he was, they came to stand outside the temple to
hear him. He spoke of kindness to neighbors, of sharing what one has
with the needy, and The Chil-
dren of Spirit liked his words.
79 "Come," insisted The City Speaker, "Eat with me. Spend the night. I
will find quarters for your companions! "
80 "I would be honored," agreed The Teacher.
81 Now, as they were sent to different places, The Teacher took the
former harlot aside. "You will be offered a gift," he announced,
"though
it may shock you, do not be ashamed, and accept it. There is
no sin in what you will do."
82 The young man looked at him strangely. "Whatever I am offered, Lord,
I will take," he answered, "I will not embarrass my host."
83 The next morning as they gathered to be on their way, the young man
seemed to be in a dream. "They are a very strange people, Lord," he
muttered, "very strange, indeed!"
84 The Young Teacher touched him on the shoulder, and they journeyed
on. Now, the word was out that they were coming, and in every village
where there was a temple of The One, they were welcomed joyously.
85 They visited Eastern, then went to Zo, came back and headed into
Northern. Here, they were greeted like royal visitors.
86 The First Speaker, who was a descendant of The Hawk, and therefore
had blood of The One in his veins, welcomed them cordially, and had a
banquet in their honor. Their numbers had grown slightly, for in
Eastern, a Weaver had joined their ranks, and in Zo a Skinner had laid
down his blade and followed after them.
87 In the temple at Northern, The Teacher