[Ithaeliel]

"Greetings, Child of Sight," said the shadow.

"Only you would give me such a title, Bringer of Sight," she whispered under her breath. Standing up, she left the circle and went out into the darkness, despite the danger. She was beginning to suppose the spirit was her guardian.

Once the company was out of sight, the shadow let itself down in front of Endereth. "So you recieved my message," it stated. "That is good."

"I am not so sure," Ender grumbled. "To see through another's eyes is to see their minds. I do not want this ability."

"You haven't a choice in the matter," the shadow snapped. "It is a gift that I was asked to bear to you, and it will help guide you through your quest. You can ward off the shadow now and find the truth."

Ender put a hand to her forehead as she leaned against a tree. "Why me? Why have I been chosen, out of so many who suffer, to embark on this perilous quest?"

"I am not at liberty to answer," said the spirit. "In time you shall know."

"I have not the time for such riddles," Ender burst out angrily. "I only wish to slay this beastly creature and roam the wilderness freely again."

"Then you shall have as is your wont," the spirit said. Ender felt like slaying the guardian right that moment, but she did not, for she then heard a great clamor and screams of terror above on the hilltop. Turning away, her blade rang out as it drew, and she raced to aid her companions.