and good," he remarked, "you act boldly, now, but
what will happen when your old adviser returns? He is against
everything this young man says. You have long obeyed his council. He
went to Mu thinking the problems with this young fellow were over, but
when he hears of all this he will return, quickly. And you know The
Power he holds over you."
16 The First Speaker thought for a moment. "No longer," he said, "does
that one hold power over me. No longer do I hesitate in fear. I do not
doubt that The Lords will deal as swiftly and as justly with him as
they dealt with his friends. It shall be interesting to see by what
means these two men do battle."
17 By the time The Adviser managed to return from Mu, the armies were
already gathered around Lo, and preparing for battle. His friends came
to him immediately and told him all that had taken place. "Do not
worry," he counseled, "I will deal with this CHILD. The war will
continue for many years and we will again profit from it."
18 But he found that when he spoke with The First Speaker and Gray
Goat, his usual tricks didn't work. He hinted to Gray Goat that if he
backed off from this course, it could be well worth his wile. But the
young man took no heed of his suggestions. His only desire
was a swift victory that would again bring his people peace and
prosperity.
19 The threats to The First Speaker that a military disaster would make
him lose face, that the people would demand a new election and a new
First Speaker fell on deaf ears. Loss of power no longer frightened The
Speaker.
20 "We could go on talking like this all day," suggested The Adviser,
"but it will win us nothing. Let us stop for now, and continue over
supper in MY