Chapter Two, Reading # 16

"I remember when Kewero brought you here. She said that the Spirit had chosen us to care for you. Maybe He wanted you to learn nature and through that, His Wisdom. If that's the case, there's no better place to learn than at the feet of a woodsman. There has to be some reason - princesses aren't given to the care of rustic peasants for no reason."
"It could be part of why I am here, but I don't think that's the whole answer."
"You may also have some need for protection that you aren't aware of. Your safety may be one of the reasons you were given to us. Someone, your people, may have wanted to hide you to keep you both hidden and safe."
"Perhaps." She frowned. "I just hope I have enough wisdom to successfully face the challenges ahead of me."
He slid his arm from her shoulders and grasped her hand in loving support. "I've faith in my little sister. I know you'll do what needs to be done. Remember what Papa used to say, something about when the need is great, the power to solve the need is also great."
"Thank you for your faith in me, Leudh. That alone helps more than you can know."
"Have you told Momma any of this?"
"No, I didn't want to worry her. She's had enough to deal with."
"Flin, you should tell her. She's more durable than you think especially when her children are in any trouble or danger. We’re your family. That hasn't changed. You don't need to face this alone. Besides, Momma might know something, something the old woman might have told her when you were left with us."
"You could be right, Leudh. Maybe she knows something of my past and why I was placed here." She removed her hand from his, stood, and started to pace in agitation. "If I'm hunted by some dark evil, I'm putting all of you in danger. The longer I stay the greater the risk for all of you. This is a fine reward for all your care."
"If there really is any danger – and I’m not certain there truly is – it’ll follow you when you go." He stood and stopped Flindra's restless pacing by placing his hands protectively on her shoulders. "I wish I could give you some guidance, Flin. I don't know what to tell you except that I suspect your nightmares and fear are the result of being tired and sad. You've been through a lot of emotional turmoil the last day."
"Maybe."
"At any rate, it does no good to keep silent about your troubles. Let's talk of this again, when the twins are asleep. I'll leave Brehwan to look after them and come over so we can talk together with Momma."
"Does Brehwan know?"
"I told her last night."
"How did she take the news?"
Leudh smiled. "She really wasn't all that surprised. She's always thought there was something special about you."
"Oh." Flindra blushed uncomfortably.
He noted the blush and smiled to see her embarrassment. The knowledge of her royal birth hadn't changed her humble modesty.
"What do I tell the boys?" she asked. "Should I tell them the truth?"