The Heir of King Meldh, Chapter VI, Reading 5

"To hide you both from your enemies."

"Who were they?  I don't even know their names," she confessed with a catch in her voice.

"Bherek and Andha were the Baron and Baroness of Surwel."

Flindra dropped her eyes to hide her sorrow.  "I'd hoped that I'd be able to find them someday and learn to know them."

"I didn't mean to make you so sad, child.  Understand that your parents loved you very deeply and that they wouldn't have given you away if your safety hadn't required it."

"That helps."

The soap against her scalp was starting to itch.  "I guess I need to rinse," she explained as she took a deep breath and sank beneath the surface of the pool.

"Take your time, little one.  I've waited a millennium for you.  A few more minutes will not make a difference," Kewero said to herself while Flindra was under the water.

Flindra's hair was in her eyes when she reemerged.  She wiped it away with the back of her hand.

"This bath is so wonderful, Kewero.  Thank you for suggesting it."

"My pleasure, child."

"I won't be too much longer."

"Take your time."

She continued with her bath, giving special attention to her hands and fingernails as she washed.  When she was finished she rinsed herself and stood up.  Kewero handed her a towel, which she had brought along with the clothing.  Flindra took it, dried herself, and then wrapped the towel around her hair.

Kewero stood and held out a dress for inspection.  "Is this to your liking?"

"It's beautiful," she announced and reached out to touch the beautiful green gown.  The dress was made from a material that was both soft and smooth.  The undergarments were made of similar material as the dress but were snow white.  There was a pair of matching slippers on the stack of underthings.

"What are they made of?"

"Silk."

"I've never touched silk before.  It's wonderful."

Kewero helped Flindra dress and she relished the softness of the cloth against her skin.  The green gown was the finest she had ever worn.  It made her feel pampered.

"I don't have a belt for you so you'll have to use your old one."

"That's fine."

Flindra used her own leather belt to gather the dress in around her waist.  The knife hanging from the belt was the sole ornament for the dress, which was somehow fitting for the circumstances.  She left her other daggers on top of her clothes.

She then brushed her hair to remove any lingering tangles.  She fished the golden hair comb from her saddlebag and held it out for Kewero to see.

"Was this my mother's?"

"The comb is a gift from Queen Kwenth."

"Queen Kwenth was King Meldh's wife, wasn't she?"

"Yes.  Queen Kwenth knew about the struggles you are destined to face.  The comb is a small gift to warm your heart in times of trouble.  It is a mother's gift to her distant offspring."