Many people pay attention to the phases of the moon. It is regular, and moves almost in tune with our months. Almost.
I paid attention for a different reason. The first night of every new and full moon, it was time for me to go into the dream realms and report.
Some nights, I had a guide, or was summoned. That night, I appeared in Teddy Bear Woods. I sighed. I didn't have the right types of mana to combine into the Celestial Heavens that Manajuwejet, my spirit guide, preferred.
But, compelled by my promise, I began walking.
"Play with us," a bear with an axe dripping blood said.
"Previous commitment." I said. "Maybe some other night?"
She looked sad rather than vengeful. "You don't mean that."
"I am a Truthspeaker, and literally cannot lie to you. I am from Achea, land of the Axe Hero. Sooner or later, I'll be swinging axes with someone."
"Promise me." she said. "Promise to return."
