tent, tonight. Some pleasant company may soften
our attitudes and we may come to an agreement: suitable to all of us.
21 Perhaps we could compromise, drive the enemy out of Lo, and retake
our fortresses. Then, maybe The One would be willing to negotiate. Let
us consider this, and talk about it after supper."
22 Gray Goat agreed. "Perhaps," he agreed, "there is room for some
compromise."
23 The First Speaker looked at him strangely. He knew he intended no
compromise. What was this young man up to?
24 The Adviser returned to his tent. "Get out" he snapped to his two
younger mates. "Go find some games to play, but stay away from these
tents until
I summon you, unless you want to be beaten until you cannot stand!"
25 The two young women left. The Adviser turned to his oldest mate as
he stripped off his clothes. "This young man," he remarked, "is more of
a problem than I thought. We will have to use YOU against him. Get your
clothes off. We have to prepare! "
26 The woman smiled and obeyed. Together they rolled up the carpet,
leveled the sand and drew symbols. A small cook pot was soon on a fire,
and
their magic was being worked. They made two potions…..one which the
woman drank, and one they saved for their guest. Though the light in
the tent had not changed, it was filled with Darkness.
27 They rearranged the tent. The Adviser's first mate went to her
quarters. The Adviser called in his two young mates. He had a desperate
need for them before his guests arrived.
28 When The First Speaker and Gray Goat entered, the tent was bright
and cheery, but both of them