told them, "then I will accept my punishment with
dignity. But I will not dishonor him by not doing my best."
8 The Councilmen shook their heads. "They say The Hashons are wise,"
they commented, "but this one is foolhardy."
9 Most of The Hashons disliked the names The Goddens gave them, but
Bright Blossom Sword didn't mind being called Golden One. She
considered it a badge of honor.
10 One day as she entered her Lady's quarters, she found her packing.
"My Lady," she inquired, "what has happened?"
11 "After ninety-nine years of being with him," the Haven woman wept,
"The Lord God has put me out. None of my sons made Academy, none of
them will join The Fleet, none are worthy to be Lord God, so he is
putting me out, saying I am unfit and will take another wife. I am
being sent to some gloomy apartment somewhere, to live out my days"
12 Golden One could not understand, but she helped her Lady gather her
things. "Will I be able to visit you?" she asked. "We have been such
good friends. I have never considered you my master."
13 "Nor have I ever considered you my slave," the other woman replied.
"Perhaps The Lord God will permit me a Servant. If he does I will ask
for you. I will miss those wicked stories about Warlocks and men
fighting demons!"
14 A Guard entered and asked the wife leaving if she was ready. She
looked at the cases and boxes about her, and nodded. Several slaves
entered, and began carrying her belongings out. As they were doing so,
another Guard entered. "Golden One," he ordered, "come with me,
immediately. The Lord God demands your presence."
15 Golden One started to follow him, but the Guard stopped. "No," he
commanded, "do not walk behind me, walk at my side and stand erect."
16 Golden One did not understand. Slaves were supposed to follow their
masters with head bowed. She entered