“I don’t want to go, Josef. I want to stay here with you,” the plant pleaded.
“Dear Ingeborg, I would love that more than anything. The great fires have made a burning smoke which will kill you,” said the farmer.
Josef’s wife had died several months ago from the smoke, and the farmer knew his time was short. Ingeborg was one of the last magical plants gifted to the Sami by the ancients before they vanished.
“The monks in the Cloud Temple will care for you now. We’ll see each other again when the air clears,” lied the farmer.
“Do you promise?” questioned Ingeborg.
“I swear on my ancestors,” said Josef. “As long as I live, I will be here waiting for you to return.”
“It’s good because you’re as healthy as an ox. At least Mara is always telling you that. By the way, where is Mara? I haven’t seen her for a while?” questioned the plant.
“My wife had to go see her sister. She will be away for some time,” said the man. “I’m sure she will be happy to know you’re safe in the Temple of the Clouds.”
“My leaves hurt. Can you wash them, please?” asked Ingeborg.
“I’m sorry, little one, I have no clean water, and you will soon be out of this smoke. Please be patient for old Josef,” said the farmer.
“Let’s go then,” said the plant.
The two began the climb. Josef worried about his heart giving out and leaving Ingeborg to die on the stairs. Josef took each step with care.
“I’ll think of you daily when I sing for the monks. I will sing loud so you and Mara can hear as well,” said Ingeborg.
“Oh, we’ll hear you sing from the clouds. You know how Mara loves it when you hum,” Josef told the plant.
At the top, Josef handed Ingeborg to a hooded figure. The monk stepped through the high stone walls of the Cloud Temple and was gone.
Josef sat on the stairs and looked across the land. Once, the sea glittered in the distance; now, only bellowing smoke rolled across the landscape.
“Ingeborg will survive, and that is all that matters. Time to go home,” said the farmer, leaning against the steps and closing his eyes to rest.
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