Chapter XI, Reading 8

"To answer your other question, I must say that I haven't had much time to indulge in emotions.  I suppose I'm content.  I miss my family and my home too much to be truly happy."

"Give yourself time, Flindra.  The happiness you have known with us will not be the only joy in your life.  The duties of your life are great, but the rewards will be of like kind.  Look forward to your life.  Know this, where there is life there is hope.  Let optimism grow in your heart."  Dakra ended her advice with a smile not on her mouth but in her eyes.

"I love you, Momma."

"I love you, too."

"I'll project myself here again, now that I know its possible."  She looked around the room.  "Why did you move?"

"I didn't need the big house any more and Leudh's family did.  The move made sense."

"I suppose so."  She laughed.  "I'm glad I filled my thoughts with you and not of the house.  I would have ended up in the wrong place."

Dakra smiled happily.  "You'll have to be careful when you visit for I don't think the twins could understand.  Oh Flindra, it's so good to be able to actually speak with you.  This is a great blessing of the Spirit."

 "It is.  I'll visit often so you don't worry about me.  Give my love to Leudh and his family."

"I will."

"Good-bye Momma."

With these words, Flindra allowed herself to be pulled abruptly back to the crystal cave.  She closed her eyes and relaxed in the grip of the vertigo and disorientation, which always accompanied the termination of her messages to her family.  This time the feeling was more intense and she guessed it was because she had actually projected her essence back to her home.

She felt Kewero's hand gripping her arm in a hold of support.  When the vertigo had finally passed, she looked at her mentor.  There was surprise on both their faces.

"Astounding.  Absolutely astounding," Kewero murmured as she gave voice to her surprise.

"Do you know what happened?  Did you hear what Momma said?"

"The conversation reverberated throughout the cave.  I had expected to only hear your side of the conversation.  Hearing Dakra's responses was truly amazing.  You have just accomplished what I never imagined possible.  Your connection with the orb is tighter, stronger than before.

"I once told you that I was not familiar with the limitations of the orb - that only the holder of the crystal can know them.  I think this is a dramatic example of that.  It is up to you to test the orb, feel out the limitations.  I'm afraid my guidance in this matter is of little value."

"How can I test the orb if I don't know exactly what it can do?"

"You'll have to use your imagination, Flindra.  You may find that you can only discover the true dimensions of the orb's power by facing the threats of the Ansu.  They will test you, test you to the limits of your knowledge, skills and character.  Use the struggle as a situation to grow."

"I'll try my best."  Flindra looked grim.  Speaking of her enemy always made her look that way.

"Cheer up, my child.  You won't be facing the Ansu quite yet.  You still have time to grow comfortable with your strength before you face them."

"I hope so," she muttered to herself.