The Heir of King Meldh, Copyright 2004 by S.J.E. Brainerd
Kriki's Gift, Copyright 2013 by S.J.E. Brainerd

Thursday, November 1, 2007

Chapter XV, Reading 3

"Indeed I do. I've had the feeling she wasn't quite what she said she was from the very beginning. I've watched her closely since she joined us - trying to fathom her secret. As time goes by my questions keep multiplying. She will either tell me the truth today or I'll send her to Deodar for questioning. I'm tired of her secrets."
Leitho shook his head. "Flindra has been very helpful. I haven't seen that she's been holding anything back."
"You haven't been paying attention," Kalmyk shot back. "Think about something. Flindra has said that she gained her extraordinary skills from her woodsman father. That may be partially true, but it doesn't explain everything. She has shown a deep knowledge of the countryside no matter where we have been in Ostar, and we have covered some ground. Unless her father was a total vagabond and wandered the length and breadth of the Kingdom, she is drawing from another source of information."
"Woodsmen typically don't move around much," Leitho commented with a frown.
"That's just one example of the anomalies surrounding our scout. There are others."
"Flindra has managed to save us from some unpleasant situations," Leitho offered in her defense. "Even if she is withholding information, she's still serving us well."
Kalmyk had been pacing back and forth, as he spoke. He finally stopped before his friend.
"I know she has done her job extremely well. But, we are at war and I don't want any unknowns behind my back."
"I don't think you have to worry about her loyalty," Leitho argued. "As our scout, she is in just as much risk as any of us, maybe more. Her actions give proof of her loyalty."
"Maybe, but I don't want to accept anyone on faith. I will have the truth from her."
A knock on the tent pole interrupted Kalmyk.
"Shall I go?" asked Leitho.
Kalmyk shook his head. "Stay. I want you here." He then turned to face the entryway. "Come," he ordered in a firm tone.

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