"For a millennium my people have been hunted and murdered like animals, hunted by the agents of the Nameless Ones, hunted to prevent my birth. I grew up in hiding after my own parents were murdered and now I'm the focus of their attacks. They will try to kill me before I can fulfill my destiny, before I can complete the tasks that need to be done before the coming invasion. They will kill anyone who stands in their way.
"My personal safety is only a part of the reason I must keep my identity secret. A choice must be made in the future. Although I am part of this decision, it is not a choice of my making and I must not influence the outcome by allowing my identity to be known beforehand."
Flindra looked at both men. "Before I can tell you any more I must have your promises that my identity will remain a secret. Please, I beg you, do not let knowledge of what has happened here today leave this tent. The safety of our world depends on it."
Kalmyk had listened to her story and felt the truth of Flindra's words. He drew his sword, held it across the palms of his hands, and sank to his knees. "My Lady Princess, I offer you my sword and my life. I swear your secret will be safe with me. I will die before I will betray your trust."
Leitho also knelt before her and gently kissed her hand as an act of fealty. "I swear on my life that your secret will be safe with me, Your Highness. My sword and my life are at your service."
"Thank you," Flindra responded quietly. She was moved by the intensity she heard in each man's words. She took each of their hands and gently made them stand. "I know in my heart that my secret will be safe with you."
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