Descendants of the Kings (Book 2)

Ch 21: Liminal spaces

The pathway through the dense forest of the Fionn peaks seemed never-ending.

Thick trees that reached sky-high, and skeletal arms poked out like knives. Snow had started to fall at some point, slow enough that it posed no real danger, but paired with the blustering wind, and Ella would have been glad to see the end of the trek.

After what seemed like a lifetime, the forest gave way to a small clearing. The space was just large enough for all of them to behold what was clearly the start of another forest. This one, though, seemed different.

The trees here were even larger than before, their limbs and roots growing gnarled, creating an impenetrable fortress. They stood guard, ancient beings protecting the outskirts of the temple. They were so enmeshed, no light seemed to penetrate the twisted canopies.

The sole object in that gnarled, isolated forest was an archway. An arcade made of deeply carved obsidian, glowing symbols etched into the stone.

Jessa stopped in front of the arch and brushed a reverent hand down the flank of the arch. Despite the cold, no icicles or snow tainted the black. It remained untouched, even by the trees that so loved to tangle between themselves.

"This is the archway of Eólsach. The entry of lightness and dark," she said, gaze raking over the gleaming stone of the massive entrance. "This is where I can no longer accompany you," she said wistfully. "Only approved visitors and high-ranked priestesses can ascend to the temple."

"You've never been inside?" Ella ventured.

Jessa shook her head. "Someday, if I'm fortunate enough, I'll be able to attend the Star Sisters." Her eyes gleamed in admiration, as her gaze strayed into the dark maw of the arcade. "It would be my biggest honour."

"Would you like to become a Star Sister?" Ella asked innocently. When they all gave each other a certain look, she realised she'd said something wrong. "Is that possible?" she tried again, softer than before.

"Being a Star Sister is an honour. It's only granted to a select few," Jessa said slowly, measuring her words. Her mouth twisted to the side. "But it isn't something I would want for myself. Once you go up there, you'll see what I mean."

At Ella's apprehensive expression, she smiled placatingly and patted Ella's arm. "They aren't dangerous. They are our wisest priestesses. Their duty is to guide us, and they do so unwaveringly. It's simply a lonely existence that doesn't align with what I want for myself. I'm happiest here, helping by interacting with people," she said, waving a hand at them.

Ella softened and smiled. "I appreciate your help, Jessa. You've helped me consider matters in a different light," she admitted.

Ella, who was naturally a cynic, believed only in what she could see and touch. Even when faced with visions of things she deemed fantastical, it was hard to make herself fully understand the implications. But she wasn't the only one.

Like Jessa, like Queen Saoirse, dozens of others had been called upon to fulfil their role in this quest written so many, many moons ago. It was a humbling realisation, to say the least.

Jessa regarded her with those keen, knowing eyes. Despite her sunny demeanour and her youth, there was a wealth of wisdom in her.

"There is something about you, Elowen Aeron, about all of you," she said, piercing them all with her gaze. "You have come here today for a reason. For the first time since my mission started, I truly feel like I am in the right place. I feel like whatever called upon me those years ago, it was to lead me here." She nodded to herself, determined. "I have a feeling all our paths will cross again."