The Jericho River by David W. Tollen

Author:David W. Tollen
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: David W. Tollen
Published: 2013-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

“Yeah, but what the—” He couldn’t master his anger enough to ask the right questions. “But you were younger before, when you were Doctor Valencia.”

“That was only my shadow, projected into your mind. Your society has such prejudices against the very old, I thought it better to appear at what you might call ‘a professional age.’ So I molded my shadow to fit my form from long ago.”

The sun had set, so the silver oil lamps provided most of the room’s light. Their glow softened Lady Aurelia’s wrinkled features, and Jason found it easier to see Doctor Valencia in her face. He stared, trying to take it all in.

“Lady,” said Tia, “does this mean you can visit Jason’s world?”

“No, child. None of us can. Our people are dreams to his. The most we ever can do is visit their minds.” She turned to Jason. “I appeared in your mind’s eye, Jason, almost as soon as I realized your father’s danger. You saw me standing outside your house, or so it seemed, but I could come no closer, or speak to you.”

“You mean you weren’t really there that day, outside my window? I was just hallucinating?”

“In a sense. It was my first attempt. But soon I realized your sleeping mind would hear me better, and I would have to visit you in a dream. I tried to reach you the very next night, but your medical men foiled me, by taking your father away to that hospital. His sleeping mind was my anchor in your world, my touchstone, so when they removed him from your house, I could no longer find you. You may thank your sister for my success. Thank her for insisting that you spend the night in the hospital. I only succeeded when you fell asleep a few feet from your father, and began to dream.”

“Thank her?” Jason barked. “Why, so I could get kidnapped in my sleep?” He was yelling now. “Who do you think you are? You didn’t give me a choice about coming here! You just pushed me through the door!”

“If I could have asked you, I would, Jason. But I could only reach you in dreams, and no one thinks clearly then. Your consent would have meant little or nothing. Besides, would you have consented? I’m not so sure. You are selfish, like so many boys your age, and you harbor this unnatural hostility to your father.”

“It’s not so unnatural,” said the snake lumin, her calm voice cutting through the tension. “Look at Jovis Pater.* He overthrew his father and stole the old god’s kingdom.”

Lady Aurelia’s tone softened. “I’m sorry. Perhaps it’s not so unnatural. In any case, Jason, would you have come, had I given you the choice—had it been in my power?”

“Hell, no.”

“Well, then, I did the right thing—for you and your father. You’re glad to be here, aren’t you?”

“I … you …”

“Of course you are. I can see it in your face, your body. You’ve grown into a strong, brave young man.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.