See the temple raised up to the heavens, high atop the cliffs above the ocean - stone on stone, meticulously ordered, taller than mountains. Towers rise at every side and angle, beacons burning brightly at their summits - surely as the seasons go on turning, all turn to ashes.

Now a figure hobbles up the cliffside, carrying a stone across his shoulders - wrinkles bind his face; his eyes are sunken, red and defiant. Long ago, he held the rank of Master, sailing in command aboard a steamer. Now, he is a servant of one purpose, one grand obsession.

Someday soon, a ship will reach the island, come at last to free him from his burden. On that day, one thing will bring them hither - light from the lighthouse.

Once upon a time, the hoary tower standing on the clifftop was abandoned - just a single turret, badly weathered, dark and forbidding. Then a flame was kindled at its summit and it burned, a shining hope, ignited: hope that couldn't ever be extinguished, even by oceans. In the service of that hope he labours, bringing stone to fortify the tower - towers now, for Veysel has been busy building the beacon.

Does the Master know what he is doing? Does he know this structure is a temple? No - he only knows the flame that burns within him - this, his obsession. Veysel never trusted in the spirits, never thought there might be something greater governing his purpose on the island, urging him onwards.

Well then - this is just a simple lighthouse, built to be a little more effective, gradually improved upon, expanded, made ever brighter.

Still, it is a temple, to Devotion, built and overseen by something other, something that has all Devotion's favour: total Obsession. Phoebe Cross - her name when she was human; now consumed in bright blue flames she blazes. Those who dare to pass the sun too closely will get burned by her. Helios is hers and hers forever; only she can bear the heat from off them. Still, she likes to keep the humans busy building their temple.

Veysel sighs contentedly while climbing up the steps that line the highest tower. Industry will save him, he is certain. He'll be gone, someday.