"I see you need a more thorough explanation. Obviously, I will not be able to face down the Nameless Ones alone. I need allies and my best comrade in this coming battle will be the man who will become my husband and king. My king must show his wisdom by discovering my identity and claiming me as his own. By this action, he will prove himself equal to the duties he must assume in the coming fight with the Nameless Ones. Before the test can even be made there must be two kings. It is imperative that Prince Storos win his crown.
"I must reiterate, that whichever man claims me must fathom my nature without help from me. This is a test of his worthiness for he will come to wear the crown of King Meldh. Our world must be united under the rule of a High King before we will be strong enough to face our ancient enemies. And our time grows short."
"Go on, tell us all of it," Kalmyk ordered.
"You read me too well, Lieutenant. If the wrong decision is made our world will be destroyed. One of the kings will be too weak to fulfill his destiny and we will be lost before we even begin. I don't know who is the right man and I must not give the wrong man knowledge of me. Perhaps you can see now why I must keep my identity a secret."
Leitho let out a soft whistle after hearing Flindra's tale. "We have served the cause of the Prince because he is the rightful heir to the throne. Our service now takes on an added meaning."
"So it does." Kalmyk left his seat and started to pace again. He was chewing on his lower lip as he thought. He finally stopped and half-sat, half-leaned on the table next to Flindra. "You say that the best way I can serve you is to let you remain as my scout," he said.
"As your scout I will be in a position to help the Prince gain his crown. I must fulfill my destiny."
"All right. You may continue to be my scout on one condition. If I see that your life is in any danger I will pull you from service."
"I accept your terms, sir."
"There is one more thing. Leitho will always accompany you for your own protection. You must obey his restrictions as well. He knows as well as I do that your life is one of the most important in our world. We will not risk you, my Princess."
"Thank you for the concern, Lieutenant, but please don't let your new anxiety for my welfare inadvertently reveal my identity." She frowned slightly. "I must reiterate the importance of keeping this a secret. A careless word or gesture which might reveal my identity could end in our ultimate destruction."
"Your secret is safe," Kalmyk pledged.
"Absolutely," Leitho seconded.
"Thank you." Flindra smiled. "In a way, I'm quite happy that the two of you know who I really am. It will make things a little easier for me. It also is a comfort to share the knowledge of my heritage. It is a lonely burden I carry."
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