Taking a pause from his storytelling the old otter was looking intently with his good eye at the guard's face. The leopard showed no outward emotion of empathy, nor of curiosity. The telling of the good news of God seemed not to shake him, which did not surprise Reiach; for he has seen such apathy ( and much worst) during his many years of preaching. Another leopard, hiring in rank, came to the cell. Immediately the guard stood to attention.
“There has been a change in plans, “ said the leopard, “The emperor wants a private hearing with this otter in about three hours. So you won't have to endure a full night of babysitting after all.”
“Glad of it sir,” said the guard.
“And to you,” said the leopard to Reiach, “We'll see how much of God lives in you once the axe slices your neck.”
Reiach said nothing to this, but looked steadily into the eyes of that leopard, who turned his gaze and left the cell.
“He's a gloomy little leopard isn't he? But God can work that all out.”
“Oh, be quiet!”
“What's wrong Mr. None of Your Business,” said Reiach opening his arms, “Just stating the obvious.”
“First of all that's not my name. My name is Grec.”
“Ah,” said Reiach with a smirk, “ A delightful name; I believe in your language it means: One aligned with truth, is it not?”
Grec knew it was true, so he didn't answer.
“The irony of it all.” said the otter. “Anyway, the rest of the story--”
“You won't have time,” said Grec.
“I have three hours before I am presented for slaughter,” Reiach said confidently. “I can finish this tale within two. Now after our visit in the village, God lead us to Gosha.”
“Gosha!” cried the leopard. “The wolves of Gosha? There nothing but a bunch of lawless gangsters.”
“Some still are, but not all of them. God changed things.”
“Impossible!” growled Grec, “Wolves don't change--especially those kind.” Reiach started to laugh.
“Any creature will change, if God lives in them. I'll tell you how those wolves changed.”
“Well hurry up.” said Grec, “You've got two hours fifty two minutes and counting.”