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.
Showing posts with label adventure fantasy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label adventure fantasy. Show all posts
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
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.
"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.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Chapter XIV, Reading 4
Dawn found Flindra creeping stealthily through the dense grass of the swamp south of Ladh. The grass was taller than she was so Flindra had a hard time seeing what was ahead. This swamp grass was like nothing she had ever encountered. It was as sharp as a knife along the edges, which made for difficult travel. The ground beneath the grass was soggy with stagnant water and the area reeked of rotting vegetation.
Flindra had examined the area with her crystal orb before she had left her cot this morning. She knew that before them, a mile into the swamp, was a higher area that was free of the swampy waters. Along this ridge, the swamp grass gave way to a dense growth of briar bushes and small trees. The higher area might provide a place to quarter troops. What she couldn't understand was why anyone would want to hide troops in this awful place.
Sergeant Leitho was following a few paces behind her. She could hear the sucking sound that came whenever he pulled a foot out of the muck. Lieutenant Kalmyk generally assigned him to accompany her whenever she was sent ahead to scout. She suspected it was his way of providing an element of protection for her.
Flindra saw several birds take to flight and instinctively dropped to the ground. She heard Leitho doing the same. As she lay in the mud, he slowly crawled up to her.
"See anything?" he whispered.
"Birds," Flindra replied in a whisper and pointed to the area where the birds had left.
They lay still for several more minutes and heard nothing more. Flindra was about to get up when she felt a warning pulse from the crystal orb, which was tucked beneath her tunic. This was a new occurrence for her. The only time she had experienced anything remotely similar was the time she had triggered the Ansu trap when she was seeking Kewero.
Flindra had examined the area with her crystal orb before she had left her cot this morning. She knew that before them, a mile into the swamp, was a higher area that was free of the swampy waters. Along this ridge, the swamp grass gave way to a dense growth of briar bushes and small trees. The higher area might provide a place to quarter troops. What she couldn't understand was why anyone would want to hide troops in this awful place.
Sergeant Leitho was following a few paces behind her. She could hear the sucking sound that came whenever he pulled a foot out of the muck. Lieutenant Kalmyk generally assigned him to accompany her whenever she was sent ahead to scout. She suspected it was his way of providing an element of protection for her.
Flindra saw several birds take to flight and instinctively dropped to the ground. She heard Leitho doing the same. As she lay in the mud, he slowly crawled up to her.
"See anything?" he whispered.
"Birds," Flindra replied in a whisper and pointed to the area where the birds had left.
They lay still for several more minutes and heard nothing more. Flindra was about to get up when she felt a warning pulse from the crystal orb, which was tucked beneath her tunic. This was a new occurrence for her. The only time she had experienced anything remotely similar was the time she had triggered the Ansu trap when she was seeking Kewero.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Chapter XIV, Reading 3
Flindra had learned that she could see the land ahead by projecting her mind through the crystal. In her mind, she familiarized herself to the surroundings. She could discover things without risking her safety or that of her comrades.
The ability of the crystal sphere was greatly augmented by her extended memories. The memories gave her valuable clues to the land and to the nature of the enemies they sought. The wisdom of those who had passed before her added greatly to her innate skills.
These tools and abilities Flindra kept secret for she remembered Kewero's warning that she should not reveal her true identity. Only in the deepest recesses of her heart did she admit to their existence. Flindra trained her thoughts to react to situations as if she was only a simple maid who just happened to be one with the forest. She created the image of a skilled woodsman's daughter - nothing more.
Lieutenant Kalmyk and his Rangers had been ordered to penetrate deep into Bhrag's territory to gather information on the movement and strength of the Duke's troops. There had been increasingly frequent rumors hinting that the Duke was massing his troops and the High Command wanted details. None of the scouting parties sent out to confirm this information had returned.
The High Command had decided that Kalmyk's collection of Rangers stood the best chance of getting the required information and surviving to pass it on. They were depending on the skill and wisdom Kalmyk had demonstrated so well during the spring and early summer. It was a dangerous assignment.
Kalmyk was under orders to capture and detain any of Bhrag's people they encountered during this action. The captives would be questioned and holding them would prevent the flow of information back to the Duke.
The ability of the crystal sphere was greatly augmented by her extended memories. The memories gave her valuable clues to the land and to the nature of the enemies they sought. The wisdom of those who had passed before her added greatly to her innate skills.
These tools and abilities Flindra kept secret for she remembered Kewero's warning that she should not reveal her true identity. Only in the deepest recesses of her heart did she admit to their existence. Flindra trained her thoughts to react to situations as if she was only a simple maid who just happened to be one with the forest. She created the image of a skilled woodsman's daughter - nothing more.
Lieutenant Kalmyk and his Rangers had been ordered to penetrate deep into Bhrag's territory to gather information on the movement and strength of the Duke's troops. There had been increasingly frequent rumors hinting that the Duke was massing his troops and the High Command wanted details. None of the scouting parties sent out to confirm this information had returned.
The High Command had decided that Kalmyk's collection of Rangers stood the best chance of getting the required information and surviving to pass it on. They were depending on the skill and wisdom Kalmyk had demonstrated so well during the spring and early summer. It was a dangerous assignment.
Kalmyk was under orders to capture and detain any of Bhrag's people they encountered during this action. The captives would be questioned and holding them would prevent the flow of information back to the Duke.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Chapter XIII, Reading 9
"Well, that explains her ability. The people of the forest, at least in these parts, excel in woodcraft - tracking and hunting. I'd wager she is pretty good with the bow that was hanging from her saddle."
Kalmyk shook his head. "Is it normal practice for these skills to be taught to girls? I would guess that household chores would be their proper domain."
"I don't know. It might be that Flindra's an only child. If that's the case, I could understand her growing up rather like a boy."
Kalmyk refilled their goblets with wine before he continued. "I don't know. There is something about her that puzzles me. There's a quiet strength about her and she's very confident for a rustic. She didn't hesitate at all to look me in the eyes."
"You might be confusing her sorrow for strength, Kalmyk. Did you see the pain flash through her eyes when she talked about her parents?"
"I did. You could be right, Leitho, but I don't know. I've a gut feeling that there's more to her than meets the eye. Too bad she's not a lad. I could use someone of her skills. We still need to replace our last scout."
"What's the problem with her being a girl? She could be our scout and not be in much danger."
"I don't know. I just feel it isn't right to have a young and pretty maid riding with a bunch of hardened soldiers."
"I don't think you have much to worry about there. They're already treating her like some long lost sister. Did you notice that Gwher is guarding her tent like some old wolfhound? I would hate to be the man to try to cross him. She'll be safe enough with us, safer than with her family. They didn't stand a chance against Bhrag's renegades."
"Speaking of which, did you notice the way Bassus stared at her. If looks could kill I'm afraid Flindra would only be a memory," Kalmyk noted.
"He thought his hole-in-the-wall was safe from discovery. She punctured his delusion without much problem."
"She did at that." Kalmyk smiled and rubbed his chin. "Do you think she would consider staying and becoming our scout?"
"It couldn't hurt to ask. She might consider it better than begging food and lodging from some distant relative in Deodar. She's proud and I don't think the prospect of begging suits her. I wouldn't care much for it, myself, if I were in her position."
"Possibly." Kalmyk leaned back in his chair and took a sip of wine. "I guess I'll ask her in the morning. In the worst case she'll say no."
"I think she will probably say yes. At least I hope so. I'm getting tired of spending days crisscrossing the forest looking for signs of the renegades. A skilled tracker is a must with this kind of duty and the High Command hasn't seen fit to replace our last scout."
Lieutenant Kalmyk smiled. "Well, if the High Command won't give us another scout we will just have to find our own."
"I can't argue with that."
Kalmyk shook his head. "Is it normal practice for these skills to be taught to girls? I would guess that household chores would be their proper domain."
"I don't know. It might be that Flindra's an only child. If that's the case, I could understand her growing up rather like a boy."
Kalmyk refilled their goblets with wine before he continued. "I don't know. There is something about her that puzzles me. There's a quiet strength about her and she's very confident for a rustic. She didn't hesitate at all to look me in the eyes."
"You might be confusing her sorrow for strength, Kalmyk. Did you see the pain flash through her eyes when she talked about her parents?"
"I did. You could be right, Leitho, but I don't know. I've a gut feeling that there's more to her than meets the eye. Too bad she's not a lad. I could use someone of her skills. We still need to replace our last scout."
"What's the problem with her being a girl? She could be our scout and not be in much danger."
"I don't know. I just feel it isn't right to have a young and pretty maid riding with a bunch of hardened soldiers."
"I don't think you have much to worry about there. They're already treating her like some long lost sister. Did you notice that Gwher is guarding her tent like some old wolfhound? I would hate to be the man to try to cross him. She'll be safe enough with us, safer than with her family. They didn't stand a chance against Bhrag's renegades."
"Speaking of which, did you notice the way Bassus stared at her. If looks could kill I'm afraid Flindra would only be a memory," Kalmyk noted.
"He thought his hole-in-the-wall was safe from discovery. She punctured his delusion without much problem."
"She did at that." Kalmyk smiled and rubbed his chin. "Do you think she would consider staying and becoming our scout?"
"It couldn't hurt to ask. She might consider it better than begging food and lodging from some distant relative in Deodar. She's proud and I don't think the prospect of begging suits her. I wouldn't care much for it, myself, if I were in her position."
"Possibly." Kalmyk leaned back in his chair and took a sip of wine. "I guess I'll ask her in the morning. In the worst case she'll say no."
"I think she will probably say yes. At least I hope so. I'm getting tired of spending days crisscrossing the forest looking for signs of the renegades. A skilled tracker is a must with this kind of duty and the High Command hasn't seen fit to replace our last scout."
Lieutenant Kalmyk smiled. "Well, if the High Command won't give us another scout we will just have to find our own."
"I can't argue with that."
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Chapter XIII, Reading 8
Flindra was more or less ignored as darkness descended. Finally, a trooper approached and told her to go into the tent where her things were. She would sleep there. Flindra walked to the tent, entered, and tied the flap closed. She heard the soft jingling a mail shirt just outside the entrance - a guard had been posted. Flindra didn't quite know if the man was there for her protection or to keep her from leaving or a combination of both.
Not that it mattered much. Flindra had no intention of leaving. This situation might prove to be an opportunity to begin her task of helping Prince Storos. She would just have to watch and wait and be ready to seize any opportunity that was presented to her.
Flindra snuggled deep in her blankets and started to imagine what Prince Storos would be like. Kewero didn't know much about the personal details of the Prince, such as the quality of his personality. Flindra was impressed by the caliber of these Rangers and felt it was a good indication of the Prince's nature. Quality had a tendency to draw quality. She fell asleep trying to imagine what it was going to be like to meet him.
She was innocent of the fact that even as she was drifting off to sleep she was the object of discussion in the lieutenant's quarters. In the privacy of his tent, the lieutenant talked to Sergeant Leitho. They were friends and it was obvious the lieutenant respected the opinions of his sergeant.
"So Leitho, what to you think of this girl, Flindra?" he asked.
He swallowed a sip of his wine before he answered. "She's pretty quiet. I think it's obvious she has seen some hardship during her years. She showed a certain amount of weariness in the way she held her shoulders. Why do you ask, Kalmyk?"
"I was impressed with her abilities today. Did you notice her skill in the forest? I've seen expert trackers enough to recognize the fact that she is good, really good. We could have wandered around for days and never stumbled onto that cave. And she was right on the mark about that lame horse."
"I noticed that, too. But didn't she say that she's a woodsman's daughter?"
"Yes, I believe she did."
Not that it mattered much. Flindra had no intention of leaving. This situation might prove to be an opportunity to begin her task of helping Prince Storos. She would just have to watch and wait and be ready to seize any opportunity that was presented to her.
Flindra snuggled deep in her blankets and started to imagine what Prince Storos would be like. Kewero didn't know much about the personal details of the Prince, such as the quality of his personality. Flindra was impressed by the caliber of these Rangers and felt it was a good indication of the Prince's nature. Quality had a tendency to draw quality. She fell asleep trying to imagine what it was going to be like to meet him.
* * *
She was innocent of the fact that even as she was drifting off to sleep she was the object of discussion in the lieutenant's quarters. In the privacy of his tent, the lieutenant talked to Sergeant Leitho. They were friends and it was obvious the lieutenant respected the opinions of his sergeant.
"So Leitho, what to you think of this girl, Flindra?" he asked.
He swallowed a sip of his wine before he answered. "She's pretty quiet. I think it's obvious she has seen some hardship during her years. She showed a certain amount of weariness in the way she held her shoulders. Why do you ask, Kalmyk?"
"I was impressed with her abilities today. Did you notice her skill in the forest? I've seen expert trackers enough to recognize the fact that she is good, really good. We could have wandered around for days and never stumbled onto that cave. And she was right on the mark about that lame horse."
"I noticed that, too. But didn't she say that she's a woodsman's daughter?"
"Yes, I believe she did."
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Chapter XIII, Reading 3
All the Rangers were heavily armed. She could see they all carried heavy broadswords beneath their green cloaks. Most had a bow and a quiver of arrows hanging over the pommels of their saddles as well. The men were wearing chain mail under their surcoats. Their helmets were conical in shape, with a section of steel extending down from the cone to cover the ears and the back of the neck.
The leader of the troop was a large man with the insignia of a lieutenant on the breast of his green surcoat. He had that stern look around the eyes that comes from being a veteran soldier. This man was used to being obeyed. His helmet hid his hair but Flindra noticed his brown mustache and guessed his hair would be much the same color. His eyes were brown and the wrinkles around them indicated he squinted often.
To his left rode a sergeant. He was as tall as the lieutenant but was leaner in build. He was clean-shaven, which gave him a very youthful appearance. His blue eyes looked grim today, but Flindra guessed they could sparkle with laughter in the right situation.
The lieutenant addressed her gruffly. "You lad, what is your name?"
"My name is Flindra, sir."
There were a few chuckles among the men.
"A maid's name. What's a lad doing with a maid's name? Couldn't your mother tell the difference?"
The chuckles turned into raucous laughter.
Without answering, Flindra drew back her hood exposing her long auburn braids. She shook her head slightly to make sure that her hair was seen. All the while she had been looking directly into the lieutenant's eyes.
"Well, I see you are indeed a maid. I guess your mother could tell the difference after all." There was a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Now tell me, what are you doing here?"
"I'm on my way to Deodar," Flindra answered truthfully.
"And what do you intend to do there?"
"I have family in Deodar, sir. I'm going there to find them."
"Do your parents know you are traveling alone?" The lieutenant had concluded that Flindra was a runaway. Probably running away from an unwanted arranged marriage.
"My parents were murdered," Flindra said softly with a catch in her voice. "What family I have left is in Deodar."
The leader of the troop was a large man with the insignia of a lieutenant on the breast of his green surcoat. He had that stern look around the eyes that comes from being a veteran soldier. This man was used to being obeyed. His helmet hid his hair but Flindra noticed his brown mustache and guessed his hair would be much the same color. His eyes were brown and the wrinkles around them indicated he squinted often.
To his left rode a sergeant. He was as tall as the lieutenant but was leaner in build. He was clean-shaven, which gave him a very youthful appearance. His blue eyes looked grim today, but Flindra guessed they could sparkle with laughter in the right situation.
The lieutenant addressed her gruffly. "You lad, what is your name?"
"My name is Flindra, sir."
There were a few chuckles among the men.
"A maid's name. What's a lad doing with a maid's name? Couldn't your mother tell the difference?"
The chuckles turned into raucous laughter.
Without answering, Flindra drew back her hood exposing her long auburn braids. She shook her head slightly to make sure that her hair was seen. All the while she had been looking directly into the lieutenant's eyes.
"Well, I see you are indeed a maid. I guess your mother could tell the difference after all." There was a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Now tell me, what are you doing here?"
"I'm on my way to Deodar," Flindra answered truthfully.
"And what do you intend to do there?"
"I have family in Deodar, sir. I'm going there to find them."
"Do your parents know you are traveling alone?" The lieutenant had concluded that Flindra was a runaway. Probably running away from an unwanted arranged marriage.
"My parents were murdered," Flindra said softly with a catch in her voice. "What family I have left is in Deodar."
Monday, December 22, 2008
Chapter XII, Reading 8
Kewero looked pensive. "I guess the only thing left to tell you, little one, is to be careful."
Flindra sighed again. "Kewero, will I ever see you again? Will you ever leave these caverns? I would welcome you as my adviser and friend when I am Queen."
"I am honored at the invitation, Flindra. After we have succeeded in defeating our enemy, I'll finally be free to return to the world. I would enjoy serving you, my Princess. Until then, I think I will serve you best by staying here, communing with the Spirit, and searching for any additional knowledge, which may help our fight. Think of me as a resource much like a library. If you need to research something, I'll be able to do it for you."
Kewero grasped Flindra by the shoulders. "You have the power to contact me with your orb so we won't be totally separated."
"It's not the same." Flindra was crying now.
"I know, but we all must accomplish our assigned tasks in life. Don't shrink from yours."
Although there were tears in her own eyes, she brushed the wetness from Flindra's cheeks with a gentle touch.
"I love you, Kewero," Flindra said as she pulled the old woman into an embrace.
"I love you too, Princess Flindra. King Meldh and Queen Kwenth would be proud of you. The nobility of their line has continued to you. Do them honor by facing your fate with courage."
"I will do my best," she promised. She took a deep breath and took a step back. "I guess it's best to leave now before my resolve weakens."
"I think so, Flindra. Know that I am proud of your courage, my Princess." She kissed Flindra's noble brow. "I'm always at your service, Your Highness. Never feel afraid to call upon me."
"I promise I'll ask for your help when I need it."
"I think it's time to go out to the yurt. Daylight is still short this time of year. Let's not waste it with prolonged good-byes."
Flindra nodded in agreement. "There's no need for you to go out with me. I've been practicing with the doorway."
"I know child. I'm proud of your skill. I just want to be with you for as long as I can. Indulge me."
"I'd be proud to."
"I'm not going to say good-bye for we will be in communication through the crystals. Have a good and safe journey, Princess Flindra. Trust the words of your heart."
"All right. I look forward to the day when we have defeated the Ansu and you can come to me to be my advisor. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with me. I love you." Flindra shook her head. "The words sound so hollow. They don't even come close to matching how I feel."
"I understand. Thanks aren't necessary. I just want to say that I have been honored to be your teacher. I wish you well, Princess Flindra. Take care of yourself. Never let your guard down and let Rigga protect you."
The women briefly hugged each other in silence and then Flindra mounted Deru. Kewero took hold of his reins and led them through the shimmering zone to the yurt. She unlashed the fastenings of the door and then turned to her surrogate daughter. Kewero held up her hand in parting. "Good journey, little one. May the Spirit guide your days and guard your nights."
Flindra bit her lip to keep from crying. "Be well, Kewero, and may the Spirit bless you." She bowed her head in respect and then rode out of the yurt and into the bite of the northwind.
Flindra sighed again. "Kewero, will I ever see you again? Will you ever leave these caverns? I would welcome you as my adviser and friend when I am Queen."
"I am honored at the invitation, Flindra. After we have succeeded in defeating our enemy, I'll finally be free to return to the world. I would enjoy serving you, my Princess. Until then, I think I will serve you best by staying here, communing with the Spirit, and searching for any additional knowledge, which may help our fight. Think of me as a resource much like a library. If you need to research something, I'll be able to do it for you."
Kewero grasped Flindra by the shoulders. "You have the power to contact me with your orb so we won't be totally separated."
"It's not the same." Flindra was crying now.
"I know, but we all must accomplish our assigned tasks in life. Don't shrink from yours."
Although there were tears in her own eyes, she brushed the wetness from Flindra's cheeks with a gentle touch.
"I love you, Kewero," Flindra said as she pulled the old woman into an embrace.
"I love you too, Princess Flindra. King Meldh and Queen Kwenth would be proud of you. The nobility of their line has continued to you. Do them honor by facing your fate with courage."
"I will do my best," she promised. She took a deep breath and took a step back. "I guess it's best to leave now before my resolve weakens."
"I think so, Flindra. Know that I am proud of your courage, my Princess." She kissed Flindra's noble brow. "I'm always at your service, Your Highness. Never feel afraid to call upon me."
"I promise I'll ask for your help when I need it."
"I think it's time to go out to the yurt. Daylight is still short this time of year. Let's not waste it with prolonged good-byes."
Flindra nodded in agreement. "There's no need for you to go out with me. I've been practicing with the doorway."
"I know child. I'm proud of your skill. I just want to be with you for as long as I can. Indulge me."
"I'd be proud to."
"I'm not going to say good-bye for we will be in communication through the crystals. Have a good and safe journey, Princess Flindra. Trust the words of your heart."
"All right. I look forward to the day when we have defeated the Ansu and you can come to me to be my advisor. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with me. I love you." Flindra shook her head. "The words sound so hollow. They don't even come close to matching how I feel."
"I understand. Thanks aren't necessary. I just want to say that I have been honored to be your teacher. I wish you well, Princess Flindra. Take care of yourself. Never let your guard down and let Rigga protect you."
The women briefly hugged each other in silence and then Flindra mounted Deru. Kewero took hold of his reins and led them through the shimmering zone to the yurt. She unlashed the fastenings of the door and then turned to her surrogate daughter. Kewero held up her hand in parting. "Good journey, little one. May the Spirit guide your days and guard your nights."
Flindra bit her lip to keep from crying. "Be well, Kewero, and may the Spirit bless you." She bowed her head in respect and then rode out of the yurt and into the bite of the northwind.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Chapter VII, Reading 11
"They were fine people, Flindra. You can be honestly proud of them. The two generations immediately preceding your birth were the victims of increasing Ansu hostility. I think the Ansu knew the time when the champion was to be born was approaching. I had to place your grandfather, your mother, and you in the care of others to fool their agents.
"Your grandfather grew up with a merchant family in Kazat. He knew the sea as you know the forest. His name was Kergar and he was brave and honorable. When he reached manhood, we decided that he needed to disappear and start a life somewhere else. He wanted to do this since he knew the Ansu would seek him and leave his foster parents alone. I connected him with a merchant in Wesperos. He eventually married the merchant's daughter, Anthela. She was rather plain but she had a joyful personality and a quick mind.
"They gave your mother to me shortly after Andha was born. I placed her in the care of a noble family in Ostar. They were childless and welcomed a baby into their home. Shortly after I placed her with them, the Baron's brother was killed, leaving an orphan son to take care of. He retrieved his nephew and the boy was raised with Andha. It was very natural that the two fell in love as they grew into adulthood.
"Your father was a brave and gallant gentleman. His name was Bherek, which means to shine. He was handsome and intelligent and he loved your mother more than life. Before they married, I told them both of her true heritage. Andha was old enough to know of her responsibilities. Bherek needed to know, since he would be in danger if he married her. There was no hesitation in his voice when he declared that no threat could turn his heart away from Andha.
"Bherek was the heir to his uncle's estates. It was not possible for him to disappear and begin a new life elsewhere. He and Andha could only hope that the assassins in league with the Ansu would not find them. They married and were boundlessly happy for several years. Then the attacks started. The assassins had discovered Andha and they tried repeatedly to destroy her and your father.
"Your grandfather grew up with a merchant family in Kazat. He knew the sea as you know the forest. His name was Kergar and he was brave and honorable. When he reached manhood, we decided that he needed to disappear and start a life somewhere else. He wanted to do this since he knew the Ansu would seek him and leave his foster parents alone. I connected him with a merchant in Wesperos. He eventually married the merchant's daughter, Anthela. She was rather plain but she had a joyful personality and a quick mind.
"They gave your mother to me shortly after Andha was born. I placed her in the care of a noble family in Ostar. They were childless and welcomed a baby into their home. Shortly after I placed her with them, the Baron's brother was killed, leaving an orphan son to take care of. He retrieved his nephew and the boy was raised with Andha. It was very natural that the two fell in love as they grew into adulthood.
"Your father was a brave and gallant gentleman. His name was Bherek, which means to shine. He was handsome and intelligent and he loved your mother more than life. Before they married, I told them both of her true heritage. Andha was old enough to know of her responsibilities. Bherek needed to know, since he would be in danger if he married her. There was no hesitation in his voice when he declared that no threat could turn his heart away from Andha.
"Bherek was the heir to his uncle's estates. It was not possible for him to disappear and begin a new life elsewhere. He and Andha could only hope that the assassins in league with the Ansu would not find them. They married and were boundlessly happy for several years. Then the attacks started. The assassins had discovered Andha and they tried repeatedly to destroy her and your father.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Chapter VII, Reading 10
Kewero sighed quietly and suddenly looked very old and very, very tired. "Flindra, I wouldn’t be honest with you if I didn't confess that question has haunted me from time to time. History records the greatness of King Meldh, but the words cannot match the man. The King was one of the best human beings this race has ever produced. Queen Kwenth was very much his equal in goodness and wisdom. I loved these two people with all my heart and soul. Gladly, I would have died for them. I, too, have felt moments of burning anger at the loss of this pair."
She closed her eyes for a moment. When she finally continued her voice was low. "With the passage of time I've come to understand things a little better. Although King Meldh was a great and good king, his presence in our world wasn't enough. The allies he needed to fight the Ansu abandoned him and betrayed him to the Enemy. As creatures of free will these men and women had a choice and they acted against the King and against the Spirit."
"Oh. Will it be different this time?"
"The Spirit has worked relentlessly since then to assemble a force of willing helpers for you, Princess Flindra. I want you to also recognize that King Meldh lives through you. He is with you through your memories. I think you will also find that King Meldh is present in a more real way."
"How so?" Flindra asked.
Kewero shook her head. "I don't really understand it, but I think the Spirit has allowed him to maintain a presence in the world. I feel his essence, his spirit, on all the relics he has left for you."
Flindra's eyes were wide with wonder. "Oh," she murmured quietly.
"Any more questions?"
"When King Meldh came to me in my dream and showed me how to use Rigga, he said my mother and father were murdered by the agents of the Ansu. Could you tell me their story?"
"I'm sorry they had to die," Kewero said with feeling and understanding. "I wish you could have known them."
There was a film of tears in Flindra's eyes. "I wish I could have, too."
She closed her eyes for a moment. When she finally continued her voice was low. "With the passage of time I've come to understand things a little better. Although King Meldh was a great and good king, his presence in our world wasn't enough. The allies he needed to fight the Ansu abandoned him and betrayed him to the Enemy. As creatures of free will these men and women had a choice and they acted against the King and against the Spirit."
"Oh. Will it be different this time?"
"The Spirit has worked relentlessly since then to assemble a force of willing helpers for you, Princess Flindra. I want you to also recognize that King Meldh lives through you. He is with you through your memories. I think you will also find that King Meldh is present in a more real way."
"How so?" Flindra asked.
Kewero shook her head. "I don't really understand it, but I think the Spirit has allowed him to maintain a presence in the world. I feel his essence, his spirit, on all the relics he has left for you."
Flindra's eyes were wide with wonder. "Oh," she murmured quietly.
"Any more questions?"
"When King Meldh came to me in my dream and showed me how to use Rigga, he said my mother and father were murdered by the agents of the Ansu. Could you tell me their story?"
"I'm sorry they had to die," Kewero said with feeling and understanding. "I wish you could have known them."
There was a film of tears in Flindra's eyes. "I wish I could have, too."
Friday, August 8, 2008
Chapter VII, Reading 9
"When I finally returned to the world I knelt and wept, for all around me was destruction. The lush green of life had been supplanted by the dismal brown of naked soil and barren rock. I traveled for days through this wasteland until I came to the place, which had once been the proud estates and castle of King Meldh.
"The devastation was indescribable. Before me stretched a burned area which was roughly circular in shape and many leagues in diameter. Whatever it was that had caused the area to ignite had incinerated the soil, leaving only the bare rock beneath. The rock itself had been baked in the intense heat to the point that metamorphism of the minerals had begun. As I looked around in shock, I knew that what I looked upon was evidence of the power of one Kwetwer and I knew I still had much to learn before I could direct my future champion to stand fast against all of them.
"I then searched for Princess Melenth. She was alive with her foster family in an area of forest ignored by the Ansu. It was an island of life in a world laid waste.
"Since that time I have carried out Queen Kwenth's instructions to protect her line. For some reason, in any generation only one child has been born. I was thankful that this was the case, for I could then focus my attention on this lone child. I have hidden your forebears among simple people, noble families, merchants, and artisans. This left a tangled skein for the Ansu to unravel. Sometimes I had to separate parents and child as I did with you. I did this to minimize the risk from the Ansu when their agents had discovered the family. More often, I just arranged marriages to different and distant people.
"When I haven't been seeing to the safety of your ancestors, I have been trying to learn as much as possible in hopes of giving you the necessary knowledge to defeat the Ansu. The purpose of my existence is to be your teacher and mentor. Does that answer some of your questions as to who I am?"
"It does."
Flindra looked down and stared at the floor of the cavern for a moment. When she looked up there was unmistakable anger on her features. "Why couldn't the Spirit have helped King Meldh?" she demanded. "Why couldn't he have destroyed the Ansu then? History says he was a great and good king. Why did he have to die?"
"The devastation was indescribable. Before me stretched a burned area which was roughly circular in shape and many leagues in diameter. Whatever it was that had caused the area to ignite had incinerated the soil, leaving only the bare rock beneath. The rock itself had been baked in the intense heat to the point that metamorphism of the minerals had begun. As I looked around in shock, I knew that what I looked upon was evidence of the power of one Kwetwer and I knew I still had much to learn before I could direct my future champion to stand fast against all of them.
"I then searched for Princess Melenth. She was alive with her foster family in an area of forest ignored by the Ansu. It was an island of life in a world laid waste.
"Since that time I have carried out Queen Kwenth's instructions to protect her line. For some reason, in any generation only one child has been born. I was thankful that this was the case, for I could then focus my attention on this lone child. I have hidden your forebears among simple people, noble families, merchants, and artisans. This left a tangled skein for the Ansu to unravel. Sometimes I had to separate parents and child as I did with you. I did this to minimize the risk from the Ansu when their agents had discovered the family. More often, I just arranged marriages to different and distant people.
"When I haven't been seeing to the safety of your ancestors, I have been trying to learn as much as possible in hopes of giving you the necessary knowledge to defeat the Ansu. The purpose of my existence is to be your teacher and mentor. Does that answer some of your questions as to who I am?"
"It does."
Flindra looked down and stared at the floor of the cavern for a moment. When she looked up there was unmistakable anger on her features. "Why couldn't the Spirit have helped King Meldh?" she demanded. "Why couldn't he have destroyed the Ansu then? History says he was a great and good king. Why did he have to die?"
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Chapter VII, Reading 8
Kewero smiled briefly before she returned to her story. "Before I left on my quest, the King and Queen both selected a gift which I was supposed to give to you when you came of age. Look at the golden comb you are wearing."
Flindra slipped the golden swan from her hair and looked first at it and then at Kewero.
"The Queen wished for you to remember her and all the women who came before her. Queen Kwenth's mother gave her this comb, and her mother, in turn, received it from hers. It is her gift to the child of her line. She reaches across time to give a mother's gift to a daughter."
Tears welled up in Flindra's eyes and she fingered the comb gently, almost caressing the graceful swan. "I am honored to have it and I will remember her always."
"That will please her memory."
"I'm honored that she thought of me."
"The King also gave you a gift which had been in his family's possession for generations, in truth from the beginning of his dynasty. His gift was Rigga."
Flindra looked down at the amethyst ring on her finger. "He told me in my dream that Rigga was his gift. How old is it?"
"Rigga is actually older than the line of King Meldh and dates from the time of the Ancients. It has been infused with their magic and powers."
"Oh."
"His Majesty also gave me the hereditary symbols of the King: the crown; the scepter; and a neck chain made from interlocking links of white and yellow gold. He told me I was responsible for their safe keeping for I needed to keep them for the future king of our world. I will give them to you, Flindra, when you leave. You will have to give them to your King when he claims you. He will have need of them."
"I will see that he gets them."
"Upon the conclusion of my meeting with the King and Queen, I immediately set out to search for the knowledge which would help our world in some distant time, but would not aid my beloved King and Queen in the present I shared with them. I was led here, to these caverns, and it has been here that the Spirit has shared much of the knowledge we need to defeat the Kwetwer and the Ansu armies."
"Did you ever see King Meldh or Queen Kwenth again?"
"No." Kewero shook her head sadly. "I spent several years in this cave complex, all the time absorbing the knowledge our world needs to survive."
Kewero's face grew deeply troubled and there was unmistakable pain in her eyes.
Flindra slipped the golden swan from her hair and looked first at it and then at Kewero.
"The Queen wished for you to remember her and all the women who came before her. Queen Kwenth's mother gave her this comb, and her mother, in turn, received it from hers. It is her gift to the child of her line. She reaches across time to give a mother's gift to a daughter."
Tears welled up in Flindra's eyes and she fingered the comb gently, almost caressing the graceful swan. "I am honored to have it and I will remember her always."
"That will please her memory."
"I'm honored that she thought of me."
"The King also gave you a gift which had been in his family's possession for generations, in truth from the beginning of his dynasty. His gift was Rigga."
Flindra looked down at the amethyst ring on her finger. "He told me in my dream that Rigga was his gift. How old is it?"
"Rigga is actually older than the line of King Meldh and dates from the time of the Ancients. It has been infused with their magic and powers."
"Oh."
"His Majesty also gave me the hereditary symbols of the King: the crown; the scepter; and a neck chain made from interlocking links of white and yellow gold. He told me I was responsible for their safe keeping for I needed to keep them for the future king of our world. I will give them to you, Flindra, when you leave. You will have to give them to your King when he claims you. He will have need of them."
"I will see that he gets them."
"Upon the conclusion of my meeting with the King and Queen, I immediately set out to search for the knowledge which would help our world in some distant time, but would not aid my beloved King and Queen in the present I shared with them. I was led here, to these caverns, and it has been here that the Spirit has shared much of the knowledge we need to defeat the Kwetwer and the Ansu armies."
"Did you ever see King Meldh or Queen Kwenth again?"
"No." Kewero shook her head sadly. "I spent several years in this cave complex, all the time absorbing the knowledge our world needs to survive."
Kewero's face grew deeply troubled and there was unmistakable pain in her eyes.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Chapter VII, Reading 4
"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.
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.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Chapter VII, Reading 3
"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."
"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."
Chapter VII, Reading 3
"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."
"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."
Monday, June 23, 2008
Chapter VI, Reading 12
"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.
"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.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Chapter VI, Reading 10
"Concentrate on the sphere. Concentrate and think through the orb to your home. Try to remember the details of the cottage, the smells, and the sounds. The crystal will accommodate your desire - your life force will touch with that of Dakra's. Give her knowledge of your safe arrival here. That should give her solace. You need not mention the attack on your life. That would cause her to worry overmuch."
"You're right about that."
Flindra held the orb and noticed it was glowing with the same pulsating light as the rest of the cave. She stared into its depths and recognized the familiar pull on her mind. There was tremendous power here and she guessed this must be the addition of the power from the cave. Once again, she passed through the dizzying vortex of color and through the flash of white light.
She found herself standing at the foot of Dakra's bed and saw her mother resting soundly. Flindra greeted her knowing that her words could only be heard in the context of a dream.
"Hello Momma! I love you and I miss you terribly. I wanted to let you know that I have made it safely to Kewero. Thank you for all the warm clothing. It made my journey much easier." She paused to look around the room. It was the same as she remembered and that gave her comfort.
Flindra started to feel weak and the task of maintaining this contact had turned into a struggle. She guessed that her energies would retreat to the crystal cavern in moments. "I love you, Momma," she said hurriedly. "Tell Leudh, Brehwan and the boys that I love them, too."
Before she could continue, her mind was sucked through the colored lights and she was back in the cavern. The vertigo that usually disappeared when she broke contact with the crystal still gripped both her mind and body. Flindra sank to her knees and felt a wrenching feeling inside her body. Cold beads of sweat formed on her brow.
Kewero immediately kneeled beside her and embraced her to lend support. "You poor child. I should have warned you that this happens when you contact another through the crystal. Part of your life force leaves your body to establish the contact. Try to relax and slow your breathing. Everything will be all right in a bit." She could feel tremors passing through Flindra's body as she held her to anchor her to reality.
"You're right about that."
Flindra held the orb and noticed it was glowing with the same pulsating light as the rest of the cave. She stared into its depths and recognized the familiar pull on her mind. There was tremendous power here and she guessed this must be the addition of the power from the cave. Once again, she passed through the dizzying vortex of color and through the flash of white light.
She found herself standing at the foot of Dakra's bed and saw her mother resting soundly. Flindra greeted her knowing that her words could only be heard in the context of a dream.
"Hello Momma! I love you and I miss you terribly. I wanted to let you know that I have made it safely to Kewero. Thank you for all the warm clothing. It made my journey much easier." She paused to look around the room. It was the same as she remembered and that gave her comfort.
Flindra started to feel weak and the task of maintaining this contact had turned into a struggle. She guessed that her energies would retreat to the crystal cavern in moments. "I love you, Momma," she said hurriedly. "Tell Leudh, Brehwan and the boys that I love them, too."
Before she could continue, her mind was sucked through the colored lights and she was back in the cavern. The vertigo that usually disappeared when she broke contact with the crystal still gripped both her mind and body. Flindra sank to her knees and felt a wrenching feeling inside her body. Cold beads of sweat formed on her brow.
Kewero immediately kneeled beside her and embraced her to lend support. "You poor child. I should have warned you that this happens when you contact another through the crystal. Part of your life force leaves your body to establish the contact. Try to relax and slow your breathing. Everything will be all right in a bit." She could feel tremors passing through Flindra's body as she held her to anchor her to reality.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Chapter VI, Reading 9
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."
"The power we see and feel here lingers from the Presence. Your crystal orb is a small piece of this place and is attuned to the lingering power of the Spirit. It is safe to speak of all things here for the Ansu cannot see or hear into this sacred place. We will hold our discussions here.
"But back to our task of contacting Dakra. This chamber is the nexus of life in our world. It is a simple matter for life to contact life here. Dakra will receive your message when her mind has relaxed and is sleeping. In time, you will be able to use your crystal orb to accomplish this task. For now, the crystals around you will amplify the directions of your mind.
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."
"The power we see and feel here lingers from the Presence. Your crystal orb is a small piece of this place and is attuned to the lingering power of the Spirit. It is safe to speak of all things here for the Ansu cannot see or hear into this sacred place. We will hold our discussions here.
"But back to our task of contacting Dakra. This chamber is the nexus of life in our world. It is a simple matter for life to contact life here. Dakra will receive your message when her mind has relaxed and is sleeping. In time, you will be able to use your crystal orb to accomplish this task. For now, the crystals around you will amplify the directions of your mind.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Chapter VI, Reading 8
Kewero helped Flindra dress and she relished the softness of the cloth against her skin. The green gown was the finest she had ever worn. It made her feel pampered.
"I don't have a belt for you so you'll have to use your old one."
"That's fine."
Flindra used her own leather belt to gather the dress in around her waist. The knife hanging from the belt was the sole ornament for the dress, which was somehow fitting for the circumstances. She left her other daggers on top of her clothes.
She then brushed her hair to remove any lingering tangles. She fished the golden hair comb from her saddlebag and held it out for Kewero to see.
"Was this my mother's?"
"The comb is a gift from Queen Kwenth."
"Queen Kwenth was King Meldh's wife, wasn't she?"
"Yes. Queen Kwenth knew about the struggles you are destined to face. The comb is a small gift to warm your heart in times of trouble. It is a mother's gift to her distant offspring."
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."
"I don't have a belt for you so you'll have to use your old one."
"That's fine."
Flindra used her own leather belt to gather the dress in around her waist. The knife hanging from the belt was the sole ornament for the dress, which was somehow fitting for the circumstances. She left her other daggers on top of her clothes.
She then brushed her hair to remove any lingering tangles. She fished the golden hair comb from her saddlebag and held it out for Kewero to see.
"Was this my mother's?"
"The comb is a gift from Queen Kwenth."
"Queen Kwenth was King Meldh's wife, wasn't she?"
"Yes. Queen Kwenth knew about the struggles you are destined to face. The comb is a small gift to warm your heart in times of trouble. It is a mother's gift to her distant offspring."
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."
Monday, June 9, 2008
Chapter VI, Reading 7
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."
"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."
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Queen Flindra's Prayer
Strength in Adversity!