55 "Well, Mad Dog," The Old Fox continued, "I don't think I have to tell you that you're badly hurt. You'll be able to do nothing for many weeks, except stay to a bed. The use of your leg will depend on it. Is there anyone we can send you to, anyone that will care for you?"
56 "No one," answered Mad Dog. "I have no friends....no kin, nowhere to go."
57 "Then we will care for you," The Old Fox promised, "until you are well enough to go your way. Rest, now; in a little while they will move you to a bed in the servant's quarters. You will be comfortable there, until you are mended."
58 The Old Fox rose but the young man extended his hand and grabbed his arm. "Sir," he confessed, "there is something I must tell you. The other man lied at the gate. There was no accident. I was hired to kill him and I nearly succeeded. Never before would it have mattered to me that I deceived someone, but I cannot take your kindness, your help, without you knowing the truth. I do not deserve to be in your house, to be given your kindness."
59 The Old Fox nodded. "I suspected as much," he admitted, "but that you have told me the truth is a good thing. So do not worry on it. Just rest. Let your body heal. We will discuss other matters when you are stronger."
60 "In my coin purse," said Mad Dog,"are thirty gold coins. Take them for my keep."
61 The Old Fox picked up the coin bag. "I will take," he announced, "what is due us for your food and lodging. The rest I will keep safe until you are well. Now sleep. To regain your strength is the most important thing."
62 The young man's hand fell away, and The Old Fox left. As he entered Gray Dove's room, he found him propped up in his bed, with his daughter, Thorn Blossom, sitting beside him. When The Old Fox entered, she bid him good evening and left.
63 The Old Fox sat down, and stared at the wall. "At the gate you lied," he said. "There was no runaway wagon. You and this man have been fighting. He was hired to kill you by The Priests of Tr. Why did you not tell the truth?" 64 Gray Dove answered quickly. "Because a Voice from The Lords spoke to me, 'Say there was an accident. Let the other speak The Truth, that he may learn the value of it.'"
65 "In that case," agreed The Old Fox, "I approve. I think he has learned much of value this night. Now! We must all get some rest. It has been a long and interesting evening!"
66 "Yes," said Gray Dove, touching the stitches in his cheek, "and, a painful one!"
67 The Old Fox smiled and went off to his bed.
68 Now, Mad Dog recovered, stayed at The House Of Fox, and became Gray Dove's personal servant. Any that knew him were amazed, for he was a completely different man. Wherever Gray Dove went, he was his constant companion. Whatever work that needed to be done, he gladly shared.
69 So, as the years went by, his old name was forgotten, and when people asked who he was, they were told, "That is Loyal Dog, a true and faithful servant!"
From Left To right, Gray Dove, Loyal Dog a true and faithful servant, with The Healer's daughter.
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