Vesali sat atop the mountain peaks and gazed at the distant horizon. His physical eyes saw nothing but faint, coloured blurs. His inner eye saw the beauty of every living creature and plant to be had for miles. They all projected unique colours. Ten times the brilliance of what one could see with the physical manifestations given to all humanity by the gods. He sent a silent blessing to the Four Gods, thanking them for his inner vision.

The air this high up was chill and thin. It cut through his cotton robes with disconcerting ease, but Vesali was not cold. He had walked on snow and felt as warm as if the summer sun were beating down on his head. He had touched boiling waters and reported that they were as calm as a crystal lake. It was the way of his Order to find balance in all things, and to be at peace with even the smallest of worldly offerings. The air was thin, but his breathing was slow and steady.

Vesali tilted his head up and felt the midday sun creep across his naked brow. A shadow passed across his skin, making him shiver in a way the wind never could. He smiled.

The bald monk had spent his life training to be a source of comfort for those who needed it. He had always been there, a silent shoulder to cry upon. He had heard many stories and related none, for gossip was a sin his people did not divulge in. For the past few weeks, however, Vesali had sensed an absence of something in his life. He had his own need for a companion now.

The Hidden Valley man stood up, his bare feet crunching in a powdery layer of snow, and lifted his walking cane high. The white stick caught the light of the sun and flashed a signal to the passing shadow. Its wings made the air howl noisely as it passed by again; closer this time.

Vesali waited for the magnificent beast to land. He had all the time in the world, for he was confident in the knowledge that his spiritual journey would take him where he needed to be, when he needed to be there.

Soon, his journey would take him to the Warren to be among the exhaulted ranks of dragon riders. Yet he would never stop being among the enlightened caste. That had been his calling for as long as he could remember.