Chapter Twenty
For twenty years the land was joyous under The Dove's rule. The people so respected him, that they went out of their way to settle problems themselves, and not have to burden him unnecessarily. But still as First Speaker he had much work, and had a busy schedule.
2 So one day when he woke with a pain in his leg that had been injured so many years before, he was greatly annoyed. A Healer was called who examined the wound.
3 "I do not like this, Lord," he cautioned. "I have seen this sometimes before in old wounds. Something has happened inside your leg. Part of it seems to be damaged. I would prefer you stay to your bed until this has completely passed. Movement could be dangerous."
4 "I would like to stay to my bed, myself," The Dove told hm, "but I am hearing an important boundary dispute between two villages, and it must be settled quickly. As soon as it is done, I will take several days off and rest...I promise!"
5 The Healer objected, but The Dove insisted on having his way. He heard the case all morning, and late into the afternoon. And the discussion was getting heated.
6 One man was standing before The Dove, expressing his case, when The Dove suddenly gave a loud cry, put a hand to his chest, and started to fall.
7 The startled man rushed forward and grabbed him, and The Dove was quickly carried to his bed.
8 The Healer put a hollow tube to the right side of his chest and put his ear to it. "It is as I feared," he said. "The blockage in his leg has moved to his heart. I can barely hear it. It is beating, but just. We can only wait and pray. There is some medicine I can give him that will help, but it is mostly up to The Lords."
9 So for three days The Dove lay in the Deep Sleep, his body fighting to repair itself. And while he slept he dreamed. He entered a fog and heard a voice calling him. A young man came out of the fog.
10 "Come, Lord," he requested politely, "follow me!" The Dove obeyed. He found himself in a beautiful glen by a stream. Stone chairs sat in a circle about a crackling fire, a great roast of beef turned on a spit. There was a table set with all manner of good food. The host of the party sat in a chair somewhat higher than the rest.
11 "Here is our guest!" he cried, "Let him be seated . Fetch him juice, meat, bread, cheese, and fruit. Let him join our celebration!"
12 The Dove was seated and the juice he was given was the finest he had ever tasted, the meat, and, the cheese also. As he ate, the other guests smiled at him. Then he looked up and asked, "Lords, is this The Feast of Welcome? Am I to abide with you here now? Must I leave my loved ones behind so soon?"
13 "Your time with them is yet not over," the giver of the feast smiled as he replied, "but your days of running to and fro are over. You must slow down for the rest of your days. Much of what you now do must be assigned to others, and from this day forth you shall be put in the Healer's care. What he says do, you shall do. What he says you are forbidden, you are forbidden!"
14 "But Lord," asked The Dove, "if I cannot go to and fro, how will I visit the cities every year, inspect the defenses, approve engineering projects? There is so much to be done!"
15 "These duties," announced the master of the feast, "you must put on others. They will take your authority, and speak in your name. Look in the fire and behold, them of whom we speak!"
16 And The Dove looked, and saw his son and daughter. "Lord," he argued, "these are so young! How can they be entrusted with such responsibility? Neither is yet of age!"
17 "They have the people's respect," was the answer, "and their love. They will not be acting on their own accord, but in your name. They will merely be an extension of your eyes and your ears. They will be able to go about and handle small matters while you stay at home and handle the greater needs."
18 This is how it is, and as it must be. The people will not question your actions. They will see the necessity, and honor your faith and trust in those you appoint!"
19 "As you have said, Lord, so must it be!" The Dove told him. "Lord, before I depart, will you answer some questions for me?"
20 "The dreams you have dreamed," explained the master of the feast, "are visions of Speakers that shall come after you.
21 The one you see going from city to city speaking The Power of The Lords and doing Their Wonders is one who will bring The Children back when they turn towards The Darkness.
22. The one you see rushing into The Darkness and breaking the chains of those enslaved, is one who will go boldly into an enemy's lands and bring back those who have been unjustly taken.
23 The one you see covering another's bare back with his own to protect him from the lash, is one who will bring back The Lords Glory when it is lost.
24 You see men who will come after you, who will carry on the work you do. Tell others of them, that they may know even in their darkest hour there is hope. Now it is time for you to depart. Your Guide awaits."
25 The Dove arose. "The food we have given you," explained the host, "has refreshed your soul. But your body now needs nourishment. Go! Awaken! And tell your people all that has happened."
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