Chapter VII, Reading 6

Kewero sighed quietly and suddenly looked very old and very, very tired.  "Flindra, I wouldn’t be honest with you if I didn't confess that question has haunted me from time to time.  History records the greatness of King Meldh, but the words cannot match the man.  The King was one of the best human beings this race has ever produced.  Queen Kwenth was very much his equal in goodness and wisdom.  I loved these two people with all my heart and soul.  Gladly, I would have died for them.  I, too, have felt moments of burning anger at the loss of this pair."

She closed her eyes for a moment.  When she finally continued her voice was low.  "With the passage of time I've come to understand things a little better.  Although King Meldh was a great and good king, his presence in our world wasn't enough.  The allies he needed to fight the Ansu abandoned him and betrayed him to the Enemy.  As creatures of free will these men and women had a choice and they acted against the King and against the Spirit."

"Oh.  Will it be different this time?"

"The Spirit has worked relentlessly since then to assemble a force of willing helpers for you, Princess Flindra.  I want you to also recognize that King Meldh lives through you.  He is with you through your memories.  I think you will also find that King Meldh is present in a more real way."

"How so?" Flindra asked.

Kewero shook her head.  "I don't really understand it, but I think the Spirit has allowed him to maintain a presence in the world.  I feel his essence, his spirit, on all the relics he has left for you."

Flindra's eyes were wide with wonder.  "Oh," she murmured quietly.

"Any more questions?"

"When King Meldh came to me in my dream and showed me how to use Rigga, he said my mother and father were murdered by the agents of the Ansu.  Could you tell me their story?"

"I'm sorry they had to die," Kewero said with feeling and understanding.  "I wish you could have known them."

There was a film of tears in Flindra's eyes.  "I wish I could have, too."

"They were fine people, Flindra.  You can be honestly proud of them.  The two generations immediately preceding your birth were the victims of increasing Ansu hostility.  I think the Ansu knew the time when the champion was to be born was approaching.  I had to place your grandfather, your mother, and you in the care of others to fool their agents.

"Your grandfather grew up with a merchant family in Kazat.  He knew the sea as you know the forest.  His name was Kergar and he was brave and honorable.  When he reached manhood, we decided that he needed to disappear and start a life somewhere else.  He wanted to do this since he knew the Ansu would seek him and leave his foster parents alone.  I connected him with a merchant in Wesperos.  He eventually married the merchant's daughter, Anthela.  She was rather plain but she had a joyful personality and a quick mind.

"They gave your mother to me shortly after Andha was born.  I placed her in the care of a noble family in Ostar.  They were childless and welcomed a baby into their home.  Shortly after I placed her with them, the Baron's brother was killed, leaving an orphan son to take care of.  He retrieved his nephew and the boy was raised with Andha.  It was very natural that the two fell in love as they grew into adulthood.

"Your father was a brave and gallant gentleman.  His name was Bherek, which means to shine.  He was handsome and intelligent and he loved your mother more than life.  Before they married, I told them both of her true heritage.  Andha was old enough to know of her responsibilities.  Bherek needed to know, since he would be in danger if he married her.  There was no hesitation in his voice when he declared that no threat could turn his heart away from Andha.