The Children's Chorus

The amuzgar's homily then ended. One of the women stood up, and said, "Children, please rise and come to the front." Eight little children slid out of their seats, and scrambled to the front. They jostled each other as each appeared to be searching for his or her intended place. They took their places in front of the raised platform, and faced the pews. The amuzgar had quietly left the room.

The woman then said, "The Bee song, please."

The children then sang, with more enthusiasm than skill,

How does the little busy bee
Improve each shining hour,
And gather honey all the day
From every opening flower!

"That does not quite rhyme," Astra thought. "I wonder where the old man went? Maybe to talk to Boomer?"

The children sang two more songs that were equally instructive and amusing. The amuzgar returned from out of doors during the last song, and then said,

"It has been written by one of the prophets and philosophers, that knowing how to pray and how to give are two pillars of a good life." Astra had heard stories about the religious practices of the Havnheim, and was looking for someone to start passing around a plate. But no plate came out, as the amuzgar continued, "And therefore, I would like go around the room, and have everyone say a few words about what they want God to give them, and what they have given to others."

This exercise was something that Astra was not familiar with. All her knowledge about exotic religions concerned the nations near her, and she was struggling to adjust. One of the farmers said, "Amuzgar, I reckon that I want good weather so that we get a good crop, so all the people won't go hungry next year." There were a number of heads amongst the adults that nodded in agreement. "And what I gave back was putting some extra work in to get the roof on the shelter patched so that it won't leak. I hope we won't have to test it today, though."

There was a little laughter amongst the adults, and the amuzgar nodded and said, "Yesterday's rain was enough of a test, Kharush. Riza, what do you have to say?"

They went around the room, with the amuzgar asking each of the adults for what they wished, and what good they had done. Astra again wished that she were invisible, and was trying to come up with an answer, if she were asked, that would not get her in trouble.

The amuzgar asked the child who gave her the food and water the same question. The child brightly responded, "I would like to gain wisdom and knowledge, so that I may help my family and my neighbours. I gave some mint pudding to the pretty lady with the big chest when she was hungry."

Astra quickly glanced around the room, unsuccessfully trying to surpress a smile. The adults were not amused, although the looks of disapproval from the men seemed to be pro forma. One of the women looked down and frowned, and closed her eyes. When she had opened them again, Astra had made eye contact with her. She raised her eyebrows, shrugged her shoulders, as if silently saying, "Do not worry. I find it amusing."

The amuzgar continued as if nothing happened.

1. It was now Astra's turn to answer the question.
2. Fortunately for Astra, he skipped both her and Hesht.

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