Chapter XIV, Reading 2

In all of his communications with the High Command, Kalmyk had never mentioned Flindra by name.  He had given a short report that he had recruited a new scout but he was careful to avoid any reference to her gender.  He had done this to both protect her reputation and to avoid potential problems with the High Command.  It had been an unorthodox decision on his part to make her his scout.  He appreciated her talents too much to take the risk of losing her because of some bureaucratic decision in Deodar.

Flindra's knowledge of the land was invaluable and Kalmyk drew upon her experience frequently.  She knew the surrounding areas intimately.  She also had an unnerving sense of knowing where the enemy was moving.  In addition to helping complete their assigned missions, she had managed to save the troop from several potentially fatal ambushes.

Kalmyk once questioned her on her ability to perceive what was around them.  She explained that it was a simple case of observing what nature had to tell.  The movements of birds and animals could yield much information if one knew what to look for.  A creature seen out of its normal habitat was a good sign that it had been disturbed.  The absence of the bird songs could mean an enemy was about.  It was the nature of the forest to record the movements of all those in its midst.  A broken twig, a torn leaf spoke volumes of information.

What Flindra didn't tell him was that she also used the tools, which were available only to the Heir of King Meldh.  She used the heightened awareness of Rigga's power shield to feel and probe around herself.  She found that in her heightened awareness, she was even capable of sensing the presence of those who had recently passed through the area.  It was almost like seeing their trails, the imprints of their footprints, left on the fabric of life.

Flindra had learned that she could see the land ahead by projecting her mind through the crystal.  In her mind, she familiarized herself to the surroundings.  She could discover things without risking her safety or that of her comrades.

The ability of the crystal sphere was greatly augmented by her extended memories.  The memories gave her valuable clues to the land and to the nature of the enemies they sought.  The wisdom of those who had passed before her added greatly to her innate skills. 

These tools and abilities Flindra kept secret for she remembered Kewero's warning that she should not reveal her true identity.  Only in the deepest recesses of her heart did she admit to their existence.  Flindra trained her thoughts to react to situations as if she was only a simple maid who just happened to be one with the forest.  She created the image of a skilled woodsman's daughter - nothing more.

Lieutenant Kalmyk and his Rangers had been ordered to penetrate deep into Bhrag's territory to gather information on the movement and strength of the Duke's troops.  There had been increasingly frequent rumors hinting that the Duke was massing his troops and the High Command wanted details.  None of the scouting parties sent out to confirm this information had returned.

The High Command had decided that Kalmyk's collection of Rangers stood the best chance of getting the required information and surviving to pass it on.  They were depending on the skill and wisdom Kalmyk had demonstrated so well during the spring and early summer.  It was a dangerous assignment.

Kalmyk was under orders to capture and detain any of Bhrag's people they encountered during this action.  The captives would be questioned and holding them would prevent the flow of information back to the Duke.