47 "I do not like," The Old Fox apologized, "to take a bride so new to her house from her husband, but it is Morning Glory Hawk that I need."
48 "As you will, Teacher," Morning Glory Hawk said, looking to her husband.
49 "From the house of Bold Fox," The Old Fox continued, "I want Red Fox, and Gray Blossom Fox."
50 Red Fox came forward. "Teacher," he asked, "have you forgotten my sickness? Would one such as I be fit to serve in a Temple?"
51 "That your hands sometimes shake," The Old Fox replied, "and that sometimes you do not find your words, gives no offense to The Lords. They have chosen you. Will you serve?"
52 "With all that is in my heart," his nephew answered.
53 "Then that leaves only my own house," The Old Fox said. "Mountain Glory, you are chosen, and I think Sure Hands."
54 Sure Hands looked up from his work. "Not I, father," he objected. "I make things of beauty with my hands. But you know I am terrified to speak before many people. I will serve The Lords in other ways."
55 The Old Fox nodded, looked at Gray Fox, then his youngest son. The youth backed up, hiding himself in the crowd, and The Old Fox knew that he would not do. "Lame Fox," he said, "you will do."
56 "Me, master? But I am bound to you....a servant. I bear your family name, but I am not of your blood."
57 "It makes no difference to The Lords," The Old Fox told him. "You are the chosen. Will you serve?"
58 "What you teach me to do," the man answered, "that I will do and with the greatest joy."
59 "Then it is done!" The Old Fox answered. "Those who have been chosen must settle their affairs and prepare themselves for a lengthly stay. Now to our supper, then, our beds. We have done great things this day, things that will long be remembered, and there are some things yet to do."
60 So, as they ate supper that night, there was discussion on how their slaves should be freed. And this was how it was decided.
61 As they had a record of what price they paid for each slave, and could figure their keep for the amount of time they had had them, they figured the difference between the common wages for a hired laborer. Those who had worked long enough to pay their purchase price would be freed, plus paid whatever extra they were due. 62 Those who had been recently bought would continue to work but would know how long they would be bound to their master. And once they were free they could choose between staying on as a hired person, or, going their own way. 63 Now, almost all the slaves decided to stay on. That evening, as The Old Fox prepared for bed, Lame Fox came to him. "Master," he asked, "by your reckoning I will be freed and have a small amount of money. Now, I have been a slave for many years, but I know where my wife and daughter are. For we have managed to stay in contact since we were sold. Now they both have good masters. Now, when Bold Fox returns to his city, could he take the money I am due and buy their freedom? If more money is needed, let it be paid and we will serve you until the debt is done."
64 "As you have said," The Old Fox told him, "so shall it be."
65 So it was, when Bold Fox returned the next Worship Day there was a joyous reunion. Lame Fox's mate was with him, but his daughter was not.
66 And Bold Fox explained. "Now, when I went to your daughter's master," he explained, "and prepared to buy her freedom, he granted my request. But after he had accepted the money and set her free, he asked her to stay with him and his wife. While she was a slave, his family would not accept her. Now that she was a free woman, they would joyously welcome her! For they have grown very fond of her.
67 To prove his sincerity he sends these fine gifts and this sack of gold in hopes of persuading you to accept. If you do accept, he asks you take time enough from your endeavors to journey to his house and bless your daughter at their wedding four Fifth Days away."
68 "And what says my daughter?" asked Lame Fox.
69 "The affection of your daughter toward this man," Bold Fox answered, "is great, indeed. It was her desire to stay and await your decision."
70 Lame Fox turned to The Old Fox. "May I go, master?" he asked.
71 "You are a free man," The Old Fox told him, "decide for yourself."
72 "When you return to your city, Bold Fox," Lame Fox told his friend, "tell my daughter and her husband-to-be that at the appointed time I shall be there with her mother at my side."
73 "That I will do, with great joy!" Bold Fox answered.
74 Now the day after the first gathering Sure Hands came to The Old Fox. "When we come to worship on the appointed day," he said, "the Temple will be bare. The people will have no symbol, no sign of The Lords which to worship. Surely The Lords will need a symbol, something that every person will recognize as the mark of our people."
75 And The Old Fox thought, and took a piece of parchment and drew upon it a Star that had six major points and four small ones. "This is The Symbol Of The Lords," he said, "The Star of Their Light, shining out of the darkness of ignorance. The Beacon for Their People to follow."
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