The Dreamer: The Book of Godspells

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

I followed the blood moon, which seemed so close that I could have easily reached out and touched it. Yet, when I took a step forward, parallel to the Motif River, the moon remained the same distance, stagnant to the movements of my approach. Typical.

The Motif River, as Colik had called it, was fascinating. Watching it while walking along the riverbed, the current appeared slow but constant. However, when I leaned over and stared through the ripples, the current seemed to speed up, appearing ten times as fast and powerful. Regardless, it was beautiful. From a distance, it resembled a satin sheet, the twirls of silver and white ripples contrasting with its natural surroundings.

Approaching what I assumed was the Elphiates, an eerie feeling filled me. The high stones surrounding the Elphiates walls seemed to both welcome and challenge anyone who tried to enter or leave. There was a red, almost scarlet blood-like stain on the ashy high stones, randomly placed, reminiscent of the Stonehenge formation in England. The brilliant ochre tint trickled through the fissures in the stone, creating a rust-hued cascade of red. Was it a reflection of the blood moon? I honestly could not tell.

My steps were silent on the ground, not even an echo followed behind. Though I valued silence, I was suddenly grateful for a change in scenery when I stepped into a thick pathway of clay. Looking up, I realized the Motif River had abruptly ended, revealing an entrance to a tunnel that looked like an endless black hole. It was the complete opposite of the beauty I had seen in the rest of the Reverie. There was a bridge, and beyond it, I saw large formations of rock and stone standing so sharp and high that I could barely see the blood moon. It was as if I was suddenly on a mountain or deep valley, with no visible ground between the towering structures. I could see floating teardrop-like objects in the distance, but couldn't make out exactly what they were or where they were hanging from.

Stepping closer to the bridge, I noticed it consisted of sheer metal rods that seemed impossible for even the most acrobatic person to walk across. Suddenly, two creatures, equally terrifying, emerged from the edge and faced me. They were literal skeletons, with no eyes, only slits, and white bodies that resembled bones. They appeared scuffed up or dirty, as the white looked decayed. I felt a sudden shiver run through my entire body, as if needing the reminder that I still had all of my own bones intact.

Before I could react, turn, or step forward, the two skeletons, again in unison, pointed a single finger at me. They nodded as if reading my mind.

"The Elphiates protect the dreamless. Where one fears deception, they find inception," they spoke simultaneously. I didn't understand.

"I am here to..." I started, then stopped. I honestly didn't even know why I was here, and yet here I stood.

"What is your value?" Their voices echoed loudly in unison.

"Um... I am honestly not sure." They seemed to stare at me, though their eyes were simple black holes. I pointed my finger at them and added, "in there." I smiled innocently, but knew they would not smile back. Instead, the two creatures turned toward each other. They both put out a hand, and I watched as a sword-like object came from the ground and placed itself in each of their grasps. The swords crossed each other and blocked the entrance to the bridge. With the same form and timing, on their own, the swords were pulled out of what looked like invisible sheaths. There were two enormous stones on either side of the creatures. The first creature placed one of the swords into an enormous rock that was even bigger than the creatures themselves, while the other creature spoke. I shivered.

"Two stones out, one after will go in. If not back before two have dissipated, stay you shall, pass again, you shall not."

Understanding enough, they stepped aside to let me pass. Cautiously, I passed them, shivering again as I did, and grabbed the fine line of a railing on the bridge. A big heat wave surrounded me. Not sure how I was going to manage this, I stepped my foot down on the first step, then lifted it. It felt sturdy enough to stand on, but too skinny for me to balance on. As if hearing my concerns, the steps, along with the railing, suddenly expanded just enough for my foot and hands to have a complete and comfortable hold. Taking it as an invitation, I managed my way across the bridge. It was much farther looking now that I was on it. Never truly being afraid of heights before, I looked down briefly to see a complete and total abyss. I turned briefly behind me, and the skeletons seemed to have vanished.