"and destroy their earthworks. This time we will
put an end to their mischief for good!"
13 "Before we go marching off to do battle with the enemy," suggested
Shy Fox, "we should clean up our own house! Have you read those reports
I gave you?"
14 "That foolishness?" answered Red Cat. "Those reports told slanderous
stories about some of my best friends and I refused to believe them.
However, if it pleases you, when this campaign is over I will
check into some of these claims, though I know there is no truth in
any of them. But to please my friend, I will inquire."
15 "Surely," argued Shy Fox, "one with your Power can see the Truth in
these documents."
16 "WHAT Power?" snapped Red Cat. "When I was young I had a few crazy
dreams. I believed in all this mumbo-jumbo, made a few lucky guesses,
and people thought I had miraculous Power. I'm just a man, you're just
a man. Spirit is a big joke fathers tell their little boys when they
march off to war and never march back again. My father said The Lords
would protect him, and where is he? Rotting out in the desert
somewhere. They didn't even find his body to bring it home."
17 He picked up one of the new rifles off the table. "This is the only
true magic," he continued, "this is the only TRUE power, and, a strong
arm to hold it. That's what protects OUR people, not some unseen Lords."
18 Shy Fox shook his head. "I hear your bitterness," he answered, "but
I know in your:heart you do not mean these words you say."
19 "Believe what you will," snapped Red Cat, "it is only skin for the
shedding. Now, let's get back to work. There is much to do and this
time, I want to take the enemy by surprise."