16 The Lord God long ago learned that weak
leaders endanger The Empire, so only those of the finest physical and
mental condition are allowed to serve in positions of Government.
Through education and The Games a commoner can rise to the level of
High Born, and The High Born can fall to the level of a commoner. So
you face a life of challenge and hard work. But such is what has made
your people great.
17 Now that you are five, you must go, once a month, to the Priest for
confession. I will give you a list of things to confess, and also, a
list of things you must NEVER confess. Most of all, never, EVER tell a
Priest you have any doubts about our faith, that you, in any way,
question what you have been taught. Doubters disappear, even young
ones. If they're lucky, they're killed, if not, there are always
experiments that require Haven subjects. There are other things that
might happen to young boys that are taken away, but we will not discuss
that until you are older."
18 By the time he was five, Morn had mastered the skills of flying. At
six, he would enter school, but now every day his mother took him to
the playground so he could meet other boys his own age. It was at one
of these playgrounds that Morn first saw him. As they arrived, he
heard North's mother telling him "Someone of importance is here."
19 "Who?" he asked, excitedly, "Who is here?"
20 "I don't know," his mother replied, "but if we're patient we might
find out."
21 Morn continued to bounce his ball off the wall and looked longingly
at the other boys. North walked across the playground and approached
him. Morn stopped bouncing his ball and turned to look at him. "Why do
you look so funny?" North asked.
22 One of The Lord's Guards started to come over, but Morn waved him
away. "Because my mother is a Hashon," he explained, "the wife of The
Lord God. She's that one, over