagnifitandcolorfulnewworldinthismundaneworld.Yes.AfterIgetbaundaneworld,IwillvisitBig-OathistranquilBuddhisttemplebythekeanddiscussthiswithhim.Hehasbeeatingformanyyears,leadingaiclifeofprayerandself-mortification.Hehasnowattaihestatusofareveredsaint.Ageofheartandmindgeeverything.

Noisyfootstepsaedchattercouldbeheardingtowardsthepaalldirelikewavesoftheo.WhenthepeopleoftheKingdomlearhattheirbelovedkingwasback,theyranoutoftheirhome,callingtofriendsaivesandallrushedtowardsthepace,hopingtocatchaglimpseoftheirbelovedking.Thepaceattendantcameintoannouthetribalchieftainsandelderswereatthepacegatetopaytheirrespedwasaskingtobereceived.KingDimitrinoddedhisagreement.ThebeautiesrosefromtheirseatsandstoodinalinebehindKingDimitri.Thechieftainsandeldersehegreathallonebyone,annouhepaceattendant.TheycamebeforeKingDimitri,kdownandmadetheirobeisance.WhenKingDimitrisawawhite-hairedoldmankneelingbeforehim,hewouldstandupandbowinresponse.QueenAishawouldpersonallygotohimandhelphimuptoshowrespeddeferentialsiderationoftheKingdomtowardstheaged.Ifthechieftainwasyoungandable-bodied,KingDimitriwouldremaiedandonlynodtohimiurn.Thereceptionover,KingDimitriwalkedoutofthegreathall,followedbythebeauties.Hestoodonthehighptforminthesquareandacceptedthehomageofthepeople.Medusalookedtowardsthenorth-westernskiesandsawsomecloudsgatheredthere.Othercloudswererapidlyfloatingtowardsthenorth-west,asifansweringsummonstogatherthere.Herheartlurchedafasterandfasterinuneasiness.Onthegroundbelow,thepeoplehailedtheirking,theirenthusiasticcheersandaccmationsrisinghigherandhigheruntiltheyresouheskies.WhenKingDimitriraisedhishandsaskingforsilehecrowdquieteddowntohearhiswordsandnotevenacoughwasheard.Hesaid,

“Chieftains,eldersandallmypeople!Youhavebeenwveryhardnightanddayminingthemountains,keepingthefiresgoingtomelttheironores.IgreatlyappreciateyoureffortsandyourtributionstotheKingdom.Fromnowon,Igiveyouthreedaysofholidaysforyoutocelebrate.InthisKingdomofDreams,whateveryouwishforwillimmediatelybeereality.Mypeoplecelebrateandenjoy.”ThejoyofthepeopleroseagaininwavesofughterandshoutsasKingDimitriturnedahebeautiesbatothepace.Medusaagainlookedtowardsthenorth-westernskies.Shesawthatmorecloudshadgatheredtheretoformathickcloudyerandreadingwiderandwider,likeafloatingpied.ItfloatednearerandowardstheKingdomofDreams.

Chapter11TenSunsintheSky

KingDimitriledeveryonebacktothegreathallwheretheyalltooktheirseatsatthetable,preparingtoenjoyasumptuousfeast.Suddenly,theimpatientneighingofhorses,jarringsoundoftheirimpatienthoofspawingthegroundmihthedinofrollingwheels,shoutsofsoldiersandtheirofficersallseemedtoportendtheadvanceofinvadingtroops.Raisinghishead,KingDimitrisawthethickwidecloudyerioodistantskiesandrealizedtheefromthere.Medusa’ssnakehairstoodonendsinangerassherushedoutofthehall,sheddinghermagnifitcourtdressontheway.Shetransformedherselfintebckbirdaotheskies,leavingherclothesflutteringtotheground.Thepaceattendantsquicklycameforwardtopickthemup,brushoffthedust,foldthemcarefullyandputthemaside.KingDimitri,too,tookoffhisroyalrobesandet.QueenAishahelpedhimintotheclothesheusuallyworewhenheractigtourdeforce.

“Myswordandmagicbowandarrowplease”hesaid.

“Theyareallreadyforyou,yourmajesty”answeredWhiteFairy.

KingDimitrisecuredhisswordtohiswaist,shoulderedhisbowandarrowsandstrodebrisklyoutofthegreathall.HewhistledshrillyandLightning,hisimmortalflyinghorse,knowinghismaster’scall,camegallopingtohim.JustasKingDimitrireparingtomounthishorse,hesawahugebckbirdezigzaggingdownfromtheskies.

“Ohno!”hethought.“That’sMedusa!Shemustbehurt!”Medusafelltothegroundandgedbaanfoldenarrowprotrudingfromunderherarmpit.KingDimitriwalkedovertoherandpulledoutthearrow.Bloodgushedoutofthewound,tellinghimshehadbeenbadlyhurt.Suddenly,thegoldenarrowflewoutofhishandbacktotheskies.Medusa’sbloodkeptonflowinglikeanunstoppablestream.Elenawasbyherside,tryinginvaintostoptheflowofblood.KingDimitrihadasuddeninspiration.HerememberedthetimehefirstsawMedusaandshotherwithhismagicbow.Thattime,hehadkissedthefleshofherwoundandhealedher.Heimmediatelybenthisheadandkissedthetornandmutitedflesh.Thebloodflowslowed.TwopaceattendantscameforwardwithastretcherandcarriedMedusaintothegreathall.KingDimitriwipedoffthebloodonhismouth.Withhisheartfilledwithanger,heagainsprangontohishorseandwasabouttodashahiteFairysaid,

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“Justamoment,yourmajesty.Letmegowithyou.Igobadforthasamessenger.”

“That’sagoodidea”saidQueenAisha.“That’sagoodidea.”SoWhiteFairygedintoaflower.KingDimitribitlightlyoemofthelilywithhisteeth,pulledonthereinanddashedoffwithWhiteFairyheldinhismouth.Lightningfppedhismightywingsandsoaredintotheskies,headingstraighttowardsthecloudslikeashootingstar.

Medusayoretcher,enduringthehorriblepainofherwound.Shestruggledtositup,butQueenAishaidherhandsonhershouldersandcautioned,

“Don’tmove.Don’tmove.Restquietlyandyouwillsoonrecuperate.”

Herfachedofallcebeadsofperspirationfallingfromherforehead,Medusapaherstorybyfitsandstarts.“Quick...Quick...giveorders...havemenstationedonallthehighelevations...tellthewarriors...quicklysetupwebofhugearrows...prepareforinvasion...fromtheskies...”Sheclosedherfatiguedeyesasiffallingasleep,butafterawhilesheagaihetiredeyesthathadlosttheirnormalsharpnessandlusterandsaid,“Justnow...whenIflewupintotheskies...Isaw...anendlessbckstretch...Zeus...broughthiswholearmy...”Herheavyeyelidsclosedagaininfatigue.QueenAisha,whohadstayedbyherside,fortedhersaying,“Don’tworry.Rest.Ihavegivenordersacctoourpre-arrangedpns.IcalledonallthepeopleoftheKingdomtomobilizeandprotectthepace.Rest,Medusa.”Medusaraisedherlusterlesseyestowardsthewindowsuneasily.Shesawthetribesmenhurryingaboutcarryingknives,swordsandspears.Butmostofthemhadonlyhoesandsicklesintheirhands.Somecarriedonlystidclubsorsharpereebranches.

“It’sallmyfault”shesaid.Ididnanizeandarmthepeople.Ishouldhavetraihemtobepreparedforanything.ThesehastilyassembledtroopsofamateursarenomatchforZeus’armyofruthless,well-trainedandwell-equippedprofessionalsoldiers.Theywillbeannihitediroke.Infact,theyarenomatchevenforthehostilebarbariantribesharoundus.”Medusasuddenlystartedandsatupinarm.

“Ohno!Ifthebarbariantribesmakeuseofthisopportunitytounchasurpriseattaus,howwebattletwoeohetwotigerswhouoodhumanspeedwhowerelyingbythetwosidesofKingDimitri’sthroneroaredandrushedfromtheirpositionstowardstheentrahepace.Theretheysatdown,barieethandshowingtheirsharppawsasiftosay,

“Wewillberesponsibleforthesafetyofthebeauties.”Thebeautiesughed.QueenAishahelpedMedusaliedownagainsaying,

“Don’tworry.Don’tworry.Liedownandtrytorest.Otherwiseyouwilggravateyourwoundandthatwouldbeterrible.KingDimitrihascelestialproteandthispiedisblessedbyGod.Itwillakehebarbariantribes.”Thoughshesoughttoedusawithherfidentialwords,QueenAishawasfarfromassured.Sheset,perturbedandappreheshekhatatthiscritient,anyexpressionofagitationonherpartwouldallthosearoundherandtherebyimpacttheoverallsituation.

Deadsilencereighinsideandoutsidethepace,whereeventhedroppingofapincouldbeheard.Thewindblewlightlyandthebrairred.Eventhesunlightseemedtoshiver.Peoplewaitedinsuspenseandaybuttimeseemedfrozeanttomoveforwardbyevenased,aminute.Justatthisextremelytenseandnervousmoment,wheheheartseemedtohavestoppedbeating,therhythmicrollofwardrumswasheardingfromtheclouds.Gallopinghoofs,rumblingwheelsofchariots,jarringgofonsinbat,bolsteringshoutsofsoldiersrisinghereandsubsidingthere,annouhefactthatKingDimitriwasinbatwithamajod.Thebeautiesanxiouslyheldtheirbreathsandfistedtheirhandssohardthattheirnailsbitdeepintotheirflesh.