Chapter Four

    The following day was a Fifth Day, so as usual, they went to the marketplace to speak after Temple.  There was a good crowd, and many came to The Voice asking to return to The Lords.
    2  And others came, also, for Healing.  For many said such a great Speaker of The Lords must also have Their Power to Heal, and The Voice touched and blessed many.
    3  As they were leaving the marketplace, a large man near to the size of a Giant but not having a Giant's features, blocked their way.  "Oh, here are the wise and wonderful Children Of Spirit!"  he teased, "The know-it-alls!  Tell me, little worshipers of Truth, what wisdom can your Great Lords tell you about me?"
    4  "It takes no wisdom of The Lords," Gray Deer answered, "to tell that you have disgraced Their Holy Day with drunkenness, and have no manners, whatsoever.  Step  aside, sir, let men of honor by."
    5  "Here's your honor!"  the big man roared, and struck Gray Deer soundly on the nose!  Gray Deer staggered back and sank to his knees.  The big man stepped towards him, but The Voice had circled behind him and gave him a swift kick in the butt!
    6  The man gave a roaring cry and spun around, and received another kick in a more tender place.  As he doubled up, a strong fist met the side of his face, and he went down.
    7  The Voice stepped back as the man gained his feet.  Shaking his head he charged at The Voice a couple of times, but The Voice only stepped aside.  "Enough!"  he cried, "I'm more than your match.  See reason, man!"
    8  The large man stopped and shrugged. "You're quick with your feet," he admitted, "AND  your hands!  But why won't you fight any more?"
    9  "I protected my friend," answered the Voice, "that is enough.  Beating you senseless would only prove that I am physically stronger, nothing else.  Besides, those foolish Lords you speak of only allow me to use enough strength to defend myself. I think I did that fairly well."
    10  "Yes," the large man agreed, "very well!  I'll never understand you people."
    11  He turned and started to leave when Gray Deer spoke.  "Wait a minute, you struck me without cause.  I demand satisfaction!  Shall we settle it here, or shall we call a Warlock, and take it before the Speaker?"
    12  The large man shook his head.  "The one that can't fight, will fight. You people are crazy...totally and completely crazy!"
    13  "A man must have honor," Gray Deer answered.
    14  The large man took out his purse, counted out five gold coins, and put them in Gray Deer's hand.  "There!" he groaned, "Happy?  The usual five for a blow struck without cause.  Can I go now?"
    15  "Yes," agreed Gray Deer, "and it might please you to know that this money will be used to send a widow's son to the Engineering school, so he can learn a good trade and support his family."
    16  "You're not going to spend it on yourself?" the man asked.
    17  Gray Deer shook his head.  The large man turned and walked away.  "Crazy people!"  he muttered, "Crazy people!"
    18  Gray Deer and The Voice returned home.  Little Deer's friend from school who had been reluctant to accept his invitation, had finally come.  The meal was enjoyable. And afterwards the family brought out their instruments for a few minutes of music before the evening's work began.
    19  The Voice noticed that Shy Crow, the young visitor, carried a violin case but did not take the instrument out.  "Come, young man," he encouraged, "play with the others!  I bet you can make a lively tune!"
    20  "I play a little," the young man argued.
    21  Gray Deer strummed his lute. "You can sound no worse than me, young man!" he announced. "If I didn't have a flute and a bell-board to cover up my mistakes, it would be poor music!"
    22  The young man shrugged, opened his case, and tuned his instrument.  "Do you know 'Down By The River"?"  Gray Deer asked.
    23  "One of my favorites of the popular pieces," the young man answered.  "My father doesn't like me to play them, but I do!"
    24  "Then that it shall be!  One, two, three!"  They went through several popular tunes when The Voice raised his hand. "I think it's time for a solo from our guest!  You said you didn't play the popular songs much, so you must play the classical pieces.  Gray Turtle's 'Moonlight On The River.'"


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