Chapter Eight, Reading 10

"There is one aspect of Rigga which might be helpful. King Meldh once told me that he could use the ring to hide his presence by making people not notice him."
"Not notice him?"
Kewero nodded. "He simply encouraged people to ignore him to the point they really didn't see him. He used this aspect of the ring to have the freedom to travel among his subjects without their awareness of him. He didn't really want to spy on people, but he liked to see what was truly happening. Sometimes, it's hard for a King to get an accurate picture of what his subjects think."
"He sounded like a good king."
"He was one of the best this world has ever been blessed with."
Kewero was finished stuffing the bird so she began to help Flindra peel the turnips.
"You will find that you'll have much greater control over animals. The limit to the power is that the animal must be in contact with the power shield. The greater the distance you extend the shield the weaker it gets. Rigga's power is inversely proportional to the distance away from your body. For any real control, you'll have to be near the creature. Attempting control over a wild animal could be dangerous so don't try unless you have to."
Flindra nodded in understanding.
"Does that answer all your questions, little one?"
"I have one more. If I can influence others by overlapping them with the power shield then there must be some sort of interaction within the aura. If so, would the person be aware of my shield? Can others become conscious of the aura with just casual contact?"
Kewero was quiet for a moment. "I'm aware of the power shield," she finally said. "But I have heightened perceptions. I don't know for sure but I think you'll have to be careful when you project the aura about yourself. I'll think on this problem further."
"All right," Flindra replied.
The two soon had the turnips peeled and sliced into the bottom of the pan. Kewero then placed the ptarmigan breast side up on its bed of sliced vegetables. She added just enough water to cover the turnips but not the bird. Then she covered the pan and set it into the coals of the cooking fire.
"That should be perfect," she said with a smile. "Thank you, Flindra, for the feast we will share tonight."
Flindra blushed. "I'm only too happy just to be able to help."
Kewero smiled at her. "I think we should share a cup of tea before we start your lessons for the day."
"I would enjoy that."
"I know. I think you enjoy tea almost as much as I do."