Dreamwalkers

Epilogue

Perchance to Dream

"Dream (drém) a construction of images, thoughts or emotions existing in the mind during sleep.
Prophetic visions that reflect the subconscious mind of the dreamer."

Excerpt from the Archaen Book of Dreams and Visions

"When did you first suspect?" asked the Empress.

"Hmm?"

Alain Chamaitre turned form the chariot window. Below them the gleaming spires of Dream City gave way to the tranquil waves of Dreamer's Bay. Thirty hours had elapsed
since the healing of his mind-rift. The memory of Menwe, Luer Pell and a dozen Imperial Marines standing over him and Syona as they awoke from the Dream Room floor was
still fresh in his mind. Much had happened since then - The postponing of the State Dinner, hours of debriefing, testimonials, test, but more, sleep. Sweet uninterrupted, dreamless
sleep. Eighteen hours worth.

Alain felt his nose with his formally bandaged hand. Even all his physical wounds were nearly healed. He felt refreshed. Squaring his shoulders he faced Empress Cavery. She sat
across from him in the pressurized cabin of the Gravity Chariot. The True Dreamer repeated her question.

"When did you first suspect Syona's encounter with the Grinning Man was all part of a test?"

The Listhani furrowed his brow.

"Oh, that. Well... I suppose I have him to thank. He kept referring to things like...
it was 'Syona's destiny to face him', and she failed some sort of... rite."

"A Rite of Passage," said the Empress.

Star light spilled into the cabin sculpting the Archaen Monarch in soft and gentle tones.

"All those in line to assume my mantle must pass it."

"Our encounter with the Grinning Man.... that wasn't how the test was suppose to go off, was it?" asked the Listhani Corunal. The True Dreamer lifted a single eyebrow.

"No. Your presence complicated matters."

Alain could feel the chariot descend. The Empress continued.

"For any Dreamer adolescents is a time of change, both for the body and the mind. The
mind in particular is flooded with new levels of brain chemistry, manifesting themselves
as strong emotions."

Alain remembered his epiphany about Syona's age, and pulled a lopsided grin.

"This is what was happening to Syona."

The True Dreamer nodded.

"Yes. From an early age all Dreamers are taught to repress their emotions,
but once they enter adolescence that may not always be possible. Though
dangerous, the Rite of Passage gives them the opportunity to... how did
you put it? Vent?"

Alain chuckled, then said,

"This is what you hinted at when you told Syona... action is the answer."

Cavery simply raised her chin, acknowledging Alain's astute guess.

"Indeed. Though, bare in mind, not all Dreamers go through with the
Rite. Many retreat from their first encounter with the Grinning Man, or
similar manifestations."

Suddenly, he looked at her.

"Similar? You mean... there are more things out there like him?!"

"Perhaps. Many believe the Mindplane is the birth realm of all the mythical beings who
created the universe. The Grinning Man is only one of its citizens."

"Even fleas have fleas, and they in returned," said Alain quietly to himself. His jaw tighten, but then he remembered how Syona, like any Dreamer, had the ability to leave
the Mindplane at any moment. The thought gave him some comfort.

"What happened to those who retreated... who failed the Rite?"

"They are taught advance methods of meditation to help them deal with their emerging feelings.
However, none are able to continue on to become True Dreamers."

He looked at her with a shaken expression.

"You faced the Grinning Man yourself, didn't you? Faced... and defeated him."

The woman across from him slowly nodded as she looked back on the memory.

"It was a long time ago. Our encounter was in an old windmill overlooking a realm called the
Valley of Memory. Whenever I could I would escape there for solitude... for meditation and
reflection. One day while visiting I found the mill decorated with a dozen brass candelabras
with tapers. A storm was approaching and the room drew dark, the air cold and damp. With
a summons of thought I... dream-lit the candles."

"Let me guess. Soon after that the Grinning Man appeared."

"Yes. I retreated the first time we met. I did not defeat him until our
third encounter." said the Empress.

The Ambassador deeply considered her words.

"Your Majesty... how many others have faced him?"

"Many. All those before me who have held the mantle
of Supreme True Dreamer... and more."

"The ones he defeated?" asked Alain.

"The ones he killed," said the Empress. "They are buried and well remembered."

Alain found little solace in that chilling fact. Suddenly, he remembered something else.

"It was you who placed the telescope in the Lighthouse? Wasn't it?"

The Empress shook her head. Somehow he could hear the gesture in the stillness of the cabin.

"Not I. Dr. Marson, though he was acting on my orders."

Alain slapped his forehead and pulled his palm down over his face.

"Marson, of course! That's why he lied about the Telescope."

"Every Dreamer is given a clue to begin the Rite. Nothing obvious,
yet something to be used as a weapon of opportunity."

Closing his eyes he tried not to laugh.

"By the River, I certainly messed things up when I used the telescope instead of Syona," he said.

Looking out the window Alain was surprised at how easy it was to laugh at everything now. And more, how comfortable it was to see his own reflection in the pane.
Below them the waves of Dreamer's Bay pulled closer. Alain looked back to the Empress.

"Pardon me for asking, your Majesty, but... what you've been telling me seems
extremely confidential," began the Ambassador.

"Do you mean... why am I telling you this?" asked the Empress.

"Yes."

This time it was the True Dreamer who turned away and took in the dark waters below. Another gentle silence filled the cabin before she answered.

"You have every right to know. I have a confession to make. I placed my daughter, but more,
I placed you at considerable risk by not telling you about the Rite."

Alain caught her reflection in the window and wondered if she could see his own expression.

"Are... are you saying you could have stepped in at any moment? To help... to even stop
what we went through?"

She turned and faced him.

"I'm... not sure."

It was the first time Alain heard doubt in the Empress's voice.

"Never in the entire history of the Rite has an outsider been involved. None of my people,
myself included, knew how much you had been... contaminated by the Grinning Man, or
if we could truly help you. I MINDRACED the facts of the situation for a considerable time,
and came to one, unavoidable conclusion."

Raising her chin the Empress continued.

"That I should not help you, or my daughter. In truth the only ones who could were you ..."

"And Syona," whispered Alain looking away. This time it was the Listhani was quite before he
spoke again.

"I'm just curious... what would have happened had you intervened?"

"With my help you and Syona could have sealed the rift unmolested by
the Grinning Man, but Syona would have failed the Rite. Perhaps worse,
The Grinning Man would return to pick at the psychic-scab in your mind.
You could suffer from a life time of neurotic episodes, and possibly
psychiatric institutionalization."

Alain frowned. Syona had came to a similar conclusion.

"What... what if you had simply told her how to defeat him,
and let her proceed from there?"

"Do you mean cheat?" asked the Empress with another raised brow. Changing his dour expression, Alain pulled a wry grin.

"Under the situation it may have been warranted," he offered.

"That knowledge may not have helped. Does a new-born child need
instructions on how to breath?"

Considering that, he said.

"Aside from a firm spank on the bottom, no. It's pretty much a natural process."

The True Dreamer nodded.

"The same holds true here. A Dreamer must find it within themselves the means to...
vent their feelings."

Outside Alain could hear the chariot begin to land.

"Consider this as well," continued the Empress, "With such knowledge, had Syona defeated
the Grinning Man, would she feel worthy of the accomplishment? Or more... earn the respect
of other True Dreamers?"

Alain thought for a while more. Would he have made the same choice had their roles been reversed? Intervene and ruin the lives of a daughter and the Listhani Ambassador,
or trust in their abilities and allow the Rite to continue?

"I think... I'm beginning to understand," he said quietly.

"Ambassador, at most I would like your forgiveness... at the least, acceptance for what I've done.
I will... understand if your Empire wishes to have no further dealings with ours."

Such a proposal had been expected. Alain knew Menwe had argued for just such a stance. But then, Alain remembered his own selfish actions before. He had come close...
so very close to giving Syona over to the Grinning Man. Even if his actions were on a subconscious level, as a telepath, he held himself to a higher standard. He rubbed his
clean shaven chin, then passed his attention back to the Empress.

"Your Majesty... may I ask you a personal question?"

The True Dreamer simply tilted her head in a quizzical manner.

"Of course, Ambassador."

"Do you... love your daughter?"

The True Dreamer shook her head.

"No," she answered without a single trace of emotion. "But I do care deeply for her. She...
and all my children, complete my existence. Without them my life... would be greatly diminished."

Touched, Alain smiled.

"Some might argue that you actually answered 'yes' to that question," said the Listhani.

"Interesting," replied the Empress, "Would you care to debate the matter?"

Alain could feel the chariot come to a slow and gentle landing. He held up his hands in a halting manner.

"No. No, no, noooo. Far be it for me to debate a Dreamer."

He grinned and the Empress raised her brows in a Dreamer's smile.

"That would be wise."

Alain laughed, then said,

"But you have told me what I hoped. All is forgiven, your Majesty, and more
I look forward to a long and prosperous future between your people and mine."

"Thank you, Ambassador. As do I."

Outside he could sense Menwe jumping down form the shotgun side of the driver's bench and unfold the passenger side steps. Picking up the small but heavy basket next to him,
he waited as his security agent opened his door. Shifting his weight Alain move to exit, then stopped.

"One more thing, your Majesty," asked the Ambassador, "I think I'll feel better hearing it form you.
The Grinning Man... is he dead?"

Again the Empress shook her head.

"Doubtfully. But I don't think he'll be back for a considerable time. Nor do I think will
he ever bother you again. You and Syona gave him a proper lesson he won't soon forget."

The tension in his shoulders subsided.

"Thank you, your Majesty." He hefted the basket. "Sure you won't join us?"

"Thank you, no. You two have earned this reprieve. I will see you both at the state dinner tomorrow."

"Until then," said Alain.

"Until then."

Stepping out Alain watched as the Gravity Chariot ascended into the night sky and headed back to the gleaming towers of Dream City.

*Ready, sir?* asked Menwe at his side. *Starving,* answered his Corunal surprised at how strong the waves sounded splashing nearby. The Security officer lead him up a series
of rock hewed steps until they came to a level landing. Luer Pell stepped from the shadows near the building's door. A friendly grin was on the 'Sin-Guardian's face.

"Evening, sir. Honor-Menwe. Go right on in, she's waiting for you," said Syona's protector.

"Thank you, Luer."

Alone now Alain walked through the front door of the building and began climbing the long set of spiral stairs to the top. Opening the wood paneled door he found Syona waiting
for him on the top floor of the Dreamer's Lighthouse. Relocated from the Archaen Homeworld two centuries ago, the structure was set on a small isle in the middle of Dreamer's Bay.
It was one of the oldest buildings on the White. Through its windows Alain could see straight through the xalocite domes of the space station and deep to the night side of 1st World
Arachada.

The room smelled of green apples and sandalwood. Syona was dressed in a crisp white blouse with an elegant long blue skirt. Behind her a checkered cloth covered a simple table.
On top stood an on open bottle of Noe Brandy wine, sparking Arzone cider, and two crystal glasses. Next to the table stood another item, one that brought a smile to Alain's face -
Kole's Telescope. He had no doubt that it was pointed at his Home Stars. He held up the basket.

"Sorry I'm late. Hope you're not too hungry?"

Syona tossed her head, a gesture so much like her mothers. "You're just in time. The Captain of the White has just swung us around. Please, sit."

He did, and Syona poured the drinks. Wine for him and cider for her. Alain opened the basket and set out their lunch.

"Roasted Listhani pheasant, rattling cheese, sun-plums, wild grain bread, and a tossed salad."

"Smells wonderful," said the Dreamer as she shook out her napkin. "Now," she announced with a neutral expression, but with the smallest hint of a mischievous tone.

"If I'm not mistaken you promised to tell me about your childhood... and, how do did you put it? The blunders of your youth?"

Alain laughed. Everything felt good, both in body and soul. He decided it would be a good thing if he tired to laugh like this as often as he could.

"I believe I did, but first..." He held up his glass. Syona lifted hers as well.

"A toast. To sweet dreams, and a long waking life."

"To a long waking life," said the Princess.

Crystals chimed and as they did the White was touched by the a fiery glow of a building light. A sun was rising over Arachada. Together the Listhani Corunal and the
Archaen Dreamer watched the new day arrive, and the first light of dawn.

* * *

Special thanks go out to Jeff Blagg for the use of his characters and to Bakedo no Hikage for the several swift kick to my ass to get me to finish.

-Lowell