89 "That I cannot deny you," agreed The City
Speaker. "That is your right. I will have the petitions prepared and
the record of this hearing sent with them. If The First Speaker decides
to hear your case, you may present it to him."
90 Shining Boar left, promising his followers that The First Speaker
would reverse the judgment, but he was wrong. The First Speaker refused
to hear the case. He sided with The City Speaker, and, The Hawk.
Shining Boar's followers deserted him, and the movement died.
91 Shining Boar took many years to repay all those who had given money
to his Temple, but eventually all was returned.
92 The Hawk returned home to a celebration. As he was telling everyone
what had happened, he saw Swift Deer making notes. "Oh, no!" he moaned,
"Not another book!"
93 Swift Deer only smiled. "The Continued Adventures and Teachings of
The Hawk,'" he said, "'and His Agricultural Wisdom.'" Everyone in the
room laughed, but Swift Deer was serious. His second book sold better
than the first.
94 "If he keeps writing books about you," complimented Gray Boar,
"they're going to end up making you First Speaker! You're already
called the wisest man in the land!"
95 “The First Speaker we already have," argued The Hawk, "is far wiser
than me."
96 "Yes," agreed Gray Boar, "but he's ill. I saw him in Northern, just
before I came down with the caravan. He can't stand without help.
There's rumors he may have to resign. And, if he does, you
know who they're going to call to replace him! The people already think
of you as First Speaker. There's no one wiser in The Land!"
97 "You ARE a dreamer!" laughed The Hawk, "I'm