Chapter II, Reading 4

Leudh slipped his arm around her shoulders to give her support.  "Is there more?"

"The crystal kept showing visions of a terrible darkness descending over the world as if it was showing me what will happen if we lose our fight with this evil.  What if I don't do the right thing?  What if I'm not equal to my fate?  What if I fail in this fight and condemn the world to disaster?"  She looked at him and tears touched her eyes.  "What if I don't do the right thing?" she reiterated.

"Flin, I think you'll make the right move when the time comes if indeed you must face this trial at all.  Ask yourself something, though, did you ever know Papa or Momma to make a wrong decision when they arrived at some important question in their lives?  Did you ever see them too afraid to do what they had to do?"

"No, they both had an uncanny way of knowing the right thing to do.  Momma always said that what is correct and true is never in conflict with Spirit, that what is right is always in balance with the deeper harmony of life.  She always said the Spirit would guide us if we seek His wisdom and that He would always give us the courage to carry out His Will."

"I think she’s right.  She always taught me to pray and to ask for guidance when I was facing some decision in my life."

"And to be still and wait for an answer."  Flindra added with a small smile.  She was familiar with this piece of frequent motherly advice.

"I remember when Kewero brought you here.  She said that the Spirit had chosen us to care for you.  Maybe He wanted you to learn nature and through that, His Wisdom.  If that's the case, there's no better place to learn than at the feet of a woodsman.  There has to be some reason - princesses aren't given to the care of rustic peasants for no reason."

"It could be part of why I am here, but I don't think that's the whole answer."

"You may also have some need for protection that you aren't aware of.  Your safety may be one of the reasons you were given to us.  Someone, your people, may have wanted to hide you to keep you both hidden and safe."

"Perhaps."  She frowned.  "I just hope I have enough wisdom to successfully face the challenges ahead of me."

He slid his arm from her shoulders and grasped her hand in loving support.  "I've faith in my little sister.  I know you'll do what needs to be done.  Remember what Papa used to say, something about when the need is great, the power to solve the need is also great."

"Thank you for your faith in me, Leudh.  That alone helps more than you can know."

"Have you told Momma any of this?"

"No, I didn't want to worry her.  She's had enough to deal with."

"Flin, you should tell her.  She's more durable than you think especially when her children are in any trouble or danger.  We’re your family.  That hasn't changed.  You don't need to face this alone.  Besides, Momma might know something, something the old woman might have told her when you were left with us."

"You could be right, Leudh.  Maybe she knows something of my past and why I was placed here."  She removed her hand from his, stood, and started to pace in agitation.  "If I'm hunted by some dark evil, I'm putting all of you in danger.  The longer I stay the greater the risk for all of you.  This is a fine reward for all your care."