46 The Giant shook his head. "Lord," he
explained, "I don't have a Circle. I've got Sweet Blossom and
Knowing, who have been working with me for the good of the city, but
that is all! I have tried to form a Circle, but no one will
sit. Sweet Blossom will not learn The Lords Ways. She is
not even of The Church. Her brother attends worship, but neither
will sit in a Circle."
47 "She's not a Warlock?" asked The Voice in disbelief.
48 The Speaker shook his head. "She
serves the people like one," he replied, "but she will not accept The
Faith. She will not even speak of her objections. She
discourages no one else, but will have nothing to do with The Temple,
herself! The others obey her out of their love and respect, not
duty."
49 "I'll see what I can do," The Voice told
him. "In the meantime I will seek others. There must be some in
the city that are unafraid. I will go out tomorrow."
50 "We should have heard from The District
Speaker by now," explained Great Bear. "I would not venture out
until we receive his rejection of your banishment. Those in the city
who are against you would like nothing better than to throw you in
prison. Strange things happen in the city prison, while men are
awaiting trial!"
51 The Voice nodded. "I will go in
secret," he explained, "my Speaker's Robes make me like a hundred
others in the city. They will not know I am here! I will
leave my escort in the house. One Speaker alone on the streets
with his hood up, will attract no attention."
52 "I cannot keep you from doing what you
wish," argued Great Bear, "but I would prefer YOU wait a day or so."
53 "I will be fine," The Voice answered. "The Lords are with me. I have nothing to fear."
54 Some of the children came over.
"Teach us, Lord!" they cried, "Teach us! Give us wisdom!"
55 Their mothers approached to lead them away,
but The Voice raised his hand. "Keep not the little ones from
me," he commanded, "for they are the hope of tomorrow. Unless we
become like these innocent ones in our Faith, we cannot know The
Lords. Let them come to me, and be instructed, and rebuke them
not."
56 The women turned away, smiling, and The
Voice took the youngest one on his knee. "What would you have me
teach you?" he asked.
57 "Lord," asked one of the little girls," my
mother taught me a poem that the people wrote after The Great
Journey. Can you tell me what it means?"
58 "Tell me the poem," answered The Voice, "and I will try to explain it."
59 The girl looked embarrassed, but finally she began to speak.
60 "The Lords are my shepherds, I shall not
want. They maketh me to lie down in green pastures. They
leadeth me beside the still waters. They restoreth my Soul.
61 They leadeth me in The Paths of
Righteousness for Their name's sake. Yea, though I walk through
The Valley of The Shadow of Death I will fear no evil, for They are
with me.
62 Their sword and Their shield they comfort
me. They preparest a table before me, in the presence of my
enemies. They anoint my head with oil. They cause my cup to run
over.
63 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life, and I will dwell in The House of The Lords
forever. Blessed Be."
64 The children made The Sign of The Star and The Voice did also.
65 "The poem explains itself," began The
Voice. "Do you not understand? The Lords are like good
shepherds. They guide Their flocks in the right direction, but
They let each sheep or goat find the path that is best for them to
follow, and make sure they shall not want.
66 When we are tired and weary They find us
quiet places where Their water; Their Words Of Truth, restore our
Souls. They lead us on The Righteous Path for the sake of Their
Holy Names.
67 Though we may walk in dark places, and evil
be all about us, we do not fear it, for They are with us.
68 Men may be able to hurt our bodies, but
they can never hurt our Souls, for we have The Lords Light within.
69 Their sword of Justice, and Their shield of Truth comfort us.
70 The Lords prepare a table for us in The
Holy World. Our enemies can see it, but they cannot touch
it. They anoint our heads with the oil of Wisdom, and our cups
overflow with Their Blessings of kindness.
71 They give us goodness and mercy all the
days of our lives and we know we shall dwell with Them, forever.
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