Book One – Chapter 12

“A part of you becomes part of the mountain. You are forever a fragment of a greater whole,” Faroah observed the shifts in her expression as she felt the mountain’s vein extent, reach out and connect with her. “And with that, I do not refer to the Albweiss alone. The difference in futures available for you depends on your willingness to embrace this exchange with the encompassing entirety that exceeds your individuality.

Your heritage is entwined with humans, your lineage stems from witches, and your future is bound to that of a wizard. Do not mourn your fate by yearning for a return to your past. Often, what we perceive as flawed, lost, or shattered holds the greatest significance for the greater whole.”

She stared at him, her expression searching for understanding.

“Consider the entrance, where you first stepped into this temple,” Faroah continued. “Immediately, your eyes fell upon the broken roof. The structure surrounding the entrance no longer shelters from the elements, rendering it devoid of its original purpose. However, while this section may appear marred, within the context of the greater whole — the encompassing temple that still offers ample sanctuary and protection for this pair of humble wizard and witch, yes, even for hundreds of dwarves, should they ever decided to reclaim the Albweiss  — it is not a fault. Instead, unintended by the dwarves who fashioned it, it has transformed into something unique, an integral part of the structure. You have witnessed the radiant phantom presences it captures, the beautiful white beams of light. You have marvelled, just as I have before you, at the interplay of light it casts upon the floor. You have seen how the broken beckons beauty.”

“Sir, please. I am sorry, but I do not understand you. I only know how to speak Teh and Faramyr,” Samasira said, her voice tinged with growing concern.

It did not matter. These truths would reach her. Eventually. She had grasped what was most important. Intuitively, she had allowed the mountain to claim a fraction of her giving heart. With that, she had opened herself up to significant change.