here were the two faces of that plate , it was carved on both sides : the world tree was on one side , its lines and curves were etched into the shell in thin , white lines that were very graceful ; and on the other side were picture-words , it was a little bit of green magic someone had written for me : this is the wooden shield this is the stone shield this is the feather shield this is the flowery shield for maxam cab coh the fer-de-lance can not sting you the crocodile can not smash you the jaguar can not tear you the nine lords can not see you against these evils you walk unseen the strangeness of the gift made me stupid , i mouthed these words when i slid my fingers over the pictures , and kaakik said with surprise , someone taught you the old words .