"The way you're talking Alani, you make me sound like some great warrior queen that's destined to save the world," Cailin said to the angel, "all I want to do is find out what it says on my sword and then just do some adventuring with my friends."  Getting up from the seat, Cailin walked over and leaned against a column, as she looked out over the scenery, she added, "I'm no warrior, again, I'm just a simple farm girl."

"Well, simple farm girl," Alani returned in an amused tone, "traveling with you is Petra, a veteran of many battles against the Orcs and Drow that constantly raid her homeland.  And Marren, he too has seen much conflict against similar foes."  Pausing briefly, she continued, "then there is Lyranda, though not as battle hardened, has seen more than her share of fighting.  Lilith, she's a bit of an new comer to the scene, but within her are powers she is not even aware of, yet."  Pausing again, Alani added, "and Hikaru, sweet, gentle Hikaru, scarred body and soul by the horrors of war, though still a man whose heart truly holds no evil or malice... he is a master of unarmed combat along with pole and staff weaponry.  Give the man a tree branch and he could take down a squad of heavily armed soldiers without breaking a sweat."  Coming to a conclusion, Alani said, "yet all these people, they call you their leader and follow you without hesitation, Miss Simple Farm Girl.  And why would that be, unless they can sense that you're much more than you think yourself to be?"

Turning to the angel, Cailin couldn't control her frustration as she angrily asked, "but what is it they sense that I myself don't", then went on, "why won't you tell me?"  Still exasperated, she continued, "if I am to become some sort of a divine figurehead, then shouldn't I have some idea what's expected of me?"

"Who said anything about you being divine?  Trust me Cailin, you won't be worshiped as some kind of goddess, but your actions will make a huge difference in the future of Aeranor," the angel responded.

Bringing her hand to her head, Cailin sighed, "that's not what I meant."

"I know," Alani replied, "but to give you all the answers you seek would prevent you from becoming the leader you are capable of  becoming."  Placing her hand upon the girl's arm to comfort her unease, Alani spoke again, "Cailin, contrary to what many mortals believe, a true leader is not born, they are made.  And you will be tasked with making decisions that could be profitable or disastrous, it is the nature of the beast called leadership.  But whatever the outcome of your choices, learn from them... you might find more can be taught by failure than success.  All that even the One expects from you, is that you do the best you can."  Taking a short breath, Alani added, "and remember what I told you about those you lead?  Listen to them, learn from them, it is they who will help shape you into the great leader you will one day be."

"I'm beginning to understand, but there are still so many questions that need answers," Cailin replied.

"As much as I would like to give you what you want, I'm sorry my child, I just can't," the angel said.  Reaching to touch Cailin's cheek, Alani informed her, "our time for now is coming to an end, I must return to my place and you to yours.  This will not be the last time we meet, that I promise. Never forget dearest Cailin, the Light and the One are always with you.  Farewell for now my beautiful child..."

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Coming in somewhere at the middle of Cailin's saga and want to start at the beginning?
Then click here:
Cailin's Journey - - An Adventure In The Making
-----------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you for viewing and a very special thank you for all who have begun to follow my story about Cailin and her continuing journey.
Comments, critiques and/or suggestions are always welcome.
Remember... when viewing mine and other artist's work, check out the full size view... bigger is always better!