Chapter IX - Reading 2

The saga continued to unfold until Flindra realized she was witnessing the lives of King Meldh and Queen Kwenth. She saw their valiant but futile struggle against the Ansu. Their heroic courage was a source of inspiration and great pride. Flindra drew the memory close to her heart for she knew it would give her strength against some future time when her own courage might fail her.

Back in time she went and her sense of kinship grew to include those far beyond the history she had known. She shared life with them and felt a growing relationship with all humankind.

She saw the lives of the ones called the Ancients and she looked upon the history of their empire. Flindra glimpsed their wisdom, which had disappeared from the world when the empire collapsed. There was much good here, but there was a streak of black, of evil, discoloring their wisdom. This was the clue she needed to understand the demise of their civilization.

The Ancients' thirst for knowledge had caused them to seek sources of power that brought them closer and closer to the Ansu and away from the benevolence of the Spirit. They had not understood the gravity of their actions for the Darkness lied to them and seduced them into thinking they had discovered the source of life. Their quest for everlasting life brought them to the realm of the Void. The Darkness had consumed them and had brought about their destruction.

Nomads ruled the world before the time of the Ancients. Extended family groups competed against each other for power and territory. The chaos gave Flindra a better understanding of why a strong central government was a vast improvement over the tribal system, which wasted valuable life to the feud.

The review of history brought her ever closer to the beginning of her world and the glorious moment when the Spirit had breathed Order into the Chaos. It was here that she finally brushed against the Presence of the Spirit. The sensation was so overwhelming it was almost painful and she withdrew.

Flindra realized the pain wasn't hurtful in the sense of a wound. It was a pain brought on from the magnitude, the overwhelming, awesome, closeness to the Spirit. It was similar to looking at sunshine reflected on a snowy landscape, without protecting her eyes a person could end up snow-blind. There was just too much sensation to cope with.

She also knew in her heart of hearts that she must probe this contact further, that here was the source of knowledge she needed to fulfill her destiny. She needed to push through the pain, which was, in a sense, a barrier to the knowledge.

Gathering her courage, she pressed her mind against the barrier. For the briefest moment, there was nothing; then her mind was totally overwhelmed and pain erupted like countless exploding suns. She drew back and hesitated. She didn't doubt the Absolute Benevolence of the Spirit, but she grew afraid of the incomprehensible magnitude of the Presence and doubted her worthiness to continue.

She hesitated but knew she had been called. She must proceed.

Flindra forced her mind back into the searing pain and was carried away by the torrent of overwhelming sensation. She again had to retreat.

How was she to succeed at this trial?

"Dear Spirit," she prayed. "You have brought me here and I feel a deep understanding that I need to push forward. How can I do this? Please guide me."

She quieted her mind in hopes of receiving some answer.

In the stillness, the memory of King Meldh's voice seemed to speak to her. "Do not fight the pain. The more you resist the hurt, the greater it becomes. Breathe in the pain. Become one with it and you will reach your goal."

Chapter VIII- Reading 3

"I'll do the dishes," Kewero offered when they were finished with their meal. "Go put on your riding clothes and saddle Deru. Meet me in the central chamber of the cave. Then I'll lead you though to the outside."

"Are you sure you don't need help in the kitchen?"

"Quite sure, so go change."

With a smile, Flindra turned and left the kitchen. She was pleased she could be of service to Kewero by practicing the skills she had learned from her Papa and Leudh. It was a very satisfying feeling to be able to provide food for those one loved, and Flindra had grown to love Kewero during the time she'd been in the caves.

It was also going to be a pleasure to be outside. She looked forward to riding under a blue sky and sunlight. The smell of fresh air was something Flindra always enjoyed and something she had missed while in the cavern.

A wave of comfort and security washed over her when she put on the familiar trousers and tunic. She was again Flindra and not Princess Flindra. The fact of her royalty was a reality she accepted, but it was something she wasn't used to yet and it was easy to slip into the comfort of the familiar.

Kewero was waiting for her in the central chamber after she'd saddled Deru. She looked closely at Flindra and was reassured to see she was already more relaxed. She smiled and received an answering grin from her Princess.

"You already look better - your eyes are brighter and there is less tension in your shoulders. Mount up and then I will take you through."

Kewero waited for Flindra to secure her bow and quiver to the saddle and then mount. Taking hold of the reins, she pulled the horse forward.

The shimmering zone appeared before them. Kewero walked toward it and then guided them through. Flindra tried to concentrate on the transfer from the cavern complex through the gleaming region to the world beyond. Her training had heightened her awareness in matters of being and mind so she wanted to study the experience.

It was perhaps due to her elevated consciousness that the passage back to the world seemed entirely different than her first encounter. The sensation was analogous to what she experienced with the crystal orb. A kaleidoscope of pure color surrounded her, which shifted rapidly from red, to white, to violet and back to white. Then the colors changed from white to gold, to blue and finally green. Before the green could shift to another color, they were back in the yurt that marked the entrance to the world.

Kewero laughed at the shocked expression on Flindra's face. "I think you look more surprised than you did the first time through."

"The first time I felt a connection with life - with everything living. I didn't experience that now. Instead, my mind was filled with shifting colors. Why was it different?"

"What makes you think that it was different?"

Flindra only looked confused.

"You actually experienced different aspects of the same phenomenon," Kewero explained. "Life is energy; light is energy. They are the same. How you perceive this energy is controlled by what you are attuned to at the instant of contact. Effectively, your thoughts form the nature of the experience."

"I don't think I really understand."

Chapter VII, Reading 2

"The Spirit aids us in standing fast against the Ansu menace, but He won't destroy them."

"So they always have a chance for redemption," Flindra finished.

"It does explain things," Kewero noted. "I may be totally wrong in my belief in this matter, but I am certain of the Spirit's love and the hope of His forgiveness."

"There’s a lot to think about."

"There is, but today I think you need to learn about the Ansu so we can stand fast against them. Are you ready to continue?"

Flindra nodded.

"I’ve learned in my years of study that there is a hierarchy within the ranks of the Ansu. The chief authority is centered with the Kwetwer, which means the Four. Each one of the Kwetwer has different powers and spheres of influence. They are in constant contact with the reality of Darkness. They are extremely dangerous individually. They are nearly unbeatable when their powers are combined.

"There was only one of the Kwetwer present with the forces of the Ansu when they swept through our world a millennium ago. Only one was sufficient to destroy our greatest champion, King Meldh. After the Kwetwer defeated our champion, the Ansu commenced a campaign of destruction. They destroyed so much they apparently assumed our world would collapse and disappear into chaos. Then they departed to other places."

Flindra shook her head. "Why destroy us? Wouldn't the strength of Darkness increase if they corrupted us instead?"

"Darkness seems to enjoy destruction for its own sake and I think that it is also easier to accomplish." Kewero sighed and she shook her head. "I'm afraid that this fight will be different. The Ansu are greatly put out that they have to return and finish a job they thought was completed a millennium ago. They are angry and they mean to punish us."

"How?"

"I think they mean to enslave us. Of course, they will destroy many, but those who are not killed will be enslaved."

"Enslaved and not corrupted?" Flindra looked puzzled. "I'm afraid I don't really understand the distinction."

"Think of corruption as a voluntary act," Kewero explained. "There may well be some coercion in the process but there is also some willingness as well. Enslavement is an act of force. The Ansu will be in command, but they will leave enough of the soul intact to torment their victims. Humanity would be forced to become soldiers in the cause of Darkness, but they would remain human enough to weep for the Good they would be destroying."

Flindra felt a hard knot in her belly. "Monstrous," she finally hissed in disgust.

"It is."

"Is there really hope, Kewero? Are we just deceiving ourselves? Can we defeat such evil?"

"It is not hopeless," Kewero corrected sternly. "We can win because the Spirit wants us to win and will give us assistance when necessary." She smiled to soften her rebuke. "I am here, in this place as a tool of the Spirit. I have been allowed to learn much about our Enemy so don't think the Spirit is distant in this fight. Our Beloved Spirit will help us, but it is our battle. It won't be easy, that I do know. We will be marching through the shadow of death, but that will make our victory so much more rewarding. Never give up hope, child. The Spirit is with us."

Flindra sighed. "It is a big responsibility."

Chapter V, Reading 3

The storm continued for two more days. When the sky finally cleared after the storm, the temperature dropped precipitously. Flindra was experienced enough with the weather to know the skies would remain cloudless for days after the passage of such a violent storm. She also knew the extreme cold would continue as long as the sky remained clear. The remainder of her journey to the Northern Reaches was going to be miserably difficult because of the frigid weather.

Flindra led Deru from the cave and began to put on the saddle. Her gloved fingers slowed her work and soon the snow creaked with the cold as Deru shifted his feet impatiently. The steam of his breath was freezing into frost on his muzzle. The white beard made him appear somewhat comical when he turned his head to nibble at her sleeve.

"I know, I know," she responded with a laugh. "I'll hurry it up."

Flindra was still chuckling at Deru, when she mounted. Once comfortable in the saddle, she invoked Rigga's shield. It was becoming much easier to focus her thoughts on the nimbus of the power shield. She then took the crystal sphere from her breast pocket. The orb glowed when pointed in an easterly direction. She slipped it back into her pocket and could feel its friendly warmth against her skin.

The going was difficult in the new snow. The wind had blown some areas clear of snow and had piled up massive drifts in others. Progress through the drifts was difficult. The drifted snow had a crust on the surface that was just firm enough to support Deru's weight for a moment and then his hard hooves would break through. Deru ended up moving in hops - almost like a rabbit. Flindra tried to avoid the drifts by going around them when possible, which made for a slow traverse across the slope.

They finally intercepted a game trail within a mile of the cave. The crystal directed Flindra to turn north along this pathway. This way was more or less sheltered by a rock ridge so the snow was less drifted here. The surface of the snow was also softer and thus made it a little easier to traverse for Deru was spared the work of breaking through the hard crust of the drifted snow.

As they worked their way up the slope, the trees around them thinned in number as they climbed in elevation. The few trees, which managed to hang on to existence were gnarled and twisted into fantastic shapes. Only the hardiest plants and animals could survive here.

Flindra looked up the mountain and couldn't imagine where the path led. The way up and over the mountain appeared to be blocked by a continuous cliff, which loomed above her. However, she could feel the warmth of the orb in her pocket, which meant she was moving in the correct direction. She remembered King Meldh's words in her dream and trusted the crystal orb to lead her safely to Kewero.

After several hours of struggling up the trail, they reached the base of the cliff. Now she could see the path led to an entrance of a narrow pass. A massive boulder nearly the size of a house stood in front of the entrance, which obscured the view of the pass from the trail below.

This defile sliced through the ridge and led to the top of the mountain. The slopes on either side of the trail rose steeply from the path and soon merged into rocky cliffs above. The steep cliffs rained rocks down the slope nearly blocking the trail in several places.

Chapter V, Reading 2

Flindra relaxed her concentration and the protective shield vanished. Rigga, however, remained untarnished and the amethyst shone with greater clarity. The opaque shape at the center of the stone, which she'd noticed the first time she'd looked at the gem, had changed. The shape had coalesced into the image of a majestic eagle in flight. She smiled in pleasure knowing this great gift had come from King Meldh and that he had thought of her all those years ago. The ring was a visual reminder that she was never alone.

The smile stayed on her lips while she closed her eyes to exercise her concentration. Summoning the purple nimbus in her mind repeatedly made Flindra feel confident that she could call upon the protective shield when needed.

The confidence made her bold. She reached her hand into the flames to test the adequacy of the shield. Flindra laughed in joy as her hand was untouched by the searing kiss of the flames. She pulled her hand from the flame and was content in the knowledge that Rigga really was a ring of power.

Since her dream had been correct about Rigga, it also meant the rest was true as well. She wondered about her ability to draw from her memories - the memories of all her line. It would be helpful if she could recall the stored information at will. Even if the information came to her only in times of need it would be extremely valuable.

Reaching into one of her saddlebags, Flindra took out a piece of dried fruit and some jerky and began to eat. As she chewed, she reflected on the events of the last day. The attack on her life had left her afraid and she fully understood that she faced tremendous dangers and would have to be careful as she traveled to Kewero. Even so, she felt a certain comfort in finally hearing of the Ansu for an unknown terror is harder to deal with than the known.

Flindra also didn't feel as alone now. Dreaming of King Meldh had helped, as did the knowledge she had gained of Rigga and the crystal sphere. She would have help in fulfilling her destiny and that gave her a large measure of comfort.

"Thank you, Beloved Spirit," she said in a whisper. "Thank you for showing me that I'm not alone. I know you are always with me, but it is comforting to know more about who and why I am. Thank you."

* * *

Chapter IV, Reading 3

He smiled. "But in an act of obstinate defiance, our world survived the devastation with an endurance and persistence that was fostered by the Spirit. Unfortunately, after a space of years, the Ansu discovered that we didn't die off as a world and they began to send agents to hunt down our family to prevent the birth of our prophesied champion. Your father and mother died at the hands of their agents, but not until they had given you life and knew that you were safe in the refuge of your foster family. They had at least that success to give them peace before they passed into the Beyond."

"Are the Ansu still in our world?"

"At present, they have not returned to our world in body but they can use their powers to control others and make them do their bidding. There are also traps for you to stumble upon. It was such a trap that nearly took your life last night."

"How would they know that I would ever be in that place?"

"They didn't. They have left many traps. In fact, all were in place before my final battle. The traps were keyed to my essence and in truth, I barely escaped several such ambushes. You carry my blood and set off the trap with your very presence. Certainly, the Ansu felt the trap being sprung and are now aware my heir is moving through the world. You are in danger."

Flindra sighed. "If the power of the Ansu is so immense, do I really have any hope of making it to Kewero much less defeating them?"

"There is always hope, Flindra," King Meldh answered firmly. "The Spirit is with us so there is always hope. Never give up. Never."

"I won't," she pledged.

"There are pathways free of their traps. I will tell you how to find these safe trails so you can reach Kewero. She resides in a place the Ansu cannot reach or threaten. In fact, they have no notion she exists because she is so protected by the Presence of the Spirit. Once you reach her, you will be safe for the time you are with her. You will learn things from her that will give you the power to oppose them.

"But first, I need to teach you how to reach her safely. Let's start with my gift to you." The King pointed to Flindra's hand. "Look at the eagle ring on your finger - look deeply into the amethyst," he commanded.

Flindra obediently complied. Although her body didn't actually move, in the vision of her dream she clearly examined the ring.

"I gave you this ring to grant you some safety until you come into your full power. This ring has a name; it is called Rigga and it is a ring of power. The power comes from you but it is focused and concentrated by Rigga. With practice, you will be able to use Rigga to protect yourself from all but a direct attack of the Ansu. By the time they are ready to attack you in person you will have other powers at your disposal.

"The power of the ring is activated by your thoughts. The reality of the shield is based on the reality that you give it in your mind. The strength of the protecting field is directly related to the clarity of your imagery. You need to imagine yourself within the gem - surrounded by the purple. Once you are enclosed in purple, you will be protected.

"Now, empty your mind of all things save the thought of the purple shield. Think of nothing but the purple which is the power."

Chapter IV, Reading 1

"Greetings, my child."

Flindra was sleeping and knew this voice was coming into her dreams.  She tried to awaken, but slipped deeper into her dream.  With a strange sense of detachment, she found herself looking at her fire and the cave she had taken refuge in.  She was aware of her sleeping self, but she was looking beyond the fire.

A man, a tall and powerfully built warrior sat beyond the flickering flames.  He rested his hand casually on the hilt of a broadsword.  There was a large ruby on the pommel of the weapon and the jewel sparkled in the firelight.  He wore chain mail and a red surcoat emblazoned with the image of a galloping white horse.  He was clean-shaven with shoulder length blond hair.  His noble features were touched with an air of resolute firmness and unquenchable courage.  He seemed to be waiting for her and his green eyes snapped with intensity as he looked at her.

Flindra struggled to come awake.

"No child," he said in a baritone voice.  "Stay asleep or my image will flee.  I am here to give you guidance."

"Who are you?" she heard her voice asking him although she hadn't spoken.  Then she realized she was listening to her own thoughts.

"I am King Meldh and you, Flindra, are my heir and the world's champion.  I am visiting your dream by the grace of the Spirit."

She gazed at her distant grandfather and was overcome with awe and profound respect.

He gave her a quick smile as if he could read her thoughts.

"How can you be here?"

"I am coming to you through your memories, my beloved child."

"My memories?  How can that be?  You have been gone from our world for a thousand years.  How could I remember you?"

"You carry memories of all those in our line.  These memories will come to you when needed which will allow you to draw upon the knowledge of those who have passed before you."

"I don't understand."

He smiled in tender amusement.  "Open your mind and heart, Flindra.  You need to take me on faith so accept this mystery and listen carefully for I must give you some information."

"What do I need to know?" Flindra asked with an air of patient discipline.

Chapter III, Reading 11

As the night progressed, Flindra continued to follow the directions of the crystal sphere.  It guided her west and then north so by dawn she was at the northwestern perimeter of the great boulder field.  Ahead of her was the place where the Greyfell Mountains met and were absorbed by the larger range named the Great Barrier Mountains.

The Great Barrier Mountains ran roughly north south for the length of the continent and provided a geographic barrier between Ostar and Wesperos.  Flindra had never heard of a pass through the mountains here and wondered how she would complete her quest to find her way to the Northern Reaches.  The crystal indicated that she should continue due north so she accepted the crystal's advice on faith.  The orb seemed to be a tool of the Spirit so she trusted its directions.

Flindra was aware that Deru needed to rest before they could continue.  At the same time, she felt it was unwise to wait.  She compromised.  Dismounting, Flindra loosened the girth on the saddle.  Then she gathered the reins in her hand and started to walk, leading Deru.  To keep up her own strength she nibbled on a piece of jerky.

She placed the crystal sphere in the breast pocket of her tunic.  Flindra had noticed it got a little warm when it glowed.  She could feel the warmth through the pocket and could stay on the correct path without always looking at the orb, which freed a hand for other things.

At the foot of the mountains, Flindra found a fast moving creek.  She let Deru take a long drink of the clear water.  She moved upstream of him and refilled her water bags.  It was a little surprising to find the creek here since she hadn't seen evidence of it out in the boulder field.  The water must seep underground once it intercepted the rock-strewn valley.  That could also explain the existence of the numerous springs she had encountered.

When she was ready to continue her march, she pressed her hand against her tunic so she could feel the warmth of the orb more distinctly.  The crystal indicated that she should proceed in a direction parallel to the creek and directly up the mountain.  After walking a few yards, she discovered a faint trail alongside the creek.  She could pick out numerous deer hoof prints as she walked.  There was no sign of people having ever used this trail.  There were no blazes on the trees, which usually marked pathways, even hunting trails.

Instead of warming up with the rising sun, the day was getting increasingly colder and the wind was blowing stronger.  Flindra looked up to check the sky for hints of any bad weather blowing in.  The sky was blue with distant clouds beyond the peaks.  Even at this distance, she could see that the clouds were moving south at a rapid clip.  There might be a storm moving in, but it was too early to tell.

The cold began to wear on her and she wished the sun could reach her through the tree cast shade.  Even a cold day felt warm if the radiant heat of the sun could shine on one's clothes.  Flindra stopped and took a pair of gloves out of her saddlebags and gave a silent thanks to her mother for the gloves and her warm cloak.

Flindra finally decided to ride again for she was just too tired to walk anymore.  The night of horror and no sleep was adding to her fatigue.  After tightening the saddle girth strap, she mounted Deru and continued up the trail.  She pulled the hood of her cloak over her face and angled her head down to help shield herself from the icy fingers of the wind.

She continued this way for several more hours, glancing occasionally at the sky.  It was no longer blue and the clouds were getting darker and more threatening in appearance.  The wind also carried the smell of snow.

Chapter III, Ready 7

During the course of the day, Flindra had been gathering dry sticks and pine needles.  Her Papa had told her many times that it was not always easy to find dry kindling when setting up a camp.  It was better to gather dry tinder when she found it, making it a certainty that she could start a fire when she needed it.  She dug in her pockets and pulled out her store of kindling.  Placing them on the ground before her, she soon had a small, smokeless fire burning.  The fire was really too small to provide a great deal of warmth.  Its main purpose was to add a little comfort to her lonely camp.

Flindra ate a simple meal of bread and cheese.  She washed the food down with the cold water of the creek.  Once her supply of bread was gone, she would exist on berries and dried, smoked meat.  Dakra had given her a good supply of dried foods since she would not have time to do much foraging.

Before going to bed, she packed everything back in her saddlebags just in case she needed to break camp in a hurry.  She raked some pine needles into a pile with her foot and spread out her sleeping furs on top.  Her saddle would be her pillow until she found Kewero and she placed it on the uphill end of her bed.  Finally, she strung her bow, took several arrows out of the quiver, and left the bow within a quick reach of her bed.

She slipped off her boots and crawled into her rustic bed.  As she rested in her furs, Flindra looked up into the starry sky and wondered if she would ever know happiness and the comforts of home again.  She knew the best way to overcome her sorrow was to focus on the goodness of the Spirit and to thank Him for her safe journey.

"Thank you, Beloved Spirit, for keeping me safe today and guiding my footsteps.  Look after my family, dear Lord, and keep them from harm.  Thank you for all the many blessings of my life."

Her attention was drawn to the night noises.  A squirrel had been disturbed from his slumber and was barking his outrage to the world.  The darting movements in the underbrush indicated the source of the squirrel's alarm - a fox was hunting on the ground.  The squirrel's warning barks would alert all the other potential prey.  The fox needed to move on before tonight's hunt would be successful.  Flindra continued to listen to the drama of the forest as she closed her eyes and slowly drifted to sleep.

Chapter III, Reading 5

"I love you too, Momma."  She dropped her voice to a whisper.  "If there is any possible way, I promise to stay in touch.  There has to be some way which won't endanger you."

"Don't worry about us, my child.  No one pays attention to simple people like us.  We'll be safe."

"I pray so."

"Please be careful, Flindra.  It is your destiny to accomplish great things.  You will always be with us in our thoughts and prayers.  Always remember that we love you."

"I'll remember, Momma."

Dakra held on to her daughter a little longer before she stepped back.  "It's time, my child.  The sun is nearly up and you need to be on your way."

She nodded.  "Be well, Momma.  I love you."

"Good journey, Flindra, and may the Spirit watch over you and protect you."

Flindra patted the trio of dogs, which were waiting by her horse.  They had been her companions on many an adventure, but they needed to stay behind this day.

She took the reins from Leudh and mounted the waiting horse.  "I love all of you," she said once she was settled into the saddle.  She looked once more into the faces of her family.

"We love you, too," Leudh said in a choked voice.  He had finally succumbed to his tears.

She held up her hand in parting.  "Until we meet again, be well and may the Spirit bless you."

"Good luck, Flindra," Dakra answered.

She reined the horse around and headed out of the clearing.  She turned in the saddle so she could wave as she went.

"I love you," Flindra whispered when the gelding carried her from the view of the cottage.  She wept in loss and grief and merely allowed the horse to travel down the familiar trail to the lake while she sank into her sorrow.

"Stop it," she scolded herself when she got to the lake.  "Use your head, Flindra.  Enough of these tears."  She pulled Deru to a halt and bowed her head.  "Beloved Spirit, be with me and guide my steps.  Help me to keep from feeling sorry for myself and drowning in my own tears."  She took a deep breath.  "Let it be so."

Deru was anxious to get moving so he turned around and nibbled at her boot.  He commonly did that as a way of saying it was time to move.  Flindra actually smiled as she let him walk on.  She rode quietly through the towering pines of the forest bordering the lake.  She could smell the pungent odor of the thick mat of fallen needles on the forest floor.  With every muffled step of her horse's hooves, she drew farther away from her home.  Every step beat out a steady rhythm of a mournful song that spoke the sorrow of her heart.

The loss of her home and her family opened a vast vault of loneliness and despair within her heart.  Never had Flindra experienced such intensity of emotion.  She used this intensity, this pain, to keep her mind focused on her task.  It was a knife blade that cut through the numbness of grief.

If an enemy knew her whereabouts, it would be probable that they would attack close to her home.  She remained vigilant and wary.  Her tension was translated through her body to the horse and he also scanned the countryside with alert ears.

Chapter II, Reading 8

Dakra leaned her back against the warm stones of the massive fireplace and rested her cup of tea on her knee.  "Kewero told us that Flindra needed to begin her life here.  She said little more even when Eghero questioned her.  All she would say was that the Spirit had chosen us to care for the Heir of King Meldh."

Flindra and Leudh looked at each other.  Thus prompted, she told Dakra and Brehwan of the evil presence she felt in the crystal and in her dreams.  No one spoke when she was finished with her story.  A worried glance passed between Leudh and Brehwan while Dakra simply closed her eyes.

"It would make sense to hide you with us if there was any evil hunting you," Dakra finally said.  "Maybe that's why Kewero brought you here and why she was so vague with her explanations.  I think it's time for you to try to find her.  She, alone, can tell you about your past and what you need to do for your future.  We can't provide you with any more help, my little one.  It's up to others to take our place."

Flindra dropped her head in mute agreement with her mother.  When she raised her eyes, she looked at her brother - silently seeking his advice.

Leudh understood her silent entreaty.  "It's not clear to me that you're actually in danger.  I'd be willing to guess that the evil you sense is only some strange effect of the crystal.  Even so, it's time for you to go.  You need to consider that winter comes swiftly in the Northern Reaches.  You have a race with winter in trying to reach the old woman."

Dakra shook her head in disagreement.  There was a look of genuine worry on her face.  "No Leudh, I feel in my heart that the evil searching the world for Flindra is quite real.  A mother can sense such things."

Brehwan looked at Flindra.  "It's not only time for you to go, but I think we should be prepared to deny any knowledge of your whereabouts, should anyone ask.  We'll have to tell the twins and swear them into secrecy."

"I feel as if I'm leaving all of you in great danger," moaned Flindra.

Brehwan shook her head and said, "I'm afraid, Flindra, that any danger will follow you.  We're not at risk."

Flindra took a swallow of her tea and looked into the fire.  "Will you help me get ready to leave tomorrow morning?  I don't want to risk your safety any longer than I have to."

"I have almost everything ready," Dakra said as she took Flindra's hand in her own.  "It gave me something to do while you wandered in the forest."

"You should stay in the house and we can get the rest done today," Leudh added.  "If any unfriendly eyes watch this clearing, we can hide the fact that you are leaving."

Flindra sighed.  "It's decided then.  I'll leave before dawn tomorrow."

"That would be wise," her brother agreed.

He stood and Brehwan joined him.  "We'll go outside and see to things," he said.

"All right," Flindra said with a nod.  "Thank you for the help."

Leudh smiled.  "Anytime, little sister."  He and Brehwan walked outside.

Chapter II, Reading 5

"No, they both had an uncanny way of knowing the right thing to do.  Momma always said that what is correct and true is never in conflict with Spirit, that what is right is always in balance with the deeper harmony of life.  She always said the Spirit would guide us if we seek His wisdom and that He would always give us the courage to carry out His Will."

"I think she’s right.  She always taught me to pray and to ask for guidance when I was facing some decision in my life."

"And to be still and wait for an answer."  Flindra added with a small smile.  She was familiar with this piece of frequent motherly advice.

"I remember when Kewero brought you here.  She said that the Spirit had chosen us to care for you.  Maybe He wanted you to learn nature and through that, His Wisdom.  If that's the case, there's no better place to learn than at the feet of a woodsman.  There has to be some reason - princesses aren't given to the care of rustic peasants for no reason."

"It could be part of why I am here, but I don't think that's the whole answer."

"You may also have some need for protection that you aren't aware of.  Your safety may be one of the reasons you were given to us.  Someone, your people, may have wanted to hide you to keep you both hidden and safe."

"Perhaps."  She frowned.  "I just hope I have enough wisdom to successfully face the challenges ahead of me."

He slid his arm from her shoulders and grasped her hand in loving support.  "I've faith in my little sister.  I know you'll do what needs to be done.  Remember what Papa used to say, something about when the need is great, the power to solve the need is also great."

"Thank you for your faith in me, Leudh.  That alone helps more than you can know."

"Have you told Momma any of this?"

"No, I didn't want to worry her.  She's had enough to deal with."

"Flin, you should tell her.  She's more durable than you think especially when her children are in any trouble or danger.  We’re your family.  That hasn't changed.  You don't need to face this alone.  Besides, Momma might know something, something the old woman might have told her when you were left with us."

"You could be right, Leudh.  Maybe she knows something of my past and why I was placed here."  She removed her hand from his, stood, and started to pace in agitation.  "If I'm hunted by some dark evil, I'm putting all of you in danger.  The longer I stay the greater the risk for all of you.  This is a fine reward for all your care."

"If there really is any danger – and I’m not certain there truly is – it’ll follow you when you go."  He stood and stopped Flindra's restless pacing by placing his hands protectively on her shoulders.  "I wish I could give you some guidance, Flin.  I don't know what to tell you except that I suspect your nightmares and fear are the result of being tired and sad.  You've been through a lot of emotional turmoil the last day."

"Maybe."

Chapter II, Reading 4

"Why scared?" Leudh was quick to ask.  "Is there something wrong?"

She nodded her head slowly.  "I'm beginning to sense a great evil and it's..."  Flindra dug the toe of her boot into the fallen leaves.  "It's looking for me.  That’s why I'm afraid, Leudh.  In truth, I'm more afraid than I've ever been in my life."

A frown of concern crossed Leudh's features as he gazed at his sister.  "How do you know this?"

"It started in my dream last night.  I kept having the same nightmare over and over.  It got so bad, I left my bed to keep from returning to the dream."

Leudh's frown deepened.

"For some reason, I felt compelled to gaze into the crystal to see if I could discover anything from it."

"The crystal Kewero gave you?"

Flindra nodded and had a distant look in her eyes.  "When I gaze into the crystal I see things.  My mind is pulled into a realm of colored lights and visions of people and places.  I see things that I should have no way of knowing.  The first time I looked into the crystal I discovered that I need to search for Kewero somewhere in the Northern Reaches."

"That seems harmless enough."

She shook her head.  "That's only the beginning.  I also see people and places and I feel in my heart that I’m seeing glimpses of my future.  It changes sometimes; my fate must not be completely foretold, but it seems that I'm the focus of a terrible conflict somewhere in our future."  She swallowed hard.  "There is evil, a terrible, monstrous evil aiming to destroy us all.  I know, somehow, I'm going to be involved fighting this evil and that's why it's looking for me."

"Looking for you?"

"It's like a terrible hunter seeking out my presence.  It hasn't found me yet, but it's searching for me." 

"Are you certain?"  A look of doubt crossed his features.  "Do you truly believe what you see in this crystal?"

Flindra took note of the look.  "I do believe it, Leudh.  I've asked the Spirit to be with me and to guide me and I really believe this is the truth."  She swallowed hard.  "My awareness of the monstrous evil was even more acute in the crystal's vision than in my dreams."  Flindra shuddered and closed her eyes.

Leudh slipped his arm around her shoulders to give her support.  "Is there more?"

"The crystal kept showing visions of a terrible darkness descending over the world as if it was showing me what will happen if we lose our fight with this evil.  What if I don't do the right thing?  What if I'm not equal to my fate?  What if I fail in this fight and condemn the world to disaster?"  She looked at him and tears touched her eyes.  "What if I don't do the right thing?" she reiterated.

"Flin, I think you'll make the right move when the time comes if indeed you must face this trial at all.  Ask yourself something, though, did you ever know Papa or Momma to make a wrong decision when they arrived at some important question in their lives?  Did you ever see them too afraid to do what they had to do?"