Chapter VII, Reading 2

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

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

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

"There’s a lot to think about."

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

Flindra nodded.

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

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

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

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

"How?"

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

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

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

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

"It is."

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

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

Flindra sighed. "It is a big responsibility."

Chapter VI, Reading 3

Kewero smiled. "There will be time enough for you to understand and to master the knowledge you need to fight your enemies. There is no point in rushing your lessons."

"As you wish, Kewero." She smiled and realized her face was chapped from the cold and was slightly windburn.

"You may put your horse in there," Kewero said as she pointed toward an opening of a smaller cave. "When you are through, come back here and then I will see to your needs."

Flindra led Deru into the smaller cave. Her nose gave her evidence that this small cave had sheltered horses before. It was spotlessly clean, but there was a lingering scent of horses. It was a pleasant odor and reminded her of the barn back home. Fresh hay had already been placed in a recess in the wall. There was fresh water pooling around a spring in a natural basin towards the back of the cave. The overflow from the spring trickled down a crack and disappeared behind the cave wall. This kept the floor from becoming wet.

She slipped the bridle off so Deru could start eating the hay. Then she removed the saddle and placed the tack on a wooden rack several feet above the floor. She left her bow, quiver of arrows, hatchet, and bedroll under the rack. While the horse stood contentedly and ate, she brushed him to remove the sweat and dirt lingering in his coat. When she was through, she sighed and leaned against him.

"We made it, Deru," she whispered while she slipped her hand beneath his mane and patted his neck. "I feel like I've been traveling for an eternity. It seems so long ago that I left home."

Deru turned and looked at her. His mouth was full of hay, which he rubbed against her face as he tried to nuzzle her. Flindra couldn't help but laugh. He smelled her face and hair and then returned to his hay.

She gave him a parting pat and stood back. With another sigh - this one more tired than the first - she picked up her saddlebags and went out to Kewero.

"Are you warming up, my dear?" Kewero asked when she saw Flindra approach.

"My toes are still a bit cold, but I'll be fine."

"I suspect that you're being too stoic and aren't quite telling me the truth, Flindra. You still look cold, but I'll fix that. Follow me."

Kewero led her through a winding passage in the cave complex. As they walked, Flindra could sense the air around her was getting warmer. They finally stood before a pool of water. Steam was rising from the surface. She grinned happily for nothing could be better than a hot bath after being cold for so long.

"Take off your clothes and bathe. I will find you something clean to wear," Kewero said and left Flindra alone.

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.

Chapter VI, Reading 1

Flindra turned at the sound of the voice and saw an amazing looking woman smiling at her. She immediately recognized the woman as being Kewero - the face from the crystal sphere. Her face appeared softer and friendlier than it had in the crystal. She exhibited all the evidence of advanced age, but she also had an air of timelessness about her that was more noticeable than her age. She gave the impression that she was part of and as ageless as the world.

Kewero was a small women, at least a head shorter than Flindra. Her features were delicate and Flindra could still see evidence that she'd been beautiful in her youth. Age had added a thickening around her middle so she seemed very grandmotherly in appearance.

Her clothes were simple and devoid of decoration. Cloak, dress, and boots were all the color of freshly tilled soil. The hood of her cloak hid most of her hair. What did show was silvery-gray. There was amusement in her blue eyes and she seemed pleased to see Flindra studying her so carefully.

Flindra realized that she had been staring and blushed in embarrassment. "I am honored, Venerable One," she said as she bowed her head.

"Oh my, that is much too formal," she replied through a smile. "Please call me Kewero. My name holds all the respect I need."

"As you wish, Kewero."

"That's much better."

Kewero squinted as she looked at Flindra. "I see you are shielded. How did you discover how to use Rigga?"

"The image of King Meldh came to me in a dream after I was attacked by the An..."

"Do not speak that name out loud," she commanded emphatically as she interrupted Flindra with a raised hand. "They are capable of homing in on the speaker and causing great mischief. Names have great power so never speak the name of our enemy."

"Forgive me, Kewero," Flindra replied shyly. "I didn't know."

The stern aspect of the teacher yielded and the old woman smiled. "Forgive me for sounding so stern, child, but you were endangering yourself. You have much to learn but you must rest first. Come with me." As Kewero spoke she moved next to Deru and took hold of the reins below the bit.

She led them deeper into the valley. The walls of the valley became higher as they continued. Flindra finally had a break from the wind.

"Is it always windy here?" she ventured to ask.

"Most of the time. Around midsummer, things can be pleasant. The growing season is short in this region so everything has to blossom in the few short weeks it is possible. It is beautiful while it lasts."

"How long have you lived here?"

Kewero laughed. "Too long, yet not long enough," she answered enigmatically. "Don't worry, little one," she added in response to Flindra's obvious confusion. "You'll have an answer to all your questions in time. Now is not the best time nor place to get too specific about things."

Flindra nodded her head in understanding. "I will hold my questions."

"Commit them to memory, little one, and ask them later. My sole purpose in this life is to be your teacher."

"I'll remember."