And as they stepped out at last onto a high platform open to the stars,
both felt it so clearly. The sabled dome of sky, scattered with living
diamonds, throbbed and pulsed, undeniable: Eternity's Breath.
And though they found nothing more alien or fantastic than a smooth,
half-crater floor, opening unbarriered on the East, still, this was more
than enough. The vastness of the sky reached like a limitless ocean,
islanded by countless suns and unseen planets.
And on the nearer, more tangible horizon, its pounding surf just audible
in the distance..... Kalus' heart caught in his throat. How it
called to him! Earth-mystical, everlasting, unvanquished by the follies
of men. . .he saw it as for the first time. Endlessly living.
The Sea.
*
They remained there until morning, speaking or in silence, taking in the
enormity of life, and thinking things they'd never thought before.
While the silent stars watched.
PART III
The Island of Ruins
Though nothing can bring back that hour Of splendour in the grass, of
glory in the flowers; We will not grieve, rather find Strength in what
remains behind....
---William Wordsworth
Chapter 32
Sylviana strolled easily along the beach, the cub running playfully up
ahead of her.
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