The narrative follows King Karna-Vootra, who reflects on a dream where he encounters the ethereal queen Vava-Nyria. Despite her partial concealment by clouds, her face radiates moonlight, captivating the king. He invites her to stroll through the enchanting landscapes of Istrakhan, a realm filled with beautiful pools and lush gardens, where dreams are born from floating lilies. He describes the allure of the jungle and the mountains surrounding Istrakhan, emphasizing the beauty of the valleys that have existed since ancient times. Karna-Vootra paints a vivid picture of the romantic lands they could explore together, where even butterflies are awed by their reflections in the sacred waters. He promises to send heralds to spread the news of her beauty across distant lands, ensuring her name will be celebrated in cities like Séndara and Sooma. He envisions merchants recounting tales of her charm in bustling markets and the joyous dances of Ingra echoing her legacy. However, as he speaks, he realizes the bittersweet truth: Vava-Nyria has been dead for forty years, and his own youth has faded. The dream serves as a poignant reminder of lost love and the passage of time, contrasting the vibrant imagery of the landscapes with the stark reality of his solitude. The king's longing for connection and the beauty of the past intertwine with the melancholy of acceptance, encapsulating the themes of memory, loss, and the enduring nature of dreams.
By Lord Dunsany · First published 1917 · Genre: Fantasy, Poetry, Romance