Chapter XII, Reading 6

The day came when Flindra was ready to leave the caverns.  She had gathered her belongings and had saddled Deru.  The only task that remained was saying good-bye to her mentor.  The sorrow in her heart made her steps slow and heavy as she led Deru to the main cavern.  Kewero was waiting for her there.

"Do you have everything?" the old woman asked in a low voice.  She was struggling against her tears and couldn't speak normally.

"Yes, dear mother, I have everything I need to take.  I still feel I'm leaving you with scant supplies, you've given me so much food."

"I'm an old woman, child, and I don't eat very much.  You will need to keep up your strength on your quest.  Don't feel guilty about what I'm sending with you.  You need it more than I do."

Flindra nodded her head in understanding but said nothing.

Kewero questioned her to see if she recalled what her next task should be.  She had drilled her on the subject before, but it was of critical importance so she asked again.  "Before the fateful choice destiny has placed before you can even be made, there must be two kings.  Do you understand you must help Prince Storos gain his crown?"

"I know what I must do but I'm still unclear how to go about it.  I mean I can't just ride up and announce that I'll save his crown.  He'll think I'm nothing but a fool."

"Study the situation and use your imagination.  Use your intuition.  You also have the knowledge of your memories.  They might help you to assist the Prince's cause."

"I'd feel more comfortable about things if you could be more specific."

"I would be if I knew more.  I just know what you need to do not how to do it.  That is up to you to discover.  Trust the Spirit, Flindra, you leave this place in service to the Beloved Spirit.  You will be guided when you need it."

Flindra sighed and nodded her head in understanding.

Kewero looked pensive.  "I guess the only thing left to tell you, little one, is to be careful."

Flindra sighed again.  "Kewero, will I ever see you again?  Will you ever leave these caverns?  I would welcome you as my adviser and friend when I am Queen."

"I am honored at the invitation, Flindra.  After we have succeeded in defeating our enemy, I'll finally be free to return to the world.  I would enjoy serving you, my Princess.  Until then, I think I will serve you best by staying here, communing with the Spirit, and searching for any additional knowledge, which may help our fight.  Think of me as a resource much like a library.  If you need to research something, I'll be able to do it for you."

Kewero grasped Flindra by the shoulders.  "You have the power to contact me with your orb so we won't be totally separated."

"It's not the same."  Flindra was crying now.