Chapter VII, Reading 7

"I'm sorry they had to die," Kewero said with feeling and understanding. "I wish you could have known them."

There was a film of tears in Flindra's eyes. "I wish I could have, too."

"They were fine people, Flindra. You can be honestly proud of them. The two generations immediately preceding your birth were the victims of increasing Ansu hostility. I think the Ansu knew the time when the champion was to be born was approaching. I had to place your grandfather, your mother, and you in the care of others to fool their agents.

"Your grandfather grew up with a merchant family in Kazat. He knew the sea as you know the forest. His name was Kergar and he was brave and honorable. When he reached manhood, we decided that he needed to disappear and start a life somewhere else. He wanted to do this since he knew the Ansu would seek him and leave his foster parents alone. I connected him with a merchant in Wesperos. He eventually married the merchant's daughter, Anthela. She was rather plain but she had a joyful personality and a quick mind.

"They gave your mother to me shortly after Andha was born. I placed her in the care of a noble family in Ostar. They were childless and welcomed a baby into their home. Shortly after I placed her with them, the Baron's brother was killed, leaving an orphan son to take care of. He retrieved his nephew and the boy was raised with Andha. It was very natural that the two fell in love as they grew into adulthood.

"Your father was a brave and gallant gentleman. His name was Bherek, which means to shine. He was handsome and intelligent and he loved your mother more than life. Before they married, I told them both of her true heritage. Andha was old enough to know of her responsibilities. Bherek needed to know, since he would be in danger if he married her. There was no hesitation in his voice when he declared that no threat could turn his heart away from Andha.

"Bherek was the heir to his uncle's estates. It was not possible for him to disappear and begin a new life elsewhere. He and Andha could only hope that the assassins in league with the Ansu would not find them. They married and were boundlessly happy for several years. Then the attacks started. The assassins had discovered Andha and they tried repeatedly to destroy her and your father.

"Responsibility and pride kept Andha and Bherek from leaving their lands. They learned to live with the constant threat of death. They survived several attacks while Andha was pregnant with you. As soon as you were born, I removed you and placed you with Dakra and Eghero. Our Enemy did not know where you had disappeared to, but they decided to murder your parents anyway. I'm not certain why. Perhaps they wanted to ensure that there would be no more children born to the line of King Meldh. The agents of the Ansu bribed a servant to poison your parents. It was a slow acting poison, which can be administered in small, repetitive doses. They died within hours of each other."

Flindra sobbed and buried her face in her hands. Kewero reached over and pulled her into a motherly embrace. "I'm sorry, Flindra, I truly am."

"What happened to their lands? If honor had not held them to the land, they might still be alive. Was it really worth dying over?"

"Duke Bhrag was reagent at the time, so he installed one of his retainers to take over the Barony. He is a puppet for the Duke and a rather uninspiring man."

"So my parents died for nothing."

"Honor is not a nothing, Flindra. Your father did what he thought was best for his people. The barons in Ostar have always been a little independent of the Crown and have acted as a balance of power. Young as he was, your father held a position of influence among the Barons.

"Bherek knew he was destined to be the father of the Heir of King Meldh and he lived his life with honor and courage. He wanted you to be proud of him. If he had run away from all his responsibilities, would you respect him?"

"That's a hard question," Flindra finally answered.

"It is and it isn't quite fair of me to ask it. I do want you to know that Bherek and Andha loved you. They did what they had to, to both keep you safe and to live honorably."

Flindra nodded.

"Andha knew you would be coming to me when you reached adulthood. She helped me acquire the clothing and furniture you have here. She wanted you to have a taste of royalty before you had to seek it. It was a small gift for the child she would never know."

"That was kind of her." Flindra dropped her head and Kewero could see the glistening of tears in her downcast eyes.

"I think we have spoken enough for today. You have heard enough."

Flindra shook her head in mute disagreement. "There is so much to learn, I really ought to continue with my lessons."

"No dear, you need a time of rest to understand what I've told you today. There will be enough time. The Spirit will give that to you. Now let's rest."