Chapter XIV, Reading 3

What Flindra didn't tell him was that she also used the tools, which were available only to the Heir of King Meldh. She used the heightened awareness of Rigga's power shield to feel and probe around herself. She found that in her heightened awareness, she was even capable of sensing the presence of those who had recently passed through the area. It was almost like seeing their trails, the imprints of their footprints, left on the fabric of life.
Flindra had learned that she could see the land ahead by projecting her mind through the crystal. In her mind, she familiarized herself to the surroundings. She could discover things without risking her safety or that of her comrades.
The ability of the crystal sphere was greatly augmented by her extended memories. The memories gave her valuable clues to the land and to the nature of the enemies they sought. The wisdom of those who had passed before her added greatly to her innate skills.
These tools and abilities Flindra kept secret for she remembered Kewero's warning that she should not reveal her true identity. Only in the deepest recesses of her heart did she admit to their existence. Flindra trained her thoughts to react to situations as if she was only a simple maid who just happened to be one with the forest. She created the image of a skilled woodsman's daughter - nothing more.
Lieutenant Kalmyk and his Rangers had been ordered to penetrate deep into Bhrag's territory to gather information on the movement and strength of the Duke's troops. There had been increasingly frequent rumors hinting that the Duke was massing his troops and the High Command wanted details. None of the scouting parties sent out to confirm this information had returned.
The High Command had decided that Kalmyk's collection of Rangers stood the best chance of getting the required information and surviving to pass it on. They were depending on the skill and wisdom Kalmyk had demonstrated so well during the spring and early summer. It was a dangerous assignment.
Kalmyk was under orders to capture and detain any of Bhrag's people they encountered during this action. The captives would be questioned and holding them would prevent the flow of information back to the Duke.