Chapter XII, Reading 5

"What will you do with the spinel?  After all, it was part of King Meldh's gift to you."

"I will give it to my King along with the other treasures.  It will be part of my dowry."

"You understand, of course, that all must be kept safe until the right time?"

Flindra smiled briefly before she answered.  "I understand.  Everything will be safe with me."  She wrinkled her brow as she concentrated on her coming journey.  "I'll have to come up with some way to hide them."

"Already taken care of.  See this saddle?"

"Yes."

"It was made by a smuggler.  We'll be able to hide everything in the wooden saddletree and no one will be the wiser."

"You think of everything!" Flindra noted in amazement and then she grinned mischievously.  "How is it that you're familiar with a smuggler, Kewero?"

The old woman laughed.  "When one has lived as long as I have, one has the chance to befriend many different sorts of people.  Sometimes friendships grow in the most unexpected places.  Keep that in mind when you search for your comrades in this fight."

"I will."

"Trust Rigga and your own heart when meeting new people.  You should be able to see into their natures."

"I'll do what I can."

Kewero smiled.  "All right.  Now that I've given you the treasures you need to take with you, it's time to review what you have learned.  Show me my time has not been wasted and that you've been listening to your lessons."

Flindra laughed.  "Very well, my mentor.  Let me unpack everything you've crammed into my brain.  Holler if you see anything missing."

Kewero could only hug Flindra as the two of them laughed together.