“We are small,” Matthew said, “but we are whole. We have said it so many times, we may have begun to forget: together we shall be whole.”
Solid, loyal Simon spoke up.
“I see more members than enough. This is a Council Meeting; it has to be kept small; there are many beneath us who need certainty, not debate.”
There was a rumble of agreement around the Hall.
Hannah announced:
“Micah is going to try and claim the children,” she added.
“I will not let them go,” Matthew said. The children were his at least as much as Hannah’s and now they were Micah’s not at all.
“Teacher - tell us what is happening,” Jemima urged.
“What is happening is what is supposed to happen, Mother Jemima. We are being attacked, persecuted - just the way we need.”
“Need, Teacher?” asked Nahum.
“Need, yes, Nahum
