Chapter V, Reading 2

Flindra relaxed her concentration and the protective shield vanished. Rigga, however, remained untarnished and the amethyst shone with greater clarity. The opaque shape at the center of the stone, which she'd noticed the first time she'd looked at the gem, had changed. The shape had coalesced into the image of a majestic eagle in flight. She smiled in pleasure knowing this great gift had come from King Meldh and that he had thought of her all those years ago. The ring was a visual reminder that she was never alone.

The smile stayed on her lips while she closed her eyes to exercise her concentration. Summoning the purple nimbus in her mind repeatedly made Flindra feel confident that she could call upon the protective shield when needed.

The confidence made her bold. She reached her hand into the flames to test the adequacy of the shield. Flindra laughed in joy as her hand was untouched by the searing kiss of the flames. She pulled her hand from the flame and was content in the knowledge that Rigga really was a ring of power.

Since her dream had been correct about Rigga, it also meant the rest was true as well. She wondered about her ability to draw from her memories - the memories of all her line. It would be helpful if she could recall the stored information at will. Even if the information came to her only in times of need it would be extremely valuable.

Reaching into one of her saddlebags, Flindra took out a piece of dried fruit and some jerky and began to eat. As she chewed, she reflected on the events of the last day. The attack on her life had left her afraid and she fully understood that she faced tremendous dangers and would have to be careful as she traveled to Kewero. Even so, she felt a certain comfort in finally hearing of the Ansu for an unknown terror is harder to deal with than the known.

Flindra also didn't feel as alone now. Dreaming of King Meldh had helped, as did the knowledge she had gained of Rigga and the crystal sphere. She would have help in fulfilling her destiny and that gave her a large measure of comfort.

"Thank you, Beloved Spirit," she said in a whisper. "Thank you for showing me that I'm not alone. I know you are always with me, but it is comforting to know more about who and why I am. Thank you."

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