Chapter Thirteen
Now one day, as the students gathered at The Temple to form the circle, The Old Fox entered, carrying his staff. "Do not take off your cloaks," he ordered, "but go to The Symbol of The Lords. You will find something there; a gift for each of you made by Sure Hands."
2 His students did as they were bid. Each found a beautiful staff with their symbols upon it, and, their names. Down one side was carved The Prayer of Protection, and down the other side, The Greeting of The Lords.
3 "Take up your staffs," The Old Fox commanded, "and follow me. I blessed these last night, and left them before the Symbol so that The Lords might fill them with Their Power. They are your Symbols of office.
4 Always should your cloaks be plain; black as the cloudy night. Under them your garments should be white to represent The Light of The Lords, and always shall you carry your staff wherever you go. It is the Symbol of The Lords Power that you take with you. Each new Speaker shall be given a staff, likewise. It shall be how the people know that they are Givers to The Lords. Now let us journey forth."
5 And he took them to the marketplace, to the place of the storytellers and debaters. Now, this was a custom in all the villages, that on the right side of each marketplace sat storytellers telling tales, and on the left side stood the philosophers, arguing their philosophies. And The Old Fox stopped first by an open place on the storyteller's side. "Little Bay Blossom," he said, "seat yourself. Tell the people a story concerning The Lords."
6 The girl looked at him with horror. "Me, Teacher?" she gasped, "I am not a storyteller!"
7 "I'm sure," The Old Fox said, "that something will come to your mind."
8 "Come on, girl!" somebody in the crowd shouted. "There must be a tale or two in you! Tell us some good story, something with some adventure!"
9 "All right!" agreed Little Bay Blossom. She sat down and began to tell The Old Fox's story. Within moments a crowd was gathered around her, listening to her every word. The Old Fox nodded, and motioned the others to follow. Now, one of the philosophers was talking about the role of women, and the superiority of men.
10 "Morning Glory Hawk," ordered The Old Fox, "here is a sheep ready for the shearing. Go shear him!"
11 "This," the young woman cried, "I will joyfully do!"
12 In a short time she had the women in the crowd cheering as she beat down every one of the man's arguments.
13 There was also another philosopher, saying that nothing was real, that all of life was nothing but a dream, and only those that were truly awakened were aware of the real world. That only his god could awaken them. "Here is your sheep, Little Trusting Fox," The Old Fox said, "Make sure your shears are sharp!"
14 "They are, indeed, Lord!" the young man told him, and he joined in the discussion with a fire.
15 Now, The Old Fox noticed one of the speaking places was empty. "Little Gray Blossom," he commanded, "stand here. Tell the people about the partnership we have with The Lords, that none are master, none are slaves, but we are all brothers and sisters." Gray Blossom shrugged, but took her space and began to speak. Soon, a crowd was gathered also, around her.
16 "The rest of you," he instructed, "scatter yourselves among the crowd. If any express interest in what the others are saying, invite them to worship, or, if you find anyone with problems, find in what way we can assist them."
17 The Old Fox found a comfortable place, seated himself, and watched the morning's work. Towards high sun, the crowds began to break up. Little Bay Blossom was the first to join The Old Fox. "Well," asked The Old Fox, "did they like your story?"
18 "So much so," the girl replied, "that I have two problems...three, really!"
19 "What are they?" enquired The Old Fox.
20 "Well, first of all, I have many peoople that want me to come to their homes and tell my tale to their friends. So many, that I do not know where to go first!"
21 "That certainly," answered The Old Fox, "is a little problem. What is the second problem?"
22 The girl reached into her robes and took out two large handfuls of coins, several gold and silver among them. "What am I to do with these?" she asked.
23 "The crowd was generous!" The Old Fox answered. "I'm sure Spirit will find a use for it. Keep it until They make it known. That leaves us only one problem."
24 The girl turned around and looked toward a young man standing against a wall staring longingly at her. "He says he's in love with me," she told The Old Fox. "He says he wants to take me home!"
25 The Old Fox laughed. "That is a problem that I cannot help you with! That is something you will have to deal with for yourself! But I'm sure The Lords will find an answer for that, also." The girl shrugged, looked at the young man, smiled, and looked back at The Old Fox. "Oh, the problems of youth!" The Old Fox said. "Come, join the others!"
26 When they came to Morning Glory Hawk, she had a large crowd of women gathered around her. "Yes, sisters," she shouted, "yes! You are all welcome at worship! Come any time you like! Excuse me, now. My Teacher is here. I must go."
27 Little Trusting Fox also had quite a crowd, and he was bidding them good day as The Old Fox approached. He joined the group and they went to Gray Blossom. But she was in the midst of a heated argument. A young man was screaming at her, "You're wrong! You're wrong! How could a woman know these things?"
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