Kit and Ashe continued up the steepened hill. At the top Kit could see The Temple of Open Skies. From her angle the tops of the rough hewn columns could be seen. There was no lintel stretching from column to column as she had seen on other buildings. Kit could feel the tickle of a breeze flowing down from the sacred place. Carried with the breeze was the scent of feyberries and it reminded Kit of the tasty jam that seemed to be a favorite food of this town.
Ashe nodded and said, “Someplace quiet. That’s where I had intended us to go.” Ashe pointed to the grove of brilliant golden trees. “In the grove of trees lives a faerie of peculiar power. I visit her quite often. Her name is Whisper and she’s unlike anyone you’ve ever met before. She is the guardian of the grove so be careful to tread softly.”
Ashe had spent many hours of many days speaking with Whisper. She was a trusted friend and confidant. It was Ashe that had convinced the faerie to allow the folks of Threshold to collect the fallen leaves to ornament their various crafts. Whisper had been in this grove for centuries as its guardian and Ashe admired her wisdom and devotion to it.
As the two reached the top of the hill Kit could see the temple in all of its glory. It was a rectangular shape and rough columns went around the perimeter. In the middle was a round, walled well. There were carvings of many runes and symbols on the well wall. They were runes that Kit had no comprehension of. Spiraling up from the well was a misty vortex. It vaulted to heights as tall as three humans and whistled ghostly dirges and cast breezes of Sythus air. This was the temple to air and wind, Akadi. Despite the fact that there were no priests of Akadi, the magic of this place did not waver.
Ashe put his hands on Kit’s shoulders and turned her around. The sight before her was breathtaking. She could see cradle of Threshold in its full beauty. She took in the sights of the Fogveil, the islands, the Statue of Havigaard, The Spike of Fire, the doors to The Hiddenmount, The Circle of All. She could even see the roof of the Thornhedge. It made her realize how glad she was to be alive. All of her cares and woes melted away and she briefly forgot who she was. All she knew was that she was so happy to see Mahiya as proud as it had ever been.
As she was admiring the view before her, Kossuth crested the east wall bathing her in its light. The sparkle of the goldleaf trees cast soft gold hues upon her. At last, her spirit could no longer comprehend the majestic beauty of her surroundings and she let a tear slip from her eye.
