Chapter III, Reading 3

Dakra pressed several helpings on Flindra's plate to ensure she would be leaving well fed.  A hot meal under the ribs did much to stave off the cold.

When Flindra could eat no more she put her plate aside.  Icy immediately made herself at home on her lap.  She patted the kitty as she sipped her cider.  "That was wonderful, Momma.  Thank you."

"I'm glad you enjoyed it."

"You're cooking has always been wonderful," Leudh said as he stacked his plate on top of the one Flindra had set on the hearth.  "Your cooking is wonderful, too, Brehwan," he quickly added as he looked at his wife.

She smiled at him with a hint of mischief in her eyes.  "Who do you think taught me to cook your favorites?"

Leudh glanced at his mother and laughed.

Flindra finished the last of her cider and glanced out the window.  "The sun's almost up.  I guess it's time for me to be on my way," she said in a tiny voice.

Instead of just putting Icy on the floor, she lifted her and handed her to Alek.  "Would you boys take care of Icy and the dogs?"

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

She stood.  The others immediately were on their feet.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Brehwan nodded in agreement while Dakra wiped her tears on her apron.  "Probably so."

They turned and started for the door.  Just as she had done upstairs, Flindra circled around and looked at the cozy cottage, trying to brand the vision on her memory.

"There has been much love in this home," she remarked.  "That's why it is such a wonderful place."

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

"Thank you."

Dakra brushed a lock of hair from Flindra's brow.  "I'm afraid it's time, dear one."

"I know."  She continued out the door.

Chapter XIII, Reading 10

The next morning Lieutenant Kalmyk called Flindra to him. "I was impressed by your tracking abilities yesterday," he began slowly. He wanted to gauge her reaction to his offer. He trusted his eyes to read her true feelings by watching her countenance.

"Thank you, sir."

"I was wondering if you would consider staying with us to be my scout. I have need of someone with your talents."

A look of surprise passed over Flindra's features. She couldn't believe her incredible good fortune! As a scout, she would be in a position to help Prince Storos.

Kalmyk misread the look on her face. He took it for shock at the potential impropriety of his suggestion. He quickly tried to clarify the situation. "I know it's a bit unusual for a woman to ride with soldiers, but I give you my word that you will be treated with honor and respect."
Flindra smiled at this avowal. "Sir, I would consider it to be a great honor to serve you and the cause of Prince Storos. I'm not concerned about your men, they have already treated me with honor and respect."

Kalmyk smiled in relief. His pleasure was echoed on Leitho's face from where he stood just behind his lieutenant. "Now that you have accepted, what other skills do you have which could be of use? You any good with your bow?"

"I know how to use it."

"I see that you are too modest to tell me just how good you are, so you will have to show me. Sergeant, fetch her bow. I want to see a demonstration of her skill."

Sergeant Leitho quickly returned with Flindra's bow and quiver of arrows. As he handed them to her, he gave her a toothy smile and a wink of encouragement.

"See that tree over there, the big one with the crooked branch," Kalmyk said as he pointed. "See that the lower limb has a knothole which looks like a face. Try to hit that branch. Even better, try to hit the knothole."

It was a difficult shot, although Flindra had succeeded in striking harder targets. She strung her bow and selected a straight arrow. She was aware that the Rangers had grouped behind her. This made her slightly nervous. She took a deep breath to calm her nerves.

She nocked the arrow and drew back the bowstring until it brushed against her nose. She focused on the center of the knothole and held her breath. With a twang, the arrow leaped forward and sped directly toward the branch. The arrowhead hit the branch and was embedded deeply in the center of the knothole. Only after she saw that the arrow had hit its target did Flindra finally breathe.

There was a moment of silence as the measure of her skill was fully appreciated. Then the air was split with the cries, "Well done! Good shot!"

Sergeant Leitho had been standing slightly behind her as she shot. Now he slapped her enthusiastically across the shoulders. "Good job, Flindra! I knew you could do it."
Flindra turned to look at Lieutenant Kalmyk, silently seeking his approval.

He understood her unspoken entreaty and nodded his head slightly. "You were right to stay quiet about your skill, Flindra. I would have dismissed your claims as bragging. I think you will make a fine scout."

She smiled at his praise and silently thanked the Spirit for this opportunity.

Chapter XIII, Reading 7

The group rode out of the forest with the prisoners closely guarded. Flindra noticed one of the prisoners staring hatefully at her. She couldn't recall ever seeing the man before. He was slightly built with a sallow complexion. Long, greasy, brown hair hung loosely about his face and shoulders. He looked like a scoundrel and she wondered if he was the type of man who had been recruited to fight under Duke Bhrag's banner. If he was, it didn't speak well for the Duke's judgment.

He continued to scowl in her direction and she could sense almost palpable waves of malice accompanying his stares. She strengthened the purple aura about herself but kept it safely at skin level to avoid detection.

The Rangers finally halted for the night, several hours shy of the next village. With practiced efficiency, the troopers began preparing the encampment for the night.

Flindra dismounted and looked uncertain what to do.

"We're camping here for the night," the lieutenant explained gruffly. "Stay by the fire and keep out from under foot."

She nodded. "Yes, sir."

He turned and walked off without another word. A trooper took Deru's reins from her and motioned towards the fire with his head. "We'll take care of your gear so go sit." His tone was firm, but not unkind.

One of the men placed a stump close to the fire for her. She sat on it and watched another man unsaddle Deru and place her belongings in one of the tents that had been quickly erected.

Flindra was eventually served a bowl of salt pork and beans for supper. Some of the troopers started to talk as they ate their food, forgetting her presence. They talked of the war, how things didn't look very hopeful for a quick campaign. All of the men spoke of the Duke's soldiers with a tone of contempt. Apparently, the renegades they had captured today were typical of his men.

Chapter XIII, Reading 5

The lieutenant transfixed her with a stare. "Is there a place hereabout where a group of men could hide?"

"There are many such places. The hills around here are riddled with caves."
"And I suppose you know where they are?"

"Yes sir. My father was a woodsman. I spent much time in the forest with him. My mother would send me out to bring him his mid-day meal. I learned where the caves were because my father taught me to avoid them. They were frequently the hiding places for smugglers and thieves."

"I see. Well then, Maid Flindra, I don't suppose you would care to show us these caves?"

"I would be happy to, sir."

"Then do it."

Flindra smiled discreetly while she urged Deru to the head of the column. The Spirit might have solved her problem for her. She was working with the Prince's men. Perhaps this could be the opportunity she needed to move into a position to help Prince Storos.

They trotted down the road for half a league before she veered to the left on a barely noticeable path. The path twisted through the forest, obviously made by men who wished to avoid pursuit or detection. The trail would have been difficult to follow if one did not know it, but she knew it well thanks to the gift of her extended memories.

Eventually the path intercepted another. Flindra stopped here, dismounted, and examined the ground.

"What is it?" the lieutenant demanded.

"There are tracks here. Seven, no eight, horses passed this way within the last few hours. One of the horses has a worn shoe. It looks like he is about to lose it. The horse will turn up lame before his rider makes it to the caves."

"I see you are a skilled tracker," the lieutenant said respectfully. His own skills where rather rudimentary but he knew enough to recognize her expertise.

"Thank you. I had a good teacher."

Chapter XIII, Reading 4

The young sergeant swore under his breath. "Who did this crime?" he demanded.

"I don't know who the men were."

"Didn't they show any livery?"

"No, sir. Their clothing was plain."

The sergeant quietly swore again. "It's just like the Duke's men to remove their insignia. This isn't the first time we've heard of the Duke's minions attacking innocent civilians."

The lieutenant and the sergeant withdrew slightly - just out of earshot. Flindra absently stroked Deru's neck while the two men discussed her. She hated to lie, but she couldn't tell them the truth. In any case, there was an element of truth to her story. It was true that her parents had been murdered, although their deaths had occurred years before.

The officers returned. "You'll ride with us until the next village," the lieutenant commanded. "I'll see to it that you will have some sort of escort as far as Deodar."

"Thank you, sir. I appreciate your concern."

Flindra mounted Deru and was surrounded by the horsemen as they took up their positions in their formation. She rode behind the young sergeant with a trooper on either side of her. She was surrounded by the sounds of creaking leather and rattling chain mail. The men rode in tense silence and it was obvious that they were searching for someone.

As they rode south, the terrain became increasingly familiar. Flindra relaxed and drew upon her extended memories. She was pleased she could draw upon the knowledge of her ancestors with such ease. A distant grandfather had grown up in this region. She committed his knowledge to her own memory.

The lieutenant signaled a halt with a raised hand. "Leitho, do you know of any place those renegades could hide? They couldn't have made it this far."

The sergeant scratched his chin with the back of his hand. "I'm just not that familiar with this area, Kalmyk. I've passed through dozens of times but I've never strayed off the road."

The lieutenant turned his question to the men. "Did any of you grow up around here?"

There was no affirmative answer.

Finally, Flindra thought it wise to speak up. "Excuse me, sir. My family spent several years in this area when I was a child. Could I help you?"

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."

Chapter XIII, Reading 1

The black horse drank greedily in the cool forest stream. Flindra was filling her water bags upstream from where Deru was standing. She rose and carried the dripping bags to him. She looked at her horse remorsefully.

"Sorry Deru," she said as she stroked his neck. "I didn't mean for you to do without water for so long, but I didn't think it wise to ride up to the last spring with all the King's Rangers camped there." She hung a water bag from either side of her saddle to keep her gear balanced on his back.

Flindra looked around and smiled at the tiny green leaves sprouting on the nearby trees. The infant leaves were a pale, yellowish green, which would quickly turn to deep green in the coming month. The first flowers of the season were bravely baring their delicate lavender petals to the fickle weather of early spring.

She had been surprised to find that spring was just beginning to break the hold of winter. She had spent the better part of a year with Kewero and only a season had passed here in the world. Kewero was right, it was futile to compare the time systems of the world and the caverns. They seemed to be entirely independent of each other.

Amidst the gentle beauty of the coming spring was the harsh evidence of an escalating civil war. Flindra knew that when King Audaz had died, Prince Storos was too young to assume the crown. The King's brother-in-law, Duke Bhrag, had been made regent of Ostar and the guardian of the young prince. Now Prince Storos had reached manhood and wanted to come into his inheritance. The problem was that Duke Bhrag had grown fond of power and was loath to relinquish the crown to his nephew. Even before Flindra had left to find Kewero, she had heard of the growing violence to the south of the Kingdom.

The violence had spread to the north in the time she'd been in the caverns. She had passed more than one burned ruin on her journey south. It didn't seem to matter if the dwelling was a cottage or a castle; everything appeared to be a fair target for the violence. Both the Prince's Rangers and the troops of Duke Bhrag patrolled the roads in force and it had been challenging to safely avoid the armed parties.

Chapter XII, Reading 7

The day came when Flindra was ready to leave the caverns. She had gathered her belongings and had saddled Deru. The only task that remained was saying good-bye to her mentor. The sorrow in her heart made her steps slow and heavy as she led Deru to the main cavern. Kewero was waiting for her there.

"Do you have everything?" the old woman asked in a low voice. She was struggling against her tears and couldn't speak normally.

"Yes, dear mother, I have everything I need to take. I still feel I'm leaving you with scant supplies, you've given me so much food."

"I'm an old woman, child, and I don't eat very much. You will need to keep up your strength on your quest. Don't feel guilty about what I'm sending with you. You need it more than I do."

Flindra nodded her head in understanding but said nothing.

Kewero questioned her to see if she recalled what her next task should be. She had drilled her on the subject before, but it was of critical importance so she asked again. "Before the fateful choice destiny has placed before you can even be made, there must be two kings. Do you understand you must help Prince Storos gain his crown?"

"I know what I must do but I'm still unclear how to go about it. I mean I can't just ride up and announce that I'll save his crown. He'll think I'm nothing but a fool."

"Study the situation and use your imagination. Use your intuition. You also have the knowledge of your memories. They might help you to assist the Prince's cause."

"I'd feel more comfortable about things if you could be more specific."

"I would be if I knew more. I just know what you need to do not how to do it. That is up to you to discover. Trust the Spirit, Flindra, you leave this place in service to the Beloved Spirit. You will be guided when you need it."

Flindra sighed and nodded her head in understanding.

Chapter XII, Reading 6

"What will you do with the spinel? After all, it was part of King Meldh's gift to you."

"I will give it to my King along with the other treasures. It will be part of my dowry."

"You understand, of course, that all must be kept safe until the right time?"

Flindra smiled briefly before she answered. "I understand. Everything will be safe with me." She wrinkled her brow as she concentrated on her coming journey. "I'll have to come up with some way to hide them."

"Already taken care of. See this saddle?"

"Yes."

"It was made by a smuggler. We'll be able to hide everything in the wooden saddletree and no one will be the wiser."

"You think of everything!" Flindra noted in amazement and then she grinned mischievously. "How is it that you're familiar with a smuggler, Kewero?"

The old woman laughed. "When one has lived as long as I have, one has the chance to befriend many different sorts of people. Sometimes friendships grow in the most unexpected places. Keep that in mind when you search for your comrades in this fight."

"I will."

"Trust Rigga and your own heart when meeting new people. You should be able to see into their natures."

"I'll do what I can."

Kewero smiled. "All right. Now that I've given you the treasures you need to take with you, it's time to review what you have learned. Show me my time has not been wasted and that you've been listening to your lessons."

Flindra laughed. "Very well, my mentor. Let me unpack everything you've crammed into my brain. Holler if you see anything missing."

Kewero could only hug Flindra as the two of them laughed together.

Chapter XII, Reading 5

Kewero then displayed the crystals. Flindra picked them up and probed each with her mind. She felt their individual essences and their combined power. Then she placed her own orb next to them and felt the synergistic response. There was far more power here than expected. She withdrew her white orb and the energy level dropped to the combined power of the three crystals. She advanced her sphere. The power surge was again greater than the added powers of the four gems. True synergism. Moreover, the white crystal was the catalyst.

"Did you feel that?" she asked.

"Yes, I did child. The crystals are responding to your power. You are the key to our fight and the White is reflecting that."

"Oh." Flindra then placed all but the blue crystal on the floor. She picked up the scepter and held it next to the blue gem. "This doesn't feel right," she murmured as she looked at the two.

She gazed at the ruby spinel at the top of the shaft. It was a large stone - dark red with faint traces of black in the interior of the gem. In her heart, she knew that as beautiful as the gem was it didn't fit the purpose of the scepter. Flindra grasped the spinel and with a quick twist of her hand popped the gem from its socket on the scepter.

Kewero gasped in shock at her audacity. "Flindra what are you doing?"

"Bear with me, Kewero. You will soon see what must be."

Flindra then took the blue crystal and held it to the shaft of the scepter. An intense light erupted from the crystal as she withdrew her hand. Both women had to look away from the blinding intensity of the light. After several moments the light faded and they could look at the scepter.

The blue gem had fused itself to the shaft. The gold had melted around the crystal forming a perfect setting for the gem. The crystal radiated in a newfound power. This was the place for the blue ellipsoid. It fit.

"Well I'll be...How did you know, Flindra?"

She shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know really, I just felt that this was the way it was supposed to be. This is the crystal meant for my King. It is appropriate to have it in the scepter. It combines the functions - King and champion."

Chapter XII, Reading 4

It was not long before Flindra joined her in the cave. "I missed you at breakfast. Have you been awake long?"

"Not that long. I needed to fetch some things before we started today's discussion."

"What things?"

"Some tools you will need for your quest. It is time when you need to start preparing yourself to leave."

Flindra looked a little surprised at these words, surprised and sad. "So soon?"

"I'm afraid so, child." Kewero reached over and took Flindra's hand.

"I suppose it had to happen sometime," Flindra remarked sadly. "I've learned to feel at home with you, Kewero. It's going to be hard leaving you."

"Thank you for saying so, Flindra. I will miss you, too, but it's time for you to follow your destiny. It was hard for me to leave my beloved King and Queen to search out these caves, but I did what I had to."

Flindra nodded her head slowly. "I know what must be done, Kewero, and will do what is required. I will miss you, dear mother."

Kewero smiled. "We have a few more days together, my child, so let's not get too sentimental quite yet. There are a few more things I need to show you."

"What?"

"Look. I'll show you." Kewero pointed to the old leather satchel. "These are the tokens of your heritage. They will serve as the proof of your birth and as a dowry." She removed the relics of King Meldh from the bag and spread them out for Flindra's inspection. "I've kept these safe from harm since the time His Majesty entrusted them to my care. They are yours."

Flindra picked up the crown and looked at it carefully. "It's beautiful," she murmured. "What shall I do with it?"

"You need to give these treasures to the king who has properly discovered your identity, but only after the choice is made. Your King must determine your nature on his own - without this proof. Never forget, my Princess, that you are the Heir of King Meldh! Don't cheapen yourself by helping the wrong man win your hand. Keep your identity a secret."

"The memories of my forebears are with me, Kewero. I will respect my heritage and I will remember your words," stated Flindra in the tone of an oath.

Chapter XII, Reading 3

Kewero fingered the chain and enjoyed the touch of the cold metal against her skin. The look and the feel of the chain brought back the memory of the last time she had seen King Meldh wear it. The links of the chain blurred for there were tears in her eyes.

The King had worn it at the Spring Festival, the festival celebrating the continuation of life. It had been a glorious time, the beautiful weather alone was worth celebrating. The King and Queen wore smiles that were as warm and generous as the rays of the sun raining down from the sky. Troubles were forgotten and all the people rejoiced.

However, the forgotten troubles hadn't left and it was not long afterwards that the Ansu attacked and robbed the world of joy.

Kewero spoke to the memories in her heart. "Dear King, let the time be now for our revenge!" She could feel his answering rage coming to her from across the ages.

She put everything back in the satchel and stood up. Spying the saddle, she picked it up along with the satchel and left the storage area. Kewero took them both to the crystal cave and set them on the floor.

She then sought out a secret niche in the cave wall. Here she found the three remaining crystals. The first crystal she picked up was the Blue. It was an ellipsoid. It was as broad as her palm and in length it extended from the heel of her hand to her fingertips. It radiated a soft blue light, which was somehow soothing and calming. There was strength and wisdom in this crystal.

Kewero held the yellow crystal. It was incorrect to call this crystal an orb for it was a perfect tetrahedron. The sharp edges of the four faces matched the restless energy emanating from the gem. Here was purposeful and decisive action.

The final gem she removed from the niche was the red orb. It was a smooth sphere and was rather opaque and lusterless. No light shone from its dull, blood red surface. Even so, the depth of its emotion was overpowering. This was memory. This was revenge.

Kewero placed the three crystals next to the saddle and satchel. Flindra would have to match the gems to the proper people. The Blue would go to her husband, the King. She didn't know who would get the other two but she had faith that Flindra would select well.

Chapter XII, Reading 2

Kewero didn't feel like eating so she went instead to a storage room deep in the heart of the caverns. It was in this hidden room that she kept her dearest possessions. Among her treasures was the leather satchel King Meldh gave her when she left his court. She sat down beside the common looking bag and knew the greatest treasures of the world were hidden within its stiff leather sides. A wave of memories flooded over her when she opened the latch and peered inside.

Somehow, it seemed only yesterday when she had been summoned into the King and Queen's presence. It had been the last time she had seen them and the sorrow she felt now was as keen as it had been then. Tears streaked down her wrinkled cheeks and she made no attempt to stay them.

The first treasure she withdrew from the bag was King Meldh's crown. It looked like a solid circle of gold encrusted with precious jewels, including a huge diamond at the front of the crown. Kewero knew by experience that the wholeness was deceiving. The crown actually consisted of a dozen segments connected by concealed hinges. It could be taken apart, folded, and packed into a small space.

This design made perfect sense when one remembered that King Meldh's clan had originated as nomads - fierce and untamed - before they came to power. After that, the line had produced strong and able kings who had ruled justly and wisely. This crown had rested on the brow of many a good king. Kewero finally put down the crown and picked up the next treasure.

The scepter was a beautiful piece of workmanship. Along the shaft, the King's crest was engraved repeatedly so the heraldic symbol merged and formed a pleasing design and texture. There was a large ruby spinel set at the top of the scepter. This gem had been in the family's hands for so long that no one could remember the full history surrounding the jewel. The scepter had been made so it was no longer than the length of a saddle. It, too, was designed to be portable. There would be no problem stashing the scepter in the smuggler's saddle.

Kewero withdrew the final treasure from the satchel. It was a heavy neck chain that the King wore with his robes of state. In many ways, it was a simple piece, nothing more than interlocking links of yellow and white gold, but it had been a wedding gift from his Queen and had numbered among his most cherished possessions.

Chapter X, Reading 19

"No, Momma. I don't remember, but I'm glad I did so you wouldn't worry about me. I must thank you again."

"I'm happy that we were able to help you in your time of need. There is no need for any more thanks." Dakra looked intently at her daughter. "What did you do to your hand, Flindra?"

"I burned myself," she said as she looked down at her bandaged hand. She had forgotten that her mother could see her as if she were present.

"Does it hurt much?"

"No. Kewero has been taking good care of me so don't worry, Momma."

Dakra smiled. "I will always worry, Flindra. Don't you know that's the nature of mothers?"

Flindra laughed joyfully. "I guess it is."

"How is everything else? Are you happy? Are you safe?"

Tears touched Flindra's eyes as she noted the tone of concern in her mother's voice. "I'm safe here with Kewero. I have a terrible enemy who I must face at some point in the future, but that trial is hopefully a long time in coming. Now is the time for learning. I'm learning the things I will need in my conflict with the Evil Ones."

Dakra's eyes clouded with worry. "I see."

"To answer your other question, I must say that I haven't had much time to indulge in emotions. I suppose I'm content. I miss my family and my home too much to be truly happy."

"Give yourself time, Flindra. The happiness you have known with us will not be the only joy in your life. The duties of your life are great, but the rewards will be of like kind. Look forward to your life. Know this, where there is life there is hope. Let optimism grow in your heart." Dakra ended her advice with a smile not on her mouth but in her eyes.

"I love you, Momma."

"I love you, too."

"I'll project myself here again, now that I know its possible." She looked around the room. "Why did you move?"

"I didn't need the big house any more and Leudh's family did. The move made sense."

"I suppose so." She laughed. "I'm glad I filled my thoughts with you and not of the house. I would have ended up in the wrong place."

Dakra smiled happily. "You'll have to be careful when you visit for I don't think the twins could understand. Oh Flindra, it's so good to be able to actually speak with you. This is a great blessing of the Spirit."

"It is. I'll visit often so you don't worry about me. Give my love to Leudh and his family."

"I will."

"Good-bye Momma."

Chapter X, Reading 18

Dakra was asleep and looked at peace. There was a slight smile on her lips and Icy was curled up behind her knees. She must be having a pleasant dream.

Flindra said nothing but took the time to look around the tidy little room. Now she noticed that Dakra was living in Leudh's home. Her mother's things were all in place, but the house was different. Everything appeared so real as she looked about her and she knew this could be no memory. This was new and so intensely real. The sights and the sounds swept over her; she was pulled into this alternate reality. As far as her eyes were concerned, she was home.

Flindra concentrated on her mother, planting the message that she was all right. As she was thinking, Dakra's eyes opened. She looked at the foot of the bed with shocked surprise. "Flindra! What are you doing home?"

It unnerved Flindra to be hearing her mother's words outside the dream realm. "I'm not really here, Momma," she answered hesitantly. "I'm still with Kewero in the Northern Reaches. I'm just projecting my mind through the crystal sphere. I'm not sure you will be able to hear me now that you are awake."

"I can hear you quite well, dear Flindra," Dakra said with a happy smile. "I don't know how you are doing this, but you're here. You're here, Flindra."

"I'm awed, Momma. I don't know how I'm doing this. I don't quite understand how."

"Don't question things, Flindra," Dakra said with the wisdom of a mother. "Now, tell me why you are here."

"I wanted to tell you that you and Leudh saved me. I wanted to thank you. It was your love, which helped me focus my thoughts so I could escape the void. Without your help, I couldn't have made it. I also want to know how you knew I was in such trouble."

"Dearest Flindra, there is no need for thanks. The knowledge that we, in some small way, helped you is thanks enough. We knew you were in trouble when both Leudh and I had a nightmare about you and our hearts were filled with worry. The next night I dreamt of you again. In this dream, I experienced a horrible, endless and hopeless void. I could wake up from such a nightmare but I knew you weren't able to. I talked it over with Leudh and we decided that we had to try to reach you. We thought of our home as we went back to sleep. We know you love this place and hoped that love could aid you."

"How did you guess to do this?"

"It was Leudh's suggestion. Perhaps his love for you gave him the answer."

"Will you thank him for me?"

"You've already done that."

"I have?"

"After we sent the vision of this home, we both knew that we had succeeded. You reached out to thank us. Don't you remember?"

Chapter X, Reading 17

"Perhaps you should contact them. The orb cannot harm you - your power level has increased so much since your ordeal. You might be able to get more information on this mind link with your family from them."

"I would like to thank them for their help, but how can I ask them questions? I just visit their dreams - leave them messages."

"I used to think that was the limit of the connection. Your experience with your foster family suggests that I was wrong and I suspect you can do much more. The connection between you and your family is strong enough for them to know of your danger. Just as importantly, they were able to contact you with just their love to guide them. Don't limit your mind by accepting untested boundaries."

"All right."

"If you don't mind I would like to stay here to observe what happens, if you don't find it to be a violation of your privacy."

Flindra laughed and reached over to touch her mentor's hand. "It doesn't matter to me if you watch. I would tell you everything anyway, so it will just save us both time."

Kewero nodded in acceptance of Flindra's trust. "Thank you. Try to contact them and see if you can get any information."

Flindra looked into her crystal sphere and willed the contact with her mother. She paused for a moment and looked at the orb like it was a new and unfamiliar object. The feel had changed. Then she realized that the burn on her palm was reacting to the orb even through the bandage. It was an intense physical contact and she could distinguish her own essence permeating the crystal. Somehow, she had become joined to the power within the crystal and the burn was only a manifestation of that weld.

As she filled her mind with Dakra's essence and concentrated on the crystal, Flindra expected the familiar color vortex. There was none, nor any blinding white light. Her consciousness simply transported directly to her Momma's bedside.

Chapter X, Reading 16

"Is that how Momma and Leudh were able to reach me when I was in trouble? They don't have a crystal but their thoughts reached me."

Kewero's face registered surprise. "When were they in contact with you?"

Flindra took a deep breath before she began. "My memory of the time after I broke through to the place beyond the barrier is confused, but some things stand out clearly. I was numbed by the enormity of the knowledge of the Spirit, so numbed that I became hopelessly adrift in a place of nothingness. I sank into that nothingness and found myself unable to escape, in truth, to do anything. I was losing myself to the emptiness, when an image took root in my mind.

"The image became a clear awareness of the my home. I could see, feel, and smell the familiar things of my childhood. This vision provided an anchor, something concrete for me to grasp. Fused throughout the image was the presence of Momma and Leudh. I don't know how they knew I was in trouble or how they reached into my mind, but I do know that they saved me. It was their efforts that brought me back from oblivion."

Kewero sighed as she pondered Flindra's story. "Are you sure that Dakra and Leudh were the source of these thoughts?"

"I'm positive. The thoughts were alive with their essence. I could almost feel them."

"This is curious, my child. The love you share with your foster family must be great indeed."

"It is."

"I can only guess that the Spirit must have used your family and your mutual love to rescue you from your peril. Have you contacted them through the crystal since your experience?"

"No I haven't. I was respecting your advice to leave the orb alone until we determined what had happened to me."

Chapter X, Reading 15

Flindra laughed with joy when she witnessed the truth of Kewero's words. She'd succeeded in hiding Rigga. "I still feel the power shield about me. Making Rigga invisible hasn't changed its effectiveness."

"You need to practice this aspect of your control for it would be best if you keep knowledge of Rigga a secret. Try repeating this exercise daily until you have total control over this."

"I will."

"I think for the moment we are finished with Rigga. Now we need to work on disguising your newfound confidence and power. Right now, your true identity would be easy to discover. You exude a level of power, which marks you as being something more than a woodsman's daughter. Remember that the agents of the Ansu have not forgotten you. Their efforts to stop you will only intensify as events move toward the time when our world must face the Kwetwer," Kewero cautioned.

"Have I really changed that much?"

"You have been changing and growing everyday since you arrived - most dramatically since your journey beyond the barrier."

"How can I disguise who I am?"

"In your mind you must become the person you are supposed to be. If you are playing the part of a woodsman's daughter then you must think in your mind, know in your heart, that you are a simple rustic. You also might be able to use Rigga to enhance that impression."

The two women continued to discuss various possibilities of Rigga's power shield in covering Flindra's identity. Then the topic of discussion migrated to the nature of the crystal orb and how it could be used.

"I believe the ultimate power of the orb will only be revealed when it is needed," Kewero commented. "Until that time, you will find it useful for more mundane tasks. Your first encounter with the crystal sphere enabled you to contact me. You will always be able to communicate with me. You need only to look into the orb and think of me. I will feel your thoughts and will come to this chamber."

"What about contact through our dreams, like I'm doing with Momma and Leudh?"

"It is surer and more effective to communicate directly with the crystals. This is the most precise transfer of thought. We can also be in contact with each other through our dreams. However, this works best to transfer emotional thoughts. You love your family dearly and it is that love which has made your communications possible."

Chapter X, Reading 14

They started with Rigga. The ring was very important for Flindra's safety would depend on its power. Kewero had her practice invoking the power shield. She soon improved the talent until she could create the purple aura with just a thought. She no longer had to imagine the details - it just was. It also took little effort to maintain the shield.

Kewero's goal was for Flindra to be able to maintain the protective shield even when she was concentrating on other things or was sleeping. Assassins tended to wait until their victim was occupied with other things before they attacked. Flindra needed to practice with Rigga until the power shield was a reflex.

She told her to keep the purple aura at skin level. This would provide good protection against an attack and would prevent anyone from inadvertently sensing the power shield. It could be difficult to conceal her identity if someone felt Rigga's power.

Flindra's protection was Kewero's primary concern and the control aspects of the ring were of secondary importance. Actual practice with this aspect of the ring would have to wait until Flindra returned to the world. The power shield did not influence Kewero and there was little challenge in manipulating Deru. Kewero told her to practice with benign control first - just to learn how to do it. That way, she would be comfortable with the power when she needed it. What she could expect to accomplish with Rigga would be limited only by her imagination.

"Now little one, I want you to try something."

"Certainly."

"You have gone to great lengths to learn how to keep Rigga's power shield from becoming noticeable. We need to do something about the ring itself. It won't do any good if you try to be a simple rustic with a royal ring on your finger. I want you to imagine the ring becoming invisible on your finger. Create the picture in your mind and see if reality responds."

"How can I do that?"

"Just try. I think Rigga has possibilities we haven't even discovered."

Flindra closed her eyes and imagined the ring on her finger. Even with her eyes closed, she could still see the details of the ring. She imagined the ring enveloped in an intense purple light. Once this image was affixed in her mind, she started to darken the color, shifting it from purple to black. Black could be thought of as the absence of light. Where there is no light there is no sight. She held the image until a shield of flat black covered the ring.

"Hold the thought you have created and open your eyes," Kewero commanded. "Rigga is no longer visible."

Chapter X, Reading 13

"Small wonder you collapsed the way you did. Mortal minds aren't really equipped to deal with the Infinite. I think your foggy memory may be for the best, my child. It's just possible that your mind might have the tendency to become unhinged if everything you learned was packed into your conscious mind," Kewero returned with mirth.

"Just like a trunk that is overfilled. Leudh and I once broke the hinges on a trunk when we tried to put too much in it. Momma wasn't very pleased with us at the time," Flindra recalled with a grin on her lips. Then in a more sober tone she continued, "I think it's also possible that I need to gain some understanding to utilize the knowledge locked within my mind. This understanding can only be born through experience."

Kewero laughed outright. "My dear, my dear. It seems that we have traded places. You are now my teacher!"

A blush rushed to Flindra's cheeks at this praise from her mentor. "You exaggerate, dear mother, I still have much to learn from you!"

"You've never called me that before! Why dear mother?"

"Because you are a mother to me - one of the dear women who have shown me so much. My birth mother, who gave me the gift of life; my foster mother, whose love still fills my heart with comfort; my dear teacher, who has shown me the path to wisdom. I owe you much, dear Kewero; you have devoted your life to me and mine. My debt is great."

Kewero touched the younger woman on the shoulders. "I'm honored, more than you can possibly know. These words mean much to me, Flindra. I've learned to think of you as a daughter but I didn't feel I had the right to say anything for you are a princess of the line of King Meldh."

"Of course you had the right to say it!" Flindra pulled her into a hug. "You, of all people in the world, have earned that right. I love you, Kewero, and I'm glad I finally spoke my heart."

"Thank you, Flindra, and know that I love you, too." She smiled happily. "Are you ready to start today's lesson?"

"I am."

"Good."

The rest of the day was spent practicing some of the skills Flindra would need in the outside world. She needed this knowledge before she would be ready to begin her destiny.