ARTHYR AURELIO AND THE SANGHA — The truth within

Arthyr told them of distant worlds that were also within the heart’s reach. He said they could cross the veil between the visible and the invisible, but no one could make that journey for them.

“Truth already lives within you. Seek your own truth.”

When they called him their teacher, he answered:

“The only teacher is the one within you.”

Skyblue listened, took notes, and tried to do as he suggested. She closed her eyes and looked within, only to find discontent, anger, and an emptiness that frightened her. It was the ache of absence the elf had spoken of.

“Well, my house is empty,” she told him one afternoon, trying to sound flippant. “Everyone left long ago.”

Arthyr Aurelio looked at her for a long time. She would have preferred him to tell her she was wrong; then she could have argued.

“Your time will come, little dragon of the golden eagle lineage,” he replied. “You will embark on a great journey within. What seems empty now will blossom and bear fruit. That fruit will nourish others, who in turn will nourish others still.”

Skyblue did not understand why he called her that, or what fruit he meant. She was a dragon, not a tree. And yet, as she listened, something inside her grew calm. His words gave her hope even before she could understand them.