The Thief of Dreams by Will Shetterly

   

A tiger dreamed of gazelles running free across the plains. Then the tiger woke, its dream gone. It saw a gazelle and leaped upon it to make the gazelle its breakfast.

A serpent dreamed of a city overgrown by the jungle. Its walls were strong, and its wells were full of cool, clear water. A child came. The serpent told it, "I guard this city for you and your people. Take it, grow strong, and help others."

Then the serpent woke, its dream gone. A child passed nearby, walking toward the city. The serpent sank its fangs into the child's ankle.... More>>>