48 The King turned to Gray Dove. "Take me to The Old Fox," he requested.
49 Gray Dove nodded, and they started off. Then, a cry behind him made him turn around. The crawling men still followed them.
50 "Your Majesty," pleaded Gray Dove, "these men cannot crawl all the way to the encampment! This grass is full of thorns! They are like razors, their hands and legs will be cut to ribbons!"
51 The King stared at the pitiful sight behind him. "You are more merciful than I am," he said. "Get up!" he screamed, 'On your feet. But keep your heads to the ground and your mouths shut!" The men obeyed and followed after them. They made their way through the camp and up to The Temple. The King stopped at the door, and admired The Symbol of The Lords. "It is beautiful," he sighed.
52 The Old Fox was praying that his people be forgiven for the blood they had shed that day, that they had done so only in their own defense. When he became aware of The King's presence, he joined him.
53 "Old Fox," asked The King, "is there no way I can persuade you to stay with me? I need such great and noble people in my land. I understand your people now. Though I still believe in Tr, I know your Lords are as mighty as he. Stay, I beg of you."
54 "Before the shedding of blood, Your Majesty," answered The Old Fox, "perhaps there was a chance, but now there is no hope. You respect The Lords, but those who come after you may not. We must go."
55 "So be it," said The King. "Old Fox, take your people and go! My blessings go with you! And whatever aid my army can give is yours. As your people say, 'Peace; prosperity!'"
56 "May you live long and well," answered The Old Fox.
57 The King bowed, turned, and returned to The Temple door. When he looked outside, he found it was raining! It was pouring down! "When did it start to rain?" he asked one of his guards.
58 "The moment you said go, Your Majesty, that moment it started to pour!"
59 The King looked back to The Old Fox, again in prayer, then turned to Gray Dove. "How many did you lose," he asked, "in the battle?"
60 "Seventeen dead," Gray Dove told him, "Three or four more that may die. Perhaps forty or fifty wounded."
61 "Take these men," said The King, "make them slaves to those women who have lost men. I will send you some others later, ample to cover their losses. Also, the gold and silver that belongs to these men that will support those widows. Also, I will send their families. They will be better off in your hands than in mine. You are responsible for all this. I am sure all will be distributed fairly."
62 "I promise, Your Majesty, all will be well treated, and all will get their fair share."
63 "One other thing," ordered The King, "take care of that old man!"
64 "I will, indeed!" agreed Gray Dove.
65 "I pity anyone who fights him," said The King, "such a man would be a fool among fools!" He touched Gray Dove's shoulder, gathered his guards, and walked off into the rain. It would be the last any of The Children of Spirit ever saw of him.
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