The Dream Walker

Chapter 3: Debt and Dreams

I should have laughed, right? I should have ridiculed him for such a terrible joke. Mama did: at least, she was rolling her eyes. So why could I not find it in me to peer past his distraught eyes, his gaze cast on the floor, and find the humor in his words?

When he made no indication that he was lying, Mama's lips set into a tight line. "Nada, did he hit his head?"

I only shrugged.

"You needn't believe me," Dailon, the supposed Dream Walker, said. "Maybe it would be better for all of us if you didn't."

"Forgive us, boy," Mama said, "but the Dream Walker is a god here."

"God?" he asked, the faintest trace of amusement crinkling his nose. "I'm only a legend in other places."

It was exactly like Josa had said. "Say that I believe you," I spoke slowly. "What's that have to do with anything?"

Mama huffed, standing as tall as she could in the hideaway. "If you wish to indulge this poor boy, I'll have no part in it. Stay in here a while, though, just in case any raiders still remain."

"Night, Mama," I said. When she forced the dresser back into place, our room submerged in darkness again, I turned to Dailon. "Well?"

He groaned, falling on his back. I winced as he landed harshly on the earthen floor. He did too. "Ow. You saved my life."

I thought he'd continue. When he didn't, I urged him on with slouched shoulders. "And?"

"Do you know anything about the Dream Walker at all?"

The ice in his voice made my teeth grind. "No. Did you see any scholars in this village? Any books? We don't know much here."

It felt as though we were engaged in a pissing contest to see who could irritate the other more. At the same time, though, I wasn't getting answers. I considered standing down until he said, "You're making this so much more difficult than it needs to be, you know."

"I don't know what 'this' is! You're sulking, you're mumbling, you don't have to be here! I'm sure the raid has concluded, nothing is keeping you with me!"

"It is, though!" he yelled with fists balled at his sides.

"Then tell me what's happening!" Shouting was certain to wake Mama but all I could focus on was my rising lividity. My face burned as I glared at him.

"I'm indebted to you! I'm bound to you!"

We both paused then, all of the tension that had built seeming to melt away. It was quiet. I planned my next move. I could only imagine what he was thinking. Then, I said with a voice as soft as my wool blanket, "Maybe you should start from the beginning then." I paused. "What's a Dream Walker?"

Though he hardly seemed in the mood to give a lesson, he said, "The Dream Walker travels through dreams at night. I can enter the minds of anyone and not only visit, but influence their dreams. I have full access to the minds of every human being. That is, everyone except you now."

I tread lightly then. "Why?"

"I already told you, I'm indebted to you. I am yours to command. All because you saved my stupid life."

He was still lying on the floor, eyes on the low ceiling. I kept mine trained on him, though. "What exactly does that entail? What are the advantages?"

He craned his neck, an eyebrow lifting. "What an interesting question." I shrugged. "Well, I can influence people in their sleep. That man who stole your money? Give it one night, he'll be inclined to give it back the following day. The boy you like? Give me a night, he'll be convinced he's in love with you."