Chapter VI, Reading 7

Flindra started to feel weak and the task of maintaining this contact had turned into a struggle.  She guessed that her energies would retreat to the crystal cavern in moments.  "I love you, Momma," she said hurriedly.  "Tell Leudh, Brehwan and the boys that I love them, too."

Before she could continue, her mind was sucked through the colored lights and she was back in the cavern.  The vertigo that usually disappeared when she broke contact with the crystal still gripped both her mind and body.  Flindra sank to her knees and felt a wrenching feeling inside her body.  Cold beads of sweat formed on her brow.

Kewero immediately kneeled beside her and embraced her to lend support.  "You poor child.  I should have warned you that this happens when you contact another through the crystal.  Part of your life force leaves your body to establish the contact.  Try to relax and slow your breathing.  Everything will be all right in a bit."  She could feel tremors passing through Flindra's body as she held her to anchor her to reality.

Flindra closed her eyes and forced herself to be calm for she had felt a moment of panic.  The experience had left her feeling like a drowning victim who is called back to life.  The pain was worth it, however, if she had given a moment of solace to her mother.  She had earned it.

Kewero felt Flindra relax in her embrace and knew that the vertigo had passed.  She cupped her chin in her hand and looked into her eyes.  "Are you all right?"

She nodded.  "I'm just tired all of a sudden."

"Are you steady enough to walk yet?"

"I think so.  Let me stand up and try."  Flindra stood up slowly least the dizzy feeling return.  "I'm fine; let's go."

By the time they reached Flindra's bedchamber she was close to normal, although still tired.  Before she sought her bed, she had one question for Kewero.

"I arrived here in early afternoon.  How could it be night for Momma?  It didn't take me that long to bathe."

"Time here does not pass at the same rate as it does out in the world.  It is irrelevant to compare the two systems."

"Is that how you seem to have lived so long?  I heard you say that you've waited a millennium for me while I was rinsing my hair."

Kewero smiled.  "I didn't realize I had been that loud.  I didn't intend to hint of a mystery and not explain it."

"That's all right."

"The explanation is rather lengthy and I'd prefer to wait until you've had a chance to rest.  I can see you're almost asleep on your feet.  May I delay my explanation?"

"Of course."

"I promise I'll explain everything in detail later.  I want you to sleep until you feel completely refreshed so tarry in bed as long as you wish.  Don't worry about anything."

"You'll get no arguments from me.  I feel as if I haven't slept in weeks."

"Sleep well, my Princess."  Kewero gave a parting smile and walked away leaving her by the door.

When Flindra had dropped her things in this room on her way to the crystal cavern, she hadn't had time to look around.  Now she observed the chamber in wonder.  The room didn't look much like a cave.  Heavy tapestries hung on the walls concealing the rock behind.  The floor was covered with a thick carpet that muffled her steps.  There were several pieces of heavy furniture in the chamber in addition to the bed.  They were all carved with intricate designs of animals.  The furnishings spoke of wealth and comfort - a room fit for a princess.

She opened the armoire and was surprised to see a number of gowns and undergarments.  She took off the green gown she was wearing and hung it next to the others.  In a drawer, she discovered a number of sleeping gowns.  She slipped on one, which was embroidered with tiny pink and yellow roses.  The fabric was soft against her skin and she smiled in pleasure.

Flindra sat on the bed while she brushed her hair.  She braided it and thought how wonderful it was going to be to sleep in a warm, soft bed again, but there was one more thing she had to do before she could sleep.

She slipped off the bed and kneeled on the floor.  "Beloved Spirit," she whispered.  "Thank you so very much for bringing me here safely.  Grant me the wisdom to learn what Kewero has to teach me."  She lowered her head.  "I feel very unworthy of the task I have been born to.  Help me to be equal to it.  Thank you."  She then relaxed her thoughts in a moment of stillness.

Flindra climbed under the covers and smiled in comfort at the warmth and softness.  "Thank you, Beloved Spirit," she said again.  In the time it took her to close her eyes, she was asleep.