She took a small hatchet she'd kept tied behind the cantle and started chopping branches from the downed tree. When Flindra had enough to last her through the night she started to pick up the small pieces which had fallen to the ground for tinder to start the fire. She then carried the wood towards the bottom of the tree.
When the tree had been blown over, it had pulled up a chunk of ground with its tangled root system. This shallow berm was the only shelter Flindra had from the wind and thus it was the best place to make her fire.
The wind teased her as it blew out the tiny sparks from her flint before they could start the tinder on fire. Flindra wrapped her body around the tinder to provide some protection from the wind. After many tries, she finally got a spark to ignite the small chips of wood. She nursed the flickering flame along - slowly adding more fuel until it burned with an intensity that the wind could not extinguish.
Flindra usually made small fires to minimize the notice of unfriendly eyes. Tonight she ignored that precaution. She needed all the warmth she could get from the fire to survive a night with the frozen north wind as a companion. She would have to trust the power of Rigga to protect her from danger tonight.
Dawn was long in coming as Flindra hovered near the fire. She dozed occasionally as the night passed but she had to stay awake most of the time to keep the fire going. She remembered happy times from her childhood to warm her heart even as her body ached from the cold. She knew the value of diverting her thoughts to better endure unpleasant situations.
Normally, Flindra would pack up her camp and be on her way by daybreak. This morning, she lingered by her fire until the sun eased the worst of the bitter cold of the pre-dawn hours. She finally tied her belongings to Deru's saddle and continued on her way.
Flindra rode hour after hour across the desolate plain. Her mind became numb after hours of the dreary sameness. There weren't even trees anymore to break the monotony of the landscape. Moreover, it was cold, so very cold. She huddled in the saddle to keep her cloak as close to her body as possible. Her toes ached as she wiggled them to keep them from freezing. The pain eventually spread from her feet into her legs. She pulled her feet from the stirrups so she could move her legs too. She wondered at times if she would ever be warm again.
By mid-afternoon, Flindra noticed a change in the landscape. This part of the Northern Reaches was not as flat as it appeared from a distance. The plain was intersected by a number of narrow and deep gullies and small valleys. The crystal sphere suddenly started to vibrate and Flindra reached into her tunic and withdrew the orb. It was clear the crystal was directing her towards the entrance to one of these small valleys.
"Let's hope we are getting close, Deru," she said as she slipped the orb back into her tunic. "I'm tired," she confessed to the horse, "and I know you are, too."
She reined Deru into the valley. She rode for several miles and suddenly felt the orb grow still and cold. Before she could reach into her tunic, she heard a voice call, "Welcome to my home Princess Flindra."
Showing posts with label An adventure fantasy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label An adventure fantasy. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Saturday, May 5, 2007
Chapter Five, Reading 5-7
The descent from the mountains was easy and Flindra soon found herself looking across the barren landscape of the Northern Reaches. This was a desolate land and there was very little vegetation. There were patchy grasses growing low to the ground with an occasional bent and tortured pine punctuating the horizon.
The crystal orb still prompted her to continue in a northeasterly direction through this bleak landscape. The wind still howled from the north so she had to keep her face turned down and to the side to escape the worst of the icy blast. Deru also carried his head to the side and she had to use the pressure of her legs to keep him going in the proper direction.
By late afternoon, Flindra had seen no signs of a dwelling. She had hoped she could have reached Kewero before nightfall. She wasn't looking forward to sleeping out in the open tonight. It was dangerous to stay out too long in this kind of cold and wind.
The numbing cold had gotten worse as the afternoon had progressed. Flindra wiggled her toes in her boots in an effort to keep them warm. Her bones ached from the daylong exposure to the frigid wind. She was aware that Deru also suffered in the cold. His steps were growing stiffer by the hour.
"If we don't stumble across the old woman soon we're going to have to seek shelter from this wind," Flindra said as she reached forward and stroked Deru's neck.
Darkness approached and it became very apparent they would not reach Kewero this day. Flindra needed to find wood for a fire and preferably some shelter from the wind. She finally found a tree that had been blown over. This would provide wood for her fire and a little protection from the wind.
Flindra loosened the girth of the saddle but left it on to give Deru some protection from the wind. The saddle would also keep the blankets from blowing off. She put the last of her grain in the feed bag, put it over his nose, and let him seek what shelter he could find from the north wind.
The crystal orb still prompted her to continue in a northeasterly direction through this bleak landscape. The wind still howled from the north so she had to keep her face turned down and to the side to escape the worst of the icy blast. Deru also carried his head to the side and she had to use the pressure of her legs to keep him going in the proper direction.
By late afternoon, Flindra had seen no signs of a dwelling. She had hoped she could have reached Kewero before nightfall. She wasn't looking forward to sleeping out in the open tonight. It was dangerous to stay out too long in this kind of cold and wind.
The numbing cold had gotten worse as the afternoon had progressed. Flindra wiggled her toes in her boots in an effort to keep them warm. Her bones ached from the daylong exposure to the frigid wind. She was aware that Deru also suffered in the cold. His steps were growing stiffer by the hour.
"If we don't stumble across the old woman soon we're going to have to seek shelter from this wind," Flindra said as she reached forward and stroked Deru's neck.
Darkness approached and it became very apparent they would not reach Kewero this day. Flindra needed to find wood for a fire and preferably some shelter from the wind. She finally found a tree that had been blown over. This would provide wood for her fire and a little protection from the wind.
Flindra loosened the girth of the saddle but left it on to give Deru some protection from the wind. The saddle would also keep the blankets from blowing off. She put the last of her grain in the feed bag, put it over his nose, and let him seek what shelter he could find from the north wind.
Friday, May 4, 2007
Chapter Five, Reading 5-6
"This isn't working," Flindra whispered and reined him to a stop. She glided from the saddle and gathered the reins in her hand. She slipped around him and began leading him up the treacherous trail to spare herself a potentially bone crushing fall. She was able to step around or over the worst of the icy spots and Deru was able to keep to his feet without her weight on his back.
While she walked, she concentrated on intensifying Rigga's power shield. There was something gloomy or somehow sinister about the shadowed pathway and she struggled to keep fear from edging into her thoughts.
"Guide my steps, dear Lord," she whispered and kept the knowledge of His presence close to her heart to leave no room for fear.
She was relieved when they finally reached the crest and emerged from the pass. The blast of the north wind peppered her face with blowing ice, but she could see the landscape around her location and felt more comfortable. The topography was vastly different on the north side of the mountain range. Here there were no steep slopes or rocky cliffs. Instead, there was a gradual decline in elevation until the slope intercepted the vast plain of the Northern Reaches. No enemy could remain hidden in this barren landscape.
This was the domain of the wind. The snow from the storm had blown away - had blown up the slope and had been deposited in tremendous snow cornices on the south side of the ridge. Lonely trees dotted the landscape on the northern slope. They did not grow straight but rather bent toward the ground seeking shelter from the wind. Branches only grew on the south half of the trees to minimize the effect of the prevailing north wind. Their roots clung fiercely to the ground to keep from being uprooted.
Flindra took out the crystal orb once more and checked the direction she needed to continue. The crystal glowed when pointed in a northeast direction, roughly perpendicular to the axis of the Greyfell Mountains. She mounted and continued onward.
While she walked, she concentrated on intensifying Rigga's power shield. There was something gloomy or somehow sinister about the shadowed pathway and she struggled to keep fear from edging into her thoughts.
"Guide my steps, dear Lord," she whispered and kept the knowledge of His presence close to her heart to leave no room for fear.
She was relieved when they finally reached the crest and emerged from the pass. The blast of the north wind peppered her face with blowing ice, but she could see the landscape around her location and felt more comfortable. The topography was vastly different on the north side of the mountain range. Here there were no steep slopes or rocky cliffs. Instead, there was a gradual decline in elevation until the slope intercepted the vast plain of the Northern Reaches. No enemy could remain hidden in this barren landscape.
This was the domain of the wind. The snow from the storm had blown away - had blown up the slope and had been deposited in tremendous snow cornices on the south side of the ridge. Lonely trees dotted the landscape on the northern slope. They did not grow straight but rather bent toward the ground seeking shelter from the wind. Branches only grew on the south half of the trees to minimize the effect of the prevailing north wind. Their roots clung fiercely to the ground to keep from being uprooted.
Flindra took out the crystal orb once more and checked the direction she needed to continue. The crystal glowed when pointed in a northeast direction, roughly perpendicular to the axis of the Greyfell Mountains. She mounted and continued onward.
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Chapter Five, Reading 5-5
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.
Flindra slackened her hold on the reins to make it easier for Deru to carefully pick his way along the talus-choked path. The rocks protruding above the drifted snow were coated with an ice crust for this pass lay within the perpetual shadows cast by the towering cliffs. The horse struggled with the uneven and slippery footing and stumbled several times.
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.
Flindra slackened her hold on the reins to make it easier for Deru to carefully pick his way along the talus-choked path. The rocks protruding above the drifted snow were coated with an ice crust for this pass lay within the perpetual shadows cast by the towering cliffs. The horse struggled with the uneven and slippery footing and stumbled several times.
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Chapter Five, Reading 5-4
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.
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.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Chapter Five, Reading 5-3
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."
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."
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Chapter Five, Reading 5-2
When the fire had warmed her sufficiently, she took off her gloves and looked down at her hand and the eagle ring she had dreamt was named Rigga.
"Could it be true?" she thought to herself. The ring was a beautiful piece of jewelry but it didn't appear to be anything more than that. She shook her head at her reaction. All that had happened to her in the last few days told her she needed to hold fast to her faith. Why should she doubt her dream and the power of the ring?
Just as she had practiced in her dream, she closed her eyes and imagined herself suspended in purple. Slowly, the blackness behind her closed lids turned to a deep amethyst. She opened her eyes and continued to concentrate on holding the vision of the color. The power shield was clearly discernible, but unlike in her dream, the aura about herself was invisible.
She closed her eyes and continued to practice with the power shield. She wove the imaginary purple nimbus around herself into a tight, impenetrable shield. The shield would be stronger than the most durable steel and as unyielding as solid rock. Flindra knew the reality of her vision and felt the tangible power when she opened her eyes. A glance to the ring showed that Rigga glowed in violet intensity. The tarnish on the silver had disappeared, revealing the brightness of the metal.
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.
"Could it be true?" she thought to herself. The ring was a beautiful piece of jewelry but it didn't appear to be anything more than that. She shook her head at her reaction. All that had happened to her in the last few days told her she needed to hold fast to her faith. Why should she doubt her dream and the power of the ring?
Just as she had practiced in her dream, she closed her eyes and imagined herself suspended in purple. Slowly, the blackness behind her closed lids turned to a deep amethyst. She opened her eyes and continued to concentrate on holding the vision of the color. The power shield was clearly discernible, but unlike in her dream, the aura about herself was invisible.
She closed her eyes and continued to practice with the power shield. She wove the imaginary purple nimbus around herself into a tight, impenetrable shield. The shield would be stronger than the most durable steel and as unyielding as solid rock. Flindra knew the reality of her vision and felt the tangible power when she opened her eyes. A glance to the ring showed that Rigga glowed in violet intensity. The tarnish on the silver had disappeared, revealing the brightness of the metal.
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.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Chapter Five, Reading 5-1
Flindra slowly became aware of the cold. She woke up a little more and remembered where she was, and more importantly, she realized her fire was nearly out. She reached for some small twigs from her stockpile and placed them on the glowing embers. Hungry flames sprang up and started to devoir the twigs. Flindra added more sticks to the fire and forced herself to relax in the growing warmth for her muscles had gotten stiff in the icy cold of the cave.
Outside of the cave, the wind howled like some crazed beast as it whipped the snow in constantly changing directions. Flindra could tell by the diffused light that it was day outside, but it was impossible to determine what time of day it was. Not that it mattered for she couldn't leave the cave until the storm ended.
She got up and walked over to Deru. He was sleeping peacefully and appeared to be just fine. The empty feedbag was still over his nose. He awoke and his ears pricked up as she removed the feedbag. He nuzzled her hand to see if she had any edible morsels in her palm.
"That tickled," Flindra protested as she scratched beneath his forelock.
He pushed against her chest and was obviously trying to communicate.
"I bet you're thirsty," she answered. "I really should have thought of that before."
The rock in the back of the cave had several depressions, one of which would make a suitable basin. She poured some water into the depression. He immediately started to slurp up the water and emptied the basin several times, as Flindra refilled it. When he was finished, she gave him a pat and returned to her fire.
Flindra sat cross-legged on the ground before the fire and wrapped her sleeping furs about herself. She continued to feed the hungry flames while she remembered her dream. The crisp intensity of the memory of her night vision filled her with awe. She knew there wouldn't be anything there, but she couldn't keep her eyes from drifting to the spot across her fire where King Meldh had been seated in her dream. The ground was bare of all but her footprints, but she couldn't help but feeling as if she had truly been visited.
Outside of the cave, the wind howled like some crazed beast as it whipped the snow in constantly changing directions. Flindra could tell by the diffused light that it was day outside, but it was impossible to determine what time of day it was. Not that it mattered for she couldn't leave the cave until the storm ended.
She got up and walked over to Deru. He was sleeping peacefully and appeared to be just fine. The empty feedbag was still over his nose. He awoke and his ears pricked up as she removed the feedbag. He nuzzled her hand to see if she had any edible morsels in her palm.
"That tickled," Flindra protested as she scratched beneath his forelock.
He pushed against her chest and was obviously trying to communicate.
"I bet you're thirsty," she answered. "I really should have thought of that before."
The rock in the back of the cave had several depressions, one of which would make a suitable basin. She poured some water into the depression. He immediately started to slurp up the water and emptied the basin several times, as Flindra refilled it. When he was finished, she gave him a pat and returned to her fire.
Flindra sat cross-legged on the ground before the fire and wrapped her sleeping furs about herself. She continued to feed the hungry flames while she remembered her dream. The crisp intensity of the memory of her night vision filled her with awe. She knew there wouldn't be anything there, but she couldn't keep her eyes from drifting to the spot across her fire where King Meldh had been seated in her dream. The ground was bare of all but her footprints, but she couldn't help but feeling as if she had truly been visited.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Chapter Four, Reading 4-6
"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.
"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.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Chapter Four, Reading 4-5
"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."
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.
"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."
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.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Chapter Four, Reading 4-4
"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.
"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.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Chapter Four, Reading 4-3
"I think you will also find that few things inspire a man more than a noble and courageous woman can. No man will admit defeat when he watches a brave woman stand fast. You must fill your heart with courage and inspire others to do the same."
"I will do my best."
"I know you will. You will bring great honor to my name." King Meldh smiled proudly.
"Why didn't the Ansu destroy us all after they defeated you?" she asked in a puzzled voice. "Wouldn't that have been easier than hunting me down a millennium after they attacked?"
King Meldh shrugged his powerful shoulders. "I don't really know, Flindra. I suspect that it was just an economy of effort on their part. Many of my people, including my daughter Melenth, were hidden in caves, in deep stands of forest or in remote mountain valleys. It would have taken much time and effort to track them all down. After the Ansu defeated my army, they commenced a campaign of destruction and systematically obliterated all my cities and outposts. All the croplands were destroyed and in truth, much of the land was reduced to ashes. I presume the Ansu assumed they had destroyed enough that any survivors would simply starve."
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."
"I will do my best."
"I know you will. You will bring great honor to my name." King Meldh smiled proudly.
"Why didn't the Ansu destroy us all after they defeated you?" she asked in a puzzled voice. "Wouldn't that have been easier than hunting me down a millennium after they attacked?"
King Meldh shrugged his powerful shoulders. "I don't really know, Flindra. I suspect that it was just an economy of effort on their part. Many of my people, including my daughter Melenth, were hidden in caves, in deep stands of forest or in remote mountain valleys. It would have taken much time and effort to track them all down. After the Ansu defeated my army, they commenced a campaign of destruction and systematically obliterated all my cities and outposts. All the croplands were destroyed and in truth, much of the land was reduced to ashes. I presume the Ansu assumed they had destroyed enough that any survivors would simply starve."
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."
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Chapter Four, Reading 4-2
"What do I need to know?" Flindra asked with an air of patient discipline.
"You are being hunted by a mystical and terrifying enemy named the Ansu."
"The Ansu? I've never heard of them."
"The Ansu are the embodiment of an ageless and endless evil and are bent on destroying life and thus the goodness of the Spirit. You have knowledge of them buried deep within your memories for you carry my blood and know of them through me. My army and I fought them so I know them well." King Meldh shifted his gaze to focus on the fire and his face was touched with sorrow. "We weren't able to defeat these monsters." He paused for just a moment as if his memories were hurtful. Then he looked up and drilled her with an intense stare. "It is now up to you, Flindra, to rally the defenses of the world and bring about their end. We need to end the suffering they have cursed us with."
His eyes became softer and were touched with fatherly worry. "They are moving their agents into position to hunt you down, Flindra. There are things you must learn to protect yourself against them."
"Why do they want to kill me?"
"It is your destiny to lead the resistance against our ancient enemy."
"Me?" Flindra queried with a surprised frown.
"The Spirit chose you for this role a millennium ago."
"Why? I'm just a woman and no great and powerful warrior. Not like you," she added with a sense of awe.
"Champions come to us in many guises," he answered solemnly. "There are times you need to accept the wisdom of the Spirit without question and He clearly chose you and had reasons for His choice. However, I have a few ideas why you are the chosen champion. When I was defeated, my line passed into obscurity and others rose to power. Now it is time for you to stand forward to command the forces against the coming storm. If you were a man, you would have to challenge the existing order of the world to gain the leadership role. Power is rarely relinquished without a struggle and your ascendancy would result in inevitable bloodshed, which would weaken all. As a woman you can join with the existing power and strengthen all."
"I guess that makes sense."
"You are being hunted by a mystical and terrifying enemy named the Ansu."
"The Ansu? I've never heard of them."
"The Ansu are the embodiment of an ageless and endless evil and are bent on destroying life and thus the goodness of the Spirit. You have knowledge of them buried deep within your memories for you carry my blood and know of them through me. My army and I fought them so I know them well." King Meldh shifted his gaze to focus on the fire and his face was touched with sorrow. "We weren't able to defeat these monsters." He paused for just a moment as if his memories were hurtful. Then he looked up and drilled her with an intense stare. "It is now up to you, Flindra, to rally the defenses of the world and bring about their end. We need to end the suffering they have cursed us with."
His eyes became softer and were touched with fatherly worry. "They are moving their agents into position to hunt you down, Flindra. There are things you must learn to protect yourself against them."
"Why do they want to kill me?"
"It is your destiny to lead the resistance against our ancient enemy."
"Me?" Flindra queried with a surprised frown.
"The Spirit chose you for this role a millennium ago."
"Why? I'm just a woman and no great and powerful warrior. Not like you," she added with a sense of awe.
"Champions come to us in many guises," he answered solemnly. "There are times you need to accept the wisdom of the Spirit without question and He clearly chose you and had reasons for His choice. However, I have a few ideas why you are the chosen champion. When I was defeated, my line passed into obscurity and others rose to power. Now it is time for you to stand forward to command the forces against the coming storm. If you were a man, you would have to challenge the existing order of the world to gain the leadership role. Power is rarely relinquished without a struggle and your ascendancy would result in inevitable bloodshed, which would weaken all. As a woman you can join with the existing power and strengthen all."
"I guess that makes sense."
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Chapter Four, Reading 4-1
"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."
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."
Monday, April 16, 2007
Chapter Three, Reading # 37
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.
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.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Chapter Three, Reading # 36
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 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.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Chapter Three, Reading # 35
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.
Flindra knew that she had to find shelter and had to find it quickly. She took out the crystal sphere and checked it for direction. It still showed that she should continue north - straight up the mountain.
"All right, we will keep following this trail, but if I see anything more promising I'll go that way," she muttered to herself. She still didn't trust the orb entirely.
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.
Flindra knew that she had to find shelter and had to find it quickly. She took out the crystal sphere and checked it for direction. It still showed that she should continue north - straight up the mountain.
"All right, we will keep following this trail, but if I see anything more promising I'll go that way," she muttered to herself. She still didn't trust the orb entirely.
Friday, April 13, 2007
Chapter Three, Reading # 34
She opened her eyes and noticed the orb no longer glowed when directed north. Flindra guessed it would shine when pointed to the east since that was the direction to the pass over the Greyfell Mountains. Instead, it glowed when she rotated it to the west. She reined Deru in a westerly direction and urged him into a trot for he could keep up this gait for hours. She wanted to go faster but she couldn't run him into exhaustion. As frightened as she was she couldn't abandon good judgment in her hurry to escape.
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.
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.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Chapter Three, Reading # 33
Within the span of a few moments, Flindra had saddled Deru, tied her belongings behind the cantle and was on her way. She moved the crystal from side to side and noticed that it glowed faintly when pointed due north. The orb was glowing with an internal light and not, as before, with reflected starlight. Despite the darkness, Flindra galloped Deru in the direction indicated by the orb.
She had traveled for about a league when the entire ground trembled and groaned. Flindra was nearly unseated as Deru stumbled. The horse regained his footing and continued on at a dead run. He was just as frightened as his rider was.
Turning in her saddle, she looked back and saw that the entire area surrounding her camp was ablaze. The fire reflected in the sky creating the illusion of a second sunset. She muffled a scream in the back of her throat for an overwhelming horror overtook her as she fled. She wondered what power existed that could turn night into day. Flindra now looked at the crystal in her hand. It had turned blood red - she could sense feelings of outrage and anger emanating from the sphere.
The smoke from the fire finally overtook her and she gagged in its choking coils of dense vapors. The fumes possessed an odor that she couldn't immediately recognize. It almost smelled like scorched dirt but it was far more intense. Then she figured it out. The smoke carried the scent of life burning. It was a smell of burning hair and flesh and green things and damp soil. The body of the world had been assaulted.
A league farther on, the smoke finally dissipated and Flindra felt it was safe to pause and get her bearings. She slowed Deru to a trot and then to a stop. He strained at the bit and was eager to get away.
"Easy old friend," she cautioned in a soothing tone. "We need to find out where we are supposed to go. It won't do us much good if we run right into another trap."
First, she closed her eyes and bowed her head in reverence. "Thank You, Spirit, for keeping me safe. Somehow, I sense Kewero is Your agent tonight and You warned me through her. Thank You."
She had traveled for about a league when the entire ground trembled and groaned. Flindra was nearly unseated as Deru stumbled. The horse regained his footing and continued on at a dead run. He was just as frightened as his rider was.
Turning in her saddle, she looked back and saw that the entire area surrounding her camp was ablaze. The fire reflected in the sky creating the illusion of a second sunset. She muffled a scream in the back of her throat for an overwhelming horror overtook her as she fled. She wondered what power existed that could turn night into day. Flindra now looked at the crystal in her hand. It had turned blood red - she could sense feelings of outrage and anger emanating from the sphere.
The smoke from the fire finally overtook her and she gagged in its choking coils of dense vapors. The fumes possessed an odor that she couldn't immediately recognize. It almost smelled like scorched dirt but it was far more intense. Then she figured it out. The smoke carried the scent of life burning. It was a smell of burning hair and flesh and green things and damp soil. The body of the world had been assaulted.
A league farther on, the smoke finally dissipated and Flindra felt it was safe to pause and get her bearings. She slowed Deru to a trot and then to a stop. He strained at the bit and was eager to get away.
"Easy old friend," she cautioned in a soothing tone. "We need to find out where we are supposed to go. It won't do us much good if we run right into another trap."
First, she closed her eyes and bowed her head in reverence. "Thank You, Spirit, for keeping me safe. Somehow, I sense Kewero is Your agent tonight and You warned me through her. Thank You."
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Chapter Three, Reading # 32
After her austere dinner was eaten and the fire was only embers, Flindra spread her furs on the hard ground. She stretched out on her bed and wiggled, trying to find a spot where a rock wasn't digging into her back. She finally had to put her saddle blankets beneath her sleeping furs before the rocks no longer dug into her side.
Because her bed was so uncomfortable, she couldn't sleep right away. With her head pillowed on her saddle she looked up and gazed into the night sky. Tonight there was a new moon so the sky was bright with stars. She looked at the stars and picked out the familiar constellations. The Bear was still trying to catch the Horse as they raced through the stars. The Traveler always looked so burdened with his huge sack thrown over his shoulder. Flindra felt a certain degree of empathy for this stellar figure tonight. Her burden was more emotional but it still weighed her down.
She laughed aloud as she realized how silly it was to compare her situation to an imaginary figure in the sky. The laugh lightened her mood so she surrendered to her blankets and closed her eyes.
"Beloved Spirit," she whispered, "thank you for another day. Bless my sleep tonight and guide my steps tomorrow. Thank you."
She was drifting off to sleep when suddenly she became acutely aware of the crystal orb. It was in the bags that were still laced across the saddle. Flindra hadn't thought of the crystal since she had left home. Without thinking, she reached into her saddlebag and found the sphere. She immediately felt an intense vibration as she clutched the crystal in her hand. It was as if the orb was suddenly pulsating with life.
The night was dark, but the sphere reflected enough starlight to glow. Flindra felt the familiar pull of the orb and found herself looking into its depths. The vortex of colors radiated through her mind until it was nearly painful. The face of Kewero appeared after a flash of blinding white light.
"Make haste and leave your camp. There is great danger! Use the crystal to guide your way through the darkness." A sense of urgency accompanied the words into her mind.
Because her bed was so uncomfortable, she couldn't sleep right away. With her head pillowed on her saddle she looked up and gazed into the night sky. Tonight there was a new moon so the sky was bright with stars. She looked at the stars and picked out the familiar constellations. The Bear was still trying to catch the Horse as they raced through the stars. The Traveler always looked so burdened with his huge sack thrown over his shoulder. Flindra felt a certain degree of empathy for this stellar figure tonight. Her burden was more emotional but it still weighed her down.
She laughed aloud as she realized how silly it was to compare her situation to an imaginary figure in the sky. The laugh lightened her mood so she surrendered to her blankets and closed her eyes.
"Beloved Spirit," she whispered, "thank you for another day. Bless my sleep tonight and guide my steps tomorrow. Thank you."
She was drifting off to sleep when suddenly she became acutely aware of the crystal orb. It was in the bags that were still laced across the saddle. Flindra hadn't thought of the crystal since she had left home. Without thinking, she reached into her saddlebag and found the sphere. She immediately felt an intense vibration as she clutched the crystal in her hand. It was as if the orb was suddenly pulsating with life.
The night was dark, but the sphere reflected enough starlight to glow. Flindra felt the familiar pull of the orb and found herself looking into its depths. The vortex of colors radiated through her mind until it was nearly painful. The face of Kewero appeared after a flash of blinding white light.
"Make haste and leave your camp. There is great danger! Use the crystal to guide your way through the darkness." A sense of urgency accompanied the words into her mind.
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Queen Flindra's Prayer
Strength in Adversity!