20 "This time," The Voice insisted, "there is
no doubt. The Sword has chosen its wearer."
21 Silent Dog signed again. "How can one
who cannot speak be First Speaker? How would the people respect
him? There is still some mistake. I ask you, spin the Sword ONE
MORE TIME!"
22 "Why is it," argued The Voice, "that some
men see only their shortcomings and cannot see the Glory that lies
within themselves? Very well," he agreed, "but if The Sword
falls on you THIS time, you will accept."
23 But as he reached for The Sword it began to
quiver. Of its own accord it spun around until its hilt pointed towards
Silent Dog. Then, it slid across the floor and came to rest at his feet.
24 "Damn it, man!" cried Pepper, "Must
They beat you on the head with it? It's yours! You are
chosen!
Pick it up!"
25 In a daze Silent Dog reached down for the
Sword, but before he touched it, the hilt leaped to his hand.
Strong Dog reached around his brother and undid his own sword, while
The Voice put on The Speaker's Scabbard, and they buckled it in place.
Silent Dog dressed the weapon and a cheer rose from the crowd.
26 "Hail The First Speaker," they cried,
"servant of the people, Guardian of The Faith!"
27 Silent Dog signed to his brother, "You must
stay with me. You have always been my voice. You must share this
honor with me."
28 "No," insisted his brother, "the time has
come. We must go our ways. This is your glory, your honor. There
are many here who know the signs who can speak for you. My duty is in
the city The Lords have given me, your duty is now here. But you
will visit me, and I will visit you. I wish our father could see!"
29 Silent Dog signed back, "We are of The
Faith, brother! We KNOW he sees!"
30 So it was, The First Speaker was chosen,
and The Great Celebration was begun. All in the city were pleased,
except certain Priests in the temple of The One.
31 The High Priest gathered his council.
"Have you heard," he screamed, "have you heard what they have chosen
for a Speaker? A fool who cannot even speak but must jiggle his
hands and have others interpret for them. Surely these people are
mad! If we could be rid of this Voice, they would go their way,
start fighting amongst themselves, then we could again rise to power."
32 One of the lesser Priests rose. "Master,"
he began, "the price on The Voice's head is two-hundred-and-fifty
gold. Even for that great amount, no one dares make an attempt
against him. But if we were to double it, guarantee another
two-hundred-and-fifty I know a man who will do the job. He has
never failed."
33 "That is ridiculous!" answered The High
Priest, "No man's life is worth THAT much! There is someone that
will do it for less!"
34 The young Priest seated himself. An
older Priest rose. "Master," he argued, "we do not have much
time. The price is high, but if success can be guaranteed, is it
not worth it? Five-hundred gold would tempt any man, and we need
the best. We can afford no misses or failures. If we are going to
do this deed, it must be done quickly and well. And besides,
there is always the chance that after the man has committed the act, he
will be caught; and never get to collect the fee."
35 The Priest considered, then motioned to the
young Priest. "How much of a beginning price will you need?"
36 "Fifty gold should be sufficient," the
young Priest answered. "The difference to be paid when the job is
done."
37 The High Priest took out a key, unlocked a
cabinet, and tossed the young man a bag of gold. "Go!" he
ordered. "Get it done!"
38 The Priest departed and made his way to a
nice looking part of the city to a small, but well-kept house. He
took out a key and let himself in the gate, and knocked on the back
door. An old woman opened it. "Ah!" she sneered. "One of
our favorite visitors from the temple! I'm sorry, all my
daughters are busy. One will be free in an hour. If you wish to return
then, I will have her waiting."
39 "I do not wish any of your daughters'
company," the Priest explained. "I want to see your son. I have
business with him."
40 "He's busy," the old woman insisted, "and
does not want to be disturbed. Unless you have a good reason, come back
later."
41 "I have five-hundred good reasons," the
Priest answered, "each one is round and made of gold."
42 The old woman's eyes brightened.
"Five hundred?" she stammered, "Gold?" she hauled him in the door and
shut it behind him, then led him down the hall. At the very last door
she tapped lightly, then tapped again. A very gruff voice answered from
inside. "I'm busy! Go away!"