Chapter Two, Reading # 18

It wasn't until the next day that Flindra and Leudh had a chance to speak with Dakra without the twins listening. The boys were outside tending to the barn chores. The task would keep them busy for at least an hour so the adults were reasonably safe from interruption. Brehwan wasn't needed to watch over the twins so she joined the gathering.
The four adults sat in front of Dakra's hearth and sipped some freshly brewed rosehip tea, which was sweetened with a touch of honey.
Leudh looked out the door to make sure his sons were out of earshot. He glanced at his mother with a concerned look. "Were you told anything when Flindra was left here? Any reasons why she was taken from her family?"
Dakra leaned her back against the warm stones of the massive fireplace and rested her cup of tea on her knee. "Kewero told us that Flindra needed to begin her life here. She said little more even when Eghero questioned her. All she would say was that the Spirit had chosen us to care for the Heir of King Meldh."
Flindra and Leudh looked at each other. Thus prompted, she told Dakra and Brehwan of the evil presence she felt in the crystal and in her dreams. No one spoke when she was finished with her story. A worried glance passed between Leudh and Brehwan while Dakra simply closed her eyes.
"It would make sense to hide you with us if there was any evil hunting you," Dakra finally said. "Maybe that's why Kewero brought you here and why she was so vague with her explanations. I think it's time for you to try to find her. She, alone, can tell you about your past and what you need to do for your future. We can't provide you with any more help, my little one. It's up to others to take our place."
Flindra dropped her head in mute agreement with her mother. When she raised her eyes, she looked at her brother - silently seeking his advice.
Leudh understood her silent entreaty. "It's not clear to me that you're actually in danger. I'd be willing to guess that the evil you sense is only some strange effect of the crystal. Even so, it's time for you to go. You need to consider that winter comes swiftly in the Northern Reaches. You have a race with winter in trying to reach the old woman."
Dakra shook her head in disagreement. There was a look of genuine worry on her face. "No Leudh, I feel in my heart that the evil searching the world for Flindra is quite real. A mother can sense such things."