“Welcome to Kolbriton Manor,” the woman said as the enormous wood door swung open to allow the newcomers to enter.
The sweeping valley stretching out behind them was still shrouded in mist. May had brought an unseasonable warmth to the North Carolina mountains. Already sweating at seven in the morning, they eagerly awaited the air-conditioned indoors. As each foot crossed the threshold, the old house trembled in delight.
Their hostess checked them in and called for the staff to deliver the bags up to their rooms. “You’re just in time for breakfast in the garden,” she assured them, leading them towards the massive French doors on their left. “We will go out through the patio. From there I will direct you to the garden gate.”
Despite the recent southern heat wave, a cold blast of air greeted them as they stepped out the side entrance. The centuries old stone beneath their feet rumbled gently as it urged them toward the lofty Red Buckeye tree. Its unusually large red blooms nearly masked the entrance to the garden.
They momentarily stood in awe at the breathtaking sight of this ancient tree. This is what they had come for. Their hearts leapt at what awaited them on the other side of the gate and they began to imagine the synchronous humming of wings.
For you see, a rare species of hummingbird travels to this valley every year from their winter home in the cloud forests of Central America. A copper crown adorns the head of this remarkable bird. Gold flecks in the ruby-red wings catch sunlight in the early mornings. As one sits beneath the tree and looks up, the shimmery green body blends seamlessly with the foliage, creating a camouflage effect that adds to the mystique. As it feeds on the Red Buckeye’s nectar, a subtle glow appears around the throat and the petals quiver from its hovering wings.
The stories passed down through generations tell of their sightings in this valley long before the settlers came. They tell of their ancient powers that span millions of years to a time when the Appalachian mountain range was as tall and impressive as the Alps. Bird enthusiasts travel far and wide to witness the sight.
Readying themselves, the visitors clasped hands, held one collective breath, and stepped into the garden.