29 Dancing Turtle led the way. When they entered the door, The Dove found that the lower part of the house was one big room. One corner was a kitchen, with a fine table and many good stools. In another corner, cushioins were spread for entertaining. The rest of the room was filled with a large loom that was now somewhat in disarray.
30 Dancing Turtle introduced the rest of the family. "This," he said, "is my second mate and the mother of my sons, Red Blossom Crow. This is my son Gray Turtle. Do not let his sombre looks fool you! When you get to know him, you will find he has a joyous heart!
31 And, this is my eldest, Swift Turtle. You will have to forgive him not standing. He was injured in the War and cannot walk. But still he is a great aid to his father, a joy to his house. Let us not delay you too long. The loom is ready to be reassembled. If you will help my son hold up the upper beam, I will lift the sides and put in the pegs. The rest, we can do."
32 The Dove took his position and lifted the heavy beam, while the old man and his son quickly did the rest.
33 The Dove had seen his mother's loom many times, but that was a nomad's loom made to be disassembled and moved about easily. It was nothing like this great loom used by city weavers.
34 In a few moments the work was done, and he could lower his burden. The two weavers worked quickly connecting the bottom beams and putting in all the other pieces necessary to make the loom work. 35 "We thank you sir!" Dancing Turtle complimented, "Your assistance was much appreciated."
36 "And still needed," argued The Dove. "You must reset your strands. It will take half as long with four doing it rather than two! Yellow Blossom and I can take one side, while you and your son do the other."
37 "I will not say," the older man answered, "that the offer is not appreciated. We are behind in our work, as it is."
38 So the strands were reset, and The Dove was prepared to leave.
39 "Daughter," announced Red Blossom Crow, "we must reward your young man for his assistance. He probably stays at some inn, where the food is terrible. Why doesn't he join us for supper tomorrow night? And I will roast a fine young lamb!"
40 "An excellent idea," agreed Dancing Turtle. "Afterward we will have some music, and exchange some tales. Do you know some good stories, young man?"
41 "A few!" The Dove told him.
42 "Good," answered Dancing Turtle, "Good! It is agreed, then!" 43 "Only," objected The Dove, "if I may bring the wine and sweet cakes! I know an excellent bakery!"
44 "Can your finances endure such a gift?" asked Dancing Turtle.
45 "Easily!" The Dove replied.
46 "Then it is settled! Tomorrow night it is!"
47 Swift Turtle motioned for The Dove to join him, and he came over and sat by his pallet.
48 "Sir," he inquired, "you fought in The Battle of The Flame, didn't you? I remember you well! I was near you when you stood and told us to go forth and fight. I know I am not mistaken! It is a sight I will never forget. You are that man, aren't you?"
49 The Dove nodded. "I knew you recognized me," he answered, "the moment you saw me, but I ask you to keep my secret until I am ready to reveal it."
50 "I think I understand," Swift Turtle answered, "your reasoning for this deception, and that you so honor her, pleases me. I will say nothing. But it will be hard for me not to encourage her."
51 The Dove put his hand on the man's shoulder and the other answered.
52 "What are you two whispering about?" asked Yellow Blossom. 53 "We were speaking of the War," her brother told her, "and I knew of your dislike for it. So we were talking in whispers. I recognize this man. We fought side by side several times during the battle. He is a fighting man of some renown."
54 "Then even more reason that we should entertain him," announced Dancing Turtle. "Yes, much more reason, indeed!"
55 The Dove made his goodbyes and departed. Many nights of good entertainment followed. The Dove learned Yellow Blossom had a great love of music, and when a group of travelling musicians visited the city he took her to the show. When there was a sing-along down by the river they went together. It was one of the happiest times of his life. He wished it could go on forever.
56 But one day Swift Deer came to him as he was dressing. "Lord," he said, "I know you are having a most enjoyable time, and I hate to bring it to an end, but it has to stop...soon. People know you are leaving the house at night, and rumors are flying about the city.
57 Many suspect what you are doing, others are telling wild and disgusting stories. We cannot keep this up much longer.
58 There is another problem, also. I have word there are Frn agents in the city, and they would like nothing better than to catch you, unprotected, and put a knife in you!
59 And besides, Lord, it is but a month before the end of classes at The University. What will you tell her then?
60 It is time, Lord, to make your move. And I do not think of just your safety, Lord, I think of the woman. The Frns would just as easily kill her if they found her with you."
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