Chapter XIII, Reading 9

"Well, that explains her ability. The people of the forest, at least in these parts, excel in woodcraft - tracking and hunting. I'd wager she is pretty good with the bow that was hanging from her saddle."

Kalmyk shook his head. "Is it normal practice for these skills to be taught to girls? I would guess that household chores would be their proper domain."

"I don't know. It might be that Flindra's an only child. If that's the case, I could understand her growing up rather like a boy."

Kalmyk refilled their goblets with wine before he continued. "I don't know. There is something about her that puzzles me. There's a quiet strength about her and she's very confident for a rustic. She didn't hesitate at all to look me in the eyes."

"You might be confusing her sorrow for strength, Kalmyk. Did you see the pain flash through her eyes when she talked about her parents?"

"I did. You could be right, Leitho, but I don't know. I've a gut feeling that there's more to her than meets the eye. Too bad she's not a lad. I could use someone of her skills. We still need to replace our last scout."

"What's the problem with her being a girl? She could be our scout and not be in much danger."

"I don't know. I just feel it isn't right to have a young and pretty maid riding with a bunch of hardened soldiers."

"I don't think you have much to worry about there. They're already treating her like some long lost sister. Did you notice that Gwher is guarding her tent like some old wolfhound? I would hate to be the man to try to cross him. She'll be safe enough with us, safer than with her family. They didn't stand a chance against Bhrag's renegades."

"Speaking of which, did you notice the way Bassus stared at her. If looks could kill I'm afraid Flindra would only be a memory," Kalmyk noted.

"He thought his hole-in-the-wall was safe from discovery. She punctured his delusion without much problem."

"She did at that." Kalmyk smiled and rubbed his chin. "Do you think she would consider staying and becoming our scout?"

"It couldn't hurt to ask. She might consider it better than begging food and lodging from some distant relative in Deodar. She's proud and I don't think the prospect of begging suits her. I wouldn't care much for it, myself, if I were in her position."

"Possibly." Kalmyk leaned back in his chair and took a sip of wine. "I guess I'll ask her in the morning. In the worst case she'll say no."

"I think she will probably say yes. At least I hope so. I'm getting tired of spending days crisscrossing the forest looking for signs of the renegades. A skilled tracker is a must with this kind of duty and the High Command hasn't seen fit to replace our last scout."

Lieutenant Kalmyk smiled. "Well, if the High Command won't give us another scout we will just have to find our own."

"I can't argue with that."