Chapter Five
Though North had trouble in mental pursuits, he
lacked nothing in the physical. He was one of the best runners and
fliers in the school, and a skilled climber. Only two other boys came
anywhere near him, in these pursuits .... Morn, and The One Like The
Lord God.
2 Another thing that North excelled in was combat with the sword and
shield. From the first moment the Instructors put the units into his
hand, he showed exceptional skill. Only Morn could compete with him at
all. He defeated any other opponent so quickly, that after a while
he was matched only with Morn and The One Like The Lord God, because
they could give him some practice. Sometimes, even the Instructors took
him on; and even THEY were hard pressed!
3 Even before The Games, stories of North's skill were spreading
through the city. Finally, before the boys knew it, it was Visitation
Day again, and North proudly escorted his mother through The Tombs,
while Morn took one of his sisters. This time, no bar was removed from
their emblem; THAT would come only after The Tests and The Games.
4 The following day as The Tests were given, everyone was pleased.
Nobody failed. Morn, as usual, got the highest grades, next came The
One Like The Lord God, and then North. "Third in the whole school!"
Morn told his friend. "Not bad!"
5 ''I'd be last in the school," praised North, "if it hadn't been for
you!"
6 The following day The Games began. In every school throughout the
city the races were run, both on the ground and in the air. The
contests were held with sword and shield until the next day. Great
crowds gathered at The City Stadium, and the contestants faced
each-other again until the three best in the city were selected.
7 Day followed day until the best in the state and