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. My father cut through more than fifteen yards of that road himself. Every footbridge, every curve and cross trail and as a matter of fact, its entire length was constructed under his direction.”

The boyar glanced upward none too approvingly at the winding trail which stretched far above the catapulting, foaming emerald and silver cascade. Following it with his eyes downward to where it led into the valley, he shook his head and said, “Your father must certainly hold a strong rein over the community!”

“Rein, Boyarin?” questioned Maxim, surprised. “You are mistaken, sir! No one individual in our Tukhlia holds any rein, only the people themselves. But my father is a very learned and wise man, he gladly serves the community. When he stands up to speak at the municipal meetings, no one in all Carpathia can equal his eloquence or the wisdom of his words. Although the community listens to and follows his advice, my father has no special privileges and wants none.” Maxim’s eyes lighted up with the fire of his pride and admiration whenever he spoke of his father.

At these words, Tuhar Wolf hung his head in deep thought. Peace-Renown stared at Maxim with renewed interest and no little astonishment. While she was listening to Maxim’s description of his father, it seemed to her as if she had known him all her life and that she would surely find in him a kindred spirit. But Tuhar Wolf’s sullen, downcast mood increased. His forehead wrinkled in annoyance and his eyes, which had long withheld their antagonism, now turned angrily upon the speaker.

“So, it is YOUR father who is stirring up a rebellious attitude among the people of Tukhlia against me and the king?” he questioned reproachfully.

Peace-Renown was alarmed at her father’s words and his tone of voice. She paled looking from her father’s face to