31 North then took out his list and began to
descend into the older tombs to visit other Ancestors. There were other
boys in The Tombs also, some about his age, and some older, who were
with their sisters or mother, for no female was allowed to enter The
Tombs alone.
32 As North had no sister, he knew that the next year he would escort
his mother. That is why this year, he was visiting only his father's
clan.
33 In an old crypt North stopped in the green place at its top, where
plants grew under artificial light. He carefully withdrew the small
plant he had brought from its container, and, selecting an old,
withered one, replaced it with his new gift. Then he made a note on the
register so that the bill for its care would be charged to him.
34 It hardly seemed as if his visit to The Tomb had started when the
bells began to ring signaling its end. The Priests in their robes began to come up the passageways, quickly
heading the youngsters to the nearest exit. As North emerged the last
rays of the sun greeted him. Already three of Haven's seven moons could
be seen.
35 He leaped into the air and flew back to the flier, where Morn met
him. They made themselves comfortable, unpacked the food North's mother
had brought them, and began to talk. "What do you confess, Morn?" North
asked. "What do you ever do wrong worth speaking about?"
36 "Sometimes I think harshly of my mother," admitted Morn, "when I
don't get my way. One time I was very rude to a servant, and I
confessed that. But my Priest says I am very dull! I'm such a good
young man, I never give him any challenge! I think he's glad of that,
though. I think some of the boys give him more than enough to worry
about! What about you?"
37 "About the same as you, I guess. Morn, do you really think the
confessions are necessary?"
38 "Don't ever tell anyone you asked me that question, North! And I
never gave you this answer, but