Dreams and Shadows (The Aylosian Chronicles Book 1) by Jeffrey Collyer Page A

and yet you speak as if he is not here.”
    Michael thought that Devu’s reprimanded look was pretended as he responded, “I am sorry, my Promised. Of course you are right.”
    Turning to Michael with a look that was overtly sincere, but with an accompanied smile that now suggested mockery, he said, “My apologies, Michael. Welcome. I understand that my mother has afforded you temporary shelter with us.”
    Again Aneh corrected him, “The Lora has determined he may dwell amongst us, and it may yet be permanent, Devu.”
    But Devu seemed to ignore her, and Michael’s dislike for this man who had called Aneh his Promised was growing. “I am told that Aneh is to be something of a guide to you for now,” he continued, his smile widening. “If you bring any harm to my Promised, I will kill you.”
    “Devu!” Aneh shouted.
    But she could not stop him as he reached forward and grabbed Michael’s upper left arm, the bulge of his muscles showing through his shirt as he squeezed. Michael had known plenty of bullies through his school years, and knew that he would be best to elicit no reaction, and so despite the pain that was building in his arm he stood still and tried to keep it from showing in his face.
    “Do you hear me, Michael ?” Devu’s false smile vanished as he emphasised Michael’s name.
    As emotionless as possible, Michael replied to Devu’s threat, “I don’t think I could hurt anyone if I wanted to. But even if I could I wouldn’t hurt Aneh or anyone else here.” For good measure, he added, “You’ve all been kind to me.”
    He hoped that his response would calm Devu, but if anything the grip on his arm strengthened as Devu leaned his mouth to Michael’s ear, now whispering, “You may have deceived the Sooth Weaver, but you will not deceive me. Leave while you yet live.”
    There was no chance for any further communication as Aneh pushed her way between them, forcing Devu to release his hold on Michael. “That is enough!”
    She turned to face Devu, her face now red with anger. “You may depart now, and do not return unless you wish to afford the hospitality afforded by the Lora.”
    Devu’s stare finally left Michael, his glance at Aneh brief before he turned and left without another word.
    Michael had felt safe in this place since late the previous afternoon. Now he was again unsure. But what else could he do?

CHAPTER SIX:  
    Weaving

    We fear that which we do not understand, and it is from that fear that we grow most dangerous. If one says the sky is red when we see it is green, we assume their lie is intended to deceive and respond accordingly. If another says they can fly, we fear they are mad, for we cannot know of any way that it can be so, and we secure them against their will for our own safety from their madness. But what if to them the sky really is red? What if they really can fly? What if it is we who see only falsehood, and they a greater truth? Would we not increase our own wisdom and knowledge if we were seek to understand why they believe such? That is not to say that we should be fools and believe all that we are told, for that would surely lead to our destruction. But equally we should not dismiss wild tales without consideration. We should not fear the unknown.
    From the Wisdom of Ashael
    ***
    Aneh had apologised and then had tried to sound natural as she showed him more of the camp, but Michael’s inner turmoil resurfaced following the confrontation with Devu. His questions, doubts, and worries were overwhelming, and coalesced to form the repeated question in his mind: What am I doing here?
    Although he had never been emotionally attached to anywhere he had lived, he wished he could go back to his flat and curl up in his armchair with a book; that he could wake up in his bed and find the last two days had been a dream. At one point, he asked Aneh if they had any books he might be able to read, hoping that he could at least immerse himself within something that would not be