The Whole World in Shards

  * * *

  Daybreak in Lhaës proved to be a kaleidoscopic event, as the material of the dome refracted the rays of the rising sun into marvelous shapes and colors. As Merinel and Adimar emerged from their guesthouse, blinking in surprise, the Lhaës Entity’s avatar was present to apologize for the morning’s pyrotechnic aspect.

  “The dome is quite capable of letting the sunlight pass through with no visible alterations, and in an hour’s time it will revert to doing so, but sunrises and sunsets are subject to various optical effects, as engineered by the residents. This particular sunrise is entitled ‘Deadly Bliss’ and is the work of a Perevlir resident named Betrishivilal.”

  “It’s remarkable – please give Betrishivilal our compliments,” replied Merinel. Moving into the shade of a nearby tree, she unwrapped her shawl to review the day’s itinerary. “Is there any reason we might not reach Mastmarch by this afternoon?”

  “None whatsoever,” said Lhaës. “Mastmarch is not terribly distant; indeed, I would center myself there and support the Dome as a fallow settlement, were it not for my condition. The surrounding area is free of structures or dense wilderness. I have already added my personal contribution to your cargo.”

  “I am extremely grateful for that contribution,” said Merinel, wondering where Lhaës and Tenbor had secreted the autonomous node within the lifter, if indeed it was even recognizable as a separate object.

  “It has been more than earned,” replied Lhaës. Tenbor, embodied in a holographic dove perched on the lifter’s pushbar, warbled mournfully in assent.

  At this point Yor-Spana and Kosczi the Thriceborn arrived to bid the travelers farewell. “Onward, brave ones!” declaimed Yor-Spana. “Your traversal of the physical world puts our petty introspections to shame. Know that you bear with you the goodwill of Lhaës, and all its dilettantes!”

  “You must return with your family when you are at leisure,” invited Kosczi. “Our calendar is crowded with festivals, and if none of those suit you, it is not difficult to convince us to institute another.”

  Merinel smiled. “I look forward to it.”

  The travelers exited the dome as they had entered, through a hexagonal portal that shimmered into vapor as they approached and relapsed into solidity behind them, sheltering the denizens of Lhaës – floral and sentient alike – from the uncaring and unappreciative elements.