"There are other worlds than this. Some call them dimensions, or planes. Some know nothing of them. All worlds are bound by the Dark Tower. It protects them. Defines their boundaries. A great wheel with the Tower at the center," he explained, as he had explained to many others.

His stride was long, though he did slow enough to be courteous so she could catch up. About the time she was at his side, they were at the dome. He reached out and opened the door for her.

Inside it was clean. Immaculately clean. And sterile. It had no smell, not even the coffee that was brewed seemingly endlessly by those who came to the kitchen.

"This world, I fear, is beyond the Tower's reach," he continued. "I cannot hear its song here. We are Beyond."