at the Tukholians occupied with their task. Glancing up at the rising sun, Zakhar’s heart filled with joy and with outstretched hands and upraised voice he greeted it.
“Oh Sun, great and brilliant ruler of the earth! Everlasting protector of all those who are pure of heart and soul! Look down upon us! You see, we have been assaulted by a barbaric foe who has ruined our homes and ravaged our country and murdered thousands of our people. In your name we have stood in mortal combat with the enemy and by your light we vow to go on fighting until we draw our last breath. Help us in that fierce struggle! Give us courage, skill and unity. Let us not crumble under their bombardment or be frightened by their preponderance in numbers, but let us believe in our strength and ability! Inspire in us the spirit of harmony and cooperation and give us the intelligence to apply strategy to defeat the marauders. Oh Sun, I bow as our forefathers bowed before you and pray to you sincerely, with all my heart, give us victory!”
His prayer was done. His passionate, potent words quivered in the clear, fresh morning air. They were heard not by the Tukholians alone but the hills heard them and passed their echo on from peak to peak. Also they were heard by the waves of the dammed-up stream and, as if it had reconsidered the matter, it stopped hurling itself against the stone barrier and instead began backing away from it.
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