Dream a Little Dream Read Online Free Page A

short distances. This was why he flew only in emergencies, and he was always very tired after a flight.
    Heat spread his wings. Though small, they were still large enough to create a dust storm from the downdraft. In a few strokes, his hooves lifted off the ground. It was more difficult flying straight up than it was flying up at an angle, but even with a passenger he managed it. Mich hated to make his friend work so hard, but he loved the experience of flying, and regretted that he hadn’t come into existence with a set of wings of his own. There was so much to see from on high, as the realm of Kafka appeared below. The Forest of Imagination spread out like a rich and variegated carpet across the land, keeping it magically warm. Beyond—who could guess what he might see, if he could only fly high enough, long enough?
    Near the summit, nestled among the evergreens, was a well-camouflaged house. It was made of mud and pine branches. It was almost covered over with fallen pine needles. If it weren’t for the smoke curling up from the chimney, it would look just like a hill covered with dead twigs and needles.
    A small woman appeared in a hidden doorway. “Ah, Mich!” Madrid exclaimed. “At last you’ve come! You sure took your damn time getting here.”
    As she stepped through the doorway, a little shower of pine needles decided to take refuge in her curly red Afro. She walked toward them with a slight limp and looked her guests over.
    “Well?” she said, placing her hands on her somewhat gnarled hips.
    “I came to ask you—” Mich began.
    “How can you find an Earthling who can destroy the dam made of dreamstone?” she finished. Her expression became droll. “I know why you’re here. Come inside and make yourself at home. I’ll escort Heat to his stall and make sure he is comfortable.”

    Mich cast a worried glance at Heat. His friend looked unconcerned, so he entered the house. The unisus was not the one who would be receiving the brunt of the sorceress’s attention, and the food in the stall was bound to be excellent.
    Inside, it was warm and cozy. A fire crackled in the fireplace and cast dancing shadows on the mud walls. A kettle hung over the fire, and he could smell the delicious soup simmering in it. There was no doubt that the sorceress had nice accommodations. If it weren’t for Madrid herself, they would be perfect.
    Mich walked over to the fireplace and sat down among the many fat cushions. In a corner of the hut was a high shelf with many books. In front of the shelf was a desk with a huge text sitting on top. His eyes traveled around the hut he had been in so many times before.
    Madrid always had a chore for him to do when his father needed a certain spell. She would usually try her hardest to seduce him, and never got even as far as a kiss. But it was clear that this was idle play for her; Mich dreaded the time she might get serious. Her powers were such that she could have him by magical force, if she chose. But she preferred to make it a game. She wanted him to truly want her.
    He heard the door open and shut as Madrid returned. “Heat is settled now. He really likes the grass that grows up here. He told me there was no grass sweeter than Mangor’s.” She paused and shut the door. “Do you know why?”
    Mich shrugged, trying to avoid being drawn into her game. Anything he said could be turned around to seem suggestive. For example, if he said that the grass was well fertilized, she might reply that that was because lovers had slept on it, and it was time to add to the effect.
    She waited a moment for a reply that she knew wasn’t going to come. Then she said, “Because the leaping cows crap on it!” Madrid doubled over with laughter, knowing she had faked him out with acrudity instead of an endearment. Her ploys with words were endless. She didn’t stop at words, however; they were merely the warm-up exercise.
    After the euphoria wore off, she wiped away a tear of mirth and sat down