The Heir of King Meldh, Chapter I, Reading 5

Dakra smiled through her tears.  "I remember everything as if it were yesterday.  You brought me joy, such a deep happiness to my heart that I can't describe it.  My cheeks grew sore during those first few weeks for there was always a smile on my face.  At last, I had the daughter I'd always longed for.  You were such a sweet little baby and you took to us so quickly.  The joy of having you has lasted all these years.  You've always been so kind, helpful and loving."

She laughed softly in celebration of her memories.  "At first Eghero and I were a little afraid of the responsibility we’d been given.  Kewero told us that you will take your place among the great."

"Kewero?"

"That's the name of the old woman who left you here.  She made several visits to see how you fared during the first few years you were with us."

"I don't remember her."

"I think that's why she stopped coming.  I think she wanted to remain unknown to you.  At least until the time you had to begin your destiny."

"Oh."

Dakra reached over and took her daughter's hand in her own.  "We tried to teach you things that would help you fulfill your fate.  We decided to teach you the wisdom of nature, so you could always survive within her bounty.  You should always remember that nature provides not only subsistence, but is a vast source of wisdom and knowledge as well.  Nature is one way to gaze upon the face of the Spirit.  The Spirit is reflected in our mortal realm in the world around us."

"Papa always was pointing that out to me.  He said that knowledge would always bring me peace and strength."

"It will, dear Flindra.  Hold that wisdom close to your heart.  Remember, too, as you search out your destiny, that there is always purpose behind the surface of things.  Search for the hidden meanings in what you see and hear for they are the hidden and sturdy warp threads that support the weft, which fills out the tapestry of our lives.  Listen and look for the rhythms and patterns of life in the world and know that you will be right if you are balanced within them.  This wisdom will guide you if you let it.  It's just following the warp of Spirit's weavings."

Flindra sighed sadly.  "I will try my best."

"Kewero never really explained why you were destined to live with us.  Maybe the closeness that a woodsman and his family have with nature is one of the reasons.  Many people in our world have forgotten the old ways of honoring the Spirit, but we live too close to nature to forget."  Dakra smiled to herself.  "I think the wisdom of holding the Presence of the Spirit close to your heart will be the greatest gift we have bestowed upon you."

Flindra nodded in silence.

"We were also able to teach you something else that most simple folk are ignorant of."

"What’s that, Momma?"

"Your letters and numbers.  Haven't you ever wondered how all of us can write and figure?"

"I guess I never really thought about it," Flindra admitted.

"Eghero's uncle was injured as a child in an accident.  Ayer was left lame for life.  The man responsible for the accident felt badly about things and arranged for him to receive a clerk's training.  Ayer eventually became a clerk for a merchant in Deodar.  He shared his knowledge with the rest of the family when he would come visit."

"I see."

"It was a fortuitous accident which benefited the entire family.  Once you were placed with us I began to believe that the Will of the Spirit was behind it."

Chapter II, Reading 9

Dakra turned to look at the dough warming on the hearth.  She pulled back the towel covering the dough to see how far it had risen.  "It's doubled," she announced.  "I'll punch it down and get it ready for the second rise."

"Need any help?"

"No, my child.  Why don't you go through your things and see if there's anything you want to take?"

Flindra sighed as she stood.  "Call me if you need any help."

"I will, Flindra."

The cottage consisted of two rooms on the main floor with a loft across half the space above.  The main room was the living area of the family and included the kitchen space.  A small room off to the side of the kitchen had been Eghero and Dakra's bedroom.  Flindra's sleeping space was above, in the loft.

The first room in the loft had originally been Leudh's.  Now Dakra used this space to dry her herbs and Flindra always enjoyed smelling the aromatic herbs on her way to her room.  She walked through the crowded coziness of the drying racks and smiled at her mother's handiwork.  Pushing aside the curtain, which hung in the doorway, she entered the room she had always thought of as being her own.  It saddened her to know that tonight would be the last night she would spend here.

The bed was situated so she could look out the small, unglazed window and watch the stars until she fell asleep.  The bed was covered with a cozy and colorful quilt, which she and Dakra had made together so many years before.  With her quilt pulled up under her chin, she could curl up in comfort in her bed and still feel connected to the magic of the outdoors beyond the window.

Her clothes were hung along pegs lining the inside wall, which kept them in tidy order.  She ignored her clothes; most of them she would leave behind for she would be traveling light and only taking the necessary.  For the moment, she had some personal things to draw her attention.

Kneeling beside the bed, she pulled out a small wooden box from beneath it.  Carefully opening the lid, she looked at the small treasures she had collected through her life.  Here were her first samples of weaving and needlework, her favorite childhood toys, pressed leaves and flowers, and other small and simple mementos of happy times.

She lifted out a rag doll, which Dakra had given her for her sixth birthday.  She smoothed out her dress and pressed back the auburn colored yarn hair.  Her body was made from simple homespun and her dress and apron were made from pieces of scrap fabric.  The apron had red gingham apples and blue bows sewn along the bottom.  The face had only been painted on and was now starting to fade with age, but the smile was still cheerful and the blush of rose hiding beneath the freckles on her cheeks always gave the doll the look of a dear friend.

Suddenly, Flindra was overcome with tears and she held the doll closely as she wept.  She'd always figured that she would only be leaving this house to marry and start a family of her own - the natural course of events.  Her beloved doll would then become her daughter's.

Now she was going and leaving her past behind.  Ahead of her was nothing but a gray and lonely unknown.  It would be impossible to take the mementos of the past with her.  Her only choice was to leave everything behind in the care of her family and hope there would come a time when she could reclaim her past.

Flindra heard someone coming up the stairs.  She quickly tried to hide her tears for she'd vowed not to let her sorrow be seen.

"Flindra," her mother said as she brushed aside the curtain.  Her hands were still dusted with flour and she wiped them on her apron.  "Little one, I heard you crying."

"I'm all right, Momma," she answered from the floor.  She still clutched the rag doll to her breast.  The rebellious tears returned.

Dakra walked to the bed and sank to the floor beside her daughter.  "Oh, little one," she whispered as she gathered Flindra into an embrace.  "I'm so sorry, my little one.  I'm so sorry."  She slowly rocked her back and forth as if she were a tiny babe.

Flindra said nothing for a while as she relaxed in the loving embrace.  "Will you take care of her?" she asked in a whisper, referring to the doll.

"Of course, dear one.  I'll see to everything."

"Thank you, Momma."  She closed her eyes and allowed herself to be comforted.

Dakra began to hum a lullaby she had sung to both her children when they were young.  It was soft and soothing and awoke worlds of comfort in its notes.

"I love you, Momma."

"I love you, too, Flindra."

Both of them drew comfort from the closeness and lingered in the embrace.  They were stealing a moment from the future when they would be apart.

Chapter I, Reading 7

"It will, dear Flindra.  Hold that wisdom close to your heart.  Remember, too, as you search out your destiny, that there is always purpose behind the surface of things.  Search for the hidden meanings in what you see and hear for they are the hidden and sturdy warp threads that support the weft, which fills out the tapestry of our lives.  Listen and look for the rhythms and patterns of life in the world and know that you will be right if you are balanced within them.  This wisdom will guide you if you let it.  It's just following the warp of Spirit's weavings."

Flindra sighed sadly.  "I will try my best."

"Kewero never really explained why you were destined to live with us.  Maybe the closeness that a woodsman and his family have with nature is one of the reasons.  Many people in our world have forgotten the old ways of honoring the Spirit, but we live too close to nature to forget."  Dakra smiled to herself.  "I think the wisdom of holding the Presence of the Spirit close to your heart will be the greatest gift we have bestowed upon you."

Flindra nodded in silence.

"We were also able to teach you something else that most simple folk are ignorant of."

"What’s that, Momma?"

"Your letters and numbers.  Haven't you ever wondered how all of us can write and figure?"

"I guess I never really thought about it," Flindra admitted.

"Eghero's uncle was injured as a child in an accident.  Ayer was left lame for life.  The man responsible for the accident felt badly about things and arranged for him to receive a clerk's training.  Ayer eventually became a clerk for a merchant in Deodar.  He shared his knowledge with the rest of the family when he would come visit."

"I see."

"It was a fortuitous accident which benefited the entire family.  Once you were placed with us I began to believe that the Will of the Spirit was behind it."

The two women were now at the shore of Lake Eghero.  There was a large flat boulder half buried in the sand of the shoreline where the two now seated themselves.  The breeze they had felt earlier had died away and the surface of the lake was now still.  The mirror surface of the lake was disrupted only by the activities of the numerous waterfowl.

Dakra looked across the still water as she resumed her tale.  "Whatever Kewero's reason for leaving you with us, I do know one thing.  Our lives have been fuller because of you.  Thank you for being my daughter."  Tears suddenly started to flow down her cheeks and her voice cracked with emotion.  "I only hope we have given you what you’ll need to succeed in your new life.  I don't even know if I will ever see you after you leave.  Oh Flindra, promise me you won't forget us!"

Chapter VII, Reading 4

Kewero reached over and took her hand. "You will be the catalyst who will coalesce our resistance. I understand you had no choice in this, but you are not alone. There are other men and women whose talents and experience will aid your fight. You will draw many to you. Others you will have to seek. You also have been given some valuable tools to use in your fight. The memories of all your ancestors are with you. When there is need, their knowledge, their experience will become yours. And everything I have learned through the years is yours."

"How many years, Kewero?" Flindra finally grew bold enough to ask. "You serve the Spirit, but how do you know all this? How does the Spirit speak to you?"

"I guess I never did explain my comment about how long I've been waiting for you. Forgive me. I guess I should tell you a little more of my history so you can understand me better.

"I was a counselor at the court of King Meldh. I was one of a group of five who advised the King. It became apparent early in the conflict with the Ansu that we were hopelessly outmatched. One day, the King summoned us and revealed a dream he'd had the night before. He'd been told in his dream that one of his counselors needed to seek out the wisdom and guidance of the Spirit to learn what we needed to do. King Meldh gave us a choice as to which one of us would go on this quest. In fairness, the five of us drew lots. It fell upon me to search for the information we needed.

"Once the selection had been made, the King and Queen called me to them for a private conference. The King now confessed the rest of his dream. He knew that he would die in the conflict, as would the Queen and most of his nobles. The knowledge I would discover was needed to aid his descendant in a future conflict and would give him no assistance in the present fight. My whole purpose was to provide protection and guidance for the future champion of his line. Only the Queen knew the full story of his dream. He had no wish to demoralize his people so he had kept his dream a secret. He asked me to do the same.

"The Queen then spoke to me. I still remember her words for they were spoken with such intense sorrow." The tone of Kewero's voice changed. There was boundless respect and tremendous sorrow in her accent as she recalled the words of the long-dead Queen. "She told me that it had been foretold at her birth that she would live to see her world destroyed, her child taken from her and that she would know the suffering of all the children of her line - the suffering only a mother can understand and endure. She was named for the suffering she would know for Kwenth in the Old Tongue means suffering."

Kewero paused and lowered her eyes. It was obvious her memories brought pain into her heart.

Flindra reached over and grasped her arm in a gentle and supportive touch. "You loved her, didn't you?"

"Very much." With a sigh, she looked at her pupil. "I told you once that you looked like your mother. You also look a great deal like Queen Kwenth. You could be her daughter."

She smiled. "You take after her in many ways, Flindra. Her auburn hair has marked all the children born of her line. It is a stamp of royalty. You share some personality traits with her, too. My Lady Queen was much loved by my people for she was so kind and good. I think you will match her kindness when you become Queen."

"Thank you," she answered with a shy smile.

"Having you here has done much to ease my sorrow. You remind me of her and it makes it seem that it wasn't so long ago when I shared deep discussions with my Queen."

Chapter VII, Reading 3

"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."

"It is," Kewero responded with compassion in her voice. "We must prepare for the coming battle. That’s why I am here and why you are here."

"Why me?" Flindra asked. "I don't mean to sound like I'm avoiding my responsibilities, but why me? Why didn't the Spirit choose some great and stalwart warrior to lead this fight? I'm nothing special and I don't know the first thing about war. Surely, the Spirit could find someone better than me." She frowned. "When I dreamt of King Meldh, I asked him that same question. He answered that there are advantages to the fact that I'm a woman and can join with the existing power structure, but that seems like a hollow answer. I can't imagine I really have that much to bring to the fight."

"Don't underestimate yourself, Princess Flindra. You have strengths and talents not even you are aware of. Yet. I accept the Spirit's Wisdom. You will be equal to your destiny."

Flindra looked troubled and very unsure.

Chapter VII, Reading 1

"The Spirit is benevolent," Flindra noted during one of her lessons. "How then can the Ansu exist? They embody Evil and Darkness. How can they exist within the universe that Good created?"

Kewero sighed. "This is a question I've pondered for many years and I confess I don't have an easy answer. I think it all comes down to a discussion of free will. The Spirit gave us free will. We have the option to live within the direction and goodness of Spirit or to reject Him entirely. We can live in the Light or turn our backs, so to speak, and see into the shadows of Darkness and be corrupted by the Darkness. It's all within our choice. We can submit our wills to the Spirit and thus become instruments of the Spirit's Goodness or we can reject the Spirit and become instruments of the Darkness."

"What if we choose not to choose?" Flindra asked. "What then?"

"The Spirit offers," Kewero answered. "Our Beloved Spirit desires voluntary submission and a willingness to serve. Darkness, however, commands, enslaves, seduces and corrupts. That is why Darkness seems to spread so easily. If we don't choose to become part of Spirit - and that choice is not always easy - we will become a target of Darkness."

"So a null decision becomes the same as a decision to reject."

"Not always, but frequently that is the end result."

"I see."

Flindra's eyes grew distant as she thought and Kewero gave her this moment to ponder their discussion. It was a difficult subject and needed a great deal of reflection to understand.

"So we can choose to be instruments of the Spirit's Will or by choice or default become tools of the Ansu," Flindra finally summarized.

Kewero nodded. "It's my belief that is the case."

"Who or what exactly are the Ansu?"

"I don't truly know, Flindra, but I suspect that they are beings or entities that chose Darkness over Spirit at or near the beginning of time. They've had unfathomable ages to grow in their evil powers. For this I do know, ours is not the only world the Beloved Spirit has created. Perhaps the Ansu were some of the first children of our Spirit. I don't really know."

"I see." She frowned. "The Spirit made us all, even the Ansu. He has the power to destroy the Ansu and weaken Evil and Darkness. Why does He tolerate all the pain the Ansu bring to His creation? Why doesn't He destroy them? It's clearly within His power to do so."

Kewero took a deep breath. "I don't really know the answer to that question for the ways of the Spirit are far beyond our comprehension. Would you accept my personal opinion?"

"Of course."

Chapter VI, Reading 8

By the time they reached Flindra's bedchamber she was close to normal, although still tired. Before she sought her bed, she had one question for Kewero.

"I arrived here in early afternoon. How could it be night for Momma? It didn't take me that long to bathe."

"Time here does not pass at the same rate as it does out in the world. It is irrelevant to compare the two systems."

"Is that how you seem to have lived so long? I heard you say that you've waited a millennium for me while I was rinsing my hair."

Kewero smiled. "I didn't realize I had been that loud. I didn't intend to hint of a mystery and not explain it."

"That's all right."

"The explanation is rather lengthy and I'd prefer to wait until you've had a chance to rest. I can see you're almost asleep on your feet. May I delay my explanation?"

"Of course."

"I promise I'll explain everything in detail later. I want you to sleep until you feel completely refreshed so tarry in bed as long as you wish. Don't worry about anything."


"You'll get no arguments from me. I feel as if I haven't slept in weeks."

"Sleep well, my Princess." Kewero gave a parting smile and walked away leaving her by the door.

When Flindra had dropped her things in this room on her way to the crystal cavern, she hadn't had time to look around. Now she observed the chamber in wonder. The room didn't look much like a cave. Heavy tapestries hung on the walls concealing the rock behind. The floor was covered with a thick carpet that muffled her steps. There were several pieces of heavy furniture in the chamber in addition to the bed. They were all carved with intricate designs of animals. The furnishings spoke of wealth and comfort - a room fit for a princess.

She opened the armoire and was surprised to see a number of gowns and undergarments. She took off the green gown she was wearing and hung it next to the others. In a drawer, she discovered a number of sleeping gowns. She slipped on one, which was embroidered with tiny pink and yellow roses. The fabric was soft against her skin and she smiled in pleasure.

Flindra sat on the bed while she brushed her hair. She braided it and thought how wonderful it was going to be to sleep in a warm, soft bed again, but there was one more thing she had to do before she could sleep.

She slipped off the bed and kneeled on the floor. "Beloved Spirit," she whispered. "Thank you so very much for bringing me here safely. Grant me the wisdom to learn what Kewero has to teach me." She lowered her head. "I feel very unworthy of the task I have been born to. Help me to be equal to it. Thank you." She then relaxed her thoughts in a moment of stillness.

Flindra climbed under the covers and smiled in comfort at the warmth and softness. "Thank you, Beloved Spirit," she said again. In the time it took her to close her eyes, she was asleep.

Chapter VI, Reading 6

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."

Flindra looked at it tenderly before she used it to hold her hair back from her face.

Kewero smiled. "Turn around, Flindra, I want to see you."

With a blush, she turned around slowly.

"Well, you look much more like a princess now. You have a regal bearing, which suits you well. While you are here, you will dress like a princess. You need to practice being one so you won't feel so lost when you do take your destined place."

"Thank you for letting me wear this gown - it is very beautiful."

"My dear, I'm not letting you wear anything. The dress is yours. Your mother left it for you. Let me show you your bedchamber and then I will teach you how to contact Dakra. Come."

They returned to the main part of the cave and then walked down another of the many outlets radiating from this chamber. They passed several small openings before Kewero halted before one. "This will be your room while you are here. You will need the crystal sphere, leave everything else."

Flindra hurriedly left her belongings just beyond the entrance to her room. They continued down the path and entered a series of switchbacks and so they dropped rapidly in elevation. They followed the track until it widened to the entrance of a large cavern. Kewero pulled her to a stop just within the entrance.

Flindra drew a surprised and awed breath at the astounding view. She was standing in a large cave that was covered with crystals. The gems glowed with an internal light, which pulsated in a slow, regular rhythm. Looking closer, she realized her first assessment was wrong - the cave was not covered with crystals. It was made of the crystalline material! Even the floor of the cavern consisted of the translucent and glowing crystals.

Kewero spoke in a soft and reverent voice. "This is the womb of the cavern and of our world. This is where the Spirit envisioned our world and created its reality. Here, we are surrounded by the Spirit. We are in the seed around which Spirit began to order the primordial chaos. Our world is the reality He lent to this portion of the chaos.

"I don't really understand."

Kewero released a spontaneous laugh. "Don't worry about that too much, little one. The Spirit is far beyond our level of understanding. One can only really understand the Spirit with the faith of the heart. It is a wisdom of faith and not a knowing or comprehension."

"Oh."

Chapter VI, Reading 5

The old woman smiled as she sat on a rock at the side of the pool.

Flindra could tell that Kewero was lonely and she took pity on her. She had learned since leaving home that loneliness was a hard burden to bear. It made her feel a little better about imposing on Kewero's hospitality to know that she had some need for her. Friendship would be a nice exchange for the old woman's knowledge.

"You look much like your mother," Kewero noted. "You have your father's height and there is a little of him in your chin."

"Did you know my parents well?"

She nodded sadly. "Yes, I looked after your mother in the same way I've seen to your care. She was a fosterling just as you were."

Flindra looked sad. "Why?"

"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."

Chapter VI, Reading 4

Flindra removed her clothes and folded them neatly on top of her saddlebags, which were near the edge of the pool. She placed her daggers on top of the pile so they would be within easy reach. She did this out of habit and not because of any current threat.

She eased her chilled and tired body into the water. Her toes tingled as the steaming water eased out the lingering cold. In the warmth, she could almost forget her frozen journey here. It was quiet and she relished the absence of the incessant howl of the wind, which had been her constant companion for the last two days. The water soothed her soul as well as her muscles. She relaxed in the warmth and became more than a little sleepy.

To wake up, she got out of the water and reached in one of her saddlebags to retrieve a stiff hairbrush and a bar of Dakra's homemade soap. She returned to the water and unbraided her hair. The loose curls floated on the water and coiled about her. It took her a while to brush the tangles out for she didn't want to pull too hard on her damp hair. When Flindra could slip the brush effortlessly through her hair, she rubbed the soap in until she had a rich lather. She then worked the lather next to her scalp and rubbed vigorously.

The scent of the soap brought back vivid memories of her mother and her home. Her Momma had scented the soap with juniper berries and sage. This combination had always been Flindra's favorite. Tears welled up in her eyes as she thought of the love and kindness she had always known.

"I hope you don't miss me too much," Flindra said aloud. She had become used to talking to herself during the long journey north.

"What did you say, my dear?" Kewero asked as she returned to the pool with a stack of clothes in her arms.

Flindra blushed with embarrassment. "I was only talking to myself," she explained sheepishly.

"Don't be embarrassed, Flindra. I've been alone for so many years that the only ears I've had to talk to have been my own. Now tell me what concerns you enough to talk to yourself about it."

"I'm worried about my family, especially Momma."

"Dakra is a good woman, strong and capable. The Spirit chose well when He selected her to be your mother. She will miss you and will worry about you - mothers always do, you know. We can help her though. I will teach you how to use your crystal to give a message to her dreams."

"I can do that?" she asked in surprise.

"That and much more. It takes a great deal of energy to establish the contact, so perhaps it would be better for you to wait until after you've rested."

"I would like to do it now, if I may. I would like to tell her that I've made it to you safely. Perhaps that will ease her worries."

Kewero smiled in understanding. "I'll show you how when you are finished with your bath. Do you mind if I keep you company? It's nice to hear your voice."

"I don't mind at all, Kewero."

Chapter IV, Reading 4

Flindra closed her eyes and willed herself to relax. She felt each breath - in and out, in and out. Tension melted from her body. The purple returned to the backside of her eyelids. The color deepened as she relaxed further. Finally, she opened her eyes and the color remained.

All around her was purple. She was viewing the world through a veil of violet. Flindra smiled at the King. She was privately pleased at her success.

"Well done, Flindra!" he announced with a smile and a nod of acknowledgement. "Let the vision end. The shield will be easier to invoke and will be stronger as you practice. Rigga will be your shield but the crystal orb Kewero left for you will be your guide. If you heed it's prompting it will bring you safely to her."

"What is the orb?" she ventured to ask.

"The orb is one of Kewero's greatest discoveries. It is an intimate part of the mysteries of life and is a gift of the Beloved Spirit to us; it comes from the time beyond time when the Spirit created our world. It does not have a name since it dates from a time before names or language. Its existence is tied to the defeat of the ancient terror and thus to your fate. It is for you; it is part of your destiny. With enough knowledge, it will become your chief weapon against the Ansu. You have already used the sphere, but you have only touched the surface of its potential. Do not be afraid of what you might see."

"I felt a monstrous evil when I looked into the sphere, that's why I felt afraid," Flindra explained.

"The orb was just telling you that the Ansu felt your presence in the world and were starting to seek you. The crystal is free of their evil. Kewero will teach you to control it, but for the moment, you know enough to reach her. Just remember to trust it and not be afraid. Follow the direction it shows you and you will be able to reach Kewero.

"Practice what I have told you, little one, and know that all of us who preceded you will help you in your task. Learn to use Rigga before you leave the cave."

"I will."

"Trust our Beloved Spirit to guide you." He held up his hand in formal parting. "Good journey, Flindra, and know that the Spirit guides your steps."

"Will I ever see you again?" Now that she'd seen her ancestor, she didn't want to lose him.

His eyes grew soft and gentle. "If the Spirit wills it I might be able to appear to your dreams again, but know that my blessing is always with you."

With these words, the image of the long dead king vanished from her vision and she returned to dreamless slumber.

Chapter IV, Reading 3

"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

"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."

Flindra quieted her mind as best she could. This was not easy since random thoughts kept leaping through her consciousness. She tried to think of the purple by closing her eyes and pretending she was at the center of the gem looking out. The darkness behind her closed eyes gradually turned from black to purple. When she opened her eyes the purple fled from her vision.

"You are trying too hard," King Meldh whispered. "Close your eyes and listened to your breathing. Breathe slowly and relax."

Chapter III, Reading 13

The wind was growing stronger and there were now a few snowflakes being blown in from the north. The temperature was dropping precipitously.

Flindra knew she was in trouble. She looked at the orb again and saw that it was directing her in an easterly direction. Quickly reining Deru to the right, they started to the east. At least the wind was coming from the side and not straight into her face.

There was no trail here and Flindra had to guide Deru around fallen trees and boulders. Snow was starting to collect on the ground, hiding fallen branches and exposed roots. She had to go slowly to avoid a fall, which could injure Deru or herself. The only positive thing about the snow is that it would hide her passage from anyone who might be following.

She continued in this fashion for another hour. Deru's steps were lagging and his head was starting to hang. Ice was forming in the whiskers around his nostrils. Flindra was huddled in the saddle, staring at the crystal orb. Without warning, the crystal stopped glowing. She moved it from side to side without a change.
"There must some meaning to this," she muttered to herself.

Shielding her eyes from the blowing wind with her hands, Flindra looked around. At first, she saw nothing. Then she noticed that there was a dark area beyond the trees near a rock outcrop. It was too dark to be a shadow, besides the snow was masking the sun so there were no distinct shadows. She dismounted and led Deru over to the dark spot.

It was the entrance to a cave! The opening was narrow, but if she unsaddled Deru, she could get him in. She quickly hauled the saddle from his back and pulled him into the cave. Flindra immediately bent down to start a fire. As usual, she had some dry kindling in her pockets. She put some pine needles before her on the ground. Striking a piece of flint with her knife, she sent a few tiny sparks into the pile of needles. The needles smoldered for a moment and then they burst into flames. She was careful to add the rest of her kindling slowly so as not to smother her awakening fire. Patience was necessary when coaxing a fire to life.

The light from her small fire illuminated the cave. In the back was a sizable pile of twigs and branches - collected by generations of pack rats. She gathered some of the twigs and placed them slowly on the fire. Soon she had the warmth of a pleasant fire before her.

Flindra then tended Deru. She covered his back with the saddle blankets to help him stay warm. He was wet from the damp snow and it wouldn't do to have him get too cold and get sick. Then, she slipped a feedbag over his nose. He stood at the back of the cave and slowly chewed his grain. He relaxed with one of his hips slacked so his hoof was tipped against the ground. In the manner of horses, he rested.
She then stockpiled some of the pack rat nesting material next to the fire. There was enough fuel in the cave to last her several days, which was a great relief. If the bitter cold continued, she would have to keep feeding the fire to keep from freezing. She spread out her sleeping furs by the fire, knowing that the cold would wake her and remind her to add wood to the flames.

As exhausted as she was, she knew she must spare a moment for a prayer of thanksgiving. She had made it safely to this cave and knew it was the hand of the Spirit, which had pointed the way.

Flindra kneeled on the blankets. "Spirit," she whispered. "Thank You for all your help on this journey for I know You've been with me. Grant me the wisdom and strength I need to even claim my identity. I'm so ignorant of what I must do. Help me and guide me, Beloved One. Make me an instrument of Your Will." She bowed her head. "Thank you."

She then sat and pulled off her boots so she could rest more comfortably. Finally she snuggled into her furs and knew the sleep of utter exhaustion.

Chapter III, Reading 8

Flindra stopped her gelding for a brief rest. She still had about an hour of daylight left and she needed to find a place to camp. Dismounting, she stroked the horse's neck as they both rested.

"Well old friend, I'm afraid you won't see any more warm and dry barns for a while. Your rations might be a little short, too. I'm sorry to bring you with me, but I need you."

The horse turned his ears toward her as she talked. He was a mountain horse, somewhat small as horses go but incredibly sure-footed. He used to be all black, but now there was a sprinkling of gray in his coat.

Eghero had given him to her as a girl. Flindra still remembered the day when he gave the gelding to her. His familiar tones echoed in her mind as she recalled his words.
"Take care of this horse and he will always serve you well. He is not the swiftest but he will never tire and his feet will always be sure."

She had named him Deru, which in the Old Tongue meant steadfast.

Deru enjoyed being patted beneath his forelock and she started to massage this favorite spot. His head started to lower as he relaxed under her familiar touch. Once she had discovered how much he loved being rubbed here, she had always tried to indulge him. Deru liked being patted under his forelock almost as much as he liked carrots. Almost.

Flindra gathered the reins and mounted. Once in the saddle she pulled her cloak tighter around her body to afford protection from the wind. It would be a chilly camp tonight.

Riding parallel to a small creek, Flindra found a suitable camp. A large fallen tree wedged between two giant boulders would give good protection from the wind. The ground was fairly level and soft with needles - it would provide a good bed. Beyond the boulders was a grassy area where she could let Deru graze.

Flindra tended to Deru first. She had always been taught to take care of her animal before she thought of herself. After all, her life may depend on the horse. She unsaddled him and then brushed him thoroughly. She felt his back and the girth area to make sure he had no sore spots from being ridden all day. She then picketed him in the grassy area.

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 4

Flindra finished the last of her cider and glanced out the window. "The sun's almost up. I guess it's time for me to be on my way," she said in a tiny voice.
Instead of just putting Icy on the floor, she lifted her and handed her to Alek. "Would you boys take care of Icy and the dogs?"

He nodded as tears touched his eyes. "Gladly."

She stood. The others immediately were on their feet.

"I'll go saddle Deru," Leudh offered. "Boys, why don't you come help me." The twins followed their father from the cottage without a word.

Dakra was weeping as she handed a pair of saddlebags filled with food to Flindra. "This is nothing fancy, but it will keep you fed on your journey."

"Thank you, Momma." She took the bags and draped them over her arm.

Brehwan touched her on her sleeve, which made her turn. "I know you have to travel light, but I figured this wouldn't be much in the way." She held out a neatly folded cloth.

Flindra took it and unfolded it. It was a tiny blanket with embroidery around the edges. Brehwan had stitched a beautiful wreath of leaves and woody vines around the border.

"It's beautiful," she said in admiration.

"It's for your baby's crib. I know it's a bit early for such gifts, but I don't know if we'll see each other again so I want you to have it. The leaves will always remind you of your home."

The embroidery faded from Flindra's sight for her eyes were suddenly clouded with tears. "Thank you, Brehwan," she sobbed as she embraced her.

The two women clung to each other and wept. Dakra moved close and put a supportive hand on Flindra's shoulder. Soon she was pulled into the hug.

Flindra finally sighed and pushed away. She brushed off her tears with the back of her hand. "Leudh's probably saddled Deru."

Brehwan nodded in agreement while Dakra wiped her tears on her apron. "Probably so."
They turned and started for the door. Just as she had done upstairs, Flindra circled around and looked at the cozy cottage, trying to brand the vision on her memory.
"There has been much love in this home," she remarked. "That's why it is such a wonderful place."

"A house isn't a home unless there's love," Dakra said. She slipped Flindra's cloak over her shoulders and fastened it.

"Thank you."

Dakra brushed a lock of hair from Flindra's brow. "I'm afraid it's time, dear one."
"I know." She continued out the door.

Leudh and the boys were waiting in the yard. It was a somber scene for the twins were crying and Leudh looked as if he had been punched in the stomach for his face was taut with pain. The three women walked slowly to join them.

Dakra deftly took the crib blanket and the saddlebags from Flindra's hands. "I'll pack these."

"Thank you, Momma."

Chapter III, Reading 2

"Good morning," she said in greeting, trying to keep as much cheerfulness in her tone as she could manage.

"Morning Flindra," Brehwan answered with a forced smile of her own. "Leudh and the boys are in the barn."

Flindra nodded in understanding as she went to give her mother a hand with the cooking. "Morning, Momma."

"Morning, dear. Did you sleep well?"

She smiled, this time with genuine feeling. Her mother's question spoke volumes of concern and love. "I did. The sprig of lavender you put next to my pillow made me sleep well and brought me pleasant dreams."

Dakra looked pleased. She'd been hoping the lavender would help. "Would you mind giving the porridge a stir? There's nothing worse than scorched porridge."

Flindra's answer was to reach for a spoon and start on the task. Oatmeal had always been one of her favorite breakfast foods and she looked forward to having a bowl. Looking around the hearth, she realized that most of her favorite foods were being cooked this morning. It was going to be a farewell feast.

The door swung opened and the twins rushed to the fire to warm themselves. It had been a cold walk from the barn.

"Looks like it's going to be a clear day," Leudh announced as he closed the door. "There's no smell of rain in the wind."

"That's good," Flindra remarked as she looked up from her stirring. "It will be a chilly enough camp without it being wet too."

"I fed Deru so he will be ready to leave when you are."

"Thanks, Leudh."

"Aunty," Alek said as he turned and looked at Flindra. "Why do you have to go?"
The question had been asked before but neither one of the boys had been satisfied by her answers. They had been told of her true identity but they didn't understand why she had to go.

"It's time for me to find some answers to my many questions," she said kindly. "I can't get those answers here."

"I suppose," Alek agreed reluctantly.

"I won't be gone forever," she continued, privately hoping her words were true. "Change is always painful, Alek. I wish I didn't have to go, but I can't pretend I'm a child and stay. It's just like the little birds when they leave the nest. They have to leave home before they can really learn how to fly. I need to do the same."

Alek sighed. "I'm going to miss you."

"I'm going to miss you, too, little one."

Chapter II, Reading 8

Dakra invited Leudh and his family over for dinner that night. Laughter echoed, repeatedly, from the walls of the little cottage for Arek and Alek entertained the adults with their youthful antics. Alek had always been fond of Flindra's cat, Icy. Icy kept attacking the string Alek dangled in front of her nose. Not to be outdone, Arek put his hand beneath the rug by the hearth and pretended he was a tasty mouse. Icy didn't know which attraction was better to attack, so very cat-like, she sat down between them and started to wash her paw. Once Icy removed herself from the play, the boys turned to each other for fun and began wrestling on the floor.

While the boys played, Flindra and her mother filled the table to overflowing with their culinary delights. A lavish dinner consisting of roast venison swimming in a pool of gravy, butter-soaked vegetables, fresh bread which had been baked with herbs and cheese, oat and berry spoon bread smothered with sweetened cream, and a delicious apple spice cordial drew the attention of all.

The family gathered at the table, sat on the benches, and grew quiet as they held hands. "Dear Spirit," Leudh said reverently as the group lowered their heads. "Bless this food so that we may use it and all of your blessings in accordance with your will."

"Let it be so," Dakra answered. With a smile, she passed a knife to Leudh so he could carve the roast.

Flindra knew in her heart that her days with her loved ones were going to end soon, so she tried to relish every moment of the meal. She noticed the food, the loving conversations and the joyful oneness that came from being family.

Chapter II, Reading 7

He noted the blush and smiled to see her embarrassment. The knowledge of her royal birth hadn't changed her humble modesty.

"What do I tell the boys?" she asked. "Should I tell them the truth?"

"I think they should know. After all, I was younger than they are now when Kewero brought you to us. I've kept your secret all these years. If they know the truth, then they'll understand the need to keep quiet."

She suddenly sobbed. "I want them to still think of me as their Auntie. I don't want to loose that joy."

Leudh pulled her into an embrace. "Don't worry about that, Flin. You’re very much a part of this family. The truth can't change that."

She hugged him tightly and they were quiet for a time. Flindra noticed a chickadee sitting on a branch in a nearby tree. She loved the chickadees since they stayed through the winter, lending their cheerful songs to the emptiness of the snowy world. Looking at the chirping bird gave her a sense of peace and balance. The wild forest and its creatures always made her feel that way. Her heartache started to ease.

"Thank you for listening to me with so much patience and not laughing at my fears," she finally said.

"That's what big brothers are for," he answered with a smile. "Now let's go home. Momma's worried about you."

"Of course." She tucked the crystal under her tunic.

He then took her by the hand, smiled into her eyes, and led her back to the cottage.

Chapter II, Reading 6

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."

"At any rate, it does no good to keep silent about your troubles. Let's talk of this again, when the twins are asleep. I'll leave Brehwan to look after them and come over so we can talk together with Momma."

"Does Brehwan know?"

"I told her last night."

"How did she take the news?"

Leudh smiled. "She really wasn't all that surprised. She's always thought there was something special about you."

"Oh." Flindra blushed uncomfortably.

Chapter II, Reading 5

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 loose 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?"

"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."