your courage, but it is time we put an end to
this Republic business. This idea is far too much for many of us to
take. It is only because of your young years that you put emphasis on
such a ridiculous idea. We think someone older and wiser should lead
us."
40 "And I bet I know just who! " North replied with sarcastic tones.
"You're volunteering for the job, no doubt!"
41 "Yes," the man confirmed, "I'm more than thirty seven times your age,
and I have a great deal more experience than you have."
42 High River, The Guard Major, stood without a word, and walked over
to The General. With lightning fast speed, he whisked his dagger from
its scabbard and drove it through the man's heart.
43 Three others jumped to their feet in surprise, and went for their
weapons. But they died as quickly as their leader. High River's men saw
to that. "Anyone else?" asked High River, "that thinks he can lead us
better than our young Lord?" No one said anything.
44 "Go back to what you were saying sir," High River told North. "We'll
take care of this!"
45 A few hours later a flier crashed into the side of a mountain and
incinerated. Those on board were burned to ashes. Its disaster recorder
showed that its thrust had jammed, and the ship was flying too fast for
its occupants to get out before it impacted. "If there keeps being so
many accidents around here." North commented, "somebody's bound to get
suspicious!"
46 "If they do," replied High River, "there can always be another
accident. You're leader, you'll STAY leader, as long as I'M alive. And
I intend to be around at least another one-hundred-and-fifty years. By
that time, young fella, you'll be fending damned well, for yourself, if
you're half the man I think you are."
47 North's friendship with this man grew daily, and he learned more
from him about The Lord's Guard than from any