Hestheim

Appearance
No picture exists of Hestheim due to its secretive placement, and the fact that only Valkyries may visit the fortress.

History
Hestheim is the Valkyries' great fortress, hidden deep in a cloudbank floating over a volcanic crater. The exact location of Hestheim is a well-guarded secret, and only a Valkyrie steed, such as Wings, can find it. However, it is revealed in Emma and the Lost Herds that it floats over Thunder's Peak in Herd Valeryk Territory.

Within Hestheim is the Great Hall, a massive circular chamber where the Valkyries meet. Its walls are lined with alcoves in which the Valkyries place symbolic offerings to renew the magic and vitality of each Valkyrie House.

In the book "Valkrist's flight" Emma flies to Hestheim and gives an offering of an orchid, grown by her mother from Sigga's own orchids, to the Sigga's House alcove. The alcove accepts her gift, although the Valkyries say she is too young to join them officially in Hestheim, and to return when she is older. However, it is here that Emma is recognized as a Valkyrie for the first time.