Canto XI: Ex Nihilo Primary words form secondary worlds words are the worlds so write with care   I run my fingers along the rim, smiling at the chill like an ancient goddess in a new mosaic   I wake before sleep even slips a timid foot across the threshold of my mind   “Shyllen, wake up,” She calls the name I never gave   I roll over sit up “Do you have a plan?”   “Ah, young one,” She laughs “Are you always so impatient?”   “She’s my friend And this place— no offense— seems dangerous”   “Only to those  who, ex nihilo, enter the land.”   I repeat her words “What does that mean?”   “Ex nihilo, from nothing. This land was built from the dreams of men but ‘tis dangerous for creators to enter their subcreation You have more power than you know and the realm trembles at your every step.”   “You’re solid real”   “And to quote one of your race ‘Who says dreams can’t be real?’”   I open my mouth, close it again “And Bai—er, Keturah?”   “Your friend’s vivid imagination has made her easy prey for the monsters.”   So I’m not imaginative enough? Thanks a lot, I think but say “Why not me?”   “When I searched I found evidence that she had been in other realms before The more time humans spend here the easier they fall for they have relinquished clarity for freedom.” She smiles encouragingly “Not that it’s a poor trade, but the ignorant bear a certain protection, by the law of the land.”   “Let me guess, you won’t tell me anything else to keep me safe.” “No Save this— four may see where two are blind.”