32 For I wanted you to accept the man, not the office. I hope your family understands and forgives my strange behavior. For it was behavior that was born out of love. The deceit was meant in fairness, not in any way to cheat."
33 Dancing Turtle came forward, and put his hand on The Dove's shoulder.
34 "I understand," he said, "how great is the desire for love that must come freely and happily. That you desired my daughter's love to be born in this manner fills my heart with joy, and only reinforces my conviction that she has chosen a wise and wonderful man.
35 I blessed this union before, I bless it doubly now. Let it bring forth the greatest of fruits, the most wonderful of gifts."
36 The Dove put his hand to the old man's shoulder. "Then that leaves only The Lords to bless it," he answered. "And only time will tell how They assign it. But I am sure they will bless it, also."
37 "There is no need," came a voice from behind them, "to wait for The Lords Blessing. It is here and now. And this is what it is.
38 From this mating shall come two children, wise and strong. One shall be of the sword, mighty and powerful, and shall lead his people in a great battle and shall devour its foes.
39 The other will have all manner of wisdom, and with her hands and her mind she will make wonderous new things, that for the people will bring much good.
40 These are but two of the gifts that The Lords will give you.
41 And the other is this staff, which I have so long carried. I worked the spell on it long ago, and through its power I have served The Lords. Now, it is to be entrusted to you. But before I hand it over, come. Take it, and with it we will deliver unto you, The Lords final gift, to bless your union."
42 The Old Man came forward, and stood near The Dove. "I know you!" cried the Dove, "You're the man who came up to me during the battle and encouraged me to have the people fight. Who are you? Where do you come from?"
43 "I am but a Shadow of The Lords," The Old Man answered, "but a glimpse of what is to come. For so much greater are those that shall come after me, that what I have done will be like a shadow in comparison!
44 But come! Take my staff! My time grows short. I long for sleep, to die in a soft, warm bed in the presence of friends. Would you grant an old man that?"
45 "Whatever your need in my house," The Dove told him, "if I possess it, it is yours. For you served The Lords long before I, and if anyone deserves anything in this House, it is you."
46 "Then take the staff," The Old Man ordered, "hold and watch the Glory of The Lords. Feel Their Power."
47 The Dove took ahold of the staff, and immediately he understood The Old Man's words. The staff seemed to be alive! It pulsed under his hand. The Old Man turned toward Swift Turtle and extended his hand.
48 "Young man," he ordered, "The Lords call you to Their Service. That which you once had, is returned to you. Arise! And come to me!"
49 "But sir," answered Swift Turtle, "my back is broken. My legs will not work."
50 "By The Lords, I have spoken," cried The Old Man, "do you not understand my words?"
51 Swift Turtle threw back his blanket. "Look!" he cried, "My legs are withered, they will not move! Do you know how many times I have tried?"
52 He pulled himself up on the pallet then looked in surprise at his legs. They had moved! Seizing a spear from a guard nearby, he pulled himself to his feet, and took a couple of hesitant steps forward then looked up at The Old Man.
53 "Go easy, my son," he said, "learn to walk, then slowly run. Soon you will again fly down the road like the wind, and now it is done. My long journey is finished. At last I may knock on the door of my Loved Ones House."
54 And with that, he relesed the staff, and collapsed. But Swift Deer, sensing The Old Man's weakness, had been standing behind him, and as he started to fall, swept him up in his strong arms as a man would pick up a child.
55 "To the guest room!" ordered The Dove. "Send for a Healer, quickly!"
56 The servants undressed The Old Man, put a fresh nightgown on him, and put him in the bed. When The Healer arrived, he examined him and came out to The Dove.
57 "As far as I can tell," he explained, "it is simply his age. I have never seen a man so old! I can't even venture a guess. I do not think he will be with you long. Make him as comfortable as you can. That is all you can do."
58 That evening The Shadow of The Lords joined Them in Their Holy Residence, quietly as he slept.
59 And The Dove ordered all business in the city to cease that day, and laid his body in the Hall of Judgment for all to come forth who wished, and pay homage to him. And from every part of the city the people came, each bringing a flower and a coin, as was tradition at a Speaker's death.
60 They laid the flowers by his pallet and put the coins in an urn before him, his last tribute, his last gift that would go to the poor.
61 The people had barely known him, but they gave from their hearts. Half of the money would be used immediately, the other half would be put in a trust, and the interest from that trust would be used to help the poor forever.
62 The Dove was pleased with this tradition The Old Fox had started. It gave a Speaker a last gift to give his people, and a means for them always to be remembered.
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