Tyler's Dream by Matthew Butler

sudden he felt faint, and he sat back heavily. For Varkon to be worried, he must look awful.
    “You must sleep. I’ve been pushing too hard.”
    “ No ! I never want to sleep again.” It was an odd thing to say, and they both knew it. Varkon frowned and waited for an explanation. “Varkon, this is going to sound strange.”
    “I’m listening.”
    “I have been having dreams lately. Some of them are beautiful, happy even. Some are horrible. So horrible.” Tyler shuddered. “I dream as though I am another person or animal. It feels so real. Twice now the Dhimori has been in one of these dreams, in the darkness.” Tyler covered his face with sudden reproach. He had promised not to appear weak in front of Varkon. “This is stupid. They’re only nightmares.”
    “Why didn’t you tell me this sooner?”
    “They are just dreams.”
    “Perhaps. When did they begin?”
    “The first one was when I passed out, after falling into the river that first night.”
    “Nothing like this has ever happened to you before?”
    “No. It feels as though I actually am the person, nymph, or animal. I see, smell, feel, and taste everything they do.”
    “I thought you knew nothing about nÿmphs.”
    “But I’ve dreamt of one. Or at least I think so.”
    Varkon’s eyes narrowed. “I won’t pretend I understand what this could mean, but you should’ve told me of this long before. You have strength, Tyler, but don’t let this be you downfall by confusing it with your pride. We must both find our way to Ithrim, and thus we must share the burden equally if we are to make it.”
    Tyler nodded, emotion in his eyes at his companion’s unexpected compassion.
    “Now,” said Varkon. “The spider-bite could be the cause, or you may simply be suffering from shock. How do you feel?”
    Tyler stretched his back experimentally. “Much improved, actually.” Varkon eyed him severely. There was an awkward pause before Tyler realised what the ghatu was reluctant to ask. “Don’t worry, Varkon, I can walk.”
    “We can stay here longer, otherwise.”
    “No, I feel better.” It was true, although he was hardly back to his old self.
    Varkon gave him a nod, which looked strangely like approval. “Well, Tyler.” So the ghatu did know his name. “The sun has been up a while now, and I am concerned. My brothers and sisters cannot be far behind. Even so, the pace will be easier. Tiredness may be the cause of these dreams … and the blood. Wipe that muck from your face. You will feel much better for it.”
    They continued walking but at a considerably slower pace. Tyler noticed he was not the only one who was struggling today; Varkon was also subdued. When was the last time his companion had slept?
    The land folded into a series of undulating mounds. Tyler preferred the journey uphill much more than the trudge down. Although his heel was greatly improved, it still hurt badly if he applied too much weight to it – which was unavoidable when travelling down a slope.
    After several forced stops for one reason or another, Varkon decided to end their hike early. For dinner they ate the last of the krus . Varkon promised to search for more the next day and said he would teach Tyler how to spot and dig for them. Tyler smiled politely and secretly hoped for better fare.
    Tyler didn’t dream that night. Or at least if he did, he couldn’t remember. Varkon celebrated the news and vowed to spend one more day at a relaxed pace so that Tyler could fully recover.
    It was noon when they arrived at a barren crease in the land that stretched from north to south. It appeared to be an old riverbed, but no trees had yet taken root upon its sandy stretch or its banks on either side.
    “This place makes me uneasy,” said Varkon as he peered doubtfully from the trees. They could see for quite a distance up and down this odd rift in the otherwise continuous forest.
    “See anything suspicious? The Dhimori, perhaps?”
    “No,” said Varkon, missing