Chapter VIII, Reading 8

The two soon had the turnips peeled and sliced into the bottom of the pan. Kewero then placed the ptarmigan breast side up on its bed of sliced vegetables. She added just enough water to cover the turnips but not the bird. Then she covered the pan and set it into the coals of the cooking fire.

"That should be perfect," she said with a smile. "Thank you, Flindra, for the feast we will share tonight."

Flindra blushed. "I'm only too happy just to be able to help."

Kewero smiled at her. "I think we should share a cup of tea before we start your lessons for the day."

"I would enjoy that."

"I know. I think you enjoy tea almost as much as I do."

Kewero poured hot water into a teapot. "Up to now, I've been giving you a general background of things and have been avoiding specifics," she began as she waited for the tea to steep. "I think you're ready to start mastering the skills you'll need in your struggle with the Ansu."

They sat on a wooden bench placed close to the cooking fire.

"Rigga will provide protection for you against the agents of the Ansu. Its power is inadequate to give you safety against the Kwetwer. They're your chief concern in the upcoming battle and will be the greatest threat to your life. They not only pose a threat to you; they also must be neutralized before your army can defeat the Ansu.

"The tool you need to defeat the Kwetwer is already in your possession - the crystal orb. It is a piece of the crystal cave and it holds some of the power of the Spirit. You will become familiar with the crystal as you use it. Only the holder of the orb can fathom its full nature. I know it is the key to our survival, but not even I am aware of the limits of its power."

"I see."

Kewero looked into the pot and decided the herbs had infused enough color and flavor to the tea. She poured Flindra a cup and then another for herself. She took a sip and then resumed her lesson.

"Your orb is one of four crystals. There are four crystals to combat the four Kwetwer. Each one is identified by a color. Yours is the White - it is all colors of the spectrum combined and the most powerful crystal. The others are identified by the primary colors: red, blue, and yellow. Each of the crystals has unique powers. Part of your task is to locate those individuals who are connected to the crystals. I know one; the rest are unknown to me. The one I know will be the man who will be your king and husband. He will be the recipient of the Blue."

"Do you know him?" Flindra queried. "I thought you told me that question is still unanswered."

"The identity of the individual man who will come to wear the Crown of King Meldh is unknown, but whoever he will be, he will become the holder of the Blue."

Flindra frowned in puzzlement. "So much of my destiny has been foretold, how is it that such an important question hasn't been decided?"

Kewero took a sip of her tea and thought for a moment before she answered. "You'll become the catalyst for that decision to be resolved, Flindra. As history tells you, our world was divided into two kingdoms after the fall of King Meldh. For us to be strong enough to combat the Ansu, Ostar and Wesperos must be reunited. Your husband will be the one to unite the kingdoms and take his place among the champions to face the Kwetwer. The choice of the king is critical. One will have the necessary power to oppose the Kwetwer. The other will lack such strength.

"The Spirit has created a test to challenge these two men. The man worthy of taking his place at your side will have the wisdom to recognize your true identity. Your future king must behold you for what you are without any help from you. He will show his strength and wisdom by passing this challenge."

"That doesn't seem to be much of a test," she remarked with a somewhat amused grin. "The legends and prophecies tell of me in some detail. What can be so hard about discovering me?"