With the advent of a new day and still no Lyle, the tension continued though unspoken.
Before we dispersed to our chores, the messenger from two days ago arrived. He handed me a note. It was from Lyle, a request that I meet him at the city gate and render him assistance.
The messenger seemed surprised when I asked to return with him. (My turn to be surprised that he was not aware of the contents of the message).
Lyle was waiting for me at the city gate. Four elderly people were with him, two of them disabled.
After we settled them in the encampment, Lyle took me aside.
Stan made the offer that one receive the mark for all.
