Flindra turned at the sound of the voice and saw an amazing looking
woman smiling at her. She immediately
recognized the woman as being Kewero - the face from the crystal sphere. Her face appeared softer and friendlier than
it had in the crystal. She exhibited all
the evidence of advanced age, but she also had an air of timelessness about her
that was more noticeable than her age.
She gave the impression that she was part of and as ageless as the
world.
Kewero was a small women, at least a head shorter than
Flindra. Her features were delicate and
Flindra could still see evidence that she'd been beautiful in her youth. Age had added a thickening around her middle
so she seemed very grandmotherly in appearance.
Her clothes were simple and devoid of decoration. Cloak, dress, and boots were all the color of
freshly tilled soil. The hood of her
cloak hid most of her hair. What did
show was silvery-gray. There was
amusement in her blue eyes and she seemed pleased to see Flindra studying her
so carefully.
Flindra realized that she had been staring and blushed in embarrassment. "I am honored, Venerable One," she
said as she bowed her head.
"Oh my, that is much too formal," she replied
through a smile. "Please call me
Kewero. My name holds all the respect I
need."
"As you wish, Kewero."
"That's much better."
Kewero squinted as she looked at Flindra. "I see you are shielded. How did you discover how to use Rigga?"
"The image of King Meldh came to me in a dream after I
was attacked by the An..."
"Do not speak that name out loud," she commanded
emphatically as she interrupted Flindra with a raised hand. "They are capable of homing in on the
speaker and causing great mischief.
Names have great power so never speak the name of our enemy."
"Forgive me, Kewero," Flindra replied shyly. "I didn't know."
The stern aspect of the teacher yielded and the old woman
smiled. "Forgive me for sounding so
stern, child, but you were endangering yourself. You have much to learn but you must rest first. Come with me." As Kewero spoke she moved next to Deru and
took hold of the reins below the bit.
She led them deeper into the valley. The walls of the valley became higher as they
continued. Flindra finally had a break
from the wind.
"Is it always windy here?" she ventured to ask.
"Most of the time.
Around midsummer, things can be pleasant. The growing season is short in this region so
everything has to blossom in the few short weeks it is possible. It is beautiful while it lasts."
"How long have you lived here?"
Kewero laughed.
"Too long, yet not long enough," she answered enigmatically. "Don't worry, little one," she
added in response to Flindra's obvious confusion. "You'll have an answer to all your
questions in time. Now is not the best
time nor place to get too specific about things."
Flindra nodded her head in understanding. "I will hold my questions."
"Commit them to memory, little one, and ask them
later. My sole purpose in this life is
to be your teacher."
"I'll remember."
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