Visions
The Shepherd Book II
A Novel by Jeffrey B. Linn
All rights reserved

Chapter XIV

He seemed so ancient as to hardly maintain breath, yet speaking revealed a warmth kindled within. "In hearing the utterance, many of the youth were stirred up, shedding fear like the skin of an adder. They have mustered not one, but five sorties, targeting the outlying hamlets in all directions."

"Other evidence?" queried the gatekeeper.

There was a pause. The mistress of the hearth adjusted the pleat of her kirtle and leaned forward. "I can authenticate three healings of a spontaneous nature, one which I myself witnessed at the apothecary."

"Not forgetting," interjected mentor, "that this word compelled us to convey the Message of the Shepherd, in whose Name we are thus convened."

"Aster kato ho kateudo--." For a surreal instant it was difficult to perceive the origin of the voice. Then all eyes turned to Nebiah.

Cassia gave her a shove. "Not your southern cant!" she chided. "Let everyone hear."

"Beneath the stars the sleeper--" Nebiah began.

`Not that old gibe,' I moaned inwardly.

"listener to his God, seer."

The gatekeeper stood. He regarded mentor, who effused pleasure as he stroked his beard.

"Elias," he said, "I think perhaps the boy has been named."

So a taunt became my title.

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