Opledor pecked his beak on the wooden window sill and called for attention. He explained to Benaiah that his eyes had glowed when he had become upset. He further explained that it was clearly a manifestation of  his ability to command extraordinary powers.<br/><br/>“Heed my words Benaiah Stokes, you must realize that the actual power lies not within you. You have the potential to develop an ability to channel the forces of nature and cause them to bring about effects that you desire. But to achieve the mastery you must first have a complete understanding of those things which you would control. Things like gravity, heat, energy, water and earth. To name a few.  Unfortunately it would take a very long time for you to gain knowledge of theses things naturally and on your own. That is where the oracle can help you.<br/>You must plead your case to her and if she sees merit. . . She could use her gift to transfer the knowledge from the scrolls directly to your mind. It is a fitting solution but it has to be done directly to you and in her immediate presence. These things are far too powerful and must be carefully guarded. Hence they cannot be dispersed throughout the planes of consciousness like a loud voice for anyone to hear.<br/><br/>At the moment we have a dilemma. The proverbial cart is before the horse if you will. You must learn the art of healing in order for Audra to lead us on the journey. We will need her skills and wisdom to negotiate the “Forest of Peril”.<br/><br/>Now I like Audra’s idea.<br/>It would be prudent for you to take her home with you. While she rests there, I can visit the the stronghold wherein Ivlin kept solitude. I shall retrieve from there some pages that will aid in your tutelage.<br/>Ivlin was the type of wizard that kept meticulous notes. I’m sure he had something in them concerning healing.<i>A pity that he had no opportunity to heal himself. His demise came swiftly and decisively. He passed instantly.</i><br/><br/>It could take me the greater part of a week to make the trip. It’s a great distance to there and back - - even as the crow flies - -  once I’ve returned, you should be able to learn the art of healing. After I have shown you the basics, you will progress enough to get us through to the oracle. But know this - It will be very taxing upon you at first“<br/><br/>§ § § § § § § § § § § § § §<br/><br/>Benaih looked at Audra and directed his speech to her-ward. “Yes, my mother is there and I really should be going back.<br/>You see, she’s alone. She is alone because my father - the man who raised me and loved me from infancy. He is no longer with us.”<br/>Benaiah paused his words at length as he struggled to maintain his composure. (There were mixed feelings of anger and sadness that were trying to settle upon him)<br/><br/>“He took ill when a scourge came upon the land some time ago. I watched in horror as his life left him a little at a time.<br/><br/>Mother has probably been worried sick since I haven’t returned when I said I would.<br/>Now I must warn you. She will surely make a fuss over you and will probably set in immediately to spoiling you. It will delight her to see me bring a maiden home with me. For some time now she has been trying to play the match maker. So be prepared.<br/><br/><i>Suddenly an intuitive thought came to him.</i><br/>“Actually, it might work in our favor to let her believe that. Would it bother you to do so?”