In a visit to a dream space there is another side to life not many understand
The birds were singing because the darkness of the night had gone and the sunrise stretched out all over the land . The grass ways much greener in those far away places as the new light of shone down ..In tapestries of blue and silver the sky and sea decorated the morning view outside Shams bedroom window as he open his eyes , He sea a little bird sitting on the ledge of his bedroom window . The bird started to tap against the window pane as if to say good morning . Then away it flew as if it had things to do and somewhere to go .Down in the street people were walking past with a whole day of things to share .
Sham went over to his parents bedroom and shouted
“Come time to get up , it’s a new day and the world is waiting . Is time to rise and shine , time to be what ever we want to be. ‘.
His parents jumped up out of bed ,.
“Now that’s what I call a good morning “
his mother said and his father smiled and said,
“Sham, how good is it to be alive ?”
Mrs Mc Dermott knocked on the door and said ,
“Breakfast is on the table.”
Sham asked
“What’s for breakfast this morning ?”
“Potatoes and cabbage..”
Sham replied ,
“‘What not spuds again ?”
They all laughed and Mrs McDermott said ,
‘Thought I might surprise you all , but no , it’s the usual McDermott guest house special , sunrise surprise breakfast. Poached eggs , bacon , sausages and a pot of tea”. .
‘Thank you Mrs McDermott we’ll be right there .“ Mr Greenacre said .
Shep , the border collie sheep dog walked in like it did every time food was being served and sat down there beside the table .
‘‘Good morning Sham and happy birthday “,
Said Shep .
That was the first time Sham had ever heard an animal speak and he realised that something special had happen. He had been given a gift of talking without speaking in person . It was like he had a radio transmitter inside his head .
‘Hello there Shep , what a beautiful day ?:
Sham patted Shep around his head and without being seen he slipped the dog a bit of bacon from his breakfast plate .
‘Thank you Sham ‘
Said Shep he was ate the bacon without being noticed . Suddenly a knock came to the front door and Shep jumped to his feet and ran to the door barking loudly .
‘Don’t worry Sham , there’s no problem it’s part of my job as security here to bark when anyone knocks on the door .
Mrs McDermott went to the door and she said .
“Shep that’s enough , settle down. “
She took Shep into the kitchen and closed the door .
The person at the front door kept knocking and Mrs McDermott said ,
“I’m coming , just a minute .”
When she opened the front door ‘
It was the postman .
“Hello Mrs McDermott, I have a letter for Master Sham Greenacre , care of
Mrs Mc Dermott’s guesthouse in Chapters End .
She was handed the letter and the postman wished everyone a great day and then Mrs McDermott took the letter and gave it to Sham .
“Who is it from”
his mother asked .
“I don’t know”
He replied .
When he opened the letter he found a birthday card with some money and on the card was a message that said , Happy birthday son , from Mum and Dad .
You’re the best child in all the world and there is no one as good as you .
We love you and we want to wish you happiness every not just for today
Sam gave his Mum and Dad a big cuddle and said ,
“I completely forgot about my birthday”
A small choir walked into the dining room and started singing Happy birthday as Mrs McDermott came in with a birthday cake with lighted candles on the top . Everyone cheered and Sham said a big thank you to everyone there After the cake was cut and shared around . His Mum and Dad told him that they had a special surprise for his birthday . They had booked a horse and carriage ride to Sennachie Hill a local
Tourist spot where they were going to have a picnic to celebrate his birthday .
When the many with the horse and carriage arrived out front Mrs McDermott brought the picnic basket from the kitchen and handed it to Mrs McDermott . The carriage was decorated with balloons and streamers and Sham was delighted as they all climbed up into the open carriage . The man up front took a look at Sham and said ,.
‘I wish you a happy birthday little Sham , My name is Connor and the horses name is
Bay Boy . “
The he took the reins in his hands and lifted his voice and said ,
“Come on now Bayboy , .lets go “
Bayboy eased off down the street with a slow and easy stride . As they made their way through the town all the people gave them a wave as they passed .
When they left the town behind , they went along the quiet country road ,
Then the horse said
‘So Sham, you’ve got the gift then”
‘What gift would that be”
‘You’re the seventh son of a seventh son which means you have telepathy , Like myself , so we can talk . “
Sham was surprised and said ,
‘How did you know this ?”
‘We know lots of stuff . Its like a radio. We hear the broadcasts’
Bayboy looked back and winked his eye at Sham .
Sham said ,
“ So all horses have telepathy then.”
Bayboy replied
‘Yeah and lots of other stuff as well. “
Sham was intrigued .
“Other stuff , like what ?
Bayboy looked around and said,
”’We see things like you do.. I’ve been told you met Pogue O’Loan ?
Sham answered.
‘Yeah he told me some stuff I still don’t understand but in time I might “
‘No doubt you will Sham when the time is right ”
Bayboy had a kind warmth in the tone of his voice . He seemed wise.
“
Sham asked,
‘How long have horses had the ability to speak like this to humans ?”
Bayboy said ,
‘We have always had this, in fact most animals can ,There was a time when all humankind had telepathy but they misused the gift and so it was taken from them . Humans were once friends with all the creatures on the planet who trusted and respected them but the way human treated each other brought fear and resented between us and now the trust has gone .We remain as servants helping out where we can .”
Sham replied .
‘Not all humans are cruel Bayboy. Many of us live in peace .“
Bayboy said
That is true Sham and there are some like yourself who still have the gift , however once trust is gone it rarely returns . The world and those who live it need to get along regardless . That’s the lesson for us all .”
“Whoa, there Bayboy “
Connor said tugging at the reins .
Up ahead there were some sheep making their way down the road led by a farmer and his sheepdog . Conor had pulled the horse and carriage over to the side of the little road so the farmer and his sheep could pass . As they were passing all the sheep shared a few words of greeting to Bayboy and Sham ,
“Isn’t it glorious day. “ One of the sheep said .
Bayboy replied .,
“It surely is and where are you all off to today ‘
Another one of the sheep said ,
“The farmer had a field with some long grass so we’re going to munch it back a
little bit for him . His tractor hasn’t been working for a few months so we help as
much as we can .”
Sham said ,
‘What would he ever do without you ?’
Another of the sheep said ,
‘He’s a kind man , Needs all the help he can get . He lives alone and has no
other company like us , He can’t hear us talk but he often talks in his human voice to
us and we understand but we can’t speak in a vocal way to him . Sometimes shares
his feelings with us and we feel good to be around him .‘
As the last of the sheep passed the sheepdog said ,
‘”Good morning Bayboy , how are you travelling I see you have someone special
with you there today ,:”,.
Bayboy replied ,
‘Things are going ok Lucky , Sham is the one you’re speaking of . He has the gift,
all right and I’m bringing him and his Mum and Dad up to the picnic spot on the hill ‘
The sheepdog said ,
‘Hello Sham , it’s a honour to meet you . How things with you ? “
Sham replied ,
‘Nice to talk to you Lucky , well todays my birthday and so far its been a great day
meeting so many new friends . Hows you day been so far ?
;
Lucky replied
‘Happy birthday and all that Sham , Well so far so good today as none of the sheep
have lost their way. I have to keep an eye on them as they like to wander off on their
own a lot. Nice to talk to you . “
The farmer was last to pass by and he tipped his hat and said ,
“ Thank you for your patience in sharing the road Conor and good morning to all ?
Connor replied ,
‘It’s a pleasure . Have a good day Mr O’Rourke “
Sham and his Mum and Dad all waved and Mr Greenacre said ,
‘Good morning Mr O’Rourke and thank you .
‘ Gee up Bayboy “ Conor said with a soft flick of the reins on his back ,
Baboy made his way up the hill to the picnic spot where Conor steered him over
to a fence post under a tree . As everyoine got out of the carriage Conor put a feed
bag over Bayboy’s mouth .
‘I’ll be here with Bayboy . Enjoy your picnic . “
Conor said .
‘You’re welcome to join us Conor ,
Mr Greenacre said .
‘Thanks anyway but I have to keep my eyes on Bayboy just in case he case
He would runaway away;
‘That’s not true I would never do that’ ’
Bayboy said ,
,.
Sham heard and laughed .,
The Greenacres all made their way over to the picnic spot where a few tables and
chairs sat with a roof over top . From there was a lookout view of the fields and the
ocean . They took out the food from the basket and started to eat what Mrs Mc
Dermott had made . After they finished eating Shams parents gave him some gifts
for his birthday . Sham was so happy to put on his new wristwatch and try
his new telescope .
‘I love my new watch Mum. . Now I can see how time passes .“
“I’m glad you like Sham “
“Thanks for this telescope Dad . Can I ask you a question ?”
“Of course son “
Sham put the telescope down and said ,
“ Have you ever done a family tree ?
Sham said and his Dad replied ,
‘No not me but I believe one of my Aunts sometime had started one but that was a long time ago . Why do you ask ?
I’m curious about my ancestors . Did you have any brothers ?
Then Shams father replied ,
“:No I was the only boy in a family of 5 children ?”
‘What about you father did he have any brothers ,’
Sham asked and his Dad replied .’
.
““No he was an only child..”
Sham said ,
“Maybe it might be interesting to look at your family tree Dad ?
His father replied ,
‘Yeah I guess so. I’ll have to look into that .”
Sham and his Mum and Dad stayed there for a while talking about life. They wanted so much to tell him about the problem he had with his speech however all the specialists advised them not to bother bringing that up because it might have an adverse effect . Sham wanted to tell his parents all about the magic places he goes to and the gift of telepath he has , but being the seventh son of a seventh son , he had a sense to feel if things were right or not . He decided to keep that part of his life private for the time being .
They had a wonderful day together there and at twilight they climbed back into the horse carriage . All the way back to the guest house Bayboy was talking to Sham about the dreams he has and the places he goes , Sham also shared the same information as well . When they returned to the guest house Mrs McDermott had the house decorated for a birthday party . There was a puppet show with a story arranged by one of the locals and a magician who entertained everyone until it was late in the evening . Sham retired very happily to his bedroom and looked out the window at the moon over the ocean , Once again the sound of the wind came whistling through the town with a soft hush , almost like a lullaby singing within his mind . The voice in the wind called gently to him ,
“Come away now, to the place where dreams are found , go now “
Sham put on his soft shoes and walked down the stairs and out into the street , then making his way to the Storytellers cottage , he opened the front door and went inside to the room where the treasure chest away from the trapdoor .
He climbed don the ladder and at the bottom he opened up a door and found he was standing outside a hut . He knocked on the door and it was opened by a tall thin man with a long white straggly beard and on his head he wore a funny wiggly hat . His shoes were long and pointed to the toes and he smiled and said ,
‘Who might you be and what is it you’re after and why are you here at the dream merchants door, Tell me where did you come from and when was it that we met before . ?
Sham replied ,
“My name is Sham and I’m after a dream I guess if you have one . I come from another world much different to this and I’m told that I am a seventh son of a seventh son .”
The dream merchant said ,
‘Well then that explains everything that I need to know , so say no more Sham . Come in and close the door, you’re welcome here . My name is Jaffa and I’m the
dream merchant here on the high hill of Oddity in the land of Nod “.
The dream merchant was busy opening the lids of jars and cutting bits of material from rolls of cloth . He opened up books and read through notes . Sham asked ,
‘What do you do here Jaffa ?”
“Oh well lots of things actually , can I pour you a glass of nectar ?”
‘That would be just lovely’
Sham replied .
.
Jaffa put some pears , apples and strawberries in the top of a little barrel that had a wheel on the side of it . He put the lid on top of the barrel and began to turn the wheel on the barrel and the mechanism started to squeeze out the juice from all the fruits and out from a tap he poured the nectar into a glass .
He handed the glass to Sham and said ,
‘If you want take a seat over there at the table by the window and take a look at the view . You can see all the land of Nod there which not many have ever seen . I hop[e enjoy view. “
.
Shan watched with intrigue everything that Jaffa was doing but still was baffled by his antics .Outside the window he saw some trucks making there way up the road to the hill to Jaffas place .
“What is it that you do here Jaffa ?”
Sham asked ,
‘”Oh so many things to do. The trucks will be here soon so I’ll show you after they bring the delivery I’m waiting for .Tell me Sham what size sleepwear are you . “
Jaffa asked and Sham replied .
“ Well its my birthday today and I’m nine “,
‘That’s good , size nine is a perfect size and have you a favourite colour ?
Sham replied
‘Green “
Jaffa write everything down in a notebook just as the trucks arrived . Two strange looking drivers dressed in rubber suits walked inside the hut carrying boxes to the place where Jaffa was working . They handed over a delivery invoice and Jaffa thanked them as they left the hut .
Jaffa immediately started opening up the boxes and unpacking the items inside.
There was sleepwear items in all different colours and sizes . So Jaffa began to stack them into piles that corresponded to their size . He took a pair of green pyjamas from one of the piles and held it up .
Then he took it over to Sham and asked him to stand up .Jaffa measured up the pyjamas to Shams body to make sure they were the perfect size , then he said
.
‘Well now Sham, let me explain the goings on here . I make the perfect schemes that are stitched up in threads of my cotton that I make here in the hut . So these threads are my dreams that then become the dreams of everyone who wears my sleepwear.
All around the land of nod when I finish the garments they are delivered to everyone so that’s what I do Sham . I am the maker of dreams . It has taken me a long time to perfect the threads of many colours that stitch together the schemes . Some of the dreams are sweet and peaceful dreams and others are secret and discreet . It’s all part of the work I do depending on why they are for . My business has always been
one of constant demand . Now if you give me a few moments I’ll stitch up the schemes for your pyjamas that will be my birthday gift to you .
After a little while Jaffa brought the finished garment to Sham who was delighted with the gift .
“Thank you Jaffa I love them “
Sham said
Jaffa pointed to the corner of the room and said
“Go and try them on there in that fitting room Sham . “
As soon as Sham tried on the pyjamas he instantly fell into the fluffy soft cotton clouds of dreamland .
There was a knock on the front door of the dream merchants hut . Jaffa went to open up the door thinking it was another delivery but when he opened it up to his surprise standing there before his very eyes was the green eyed serpent of Caverock , In a matter of seconds the serpent coiled itself around Jaffa and slithered out the door and away down the hill along the road to the Yellow Sea . Coming up the road was another truck with a delivery for Jaffa and the driver was just in time to see the green eyed serpent with Jaffa in its grip slide into the Yellow and start to make its way across to Caverock .
Straight away the truck driver called Tom called all the people from the land of nod together for a meeting on the village green . As all the people of Nod gathered there everyone was wondering what was going on .
Tom began to talk and people listened to what he had to say .
He told them how he seen the green eyed serpent swim over the yellow sea with Jaffa in his grip . Everyone there was upset and they all started to put together rescue plan for Jaffa . Some of the Nod folk where not really sure what to do and asked for ideas .
Some there were a little hesitant and said ‘
“The thing is Tom we have our families to think of and work commitments. “
Another comment came.
‘”That place Caverock is too far away . It’s just not possible for all of us to get there “
Tom responded immediately.
“Don’t be like that now . Jaffa has worked hard all his life to bring you and you and your families peaceful dreams and good sleeps . The least we could do for him now is show him how much we care . So come on , who is coming with me across the Yellow Sea . Be brave for now it’s time for us to show courage . Lift your hands .“
A tiny voice broke the silence .
“The ferry has been sunk Tom. How can we cross the sea ?” said Olac .
That’s not a good excuse Olac . We can swim, it’s not that far .“ Replied Tom .
There was a tension in the air .
Tom looked around at all the faces filled with fear written all over them .
The he took a some of Jaffa magic threads with a bit of his and put a flame to it .
As it burnt there before their eyes the wind rushed over the flames and Tom explained .
“The secret to his weakness is fire , The serpent cannot stand fire .So all we have to do is to dig a deep pit and fill it with wood and anything that will burn . Then we can draw out the serpent from its cave and lead it to the pit where we are going to be waiting .Then we will start throwing in our lighted torches into the pit as the serpent lies there in a sea of flames . I know this plan will work but I cannot do it alone . So, who among you will help .“
The first person to put up their hand was Tora
“I have a boat.”
She said .
Another hand was raised.
“Me too”
said Ry .
One by one hands now were going up all around .
Tom said.
‘Now that what I’m talking about .Right then what are we waiting for, let’s go.”
They carried the two boats from their sheds into water and a group of men from Nod loaded in some tools and spades . Then they waved goodbye to their families and got into the boats and began to paddle .
In a short while they had made it across to Caverock . After they moored their small boats , they walked over the sand on the shore to the path that made its way up the mountain to Caverock .
.
“Well now Tom what do we do “
Asked Naffy.
“Follow me “
Said Tom .
He led them up along the path to a grassy clearing near the entrance of the Green-Eyed Serpents Cave .
“Everyone start digging here a deep wide hole . Once it dug fill it with kindle and driftwood and some of the fuels we brought . After that place long palms over the hole to disguise the pit . Make a blanket of palm leaves as natural looking as possible . While you are digging the hole I will start cutting down some branches and with scraps of cloth dipped in paraffin .These will be our torches “
.“
As soon as wall the work was completed it was time for action .
Ton explained to all the group .
“I’m going into the Cave to draw out the Serpent when he comes after me I’m going to run this way jumping over the hole . If the Serpent follows and falls into the pit , light your torches throw them in . So, make yourselves invisible .“
“Good luck Tom “
Tora said.
Tom went up to the Cave and started to call the serpents attention,
“Hey Cross Eyes . What’s happening ? Has the fork got your tongue or something . Come on yellow belly , are you a snake or a chicken.”
Tom began to bang and hammer a hollow bamboo trunk . The pitch of that noise was enough to bring out the Green-Eyed Serpent who went after Tom .
Over rocks and craggy edges Tom ran like the wind with the Serpent behind .
When Tom reached the place where the trap was, he took a huge leap over the blanket and as snakes don’t jump it fell in . All the men from Nod rushed to throw light their torches and one by one they threw them into the pit .
Flames engulfed the serpent who was cooked like a roast dinner
Everyone danced and sang . The victory was sweet .
Tom went back into the cave and found Jaffa who was tied up in tangles of a strange web . Jaffa was so happy to see everyone and shouted for joy .
.
“ Thank you for coming to my rescue everyone. The green eyed Serpent wanted me to make him a suit of colours that would bring him and only him all of the dreams from all the schemes from the land of Nod.”
“ Don’t worry Jaffa The serpent is dead . Time for un now to go home .“
Said Tom .
Everyone cheered and shouted.
“Goodbye green eyes , gone for evermore “
On the way back in the boat Jaffa said ,
‘I am so grateful that you rescued me that I will make you all a promise .
You and your families will never have to pay for any garments I make.. “
Back on the land of Nod , in the hut on the high hill , Sham awoke from his dream in the dream merchants hut .He stretched and said ,
“So was all that just a dream Jaffa “
‘That it was and it was yours and yours alone . Happy Birthday Sham . “
Sham said goodbye and went out the door that took him back to the ladder under the storytellers cottage in Chapters End . He checked his watch and saw time had not passed while he was there with the dream merchant . He climbed up the ladder and through the trapdoor into the room in the cottage . Putting back the treasure chest he went out of the cottage and back to the guest house . Making his way quietly up the stairs and into his bedroom he got into bed and fell asleep
The Kalugu is the third book in the fifteen book series, The Adventures of Lord Belmundus, a remarkable tale of others worlds, strange customs, beauty and warfare; and, in its grips, lands a young celebrity, who has the chaps to play the many parts t
Deemed One of the Top 10 indie Fantasy releases of 2010 by Fantasy Book Critic, and listed in the first ever Publishers Weekly Indie Select issue, the original 235k word epic title was written in longhand in a Texas prison cell by M. R. Mathias.
