Martin didn’t move. This had never happened before, and it was not in Leroy’s nature to change a tradition without speaking to his firstborn son and assistant.

“Father?â€? he asked cautiously. Martin wasn’t sure what to do, despite his father’s order. He was terribly frightened of what Leroy could have heard to make him stiffen up like that, and not say anything about it. Leroy turned around stiffly and went back inside. Before Martin could follow, he turned to the crowd of people muttering and questioning as the sky settled down. “There is nothing to be said!â€? he shouted, and more mutterings of disbelief ran through the crowd. “You are to return to your beds immediately!â€? he said. “I repeat: Return to your homes! There is nothing to worry about! The Prophet thanks you for showing your loyalty and support as he received the Prophecy of this new day!â€?