Chapter Eight
The following night The Dove was again at the fountain and Yellow Blossom appeared, as usual, surrounded by a group of young maidens, all of whom seemed to be talking at once. When they saw The Dove, they began to giggle and laugh, and depart in different directions. Yellow Blossom came over and The Dove could see she was a little bit disturbed.
2 "You are troubled," The Dove asked her, "by the attentions of your friends?"
3 "It is not a serious thing," she told him, "but it is just they have sparked my curiosity. They want to know all about you and I realized I know virtually nothing of you! You are a man who is not what he seems to be!"
4 They filled her jug and she looked at him with searching eyes. "You wish to appear," she asked "younger than you are. Tell me, why is it one your age is just now starting training at the engineer's school?"
5 "There is," explained The Dove, "no great mystery in that! Though my father is successful, I have a large family, and I am not the eldest son. My brother went to school, but there was not enough money for me.
6 Then the war came along, and afterward, I found I had enough funds with my share of the ransom to do what I had always dreamed of, so even though I am somewhat older than the other students, I am taking my Training."
7 In a way, The Dove was not lying, but was telling the story of his life before The War. He had intended to study engineering while continuing in the army. The War had drastically changed his plans. He had never really thought of being a Warlock, let alone, First Speaker! But now, here he was. Sometimes he felt the responsibility was too much for him. But the people needed and wanted him. To the best of his ability he would serve.
8 "It is nice to hear," answered Yellow Blossom, "that The War did some good for someone. It certainly did no good for my family." She became silent and sombre as they walked on.
9 "War," sighed The Dove, "never really does much good for anyone. Even those that survive it have bitter memories of seeing good friends die, and what they love destroyed. But the thing is, for the sake of those that died, those who lived must carry on. We cannot let their sacrifice be for nothing."
10 "You talk like my brother," Yellow Blossom told him, "I often wonder why he is not bitter because of what has happened to him. But he is still joyful. He can play his harp, do the books, but I do miss his dancing. Sometimes I wonder about The Lords. I do not understand why THEY let things happen."
11 "You ask the same questions," replied The Dove, "as thousands of mothers, brothers and sisters throughout the land. And what can the answer be? The Lords protect us all They can. They show us The Path to follow.
12 But when we choose to wander off that Path, the responsibility is ours. Many knew what The Evil Speaker was doing was unlawful and wrong. Many saw evil committed by other Speakers and did nothing.
13 The wrong had to be paid for. And we paid the price. Let us hope we have learned our lesson, and there will never be such a payment again!"
14 Again they had reached the gate of her house. "You should not be an engineer," Yellow Blossom complimented, "you should be a Speaker! There's alot of wisdom in your words. I don't agree with it all, but I'm glad you said it.
15 You are a strange and mysterious man. Still, there is more to you than you will let me know. I do not know why you are holding things back, but I like your company, and will let you speak in your own time. It will please me if you are at the fountain tomorrow. I will miss your company if you are not."
16 "And I, also, yours!" answered The Dove. "I will make every effort to be there."
17 So it was, that The Dove's courtship continued. Many a night he walked with Yellow Blossom and their conversations turned to lighter things.
18 One evening as they reached her gate and The Dove was about to depart, the gate suddenly opened, and an old man stuck out his head.
19 "Yellow Blossom," he apologized, "I am sorry to disturb you, but we have had a problem. The loom broke. We had to disassemble it to fix it. Now we cannot get it back together, as it takes three men of good stature. Would your young man perhaps be so kind as to lend us a hand?"
20 "Father," Yellow Blossom argued, "I have told you and mother repeatedly, he is not 'my young man,' only a very good friend! I swear, mother must be ewing me a mating dress in secret!"
21 "Well," pleaded her father, "good friend, young man, or whatever, would you be so kind as to assist us?"
22 "Of course, sir!" The Dove answered. "I would be pleased to assist you!"
23 "Thank you, sir!" The old man opened the gate and motioned them to enter. But Yellow Blossom barred the way.
24 "Father!" she objected, "Would you break tradition and have a man enter our gate without an introduction?"
25 The old man bowed. "Father," she said, "this is Gray Dove, a student at the School of Engineering, a man of some mystery. But I consider him of some honor. May I have permission to bring him through our gate?"
26 "As you have vouched for his honor," the old man answered, "my gate and my house is open to him."
27 "Gray Dove, this is my father, Dancing Turtle, the keeper of this house in which I am proud to dwell.," Yellow Blossom continued.
28 "With honor, sir, I greet you," The Dove answered, "and express my joy and gratitude that you allow me entry into your house!"
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