We strolled along the flowing stream that came from the waterfall. Our windswept hair caught the moisture in the air. We looked up at the willows and the cotton-silk trees. They spread their leafy branches and sent their roots over moist-covered stones. I inhaled the fresh earthy scent. It blended with pollen of flowers. Even Amarisa, who preferred gardens over the wilderness, couldn't contain her excitement.

With the strange and asymmetrical beauty around us, the rosy-cheeked, bright-eyed princess seemed even more disarmingly charming. She observed every eccentric plant and odd-looking trees as we passed.

I looked across the stream to the other side. There was a flat rock set under...