Chapter I, Reading 5

"It will, dear Flindra.  Hold that wisdom close to your heart.  Remember, too, as you search out your destiny, that there is always purpose behind the surface of things.  Search for the hidden meanings in what you see and hear for they are the hidden and sturdy warp threads that support the weft, which fills out the tapestry of our lives.  Listen and look for the rhythms and patterns of life in the world and know that you will be right if you are balanced within them.  This wisdom will guide you if you let it.  It's just following the warp of Spirit's weavings."

Flindra sighed sadly.  "I will try my best."

"Kewero never really explained why you were destined to live with us.  Maybe the closeness that a woodsman and his family have with nature is one of the reasons.  Many people in our world have forgotten the old ways of honoring the Spirit, but we live too close to nature to forget."  Dakra smiled to herself.  "I think the wisdom of holding the Presence of the Spirit close to your heart will be the greatest gift we have bestowed upon you."

Flindra nodded in silence.

"We were also able to teach you something else that most simple folk are ignorant of."

"What’s that, Momma?"

"Your letters and numbers.  Haven't you ever wondered how all of us can write and figure?"

"I guess I never really thought about it," Flindra admitted.

"Eghero's uncle was injured as a child in an accident.  Ayer was left lame for life.  The man responsible for the accident felt badly about things and arranged for him to receive a clerk's training.  Ayer eventually became a clerk for a merchant in Deodar.  He shared his knowledge with the rest of the family when he would come visit."

"I see."

"It was a fortuitous accident which benefited the entire family.  Once you were placed with us I began to believe that the Will of the Spirit was behind it."

The two women were now at the shore of Lake Eghero.  There was a large flat boulder half buried in the sand of the shoreline where the two now seated themselves.  The breeze they had felt earlier had died away and the surface of the lake was now still.  The mirror surface of the lake was disrupted only by the activities of the numerous waterfowl.

Dakra looked across the still water as she resumed her tale.  "Whatever Kewero's reason for leaving you with us, I do know one thing.  Our lives have been fuller because of you.  Thank you for being my daughter."  Tears suddenly started to flow down her cheeks and her voice cracked with emotion.  "I only hope we have given you what you’ll need to succeed in your new life.  I don't even know if I will ever see you after you leave.  Oh Flindra, promise me you won't forget us!"

"I promise, Momma."  She threw her arms around her mother and buried her own tear-stained face against her shoulder.  "I can't leave," Flindra finally said in a sob-choked voice.  "This is my home."

"You must go.  You’re a princess, Flindra.  Your fate is not just yours – you have duties and responsibilities that go with your rank.  You no longer have the luxury of living for just yourself.  Take courage and do what you must.  Don't try and escape your responsibilities to your people."

Flindra sobbed in answer.

"Little one, I don't want you to leave but I know in my heart that you must.  Fighting your fate is only going to make things harder.  We must also remember we are alive to carry out the Will of the Spirit."

"How will I know what to do, where to go?"

Dakra drew back from Flindra's embrace and reached within an inner pocket of her cloak.  She took out a small bundle and handed it to her.

"Kewero left this for you.  I think it’s time for you to see what is yours and perhaps it will help answer some of your questions.  I'll go home.  When you are through, return to me and we'll talk some more."

Dakra rose and started to walk away but something made her stop.  She turned and said with a voice hoarse with emotion, to the child who had been hers, and yet not, "I love you, Flindra.  I love you no matter what the future holds.  Always remember that."

"I love you too, Momma."