Chapter XII, Reading 3

She put everything back in the satchel and stood up.  Spying the saddle, she picked it up along with the satchel and left the storage area.  Kewero took them both to the crystal cave and set them on the floor.

She then sought out a secret niche in the cave wall.  Here she found the three remaining crystals.  The first crystal she picked up was the Blue.  It was an ellipsoid.  It was as broad as her palm and in length it extended from the heel of her hand to her fingertips.  It radiated a soft blue light, which was somehow soothing and calming.  There was strength and wisdom in this crystal.

Kewero held the yellow crystal.  It was incorrect to call this crystal an orb for it was a perfect tetrahedron.  The sharp edges of the four faces matched the restless energy emanating from the gem.  Here was purposeful and decisive action.

The final gem she removed from the niche was the red orb.  It was a smooth sphere and was rather opaque and lusterless.  No light shone from its dull, blood red surface.  Even so, the depth of its emotion was overpowering.  This was memory.  This was revenge.

Kewero placed the three crystals next to the saddle and satchel.  Flindra would have to match the gems to the proper people.  The Blue would go to her husband, the King.  She didn't know who would get the other two but she had faith that Flindra would select well.

It was not long before Flindra joined her in the cave.  "I missed you at breakfast.  Have you been awake long?"

"Not that long.  I needed to fetch some things before we started today's discussion."

"What things?"

"Some tools you will need for your quest.  It is time when you need to start preparing yourself to leave."

Flindra looked a little surprised at these words, surprised and sad.  "So soon?"

"I'm afraid so, child."  Kewero reached over and took Flindra's hand.

"I suppose it had to happen sometime," Flindra remarked sadly.  "I've learned to feel at home with you, Kewero.  It's going to be hard leaving you."

"Thank you for saying so, Flindra.  I will miss you, too, but it's time for you to follow your destiny.  It was hard for me to leave my beloved King and Queen to search out these caves, but I did what I had to."

Flindra nodded her head slowly.  "I know what must be done, Kewero, and will do what is required.  I will miss you, dear mother."

Kewero smiled.  "We have a few more days together, my child, so let's not get too sentimental quite yet.  There are a few more things I need to show you."

"What?"

"Look.  I'll show you."  Kewero pointed to the old leather satchel.  "These are the tokens of your heritage.  They will serve as the proof of your birth and as a dowry."  She removed the relics of King Meldh from the bag and spread them out for Flindra's inspection.  "I've kept these safe from harm since the time His Majesty entrusted them to my care.  They are yours."