to me thusly? I have spilled my blood in battle,
seen my friends wounded then chopped to pieces by the enemy. Who are
you to tell me, a mere boy who has never seen battle, how to counsel
my people?"
17 "My Warlock," warned the woman, "watch your words, for The Lords are
with him, and his tongue is sharp! He can open up your heart and make
you pain worse than a sword. Take his counsel, do not question his
Authority. "
18 The Warlock smiled. "I have nothing to fear from Them," he insisted.
"I am an honorable man."
19 "Does an honorable man," inquired Gray Goat, "give his duty to a
friend who is so drunk he can barely stand, so he may stay and frolic with a woman, so that his
friend and his companions met an enemy patrol, and, not having their wits with them, were slain?"
20 The Warlock's mouth fell open. "Lord!" he gasped, "I...." He covered
his face and wept.
21 "I do not accuse you of shame," continued Gray Goat. "The young do
foolish things. All in the matter were to blame, not one. That is why
those in authority sent you here to serve out your duty, for they could
find nothing that was worthy of punishment. I ask you not to be ashamed, but only to do as The Lords Will. "
22 "Because you have not condemned me," answered the Warlock, "I hear
your words. From this day forth I will carry out my duties with diligence. "
23 They departed to join the others who had stopped work and were
listening to that which was said. "Let them rest awhile," ordered the
Warlock. "They have done a good day's labor. In a while we will start back to camp."
24 As Gray Goat turned to return to his flocks, he found his father
standing behind him. "What manner of magic is this?" he inquired. "Is
this my son who