Chapter I, Reading 10

"Eghero's uncle was injured as a child in an accident. Ayer was left lame for life. The man responsible for the accident felt badly about things and arranged for him to receive a clerk's training. Ayer eventually became a clerk for a merchant in Deodar. He shared his knowledge with the rest of the family when he would come visit."
"I see."
"It was a fortuitous accident which benefited the entire family. Once you were placed with us I began to believe that the Will of the Spirit was behind it."
The two women were now at the shore of Lake Eghero. There was a large flat boulder half buried in the sand of the shoreline where the two now seated themselves. The breeze they had felt earlier had died away and the surface of the lake was now still. The mirror surface of the lake was disrupted only by the activities of the numerous waterfowl.
Dakra looked across the still water as she resumed her tale. "Whatever Kewero's reason for leaving you with us, I do know one thing. Our lives have been fuller because of you. Thank you for being my daughter." Tears suddenly started to flow down her cheeks and her voice cracked with emotion. "I only hope we have given you what you’ll need to succeed in your new life. I don't even know if I will ever see you after you leave. Oh Flindra, promise me you won't forget us!"
"I promise, Momma." She threw her arms around her mother and buried her own tear-stained face against her shoulder. "I can't leave," Flindra finally said in a sob-choked voice. "This is my home."
"You must go. You’re a princess, Flindra. Your fate is not just yours – you have duties and responsibilities that go with your rank. You no longer have the luxury of living for just yourself. Take courage and do what you must. Don't try and escape your responsibilities to your people."
Flindra sobbed in answer.
"Little one, I don't want you to leave but I know in my heart that you must. Fighting your fate is only going to make things harder. We must also remember we are alive to carry out the Will of the Spirit."
"How will I know what to do, where to go?"