Chapter Eight
Several weeks went by and Red Serpent was seen
throughout the city, but no one knew what he was doing. Then one
day he appeared at Gray Deer's house. "I need your help," he
begged. "I have found what you said to be true, and must ask your
forgiveness. I have been speaking with many addicts in the
city. Many of them desperately want to be free of the drugs but
they can't fight the battle alone.
2 I have been talking with some Healers. They
say that by gradually cutting down their intake of Pon their withdrawal
can be greatly lessened.
3 It is legal to use Pon as medicine. I want
to start a hospital...a place where addicts can go to be cured. I have
spoken to The City Speaker. At first he was hesitant, but now he says
he will provide guards and a building if I can gather the staff.
Will you help me?"
4 "Of course," answered Gray Deer, "it should not be too difficult to gather the people we need."
5 Red Serpent seemed hesitant. "I know I
am not worthy," he pleaded, "but I would like, also, to sit in your
circle, to learn about The Lords."
6 "You will be welcome," answered Gray
Deer, "but my Circle is unbalanced now. You may have to wait some
time until I find another female student or two. But you are
welcome to come and observe."
7 Red Goat spoke up. "Lord," he said,
"he can have my place for a while. I will wait for the other
students. I already possess The Power."
8 "Very well," agreed Gray Deer.
9 After the lessons that night, as they
relaxed before bed, The Voice looked at Gray Deer. "It is almost
time for me to leave," he announced, "Your Circle is almost
complete. When it is finished it shall be time for me to journey
on. Other cities await my call."
10 Gray Deer bowed his head. "I knew you would
have to leave us," he moaned, "that you were not for our city, alone. I
had hoped it would not be so soon. But are you sure all will be
well, that we can handle things ourselves?"
11 "When I leave," answered The Voice, "all
here will be well. Oh, not everything will be done, but you will
have the power to overcome any evil that comes against you. Now,
if you will excuse me, I am weary and must be off to my bed."
12 The next day The Voice returned home
dragging a young woman behind him. As he pulled her in the door,
she sat down angrily, on the floor. "What in The Name of The
Lords is this?" asked Red Blossom, looking up from the roast over the
fire.
13 "This," answered the Voice, "is our new worker!"
14 "I told you," the girl announced, "I'm not
going to be involved with any dumb Spirits, or gods, or anything like
that! I don't care what my parents said, it's stupid!"
15 Red Blossom shook her head. "Can you explain?" she asked The Voice.
16 "Her parents came to me in the
marketplace," he answered. "It seems they both dreamed the same
Dream. They saw their daughter climbing a great mountain.
The rocks were sharp, and cut her hands and feet. But she
continued on. Great beasts attacked her, and she threw them off
the mountain.
17 And when she reached the top, the sky
opened, and a beautiful light shone upon her. Two Speakers
appeared and put upon her a Speaker's Robe and a voice cried from on
high, saying, 'Behold, our beloved daughter, in whom we are greatly
pleased.'"
18 So they brought her to me, and asked me to
take her, and teach her; but as you can see, she's not too fond of the
idea!"
19 "You know what you can do with your dumb
Spirits!" the girl snapped. She started to finish the expression but
The Voice slapped her across the face. She sat back, startled.
20 "I'll say this once, and only once," The
Voice told her, "You can argue and disagree all you want, but never use
that kind of language in this house, or, in front of me again!"
21 The girl rubbed her face. "Yes," she mumbled.
22 "What?" asked The Voice.
23 "Yes sir, I understand."
24 "That's better. I'm going to find
quarters for you, and send you with someone to get your things. I
want no trouble, do you understand?"
25 The girl started to cry and Red Blossom was
shocked by The Voice's actions. Never had she seen him strike
anyone. "Come on, dear," she offered, "you can lay down on my
bed."
26 The girl rose and bowed. "Thank you, ma'am," she answered.
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