A Gathering of Dreams
About this ebook
Humans have marked the tales of destiny and fate on the walls of caves since time began. But surprisingly, the first evidenced comet, Lao-Tien-Yeh 老天葉 is not documented until 1486 BCE. By estimates today, the comet was four times brighter than the full moon. So it was not unusual that the scholars in China recorded it for posterity.
An old monk climbs Mount Tai to witness the coming star. A reunion, deemed insignificant at first, introduces the monk to what eventually becomes the tenets behind Universal Truth. Principles of life that shape the foundation of Buddhism. He won’t have the chance to tell anyone, though, for an ancient force also stirs with the comet.
Taishan was the last of her kind. Awakened by the nightless day, she guards an isolated valley claimed in battle from an earlier emperor. She still has the scars. The comet has all but erased any protection provided by the cover of night. The ten tails that trailed behind were another worry. They mirrored what appeared the night the old girl was born. An omen. A prophecy. A battle. A disaster. In that scenario, no one wins. Taishan was determined to die here. Her unborn would vanish with her unless the old monk can change their destiny.
There are moments when we realize how fragile life is; how sacred the vows of compassion are. A soul becoming resplendent is hard-earned. A lifetime of serving others is the only way to get there.
It takes a thousand years for the Buddhist doctrine is discovered again.
Hanalei Bay, Hawaii Three Days Ago...
Calvin's forgotten childhood promise sat locked in a drawer for fifty years, placed there by an ancient and bitter darkness. However, the obligation behind it had begun long before ever being bargained. It has woven through time and collected a would-be grandfather, a ragged old cat, and not the least of which, a renewed interest of the grey ladies, the Fates. You see, Clotho is the sister who spins the threads of life and destiny, and once upon a time, the sister tied these three souls together.
Now, while caring for a recently rescued kitten, an accident occurs that blurs the lines between fantasy and reality. Every imaginary friend that had ever visited Calvin in dreams has been tugged home again by the thread. Every Grumpmuffin, Gigglemonk, Cuddlemonk, Ticklemonk, and Adamsville Fairy expects to have their say. It has been a long time since a human has breached the veil and been able to hold a conversation. They intend to make the most of it.
Harsh questions will be asked, secrets will be shared, and the truth will stand revealed. But, like the Chinese monk before him, Calvin will not have the chance to tell anyone. Once again, an ancient force stirs
Although Twain, Tesla, Barrie, Warhol, The Apollo 12/Intrepid Landing Module, Perun-the Slavic God of Thunder, some Quantum Foam, and just a wee bit of lost faith, all make appearances, they may not be enough to change a destiny long ago set in motion.
Comet Lao-Tien-Yeh 老天葉 is now designated 12P/Pons-Brooks. It is fast approaching.
Evergreen, Colorado Now
“Shhhh, it is soon to be December. Love blooms in the softer sunlight. Changing colors float along with the wisps of chimney smoke and beckon the gentler souls to wander out beneath the starlight. The Magic of Elysium begins in the cool, darkened evenings in the last days of Autumn.” ~ A Persistence of Dreams / Book Two of The Dreams Saga
About the author
This book is the completion of a promise I made to Cugh Meek, my Grandfather. I gave him my word in the summer of 1966 after he bought me a journal to inspire my creativity. He wanted me to write for him a truly tall tale. Adamsville, Tennessee had other adventures planned for us though, and I never got to it. This is that promise fulfilled. This is that story...
A Gathering of Dreams
"A Gathering of Dreams" is the first novel in a series that blends elements of fantasy, emotional depth, and personal legacy. The story—born out of a promise made by the author to their grandfather, Cugh, in 1966—delves into the realm of dreams as a source of inspiration, connection, and transformation. At its core, it is a tale about navigating the boundaries between reality and the fantastical, with dreams acting as bridges to truths buried deep within the human spirit.
Synopsis
The protagonist embarks on a journey shaped by visions and dreams that seem both otherworldly and profoundly personal. These dreams summon a diverse cast of characters, each symbolizing aspects of hope, wisdom, and struggle. As the protagonist seeks to unravel the mysteries of these dreamscapes, they are faced with challenges that test their courage, empathy, and resolve.
The narrative is enriched by intricate world-building, introducing readers to vivid settings filled with magic, myth, and wonder. The fantastical elements serve as a backdrop to themes of love, loss, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. The story invites readers to consider the significance of their own dreams and how they might guide them toward greater understanding and purpose.
Key Themes
1. Legacy and Promise: The novel’s inception—rooted in a heartfelt promise—is reflected in its exploration of honoring commitments, especially those made across generations.
2. The Power of Dreams: Dreams are depicted as more than mere subconscious wanderings; they are powerful forces that reveal hidden truths and connect individuals across time and space.
3. Diversity and Unity: The diverse cast of characters underscores the importance of embracing differences and finding strength in unity.
4. Self-Discovery: The protagonist’s journey is as much about discovering their own potential as it is about solving the mysteries of their dreams.
Reception
Readers have lauded the novel for its emotional resonance, rich storytelling, and imaginative scope. The blending of deeply personal motivations with universal themes makes it a compelling read for those who appreciate introspective fantasy and character-driven narratives.
"A Gathering of Dreams" sets the stage for its sequels—*Persistence* and *Resolution*—which continue to expand on the worlds and characters introduced in the first book, while deepening the philosophical and emotional underpinnings of the series.
