“Exactly,” continues Jiron with a nod, “we went into an eight sided room that had a pedestal sitting in the middle.”

“I don’t see the connection,” Shorty says.

James turns to him and says, “At the time I figured the room with the pedestal to be located beneath the site of the previous High Temple to Morcyth.”

“There are too many things here that point to that spot,” Jiron concludes. “It has to mean something.”

They look at each other until finally their eyes settle on Brother Willim. “If all you say is true,” he begins, “then I would have to believe Miko needs to enter that room.” He glances to James and says, “And soon.”

“It has long been believed that dreams, especially dreams of such power, are sendings from the gods,” he explains. “The fact that so many have come in so short a time cannot be dismissed as mere coincidence. James, you have had dreams of Cassie and Tinok in that place you call a carnival. Miko, your dreams are of a temple that is swallowed by blackness. Blackness that you are terrified of.”

He glances around and says, “I myself have had dreams of late. Nothing compared to the power of the ones you two have experienced, but potent nonetheless.”

“What were yours?” asks James.

“A garden,” he replies. “None too surprising given whom I serve. I often have dreams about gardens and such. However, since I’ve accompanied you, they have become more intense. Lately they have begun differently, but all end at a withered garden. A blackened tree, wreathed in mist, rises high. The tree cracks open, a monstrous creature steps forth and consumes the garden.”

“That’s it?” Potbelly asks.

Nodding, Brother Willim replies, “Yes.” He pauses a moment as the others assimilate what he told them. Then he turns to Miko and James. “I would guess that you, Miko, were sent that dream to tell you something. Possibly by Morcyth or one of his agents. The fact that you were prevented from going into the room seems to indicate that another force was working to stop you from discovering why.”