Chapter XI, Reading 7

"I believe the ultimate power of the orb will only be revealed when it is needed," Kewero commented. "Until that time, you will find it useful for more mundane tasks. Your first encounter with the crystal sphere enabled you to contact me. You will always be able to communicate with me. You need only to look into the orb and think of me. I will feel your thoughts and will come to this chamber."

"What about contact through our dreams, like I'm doing with Momma and Leudh?"

"It is surer and more effective to communicate directly with the crystals. This is the most precise transfer of thought. We can also be in contact with each other through our dreams. However, this works best to transfer emotional thoughts. You love your family dearly and it is that love which has made your communications possible."

"Is that how Momma and Leudh were able to reach me when I was in trouble? They don't have a crystal but their thoughts reached me."

Kewero's face registered surprise. "When were they in contact with you?"

Flindra took a deep breath before she began. "My memory of the time after I broke through to the place beyond the barrier is confused, but some things stand out clearly. I was numbed by the enormity of the knowledge of the Spirit, so numbed that I became hopelessly adrift in a place of nothingness. I sank into that nothingness and found myself unable to escape, in truth, to do anything. I was losing myself to the emptiness, when an image took root in my mind.

"The image became a clear awareness of the my home. I could see, feel, and smell the familiar things of my childhood. This vision provided an anchor, something concrete for me to grasp. Fused throughout the image was the presence of Momma and Leudh. I don't know how they knew I was in trouble or how they reached into my mind, but I do know that they saved me. It was their efforts that brought me back from oblivion."

Kewero sighed as she pondered Flindra's story. "Are you sure that Dakra and Leudh were the source of these thoughts?"

"I'm positive. The thoughts were alive with their essence. I could almost feel them."

"This is curious, my child. The love you share with your foster family must be great indeed."

"It is."

"I can only guess that the Spirit must have used your family and your mutual love to rescue you from your peril. Have you contacted them through the crystal since your experience?"

"No I haven't. I was respecting your advice to leave the orb alone until we determined what had happened to me."

"Perhaps you should contact them. The orb cannot harm you - your power level has increased so much since your ordeal. You might be able to get more information on this mind link with your family from them."

"I would like to thank them for their help, but how can I ask them questions? I just visit their dreams - leave them messages."

"I used to think that was the limit of the connection. Your experience with your foster family suggests that I was wrong and I suspect you can do much more. The connection between you and your family is strong enough for them to know of your danger. Just as importantly, they were able to contact you with just their love to guide them. Don't limit your mind by accepting untested boundaries."

"All right."

"If you don't mind I would like to stay here to observe what happens, if you don't find it to be a violation of your privacy."

Flindra laughed and reached over to touch her mentor's hand. "It doesn't matter to me if you watch. I would tell you everything anyway, so it will just save us both time."

Kewero nodded in acceptance of Flindra's trust. "Thank you. Try to contact them and see if you can get any information."