Chapter VIII, Reading 9

"Many things can blind a man from seeing the truth. First off, your king must have faith in the ancient legends and not dismiss them as a collection of old tales. There are many who have forgotten the Nameless Ones and there are few who take the time to study the old legends. The sad truth, Flindra, is that most people in our world are ignorant of the threat facing us."

Flindra frowned. "I confess I didn't have any knowledge of the Nameless Ones until I looked into the crystal and started my journey to you. I guess I was just as ignorant as anyone."

"Growing up as a woodsman's daughter taught you many valuable things, my dear, but it wasn't the education you would have received in a royal household. You need to understand that a king's son must learn history as part of his training. The great question is whether he applies that wisdom to his own life when he wears the crown."

"I suppose so."

"Since you will be shielding your true identity, your future king must be open to seeing you in an unexpected position or guise. Prejudice, indifference, and arrogance can all get in the way of discovering you."

Flindra sipped her tea and nodded in understanding.

"To insure that he makes the discovery on his own and thus proves himself, you must not allow your identity to be known. To do so might possibly throw the direction of destiny down the path of failure."

"It should be easy to keep my identity hidden. I feel more like a woodsman's daughter than a princess." There was amusement in Flindra's eyes, all of which was directed at herself.

"It may not be as easy as you think, little one. Before you leave here, you will have attained your true heritage. You will be Princess Flindra."

"Perhaps."

Kewero laughed. "You will see. However, we have digressed from the true topic of today's lesson. I want you to explore the nature of your crystal and I think the easiest way is to let the orb become your teacher. You can do this by immersing your mind in the power of the sphere while you are in the crystal cave. I did a very similar thing when I first was directed to these caverns. I went into the crystal cave, quieted my mind, and absorbed knowledge from the lingering power of the Spirit in the pulsating crystals. You must do the same."

"How do I do that?"

"You need to look into the sphere and just relax your mind. Try not to fight the sensations that will envelop you. If you start to tense up, remember the breathing exercises I taught you. When you have taken all you can for today, seek me here. You can then tell me of your experiences while we share the wonderful aroma of roasting ptarmigan."

Flindra laughed in a pleased way. She was flattered that the bird had made such an impression on Kewero. She finished her tea and set the cup down. "I suppose I might as well get started."

"It shouldn't take you too long, my dear. You probably will have to take the information in pieces. I know I did."

"Quite possibly." Flindra stood and took her leave with a nod of her head. She walked down to the crystal cave so she could begin her lesson.