60 But look at some of the other Temples; Bright Turtle of The Mukns and his philosophy, Blazing Dog of The One with his Teachings, and several others that you see. Have you ever read any of their writings?" 61 "I believe in The Lords," answered The Dove, "all else is falsity, all else is meaningless."
62 The Guide stopped at one of The Temples and looked at the inscription above the door. " 'If you feed my hungry,' it said, 'you love me. If you do not, you do not know me.' One of the Teachings of The First Lord of The One," he said. "Does it sound familiar?"
63 "Why, yes," said The Dove. "The Old Fox said something similar. 'If you do not show charity to Their children, you do not know The Lords.'"
64 "Who do you think trained the first Lords?" the Guide asked. "Why do you not think every living soul ended in The Darkness? Because there were Teachers that gave them enough Wisdom to survive, enough knowledge to grow, to learn The Truth. If they had not had these foundations to build on, they could not have broken free, saw The Truth, and worked so hard to bring it to their brothers.
65 Because some people are called gods, does not mean they ever claimed to be such. Many were simply Teachers, like The Lords. Their followers later corrupted their Teachings, made them more than they ever claimed to be. And many distorted what they taught for their own reasons.
66 There are even those among our own people trying to do this today, but Gray Bear is not one of them. Some of the people need what he has to teach. What The Lords give is good for most, and will bring the majority of the people to The Light. But there are a minority that will need this Gentle Teaching. They can not live with the sword and the shield. Their souls cannot bear the pain of hurting another, even when they are justified.
67 We have no right to tell a man or woman they must kill when it is not in their heart to do so. For if we do, we kill their souls."
68 "As you have said," The Dove answered, "I will tell my people. I will not speak ill of these Gentle Ones; and I will forbid any of our people to do so. For The Lords sake I will approve their Faith. Also I will take your advice and read some other Teachings, too. Now, I would like to know what it is they say, how The Truth of The Lords grew in their hearts."
69 "Then my mission is done," the young man announced. "I will take you home, but before I do, Lord, I would like to enter into your world with you. There is a place I would like to show you."
70 "Of course," agreed The Dove. "If it is within your power, show me!"
71 They entered into The Material World coming to The Northern City. They flew through the air like birds, and hovered over a certain house by the river. There was a young woman standing on the balcony in her nightdress, staring up at the stars.
72 "Lord," asked his Guide, "do you know this house and this woman?"
73 "It is the house of Red Hawk," The Dove told him, "of The Flying Hawk Clan. That is his daughter, Mountain Glory, one of the fairest flowers in this city."
74 "Invite them to your house for supper, Lord," his Guide asked, "and insist they bring their daughter, but make sure your son is with you that evening. Will you do this for me, Lord?"
75 "If it is your wish," The Dove told him, "that I will do. But what interest do you have with this woman and my son?"
76 "That," the young man answered, "you will find out, Lord, in good time. But for now, it will please me if you do as I ask." 77 The Dove agreed. The young man waved his hand. The Dove found that it was morning, and he was awake in his own bed. After he had dressed and eaten, he summoned Gray Bear and the others, and told them of his dream.
78 "I sanction your faith," announced The Dove. "It is one with The Lords. Your Teachings stand side by side with those of The Old Fox. Your people may speak in any Temple anywhere, and none may question their right.
79 Your people are free from any military service that involves combat. But they are obligated to serve as Healer's Helpers and in other capacities where they do not have to fight.
80 I do also require that your children learn the use of sword and shield, so if when they are grown they choose to follow another Way, they will know how. However they do not have to train with real weapons; Wooden swords and wooden shields will do. If nothing else, it is good exercise. Is it agreed?"
81 "It is agreed, Lord," answered Gray Bear, "and as you say, it is excellent exercise!"
82 The Warlock and Speaker who had made charges against him came forward and expressed their apologies. "All is forgiven," said Gray Bear. "You did what you felt was right. I did what I felt was right. There was no anger or hatred on either side. Let it be forgotten, and let us be good neighbors."
83 The Dove was pleased, and the case was done. He fulfilled the Spirit's request and invited The Hawk Family to supper. When Mountain Glory Hawk and Bold Dove's eyes met, neither could speak, they just stared at each other over the table all night.
84 A swift courtship followed, and a happy mating. A year later, a proud father brought his new-born son for his grandfather to see. The Dove took the child's hand, and as he looked at it, it smiled a certain smile The Dove had seen many times. And a soul touched his soul.
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