Chapter VI, Reading 1

Flindra turned at the sound of the voice and saw an amazing looking woman smiling at her. She immediately recognized the woman as being Kewero - the face from the crystal sphere. Her face appeared softer and friendlier than it had in the crystal. She exhibited all the evidence of advanced age, but she also had an air of timelessness about her that was more noticeable than her age. She gave the impression that she was part of and as ageless as the world.

Kewero was a small women, at least a head shorter than Flindra. Her features were delicate and Flindra could still see evidence that she'd been beautiful in her youth. Age had added a thickening around her middle so she seemed very grandmotherly in appearance.

Her clothes were simple and devoid of decoration. Cloak, dress, and boots were all the color of freshly tilled soil. The hood of her cloak hid most of her hair. What did show was silvery-gray. There was amusement in her blue eyes and she seemed pleased to see Flindra studying her so carefully.

Flindra realized that she had been staring and blushed in embarrassment. "I am honored, Venerable One," she said as she bowed her head.

"Oh my, that is much too formal," she replied through a smile. "Please call me Kewero. My name holds all the respect I need."

"As you wish, Kewero."

"That's much better."

Kewero squinted as she looked at Flindra. "I see you are shielded. How did you discover how to use Rigga?"

"The image of King Meldh came to me in a dream after I was attacked by the An..."

"Do not speak that name out loud," she commanded emphatically as she interrupted Flindra with a raised hand. "They are capable of homing in on the speaker and causing great mischief. Names have great power so never speak the name of our enemy."

"Forgive me, Kewero," Flindra replied shyly. "I didn't know."

The stern aspect of the teacher yielded and the old woman smiled. "Forgive me for sounding so stern, child, but you were endangering yourself. You have much to learn but you must rest first. Come with me." As Kewero spoke she moved next to Deru and took hold of the reins below the bit.

She led them deeper into the valley. The walls of the valley became higher as they continued. Flindra finally had a break from the wind.

"Is it always windy here?" she ventured to ask.

"Most of the time. Around midsummer, things can be pleasant. The growing season is short in this region so everything has to blossom in the few short weeks it is possible. It is beautiful while it lasts."

"How long have you lived here?"

Kewero laughed. "Too long, yet not long enough," she answered enigmatically. "Don't worry, little one," she added in response to Flindra's obvious confusion. "You'll have an answer to all your questions in time. Now is not the best time nor place to get too specific about things."

Flindra nodded her head in understanding. "I will hold my questions."

"Commit them to memory, little one, and ask them later. My sole purpose in this life is to be your teacher."

"I'll remember."