Chapter II, Reading 5

"If there really is any danger – and I’m not certain there truly is – it’ll follow you when you go."  He stood and stopped Flindra's restless pacing by placing his hands protectively on her shoulders.  "I wish I could give you some guidance, Flin.  I don't know what to tell you except that I suspect your nightmares and fear are the result of being tired and sad.  You've been through a lot of emotional turmoil the last day."

"Maybe."

"At any rate, it does no good to keep silent about your troubles.  Let's talk of this again, when the twins are asleep.  I'll leave Brehwan to look after them and come over so we can talk together with Momma."

"Does Brehwan know?"

"I told her last night."

"How did she take the news?"

Leudh smiled.  "She really wasn't all that surprised.  She's always thought there was something special about you."

"Oh."  Flindra blushed uncomfortably.

He noted the blush and smiled to see her embarrassment.  The knowledge of her royal birth hadn't changed her humble modesty.

"What do I tell the boys?" she asked.  "Should I tell them the truth?"

"I think they should know.  After all, I was younger than they are now when Kewero brought you to us.  I've kept your secret all these years.  If they know the truth, then they'll understand the need to keep quiet."

She suddenly sobbed.  "I want them to still think of me as their Auntie.  I don't want to lose that joy."

Leudh pulled her into an embrace.  "Don't worry about that, Flin.  You’re very much a part of this family.  The truth can't change that."

She hugged him tightly and they were quiet for a time.  Flindra noticed a chickadee sitting on a branch in a nearby tree.  She loved the chickadees since they stayed through the winter, lending their cheerful songs to the emptiness of the snowy world.  Looking at the chirping bird gave her a sense of peace and balance.  The wild forest and its creatures always made her feel that way.  Her heartache started to ease.

"Thank you for listening to me with so much patience and not laughing at my fears," she finally said.

"That's what big brothers are for," he answered with a smile.  "Now let's go home.  Momma's worried about you."

"Of course."  She tucked the crystal under her tunic.

He then took her by the hand, smiled into her eyes, and led her back to the cottage.