more. She gave up their faith. She worships The Lords now."
6 "She gave up her faith," argued The Young Speaker, "so she would no
longer be counted among their numbers. Many of them are doing it. In
her words, she says she worships The Lords, but in her heart she keeps
The Oneness, and clings to their way. She thinks I am a demon."
7 The woman began to weep. "It's not true," she cried. "It isn't! In
the beginning yes, I was lying, but now I DO believe in your Lords, I
DO! I do love you, and I am afraid."
8 "You do not have to be afraid," assured The Young Speaker, "I knew
you were one with The Lords, but I wanted you to say the truth, so you
would be free of it. Otherwise, it would have eaten up your Spirit. I
don't believe your people's plan is going to work too well." He got
down and went back to the packing.
9 "Does he read my mind?" wept Shining Blossom. "How did he know these
things?"
10 Without turning around The Young Speaker answered, "Remember your
prayers?"
11 "He CAN'T be a demon!" Shining Blossom gasped. "A demon could not
know my prayers, even MY people know that! Truly he is one with The
Lords! I will keep our bargain. She is welcome, but you must keep
yours!"
12 "I will," agreed Little Crow. "I will not know her. She will merely
be a guest in our house."
13 But after a few months Shining Blossom came to her mate. "Our
bargain," she announced, "must be cancelled, for I have learned that
your peoples' Ways are not evil, and my sister, who I have come to
love, must be a part of my house, and share all that is in it."
14 So Thorn Blossom became Little Crow's second