shake again tomorrow. I COULD tell you when...."
9 "PAGES!" cried The First Speaker. He immediately issued the orders
that Gray Goat had suggested. Within days hundreds of influential and
important people were being arrested, and their properties being
seized. Gray Goat seemed to have a great effect on The First Speaker.
He began to obey him almost without question.
10 "Now," insisted Gray Goat, "we must gather our forces. This conflict
with The One has gone on far too long. We must put an end to it now.
The first thing we must do is march on Lo, and drive the enemy from it, and, the fortress they took in the desert. Then, we
shall march on The Oneness, itself. "
11 "I have been advised against such attempts," answered The First
Speaker. "I have been told I do not have the strength for such a
campaign."
12 "I advise you otherwise," insisted Gray Goat. "Send word to Zo. They
are our allies. Ask them to send one-fourth of the regulars from each of
their cities. Take half the regulars from each of our own cities, plus,
half the militia, if that many will volunteer, get word to our cities
in the south.
Tell them to ready one-half their forces and ask the Frns for help.
13 I'm sure if asked they would give us one fourth their forces. With
such an army we can go south and defeat the enemy. Nothing can stop us!
Give me authority to issue orders in your name, and by The Lords, we
will be victorious!"
14 "By The Lords it is!" agreed The First Speaker. "You give me
confidence, young man! We'll do it! Send out the decrees. Prepare the
forces. With this one leading us, we march to victory!"
15 As Gray Goat left the hall, one of The Speakers Advisers walked up
to him. "This is all well