41 The Lord God looked stunned. "What say you?"
he demanded.
42 "The child you hold," explained the Priest, "is the greatest danger
the Empire has ever faced. The Hashons have a Prophecy that there will
be a child born of one of their women, and the Ruler of their enemies
who will set them free. In their language he is called The Star Of
Hope, The True Light; The Morning Star."
43 The Lord God turned to Golden One. "Is there such a legend?" he
asked.
44 "I am not sure," explained Golden One. "The Old Religion is
forbidden. I have only heard bits and pieces. I know a Freer is promised, but I did not know the other things the
Priest said." Golden One rarely spoke an untruth, but in this case she
thought it best.
45 "She lies," argued the Priest. "She knows The Prophecy. She may even
be part of a conspiracy to bring The Prophecy to fulfillment."
46 "You have privilege," warned The Lord God, "but be careful, Priest.
There is limit even to what you can say. Do not forget, she is my wife.
Bring me all the information you have on this Prophecy. I wish to study
it. It MAY be of some use to us."
47 He handed the child back to Golden One. "He seems strong," he
praised. "I hope he is wise. If he is to do what I intend, he will need
both strength and wisdom. He will have the finest Teachers, the best
education that can be provided."
48 "Lord," interrupted Golden One, "it would be better that he learn
like any other child ...attend a school with other children. That way
he will learn to deal with others his own age. Educating him by himself
here, in the Palace, will make him short-sighted and unaware of what
lies outside these walls."
49 The Lord God thought for a minute. "So shall it be," he commanded.
"Let him strive, let him struggle. Let him be