anyone of noble rank could attack the Holy Family
if he felt he had cause? I say, we would be setting a dangerous
example. Those in high places must remember their loyalty to
their God, and his
blood. None but The Holy Family may lay hands on the Holy Family."
96 It was time for Morn to use the secret he had been holding in
reserve. "But General Star," he announced, "IS a member of the Holy
Family. He told me himself, that he is my father's distant cousin, that
they have a common ancestor twenty generations back."
97 "Surely," argued the Councilman, "twenty generations is an
unreasonable distance."
98 "The Law recognizes," continued Morn, "that a relative twenty-five
generations removed is eligible for an inheritance if there are no
other heirs."
99 The Lord God rose his hand, and all fell silent. "Chamberlain," he
ordered, "I would like you to verify Lord Morn's claim. Was General
Star of Holy descent?"
100 "Oh, Holy Light of Our World," answered the Chamberlain, "I have
already checked this matter. General Star DID have a common ancestor to
you, twenty generations back, but his son North has a closer
relationship. His mother is an only child only four generations removed
from The Holy Line. Therefore, her first male son inherits her
bloodline."
101 "I see!" remarked The Lord God. "That puts an entire new light on
the matter. Not only would General Star be considered my brother's
equal, the son who he was protecting is also of the Holy Blood, and
close enough to be considered a candidate for the throne."
102 The Lord God put his fingers together and rested his nose on their
ends. "Considering the circumstances," The Lord God said after a few
moments, "I think it is appropriate that mercy be granted in this
circumstance. The family of General Star shall be spared. I think it
appropriate because of the evidence my son has presented. The
circumstances of