People of the Mist by W. Michael Gear & Kathleen O'Neal Gear

Author:W. Michael Gear & Kathleen O'Neal Gear [Gear, W. Michael & Gear, Kathleen O'Neal]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780613167932
Publisher: Bt Bound
Published: 1996-12-31T13:00:00+00:00

Seventeen

Panther shook his head and made a dismissive gesture. “I’ll not try and fool you, great Kwiokos. I’m no sorcerer, no witch. I have made a study of the plants and their Powers. I have listened to, and studied under, men and women with great Power. I have practiced magic tricks and sleights, and even played the god on occasion.”

Not everyone was allowed to play the god. In the ceremonials, strings were often tied to Okeus, so that when the hidden operator pulled them, the god would move his arms, turn his head, and stand in his shrine. A Kwiokos kept that knowledge secret unto himself.

“I see.” Green Serpent took a step to the side, shooting a quick glance at Nine Killer and Sun Conch where they stood just inside the doorway. “And what is your purpose here, Panther?”

“I told you, I came to find—”

“No. Your real purpose? What made you come to this place? What will you do here?”

He took a deep breath, considering his words. “I am not sure yet. Hopefully I will come closer to maintaining the balance that has eluded me for years.”

“An act of goodness to counter the bad?”

“Something like that.”

“Tell me, Panther, are acts more important than beliefs?”

“I don’t know, Kwiokos, but acts have a Power all

their own. I have seen that a child’s smile is worth a lifetime of worshiping before a shrine. An insult shouted across a river can fire the blood of a thousand warriors in lands you’ve never heard of. That is the Power of actions. Be they for good or evil, they spread like ripples upon a pond.”

“Like the murder of our Red Knot,” Green Serpent mused.

“Exactly.” Panther lifted an eyebrow. “I wonder if the murderer understood just how many ripples would spread from that blow to the girl’s head?”

Green Serpent shook his head. “Oh, that is never understood, Panther. Not until the act is done can the ripples be seen spreading. Only then does the murderer begin to see that his life will never be the same.”

“Then come, let us take a look at the girl.” Panther smiled warmly at the Kwiokos. f’I would like the War Chief to accompany us. Nine Killer was there at the place where the girl was killed, and Sun Conch is bonded to me.”

Green Serpent glanced at them, no doubt seeing the fear on their faces. “It is most irregular, but I will do as you wish.” He glanced at Lightning Cat and Streaked Bear, who had been listening intently. “There will be no trouble over this. Come, all of you. Let us attend to Red Knot.”

Panther followed the Kwiokos back past the mat partition, past the storeroom with its graven guardians. As he passed, Green Serpent raised a finger to touch each one, calling for their blessing. Beyond the final mat wall, they entered the sanctum where Okeus sat on his perch, the painted wooden statue covered with peak shell necklaces, polished copper, and fine dress. The shell eyes seemed to gleam with an inner light, but only reflected the fire.

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