“If you will give to my tribe all the bronze of your village, they will return your son to you.
“If you will not give your bronze, Lodrix will be killed, because the Bear people are your enemies.”
The chief listened to the words of the boy, then called his men to him.
He told them what the messenger had said, then stood silent, wondering what their answer would be.
The men wished to fight, but they knew fighting could not save Lodrix, for the Bear people would surely kill him.
Their bronze was very precious to them and they hated to give it to their enemies, but they loved their chief and knew that Lodrix must be saved. So they said:
“Chief, what we have is yours. Take our bronze if it will bring your son back to us.”
Then the chief said to Tevico: “Hasten back to your chief! Tell him that the Dormorants will give to him all the bronze of their village for the safe return of Lodrix.
“Tell him to send Lodrix to the shore of our lake at sunrise. A messenger will be there who will give him the bronze he asks.
“Now go, Tevico, and carry my message to your chief.”
Tevico turned homeward, leaving the Lake-Dwellers glad that they had news of Lodrix, but sad that they must give their bronze to their enemies.
Together they walked through the forest to the shore of the lake and crossed the bridge to their village.
The women were crowded together, waiting for tidings of Lodrix.
The chief’s wife rushed toward him crying: “Lodrix, my son! Where is he? Did you find him?”
“He is safe, but in the hands of our enemy,” said the chief. “He will be returned to us at sunrise, but we must give to these people all the bronze in our village.” Turning to his people, he said: “Let us collect our treasure at once, that it may be ready in time.
“Some day my son shall repay you for this great sacrifice.
“Go, now, to your homes and bring the precious metal to me.”
The men started off to obey the command of their chief.
Slowly they walked to their huts and quietly collected what bronze they had.
It was only a short time before they were again together at the chief’s hut.
They entered and placed their bronze in a pile on the floor.
The chief had collected his bronze too, and motioned to one of the men to put it with the rest.