"The healer said removing something from a wound that deep might release his soul from his body. I didn't want to take that chance."

I looked at Thana, then back to Shesu. "What foolishness! The boy could have died died from infection! Bring me some hot water, several clean rags, and some pure alcohol if you can get it. Thana, put something in the boy's mouth so he doesn't bite his tongue." from infection! Bring me some hot water, several clean rags, and some pure alcohol if you can get it. Thana, put something in the boy's mouth so he doesn't bite his tongue."

Shesu quickly put a pot of water on the fire then ran out the door. Thana rolled up a cloth, put it in the boy's mouth, then gently took his hand. He watched as I firmly took hold of the spike. He turned to Thana with pleading eyes.

"Sorry, son," I said. "But this is going to hurt. Brace yourself." I pulled gently, then harder. There was some resistance. So I gave a firm tug then stumbled backwards as the spike came free.

The boy twitched in agony, then pa.s.sed out.

Shesu returned with the cloths and a large flask. I took one of the cloths and applied pressure to the wound to stop the bleeding. Once the bleeding slowed I dipped another cloth into the hot water and carefully cleaned the infected area. After removing as much of the oozing puss as I could I poured a liberal amount of whiskey over the wound. It was fortunate for the boy, and us, that he was unconscious.

The young man began to move his head, mumbling something unintelligible. His mother moved quickly to his side.

"This should stop the bleeding," I said as I finished wrapping the area. "And hopefully any further infection. You will need to change the cloth three or four times a day and keep the area around the wound as clean as possible. As for your son's fever, it should go down if you tend to his foot properly."

"How can I ever thank you?" she asked, kneeling before me.

"You can thank me by taking care of your son. It is my hope that his condition will improve. Use this if it does not." I handed the woman a coin. "Rub it softly in your hands and pray to me if your son's condition worsens. And do not go to that healer again. Do you understand?"

She nodded.

"Have faith, and he will be okay."

A crowd had gathered in front of the woman's house. We mounted our horses and began to move but it was difficult to get through. "Make way!" yelled Thana. The people began to move aside but it was still slow going. Pleading eyes looked up at me. I could have easily delivered these poor folks from their poverty but Thana would not have approved. Was there anything wrong with offering a little comfort to these unfortunate souls?

I thought back to what Thana had said earlier. "You take away our strength, and replace it with dependence." "You take away our strength, and replace it with dependence." Perhaps she was right. Pain makes a person stronger. Without sorrow growth is hindered. Who was it that said through pain comes change? I couldn't remember but it made sense. If I were to take away the challenges of these people's existence what service would I be doing them? It would take away their sense of accomplishment, maybe their sense of purpose. Perhaps she was right. Pain makes a person stronger. Without sorrow growth is hindered. Who was it that said through pain comes change? I couldn't remember but it made sense. If I were to take away the challenges of these people's existence what service would I be doing them? It would take away their sense of accomplishment, maybe their sense of purpose.

Humphrey may have been right to a certain extent but I felt his convictions were a bit extreme. I didn't think offering a little help could hurt-- but then again where would I draw the line? If there was was a divine plan I was given my power for a reason. To use it irresponsibly would be wrong. I knew this. But to not use it at all would be just as bad. a divine plan I was given my power for a reason. To use it irresponsibly would be wrong. I knew this. But to not use it at all would be just as bad.

Eventually we reached the other side of the bewildered crowd. Thana turned to me and spoke. "I think we shouldn't stop for supplies. We should have enough for now and Humphrey will take care of us when we get to his cottage."

"Whatever you think is best."

"Again I feel I need to thank you for respecting my wishes-- and also for helping Shesu and her son."

"You don't need to thank me, I enjoyed helping them." I smiled to myself. If the woman ever did rub that coin she was in for a surprise. When their backs were turned I had used the web to create a solid gold coin covered in brown chalk. It was worth enough to pay for a certified doctor and then some-- just in case. Again I thought, a little help can't hurt. a little help can't hurt.

The mighty Dessa Forest appeared on the horizon. It was extremely dense and as Thana had said the horses would not be able to get through. We found the hiding place her father had cleared out long ago. It was a small pocket just inside the wood, partially overgrown from years of disuse, and cut out at the site of a natural spring. The horses would have gra.s.s to eat as well as plenty of fresh water.

Thana located a crude gate made of twisted sticks and brush, disentangled it from the overgrowth, and pulled it across the opening. The gate had a dual purpose. Not only did it camouflage the hiding place but it would also keep the horses from wandering off.

The path through the gnarled wood was still partially formed so we didn't have to hack much. An occasional tree branch needed to be cut but for the most part, it was pa.s.sable.

My mind drifted. So many bizarre things had happened in this strange world, it was hard to sort through it all. The thing troubling me most was the fact that I was apparently playing a part in some kind of experiment and the guys running it were unwilling to tell me where I was, how I got here, or the purpose behind it all. If I could only unravel that mystery then maybe I'd be able to figure out the dynamics of this place-- which might help us to combat Gaza.

Before my contact with the outside world this place had been mystical, almost awe-inspiring. But now that I knew others like myself were in control somehow it wasn't the same. The magic was watered down; it saddened me.

As I had thought all along, I was no G.o.d. I merely possessed the power to effect this place. The others were no different. --But what I couldn't figure out was how the people people of this world fit into the mixture. They must have been created for the experiment, synthetic simulations perhaps, but they were of this world fit into the mixture. They must have been created for the experiment, synthetic simulations perhaps, but they were so real so real. When I helped the woman and her son not once did it occur to me that they might only be computer simulations. I was completely immersed in the event. Even if I'd felt sure they were were simulations I still would have felt compelled to help them. After all, who was I to judge? simulations I still would have felt compelled to help them. After all, who was I to judge?

I looked at Thana walking in front of me. Every detail about her seemed real. She approached a branch, reached out, snapped it, then continued on. Her shoes crunched upon the leaves on the ground and her hand absently brushed a strand of hair off her face. I could faintly smell her musk oil perfume. If she was a simulation she was the most complicated simulation I'd ever seen or heard about.

It ate at me. This place was too real to be virtual, yet too different to be real.

A person under hypnosis could enter a dream-like state in which everything would seem seem completely real. But hypnosis was a suggestive state, and here, in this world, I was in complete control of my actions, or at least I thought I was. And if it completely real. But hypnosis was a suggestive state, and here, in this world, I was in complete control of my actions, or at least I thought I was. And if it was was hypnosis then I should have been able to bring myself out at any time because hypnosis is a state of consciousness which has to be accepted by the subject. The hypnotist cannot control a person under hypnosis unless that person is willing. I couldn't remember where I'd learned all this but somehow I knew it to be true. hypnosis then I should have been able to bring myself out at any time because hypnosis is a state of consciousness which has to be accepted by the subject. The hypnotist cannot control a person under hypnosis unless that person is willing. I couldn't remember where I'd learned all this but somehow I knew it to be true.

I could have been asleep and dreaming but this experience was far more real than any dream I'd ever had. From what I could remember my dreams usually consisted of brief imagery with an emotional base. If I were to dream about a beautiful girl she might be an amalgamation of many women, perhaps changing ident.i.ties as the dream progressed. For a time she might be an old girlfriend or a girl I met at the grocery store then later turn into a baby-sitter I'd had as a child.

Somewhere in the depths of my broken memory, words from an old textbook echoed. As the characters and events of a dream shift, the dreamer continues to feel comfortable because although the dream does not make sense to the conscious mind, it makes perfect sense to the subconscious mind. If a man were to dream of swimming down a river, it might flow through a house he once lived in. He could swim to the edge, get out, and the river would be gone behind him. Regardless of the inconsistencies he would continue to feel right at home in the outlandish twists and turns of his mind. As the characters and events of a dream shift, the dreamer continues to feel comfortable because although the dream does not make sense to the conscious mind, it makes perfect sense to the subconscious mind. If a man were to dream of swimming down a river, it might flow through a house he once lived in. He could swim to the edge, get out, and the river would be gone behind him. Regardless of the inconsistencies he would continue to feel right at home in the outlandish twists and turns of his mind.

That's how dreams tended to work. So, although this place had its twists and turns, there was far too much solidity for this all to be a dream.

I let out an involuntary sigh.

Thana looked back at me. "You okay?"

"Just thinking."

"Anything you want to share?"

"Not especially. Maybe another time."

She shrugged her shoulders and turned back to the path.

Even that brief exchange bothered me. Her response was so so real. real. What IS this place? What IS this place?

We walked for well over an hour before the path opened up a bit. Thick tree trunks rose up like pillars, supporting the leafy roof. The uneven ground crunched as we walked. And I could hear the sound of rushing water coming from up ahead. The waning light of the sun flickered through the trees' gnarled wooden fingers. Soon it would be night again.

A feeling of uneasiness crept over me. I peered into the darkening woods. At first I didn't see anything. But then the shadows began to move. The movements were subtle at first but soon there was no question. Someone, or something, was there.

"How much farther?" I asked in a low voice.

"Not far."

"Then we should pick up the pace a bit."

"Why? What's wrong?" She looked around.

"I'm not sure, perhaps nothing."

A snarl filtered through the trees.

"Perhaps something." I nudged her to speed up.

Out of the corner of my eye I saw a quick movement low to the ground. The snarling increased, as did our speed. We were now at a slow jog, ducking and dodging branches. I looked over my shoulder to see three enormous gray wolves emerging from the brush. Their graceful forms began weaving in and out through the branches with deadly skill. I was unsure if they were following us or just going about their normal business. Desperately, I hoped the latter.

Thana let out a scream. I snapped back around. Two more of the giant beasts were sitting on the path before us.

"Are these friendly or unfriendly wolves?" I asked in a low voice.

"I've never seen wolves in this forest," she said, her voice quivering.

The wolves stood baring their teeth and growling a deep guttural warning. "I'm going to go with unfriendly."

I needed to do something fast, or we were going to be dog food. I pulled my pistol from its holster and checked the clip. It was fully loaded. "What I'm about to do is not not magic," I said defensively as I quickly stepped in front of Thana. I aimed the weapon into the air and let off three quick bursts. The wolves jumped back. magic," I said defensively as I quickly stepped in front of Thana. I aimed the weapon into the air and let off three quick bursts. The wolves jumped back.

I turned to see the shots had startled the wolves behind us, as well as Thana. Her eyes were so wide each iris looked like a tiny island in a sea of white.

"Sorry. I should have told you it was loud.

The enormous animals paced back and forth. For the moment we were at a stalemate, but I was sure it wouldn't last. I wanted to use the web but didn't want to lose Thana's trust. I looked around for alternatives. I could attempt to shoot the wolves, but there were five of them, and only one of me. Most likely they would overtake me before I could deal a lethal shot to each.

The beasts began to advance again. I needed needed to use the power but I didn't want to jeopardize my mission! Then it came to me. It was a simple plan but I thought it just might work. With Thana to my back I brought up the web. Threads appeared all around us but she was oblivious. I examined the network of crossing lines, chose the few that would do the trick, and turned them into metal twine. They formed a fence between the wolves and us, and from where we stood they were not visible. to use the power but I didn't want to jeopardize my mission! Then it came to me. It was a simple plan but I thought it just might work. With Thana to my back I brought up the web. Threads appeared all around us but she was oblivious. I examined the network of crossing lines, chose the few that would do the trick, and turned them into metal twine. They formed a fence between the wolves and us, and from where we stood they were not visible.

"Get down!" I screamed behind me. Thana dropped to the ground. Two rounds roared from the pistol. The first one missed. But the second found its target and the wolf let out a yelp. After a startled moment the wolves in front began to charge but rammed headfirst into the wires and fell back dazed. I fired two more rounds. "Keep your head down!" I yelled at Thana. She dug her face deeper into the dirt. The wolves clawed at the metal lines, but I took them out one at a time, all the while circling Thana, yelling, and kicking up dirt. When I was done I quickly removed the substance from the threads and the fence vanished.

"Stay here," I said.

All the wolves were still except one. It lay on the cold ground beneath me, panting in the clutches of death. Its coat was sticky where blood had seeped out; its breath was shallow. I pointed the gun at his head and quickly put the animal out of its misery.

I shuddered to think what would have happened if this monstrous beast had gotten hold of us. All of the thoughts about the reality of this place were moot in the face of such destructive power. As I stood staring down at the dead animal a disturbing question crept into my mind. Could I die die in this place? in this place?

Thana approached. "What is that thing?" She pointed at the handgun.

I looked at her blankly, then realized what she'd said. "It's a pistol," I said defensively, lifting it up to show her the barrel.

She squinted at me.

"Look. A piece of lead is pushed through this metal tube." I pointed at the gun barrel. "It's similar to a blowgun, only instead of using air, the driving force is a chemical reaction. When charcoal, sulfur, and pota.s.sium nitrate are mixed and ignited, they create an explosion which in turn creates pressure and pushes the lead down and out the end of the barrel."

Her expression sat fixed as if to say, "What?"

I sighed. "Trust me, it's not magic."

She grudgingly accepted my explanation, though it was clear she didn't have a clue what I was talking about. I could have cracked open a bullet and given her a chemistry lesson, but I don't think it would have helped. Besides, we were budgeted for time.

It was clear we were being watched, and most likely by Gaza. But I had a feeling these creatures were not meant to stop us. Like the fire creatures they were probably sent as a warning or as a scare tactic. I continued to find myself fighting with the notion that I was nothing more than a puppet in an elaborately constructed game. Anger welled up in my chest. Why didn't Gaza just face me and get it over with? Why was he toying toying with me? I did with me? I did not not like being toyed with, not one bit! like being toyed with, not one bit!

I felt a squeeze on my pinkie. This time instead of looking down at the ring I crouched and peered back into the woods.

Thana turned. "What is it?"

"I don't know," I whispered. My eyes scanned back and forth through the murky wood. The sun's light was dim making it difficult to see but I knew he was there, somewhere.

There! I burst into a run and the crisp ground snapped under my quick footfalls. In the distance I could just make out a dark figure walking through the shadow of the trees. A branch snapped me in the face making my eye water but I didn't slow. As I neared the spot the man became clearer. He was watching my approach. I veered left desperately trying to keep him in view. c.r.a.p! He pa.s.sed behind a thick tree. I reached my destination and came to a skidding halt, my chest heaving from the exertion.

He was gone.

"No!" I kicked at some leaves. "c.r.a.p!" I swung at a branch with my hand and snapped it off. "c.r.a.p! c.r.a.p! c.r.a.p!" c.r.a.p!"

Thana caught up with me. "What was that all about?" She breathed heavily.

I scowled at her. "I took care of the puppets. But what I really want is the puppet master. Gaza was here pulling the strings all along." If Thana hadn't been with me, I could have used the web to instantly transport myself to him. I looked at her and let out one last, "c.r.a.p!" "c.r.a.p!"

"What?" She backed up defensively.

I brushed by her. "Never mind. I'll get him next time. Let's go."

Again we followed the winding path, this time, a little more watchful-- and a lot more jumpy. Every little noise startled us. "How much farther is it?" I asked. "Maybe we should stop and make camp."

Thana halted suddenly and I almost ran into her. She was looking down over a steep ledge overlooking a deep leafy creva.s.se. "It's just a little farther," she said.

To our left, a magnificent waterfall spilled its crystal clear water over the edge. Directly before us stood a faded sign: BEWARE THE WRATH OF G.o.dS. DO NOT ENTER.

The creva.s.se seemed unnatural somehow, as though the ground had been pushed down in an even line. The trees below matched the trees on the upper level, like they had once stood side by side. I looked down over the edge. "What is is this place?" this place?"

"This is the only thing Humphrey ever used the power for. He could not live among us because his eyes gave him away, and since my people wouldn't leave him alone, he created this place. The only way to get down there is to use this pulley system." is the only thing Humphrey ever used the power for. He could not live among us because his eyes gave him away, and since my people wouldn't leave him alone, he created this place. The only way to get down there is to use this pulley system."

Just off the edge of the cliff a metal weight with a red cushion upon it hung in mid air. A rope ran from the center of the weight to a pulley hanging from a tree above, across to a second pulley, then down into a hole in the ground.

Thana explained. "This is a balance system. Inside the walls of this cliff are pipes that funnel water from the river. The water is used to fill the counterbalance. See this hole?" She pointed to where the rope entered the ground. "This tunnel reaches down to the bottom of the cliff. At the end of this rope is the counterbalance to that seat." She pointed at the red cushion.

I looked at the tiny cushion floating in stark contrast to the large expanse of the crater, and it dawned on me, that she had used the word "seat." My jaw dropped. "I have to sit on that?" that?"

"Yes, and see that lever down there?" She pointed to a rusty iron bar protruding from the cliff face. "You'll need to pull that up to empty the water from the counterbalance below. When you start to drop, push the level back down." She chuckled. "Otherwise it will be a very fast ride. Oh! And when you get to the bottom you'll find another lever. This is very important. You must pull that lever down down for ten seconds before getting off the seat." for ten seconds before getting off the seat."

Again I peered downward. It was quite a drop, a couple hundred feet anyway. I looked up and opened my mouth to refuse, but then remembered my experience with Kitaya. If I were to fall, I could always fly. "--So, when I get to the bottom-- I need to pull the lever, down?"

"Yes down, for ten seconds."

"And what does that do?"

"When the counterbalance gets to the top it will be filled with water. When you get off you will be taking your hundred and eighty-some-odd pounds with you. The lever will empty the water from the counterbalance to even out the weights."

"So the seat doesn't come shooting back up. Right. I understand."

"Good. Are you ready?"

I looked up at the pulley in the tree. "Are you sure it still works?"

"No."

I shot her a look.

She laughed. "It's fine. Humphrey always keeps his things in good working order."

I looked again at the little red seat. "Alright. Here goes nothing." I reached out and grabbed the rope. It was rough in my hand and burned slightly as I drew the seat toward me. Carefully I placed a leg over, and soon was swinging out over the gulf below. Fear took me immediately. The height was dizzying. Whether this world was a figment of my imagination or not made no difference, vertigo was still a very real phenomenon.

"Now pull the lever."