42  Without bragging because he is my brother it is only by his efforts this city is reasonably free of Hoods.  If I take his command now, for whatever reason, the results would be disastrous.  We could lose our support in the city. The Hoods could take advantage and gain the upper hand."
    43  "And if we don't," said the Voice, "a very fine young man could part with his reason.  We're caught between the fire and the deep water, and we can't swim!  I've given my word, under my Speaker's oath." He banged his fist on the table. "Damn!" he cried.
    44  Bold Cat rose.  "Even if you could speak, Lord, what could you say?"
    45  "I could tell a young woman that she has done nothing to be shameful of. That it is not because of anger she is being shunned, but because of the deepest and most tender love.  It is still a wonder to me how fear can destroy the bravest man's reason."
    46  Bold Cat paced back and forth. "If there was only some way we could bring them together, make him speak with her, face to face, he could not avoid the issue.  He would either have to tell her the reason for the neglect, or, accept her love."
    47  The Voice suddenly straightened up.  "She's part of the militia, isn't she?" he asked.
    48  "Of course!" answered Bold Cat.  "Every able-bodied person in the city is part of the militia!"
    49  "Has she served her duty?" asked The Voice.
    50  "I COULDN'T!" cried Bold Cat.
    51  "I think you can!" insisted The Voice.
    52  "But The Secret Service is strictly volunteer," argued Bold Cat.
    53  "I think she'll volunteer quick enough," put in The Voice, "if you make it clear she's to be your brother's runner!"
    54  Bold Cat paced a few moments more. "He's not going to like it!" he muttered. "But I do have the authority. It's worth a try!"
    55  "It is the only try we have!" comforted The Voice.
    56  So a few days later when Swift Cat went for a change of clothes, he nearly dropped when he saw who delivered them!  He was in his brother's office half an hour later, but his brother reminded him that he was City Warlock, and could make whatever assignments he saw fit.
    57  There was no place Swift Cat could hide. His runner brought him messages night and day.  At first conversation was avoided, but finally even common courtesy had to be obeyed.  The conversations grew longer, meals began to be shared, messages delivered at night were often not returned until morning, but no one at The City Warlock's office ever complained.
    58  One day, shortly after The Voice announced that it was time for him to move on, a young Warlock appeared at his door.  Swift Cat looked embarrassed.  "Sometimes," he pleaded, "when you're angry you say things you have no right saying. I must apologize for my rudeness, and ask a favor of you."
    59  "Whatever it is you will ask," requested The Voice, "speak."
    60  "Before you leave tomorrow, do you have time to perform a mating ceremony?  A certain young lady and I desire that you hear our vows."
    61  "If I must delay my departure until midnight," agreed The Voice, "I will do so!"
    62  So it was the next day, with tradition set aside for the sake of safety, with only their families as witness, The Voice joined the two young people in Singing Cat's dining room, then started out with his ox cart.
    63  As they left the gate, and started up The Tr Road, towards Nameless, a great crowd followed them, just as they cleared the city gate, a young man approached The Voice carrying a bag.  "Something to refresh you on your journey," he announced.  "May The Lords be with you."
    64  As The Voice reached out for the bag, Swift Cat kicked it away. "No!" he cried, "Don't touch it!"
    65  In the confusion that followed, the man who had been carrying the bag headed off through the crowd, but Swift Cat's men quickly overtook him.  "What's the matter?" asked The Voice, as Swift Cat cautiously approached the bag.
    66  "Did you see how he carried it," he questioned, "by the strings, and, away from his body? But he held it high so you'd grab it by the sack!"
    67  He carefully cut the bag's strings, and with the tip of his knife worked it open.  A small, gold-colored head poked out. It gave a sharp hiss, and the crowd stepped back in horror. "Good Lords!" cried The Voice, "A Golden Serpent!"