North's mother. They were old friends from even
before the war. He gave her a shot that put her to sleep, then bade
North goodnight.
66 Once his mother was asleep North asked his uncle if he would need
his help. "No," the older man answered.
67 "I'm going to my room, then," North announced. "If you need me,
call."
68 "I won't need you," his uncle assured. "You'd better get some sleep!"
69 "Good night!" North nodded, and went to his room. He tried to sleep,
but rest wouldn't come. After a couple of hours he got up. The light in his father's office was still on, and the
door to his parent's room was closed. Silently, North slipped open the
door to the balcony, stepped outside, and silently shut it. Stepping to
the edge of the balcony he leapt off, dropping some distance before he
opened his wings and soared away.
70 While all this had been happening to North, Morn had been extremely
busy. His first word of General Star's arrest had come from the General
of The Palace Guard. "He's in custody in the detention now," the
General told him. "They've sent men to pick up North and his mother."
71 "Recall them," Morn ordered. "I don't want them brought in. I'm sure
my father will approve it. I'm coming right down to see the General.
Make sure he isn't harmed."
72 "Yes, Lord," the Guard General replied. Since Morn had stopped the
man's bad habits, a strange friendliness had grown between them.
73 When Morn reached the detention area, several Guards were standing
in the hallway. "Where's General Star?" Morn demanded. One of the
Guards looked to a door that said 'Interrogation.'
74 They stepped aside as Morn charged through. When he pushed open the
doors, Morn wanted to be sick. He quickly pulled them to again, and
turned on the Guard. "Get a coffin," he ordered, "get him out of there,
and take him to The Temple of The Dead!"