arrived in the Capitol weary and dog sore, but
they went directly to The First Speaker's house. There, all was sadness.
107 Silent Dog lay on a pallet in The Speaker's Hall, The Council
gathered around him. The Hawk entered, and knelt by him. "Greetings,
old friend!" The First Speaker signed.
108 "Greetings, my Lord," The Hawk answered. "How may I serve you?"
109 "You do not know?" asked The First Speaker.
110 "I was told my presence was needed, and to come with haste. The why
was not spoken. I imagined you wanted me to sit with The Council, and
decide on a new First Speaker," The Hawk explained.
111 "The decision," Silent Dog signed, "has already been made. The
Council approved my choice without question. That is why you were
summoned. YOU have been chosen as First Speaker!"
112 The Hawk shook his head. "I am not worthy," he argued, "to replace
my Lord, who has served The Lords so long and well."
113 "I disagree!" answered The First Speaker. "There is no man
worthier. I cannot abide in this body but a few hours more. My Beloved
already sleeps in her resting place. All of my generation have gone
their Way. The Hour has come, that I shall be with Them, and I will put
The Land in the hands of him who will best serve it. Arise, Speaker of
The Lords, Defender of The Faith!"
114 The Hawk rose. Two pages came forward, took his sword, belt, and
robe. The plain Speaker's robe was put upon him. The First
Speaker's Sword put about his waist, The Speaker's Seal about his neck,
and The Staff of The Shadow was put into his hand.
115 "By my authority," signed Silent Dog, "and in The Name of The
Lords, I put Their People, Their Land, and Their Treasure in your
charge. Let no man question your