Dreamland

By Damien Ryall

In a wondrous dimension parallel to our own, ordinary people perform impossible feats and enjoy incredible adventures. Although this special place has existed since before time itself, most humans are only dimly aware of its presence. As the rest of the world sleeps, Dreamland prepares to lure a young boy into its world.

The last thing Milly remembers is lying down in his own bed; now he is awake in the middle of nowhere. With only a faraway light to guide his way, Milly wanders along the edge of a dirt road until he encounters Jasmine, the first of many strange and wonderful people. It is not long before Milly falls in love with his new world and begins searching for a way to live there forever. Little does he know that his desire for happiness is about to lead him to a grave mistake with horrifying consequences.

Milly soon discovers that he is not the first person who ever wanted to escape into his dreamsbut he could be the last.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Apr 10, 2013
• ISBN: 9781475983562

Damien Ryall

Damien Ryall is an audio-visual technician with a bachelor’s degree in theatre and an overactive imagination. Originally from Toronto, Damien now lives in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, with his wife, Becky. This is his debut novel.

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DREAMLAND

Damien Ryall

iUniverse, Inc.

Bloomington

DREAMLAND

Copyright © 2013 by Damien Ryall.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

iUniverse books may be ordered through booksellers or by contacting:

iUniverse

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www.iuniverse.com

1-800-Authors (1-800-288-4677)

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

ISBN: 978-1-4759-8363-0 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4759-8360-9 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4759-8356-2 (ebk)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2013905717

iUniverse rev. date: 04/04/2013

Contents

Chapter 1 Arrival

Chapter 2 City

Chapter 3 Mayor

Chapter 4 Morning

Chapter 5 Journal

Chapter 6 Return

Chapter 7 Processing

Chapter 8 Speech

Chapter 9 Time

Chapter 10 Caytles

Chapter 11 Search

Chapter 12 Forest

Chapter 13 Reprimands

Chapter 14 Sleep-Aids

Chapter 15 Amphirena

Chapter 16 Awakenings

Chapter 17 Journey

Chapter 18 Carrier

Chapter 19 Bricks

Chapter 20 Message

Chapter 21 Travel

Chapter 22 Mountains

Chapter 23 Saryn

Chapter 24 Theories

Chapter 25 Darkness

Chapter 26 Separation

Chapter 27 Slope

Chapter 28 Adventures

Chapter 29 Hermit

Chapter 30 Void

Chapter 31 Pursuit

Chapter 32 Demons

Chapter 33 Truth

Chapter 34 Council

Chapter 35 Adjournment

Chapter 36 Weapons

Chapter 37 Retaliation

Chapter 38 Strategy

Chapter 39 Barrier

Chapter 40 Waterfront

Chapter 41 Remnant

Chapter 42 Confrontation

Chapter 43 Nightmare

Chapter 44 Conquest

Chapter 45 Changes

Chapter 46 Cruiser

Chapter 47 Home

for Becky,

the woman of my dreams

Dreamland%20Map%20Page%201.jpgDreamland%20Map%20Page%202.jpg

One bright day, in the middle of the night,

Two dead boys got up to fight.

Back to back they faced each other,

Drew their swords and shot each other.

A deaf policeman heard the noise

And came to arrest the two dead boys.

And if you don’t believe this lie is true,

Just ask the blind man—he saw it, too.

Chapter 1

ARRIVAL

One bright day (in the middle of the night) Milly woke up in the middle of nowhere.

He remembered lying down on his bed in his parents’ house—he’d never slept anyplace else—wearing the yellow-striped pajamas his mother had bought two years ago. They still fit, because he hadn’t gotten any taller. Now, he was no longer in a bed, a house, or even pajamas.

In fact, he was wearing the clothes he’d seen in the department store last week. They’d looked so cool on the mannequin, he’d wondered wistfully if they’d have the same effect on him. But his mother wouldn’t buy the clothes, telling him he already had enough for the rest of the school year and these ones were too expensive anyway.

Where am I?

Young Milly heard his voice echo in his head, but wasn’t sure whether he’d spoken the question or just thought it. He was groggy, not yet fully awake. He struggled to his feet, but his legs were unable to hold his body upright; he was back on his stomach before he knew it. It took several attempts before he could stand on these rubbery legs and get a look at his surroundings.

He was in a vast green field beside a long dirt road. Having never been outside his home city, Milly had only ever seen such a road on television, but no TV program had ever shown anything like this. This road was enormous, wider than the highway that his mother used when taking him to the dentist, and so long that he couldn’t see where—or even if—it ended.

On his side of the road, grassy fields filled with subtle rises and dips—and dotted with clumps of rocks, bushes and small trees—stretched out as far as his eyes could see. Across the road and far away lay the outskirts of a huge forest—definitely not the one in the park near his house where he’d gone to day camp for the last three summers.

I’m not in the park, Milly thought (or said). So where am I?

He sat, giving his rubbery legs a rest and trying to work out how he’d gotten here. He decided to follow his teacher’s advice and think through the situation logically.

I got out of bed, echoed the voice in his head, and got dressed in clothes I don’t own. I traveled to a field I’ve never seen before, so far from home that I can’t even see my city.

Logic was clearly useless right now, so Milly thought about television instead. Whenever people on TV found themselves in strange situations they became angry or afraid, but Milly felt strangely calm, as though he was somehow meant to be here.

He stood again and looked both ways along the road. To his left, it disappeared into the horizon and he could see a warm glow in the otherwise grey sky.

If there’s light over there, Milly reasoned, then there’s probably people. One of them can tell me where I am and how to get home.

Milly had no trouble seeing the road, even though the grey sky indicated it was still nighttime. Stretching his legs, he began walking along the edge of the wide dirt road in the direction of the glow.

At first, walking felt strange to Milly—like he was wading through the shallow end of the community pool. The feeling didn’t last long, though; he soon got used to this new way of walking, just as he’d gotten used to having rubber legs. He sped up to a brisk trot.

After what felt like ten minutes, he heard a faint noise behind him.

Whirrrrrrrrr . . . .

It sounded like his father’s lawnmower, only not as harsh. It was definitely an engine, though too small for a car and too quiet for a motorcycle. He stopped and turned, but whatever was making that noise was too far away to see.

Whirrrrrrrrr . . . .

The sound didn’t get any louder, but Milly felt it was getting closer. A cloud of dust was approaching. He took a few steps away from the road, not wanting to get knocked over. The cloud was going even faster than his father drove when late for work.

Whirrrrrrrrr . . . .

Milly wasn’t sure whether or not he was supposed to feel afraid. If a lost boy on television had seen a strange vehicle rocketing towards him he would have been terrified, but Milly didn’t feel scared at all. He hoped to get a glimpse of it as it shot by.

Whirrrrrr . . . .

The sound got softer as the cloud slowed down, and Milly realized that the driver must have seen him; he was the only living thing for miles around. He still didn’t feel afraid.

Maybe they can tell me where I am, he said (or thought).

The cloud-making vehicle stopped right next to him; rather than pulling over like a car, it slid sideways to edge of the dirt road. As the last motes of dust settled, Milly recognized it as a mine cart. He’d seen them before in movies—big metal tubs atop four small wheels. This cart, however, seemed larger than normal, its slanted sides so shiny that he could almost see his own reflection in them. Despite the great cloud of dust it had kicked up as it traveled, the cart wasn’t dirty at all. It was one of the most amazing vehicles Milly had ever seen.

Sticking out of the cart was a head, covered by an old-fashioned pilot’s helmet and masked by a huge pair of aviator goggles. As Milly gaped, two thick-gloved hands emerged from inside the cart and pushed up the goggles.

Head and hands belonged to a young woman with a very pretty round face and deep brown eyes. Traces of curly chestnut hair stuck out from under her leather helmet. She was older than Milly, about the same age as the girl who lived down the street from him and had been his babysitter before she went to college.

Hi, she offered.

Milly’s eyes widened. The girl had moved her mouth and Milly had heard the words, but there had been something weird about the communication. Earlier, Milly hadn’t been sure whether he’d been speaking or thinking. Now he wasn’t sure whether this girl was talking out loud or sending a message with her mind.

Hi, Milly replied timidly. Kids at school usually said ‘hi’ right before calling him a name or knocking him down. He had learned to be careful.

The girl studied Milly carefully, running her eyes from his toes to the top of his head.

You from ’round here? she asked.

Milly shook his head.

Know where you are?

He shook his head again. The girl put her gloved hands on the edge of the cart and rested her chin on them, examining Milly for another few seconds before grinning in satisfaction.

You were lost, right? she prompted.

Lost? Milly repeated in a small voice.

Lost and tired. Remember where you were?

Milly shook his head in frustration. The questions were easy enough, but for some reason he couldn’t come up with any answers. It wasn’t as though he’d hit his head or anything (although that could explain why he had no idea where he was).

No, I suppose not, the girl muttered. Doesn’t matter, no one does.

Then she took a deep breath and spoke in a voice that sounded like a phone recording.

Welcome. I’m Jasmine. Do you remember your name?

Milly, he blurted in surprise. It was a weird question, but one he could at least answer.

Milly, Jasmine repeated. Is that short for something?

M-Milford, Milly stammered, embarrassed by the admission. He’d been named after the town where his father had grown up, but no one knew that. He’d told the name to a few kids at school and they’d laughed; since then, he’d decided it was wiser not to mention it.

But this girl didn’t laugh at him. She wasn’t being mean to him at all, and Milly was beginning to feel like he could trust her.

Welcome, Milford, she repeated. Are you headed for the city?

Milly looked at the distant glow he’d been walking towards.

Is that what’s over there? he asked.

The one and only. You want a ride? It’ll take you forever on foot. She leaned over the edge of the cart and Milly could see she was wearing a tight leather jacket the same color as her helmet. How about a ride? I’m going that way.

Milly had been in school long enough to learn that young children should never accept rides from strangers, but these circumstances were very different from the video with the talking opossums that Milly’s teacher had shown in class. Milly was far from home, lost in wild country where there could be dangerous animals lurking, hunting for defenseless little boys.

Besides, this ‘stranger’ didn’t seem all that strange, the way the creepy raccoons in the videos did. She’d told him her name and wasn’t wearing a trench coat or talking in a low voice. She hadn’t offered him candy or toys. Besides, the rules about not taking rides from strangers usually referred to cars. Milly had never been warned against rides in a self-propelled mine cart.

Okay, he decided.

Terrific, Jasmine said with a clap. I can take you to City Hall; we’ll go right past it.

City Hall? Can’t you take me home?

Oh, boy, Jasmine muttered. Listen, I’m not a very good teacher. Ted’s much better at explaining. That’s his job; that’s why he’s the mayor. I just drive the cart.

Too many new things were happening. Milly was confused, and Jasmine could tell.

Don’t worry about it, she reassured him. Ted’ll explain. Now, you getting in or not?

Jasmine touched something inside the cart and the back wall opened out into a ramp. Deciding that going along couldn’t be any worse than staying here (and might, in fact, turn out to be better), Milly moved towards it.

He was excited to see how the cart worked. To move by itself it needed an engine, but Milly didn’t see an exhaust pipe and couldn’t recall smelling gas when Jasmine pulled up. Maybe it was one of those electric engines that his father had read about in the newspaper. Those things were controlled by advanced computers with flashy screens, colored lights and lots of buttons. Milly hurried eagerly up the ramp.

Apart from Jasmine herself, the cart was completely empty, its sides as smooth and shiny as they were on the outside. Milly froze, too surprised to say anything.

In? Jasmine asked. Good.

She turned away from him and the ramp closed.

Grab the side there, she said. We don’t actually bump at all, but some people feel safer if they hold onto something.

Milly took her word for it, gripping the edge of the cart with both hands. He was just tall enough to see over the side.

Here we go, Jasmine said. She leaned over the front edge of the mine cart and lowered her goggles. They began to roll forward, rapidly picking up speed. Milly knew the feeling of being pressed into a car seat as it accelerated (particularly when his father drove), but that didn’t happen this time. The cart moved faster, but Milly had no trouble standing upright. The wind ruffled his hair, but it didn’t push him backwards.

The dust cloud rose, but only around three sides of the cart; the front remained clear.

That’s good, Milly thought to himself. At least she can see where she’s going.

I always can Jasmine replied. Why, are you nervous?

What? No! Milly stammered, surprised. He’d only made the comment in his mind, but Jasmine had heard it. I’m going to have to be more careful about what I think, he realized.

True, Jasmine agreed, hearing that thought as well. Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it. Everyone does.

The whirring sound started again, but didn’t hurt Milly’s ears. He smiled; this was actually a lot of fun. He leaned forward as the glowing city neared.

What city is that? he asked.

The only one, Jasmine replied. I just call it home.

Chapter 2

CITY

Jasmine’s ‘home’ turned out to be the most unusual city Milly had ever seen, and much larger than the one where he and his parents lived.

I must be really far from home, he thought.

You have no idea, Jasmine smirked.

Milly didn’t like the way this strange girl was able to read his mind. Thoughts were supposed to be private things. His parents were always telling him to be careful what he said, but he’d never had any restrictions on what he could think.

Unfortunately, keeping his mind empty proved impossible as the mine cart shot down the dirt road and into the huge city. Nearly all of the buildings, even the ones on the outskirts, were skyscrapers many stories high. Milly had never seen a city that was made completely of tall buildings, not even on television.

Aren’t there any houses? he asked Jasmine.

If someone needs one, she replied, not taking her eyes off the road.

I don’t get it, he admitted.

If someone needs a house, they make one. But most people just need rooms, so we use the big buildings; more efficient.

What?

Ted’s big on efficiency, Jasmine said, still smirking.

She knows how confused I am, Milly thought, irritated. She’s just playing with me.

Can’t resist, she said. Newbie Caytles are so much fun to tease.

"Newbie what?" Milly asked, thinking he hadn’t heard her properly.

Caytles, she repeated. Don’t ask. Ted’ll tell you what it means when you get settled. Like I said, I’m not very good at explaining stuff.

Up close, the city was even more bizarre. The tall buildings were squeezed together tighter than pickles in a jar, and every one had been built in a completely different style. Some were made of layered stone or brick, while others appeared to be solid concrete, and still others were sided entirely with glass. Some were gray, some red, some yellow. Some were coated in grimy soot, while others were so shiny they looked as though they’d just been built. Milly could see hotels, office towers, department stores, and dozens of apartment buildings.

A few blocks in, Milly was surprised to see an apparent gap between two buildings. Lowering his eyes, he saw they were separated by a comparatively small fire station. Though he was sure he’d never been to this strange city before, the fire station looked familiar.

Milly had been so focused on the skyscrapers, in fact, that only now did he finally look at the streets. He was astonished to see how crowded they were. An endless throng of people tumbled in and out of buildings, stumbled along sidewalks, and shambled across the dirt road in every direction. There were also cars, trucks, motorbikes, and skateboards; there were people on roller skates, bicycles, scooters, even horseback. It felt like a giant beehive; fortunately, the road was wide enough for the shining silver mine cart to speed along without collision.

Then, on one corner, Milly noticed the strangest building yet. It wasn’t really a building at all, just a giant white block with no visible doors or windows. This was too much; Jasmine may not have been very good at explanations, but she could at least give him an idea.

Hey, he called out to her, what’s that?

What’s what? she asked, not taking her eyes off the road.

Over there! He turned back to the tall white block. Wait, what happened to it?

On the same corner, where the giant white block had been, there was now a luxury hotel, made of red brick with dozens of windows. It narrowed towards the top and a blue awning crowned the glass front doors, with large numbers of people moving beneath it.

That hotel? Jasmine asked, not particularly interested.

"It wasn’t a hotel, Milly protested. It was just a white block!"

Jasmine nodded. A blank. Ted’ll explain it.

Ted’ll explain it, Milly repeated in his head with a touch of sarcasm. "Ted’ll explain everything. He must be the smartest guy in the world."

Probably, Jasmine agreed (reading Milly’s mind again). That’s why he’s the mayor.

With that, the mine cart came to a halt.

We’re here, she declared, raising the aviator goggles to her forehead. City Hall.

The huge stone structure reminded Milly of every political building he’d ever seen; not only City Hall in his hometown (which he’d visited on a field trip), but also the U.S. Capitol, Tower of London, Russian Kremlin and even Canadian Parliament (all of which he’d seen on television). It actually looked like none of these things, but triggered their images in his mind.

Where do I go? Milly asked in a timid voice.

Up the steps and through the main doors. Tell Phyllis you’re a new Caytle and Jasmine brought you to meet Ted.

Um, okay, Milly said, wondering if he’d remember any of that. He’d just seen so many strange things and been told so many new names—it all felt like some sort of dream.

But it isn’t a dream, he thought. I know I’m awake. I can feel it.

Jasmine whistled. You’re in for a surprise, babe, she said, shaking her head.

The rear of the cart opened and Milly stepped out to the sidewalk in front of City Hall.

Thank you, Jasmine, he said, and she smiled at him. Milly liked the way she smiled.

Good luck, Milly, she said. See you ’round.

She lowered her goggles as the mine cart resealed, then took off with a final wave.

Milly stood on the sidewalk watching her vanish into the beehive. He liked Jasmine, even though they’d only just met. He liked her eyes, the way she’d smiled, and how she just talked normally rather than treating him like a toddler. He didn’t usually talk to girls; the unspoken rule among boys in his class dictated that girls had to be treated differently. Milly had never been brave enough to break that barrier.

But girls aren’t so bad, he thought. Jasmine’s nicer than the boys at school.

You got that right! said a voice behind him. Milly turned in surprise to see a strange man walking by, wearing ripped jeans and a t-shirt that had once been white.

Girls are great, man! the stranger said, staggering past Milly without looking at him. Just like the empress! Empress and dynamite! Dy-na-mite!

The bizarre comments reminded Milly of how lost he still was. He wondered if anything would ever make sense again.

It can’t be a dream he thought as he walked up the steps of City Hall. It feels too real.

The front doors of City Hall looked about eight times his height, but swung easily when he pushed them. Unlike most old buildings, they didn’t creak. Milly figured they’d lead him into a stone hallway, probably similar in appearance to the building’s exterior.

Hello, there.

The door swung quietly shut as Milly found himself in an office the size of his bedroom.

The office was green with white trim. Across from the door was a single window, showing a clear blue sky and open fields—which was odd because they were in the middle of a city. It was nicely decorated, with plants on the shelves and pictures on the walls. A tall fan was in one corner, a fishbowl on a table in another. To Milly’s right was a single brown door, much smaller than the ones through which he’d entered. To his left was a desk with a secretary.

Milly knew she was a secretary right away; just as City Hall reminded him of political buildings, this woman was like a combination of the secretary at his school, his father’s executive assistant, and the receptionist at the dentist’s office. She had blue-framed glasses attached to a chain, cherry-red lipstick and a beehive hairdo. An old-fashioned typewriter sat in front of her, surrounded by papers, pens, a candy jar, a few file folders and a scattering of paper clips. The wall behind her was lined with filing cabinets.

The secretary had a nice smile, like Jasmine, so Milly was only a little nervous as he stepped towards her.

Hello, she repeated in a friendly voice. Although she was definitely moving her lips, the sound didn’t seem to be coming from her mouth. Milly had gotten used to this during his time with Jasmine, so it didn’t really bother him as she continued. How may I help you?

A-Are you Phyllis? he asked. Milly hated having to call adults by their first names (his parents strictly forbid it), but this was the only name he’d been given.

Yes I am, she replied, unoffended. What can I do for you?

Her tone was gentle, but not condescending. It wasn’t anything like the voice his grandmother used when she visited their house and gave him presents meant for toddlers.

Jasmine sent me, he said, proud at being able to remember all of these names. I’m supposed to see Ted.

New Caytle? she asked.

Uh, yes? he replied after a moment. This was the same word Jasmine had used.

Wonderful, she said. I’ll just need a few particulars first.

Particulars? he asked, unfamiliar with the word. His English teacher had been sick since last week, so his class had been spending that period coloring pictures.

Your name, first, she said, putting paper into her typewriter.

Milly, he said, feeling like it was the first day of school. He wondered if Phyllis would also ask his favorite color and ice cream flavor.

Milly, she repeated, typing noisily. What language?

E-Excuse me?

Do you remember what language you speak? she asked again.

Milly was flummoxed. Uh, English?

English, she repeated, typing away.

Milly’s shoulders sagged. The inviting office and friendly secretary had almost made him feel normal, but her question had reminded him that he was still lost—in a place that got weirder by the minute.

Do you remember where you were last?

When? Milly asked, knowing it was rude to answer a question with a question, but having no better response.

The woman’s brow creased. Jasmine brought you here?

Yes.

Where did she pick you up?

In the middle of a field, Milly said, hoping his answer would be correct. Far from the city, beside the road.

Which road? she asked. Middle Way?

I don’t know, Milly admitted.

Was it a dirt road, very wide and very long?

Yes.

She nodded. That’s Middle Way. It crosses the island from the harbor to the Slope. Did Jasmine tell you where you were?

Milly shook his head. She said Ted would explain it.

He will, Phyllis noted, "but she might have said something. I guess she didn’t want to confuse you even more."

Milly doubted that was possible.

All right, the secretary continued, do you remember how you got to the field?

Milly shook his head. Sorry.

Don’t be, she comforted. "No one remembers how they got here. But someday, somebody might. That’s why Ted told me to always ask. Not that it would make any difference, I suppose; it’s not as though we could tell anyone…"

She trailed off as she finished typing. The processors will take care of your initial placement, but before that happens, do you have a preference of what you’d like to do?

Milly, who’d only been half-following in the first place, felt his mind go numb again.

Don’t worry, she said. I know this can be overwhelming, especially for someone your age. Ted will explain more fully, then you can make your decision.

Milly nodded, unable to come up with a decent reply. Phyllis pushed a button on her desk. Mayor Ted? Are you free at the moment?

There was a pause, then a man’s gruff voice came back. What’s up?

New Caytle, she said.

Splendid! the voice replied. Particulars?

Boy. English. Jasmine dropped him off.

Wonderful! The voice sounded genuinely happy. Send him in.

Yes, sir. Phyllis released the intercom, pushed another button, and the doors opposite her desk swung open. Go on in, Milly. He’s waiting for you.

With a deep breath, Milly stepped through the doors into an office twice the size of the first. He saw a bigger desk, with taller windows still inexplicably showing an open field (he could even see a goat in the distance). Walking around the desk was a burly old man.

If the building had looked like a City Hall and Phyllis had looked like a secretary, then this man most definitely looked like a mayor. He wore a shiny black tailcoat over a white shirt, with a red bow tie and tall top hat. The white hair around his ears matched his bushy mustache.

Welcome, the mayor said, smiling and extending a hand. My name’s Ted.

M-Milly, the boy managed to stutter as they shook hands.

Welcome, Milly. Why don’t you have a seat?

Chapter 3

MAYOR

The mayor named Ted indicated a big, red-leather armchair in front of the desk; Milly sat as Ted returned to his swivel chair beneath the windows. He folded his arms on top of the desk, looking very much like Milly’s principal (though less intimidating).

I suppose you’re confused and scared, he began. That’s normal, and it will pass once you figure things out. Understanding abolishes fear. He emphasized the last few words. "Why don’t you start things off."

A million questions flashed through Milly’s mind, but he began with the most pressing.

Where am I?

Ted smiled. The simplest question, yet the most complex. Splendid. Tell me, how do you feel right now?

I don’t know, Milly admitted. It’s weird, unreal.

If you could assign a name to it, what would it be?

It feels like I’m dreaming, Milly replied. Sort of.

Dreaming, but not, Ted modified. You feel awake, but in a kind of ‘dream world’.

Milly nodded quickly; that was exactly how he felt.

Then it’s quite easy, the mayor said. That’s where you are.

He paused to let his words sink in. Milly didn’t even blink. Ted was neither smiling nor frowning, just waiting for a reaction. He ended up being the first to break the silence.

You want to run, he murmured. You think I’m a crazy old man.

A little bit, Milly whispered.

Ted chuckled. "That’s usually how people feel. It’s a strange thing to hear. It’s a strange thing to say. I don’t think I’d believe it myself, if I weren’t actually here. But here I am, and here you are—and ‘here’ is Dreamland."

I don’t understand, Milly said.

No one really does. Even Ashling doesn’t really understand, no matter what he says.

Dreamland? Milly asked after a moment. You said ‘Dreamland’?

That’s what we call it, Ted explained. When I first arrived, others told me the name. I didn’t get much more of an explanation than that, but my processors have found ways to sum it up and make it easier to absorb. It’s not an easy transition, but you’ll catch on eventually.

No, Milly insisted, feeling tears form. Please, how do I get home?

Milly was tired of not understanding. He was tired of strange people telling him insane things. If he was asleep, he wanted to wake up. If this place was real, he wanted to get as far away from it as possible. For the first time in his life, he really wanted to go home.

Ted sighed. I’m sorry, Milly; maybe I shouldn’t have been so blunt. You’re younger than our usual trainees, so the process may take longer. Why don’t I show you the video?

Video? Milly asked, rubbing his eyes.

Yes, the video for new Caytles, Ted grimaced. Ashling made it. I don’t really like it, but it’s a good way to break the ice. What do you say, Milly? Will you give me a chance?

Milly took a deep breath. Okay.

Great. Now, let’s see if I can remember how to start this ridiculous thing.

He pushed a button on his desk and a section of the wall to Milly’s right slid away, revealing a television screen showing static.

Hold on, Ted pressed more buttons. I never understood technology, even Awake.

Finally, he managed to make the static disappear. The screen looked blank, but as his eyes adjusted Milly realized it was displaying a dim image of blue smoke, which twisted into a funnel with a black circle at its center. The smoke brightened as the circle expanded, and when it filled the screen there was a flash so bright that Milly had to shield his eyes. When he uncovered them, he saw a small green dot in the center of the screen.

"WELCOME, CAYTLE" boomed a deep voice.

That’s a test, Mayor Ted whispered. Proves you’re a Caytle; otherwise, the flash and the noise would wake you up. Another one of Ashling’s ideas.

On the screen, the green dot grew larger. It was an island floating in empty space.

"That which humanity has sought since time immemorial, the deep voice intoned, that which so many have touched, yet so few have grasped, that which exists in the hearts of a—"

The voice abruptly cut off and the island began moving towards the screen much more quickly. It took Milly a moment to realize that Mayor Ted was fast-forwarding the movie.

"You wouldn’t believe how long this goes on, the old man muttered. Ashling calls it ‘CGI’, says a lot of Waking movies use it nowadays. Then he chuckled. The last thing I saw in a Waking cinema was a silent movie. It wasn’t even in color."

Milly had heard of ‘black-and-white’ movies, but had never seen one. He preferred to watch cartoons, anyway.

Here, said Mayor Ted, this part might be helpful.

He hit ‘PLAY’ as the island filled the screen. It was roughly rectangular in shape; the middle was green, a huge field with a brown line dividing it in half. One of the island’s long sides was lined with a forest, while the other was lined with sand.

Is that a desert, Milly pointed, or a beach?

Ted smiled. It’s whatever you want it to be.

"YOU ARE HERE!" the recorded voice suddenly screamed, making Milly jump. The island spun, revealing a body of water along one of its short sides and a city spread along its coastline. Milly realized this was the same city, while the brown line cutting across the island was the dirt road he and Jasmine had traveled on. Phyllis had called it ‘Middle Way’, probably because it ran straight through the middle of the island.

"This will be your home, the voice went on. It is the city, the only city; Slumber City."

Milly looked at Ted, who shrugged. It may sound silly, but at least it’s to the point.

"This is where your destiny will be determined!" boomed the video. Milly giggled as an image popped into his mind of a skinny man waving his arms and shouting into a microphone.

Ashling does get carried away, Ted admitted. He gets to the point eventually.

The voice in the movie became calmer. "You do not know where you are, it said slowly. You do not know how you arrived. You are one of the lucky few,