The next morning Lieutenant Kalmyk called Flindra to him. "I was impressed by your tracking abilities yesterday," he began slowly. He wanted to gauge her reaction to his offer. He trusted his eyes to read her true feelings by watching her countenance.
"Thank you, sir."
"I was wondering if you would consider staying with us to be my scout. I have need of someone with your talents."
A look of surprise passed over Flindra's features. She couldn't believe her incredible good fortune! As a scout, she would be in a position to help Prince Storos.
Kalmyk misread the look on her face. He took it for shock at the potential impropriety of his suggestion. He quickly tried to clarify the situation. "I know it's a bit unusual for a woman to ride with soldiers, but I give you my word that you will be treated with honor and respect."
Flindra smiled at this avowal. "Sir, I would consider it to be a great honor to serve you and the cause of Prince Storos. I'm not concerned about your men, they have already treated me with honor and respect."
Kalmyk smiled in relief. His pleasure was echoed on Leitho's face from where he stood just behind his lieutenant. "Now that you have accepted, what other skills do you have which could be of use? You any good with your bow?"
"I know how to use it."
"I see that you are too modest to tell me just how good you are, so you will have to show me. Sergeant, fetch her bow. I want to see a demonstration of her skill."
Sergeant Leitho quickly returned with Flindra's bow and quiver of arrows. As he handed them to her, he gave her a toothy smile and a wink of encouragement.
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