Chapter III, Reading 5

"It will be easy, once you start on the trail.  It's saying farewell that's so hard."

"Then don't say it."

He looked at her with a puzzled expression.

"Say something else."

Leudh smiled.  "Good journey, little sister."

"That was nice."  She kissed him on his cheek.

"We love you, Flin," he murmured as he hugged her fiercely.

She smiled through her tears as they separated.  "I love you, too."

Saying good-bye to Dakra was going to be the hardest of all.  Flindra knew it and kept this for the last.  She left Leudh's arms and turned to face her.

"Momma," she said with tears running down her cheeks.

Dakra held open her arms and Flindra rushed into the embrace.  For a moment longer she could be a child in her mother's loving arms.

"Oh Flindra, I love you," Dakra sobbed.  She trembled in agony as she tried to suppress her tears.

"I love you too, Momma."  She dropped her voice to a whisper.  "If there is any possible way, I promise to stay in touch.  There has to be some way which won't endanger you."

"Don't worry about us, my child.  No one pays attention to simple people like us.  We'll be safe."

"I pray so."

"Please be careful, Flindra.  It is your destiny to accomplish great things.  You will always be with us in our thoughts and prayers.  Always remember that we love you."

"I'll remember, Momma."

Dakra held on to her daughter a little longer before she stepped back.  "It's time, my child.  The sun is nearly up and you need to be on your way."

She nodded.  "Be well, Momma.  I love you."

"Good journey, Flindra, and may the Spirit watch over you and protect you."

Flindra patted the trio of dogs, which were waiting by her horse.  They had been her companions on many an adventure, but they needed to stay behind this day.

She took the reins from Leudh and mounted the waiting horse.  "I love all of you," she said once she was settled into the saddle.  She looked once more into the faces of her family.

"We love you, too," Leudh said in a choked voice.  He had finally succumbed to his tears.

She held up her hand in parting.  "Until we meet again, be well and may the Spirit bless you."

"Good luck, Flindra," Dakra answered.

She reined the horse around and headed out of the clearing.  She turned in the saddle so she could wave as she went.

"I love you," Flindra whispered when the gelding carried her from the view of the cottage.  She wept in loss and grief and merely allowed the horse to travel down the familiar trail to the lake while she sank into her sorrow.