Chapter I, Reading 6

"He would. I think I want to walk home," Dakra continued. "Flindra would you join me while Leudh and Brehwan take the boys home in the cart?"
Flindra brushed away her tears. "Of course, Momma."
"I'll get supper started," Brehwan offered.
"Thank you," Dakra answered.
Leudh looked pointedly at his mother and she gave him a brief nod. He knew his mother wanted to talk with Flindra alone and guessed they might be late in returning home. Flindra missed the exchange, but Brehwan's observant eyes caught the silent communication.
"What was that all about?" she asked in a whisper, while Leudh helped her in the cart. "What secrets are you sharing with your mother?"
"Tonight when the twins are asleep I'll tell you," he whispered briefly.
Brehwan nodded in understanding and helped settle the boys in the cart.
"Flindra, let's take the lake path home," Dakra said after the others had gone. "There’s something I need to tell you and the long walk will make it easier."
"What troubles your heart so?"
Dakra sighed. "Eghero and I wanted to delay this time but we both knew we couldn't keep our secret much longer." She shrugged her shoulders. "I guess we were just being selfish for we hoped to keep you with us for as long as we could."
"What do you mean, keep me? I'll never leave my home. Why would I ever go?" Flindra asked in a puzzled voice.
"I want you to know this, Flindra, my child, I love you and I always will." She looked away to hide her tears. "You’ve brought so much joy into my life, into our lives. I’d always hoped for a daughter but I knew that I could never have another child after I gave birth to Leudh." Her voice dropped in volume. "There were complications after he was born, an infection that left me barren."
"Momma what are you saying?" Flindra asked with obvious confusion.