44 "You DIDN'T!" North cried, looking his mother
in the eye. Then he realized she most certainly had! "Anyway," North
argued, "I'm sure she doesn't want another Haven male using her. She's
probably got some nice, Hashon boy she sneaks off with once and a
while!"
45 North's mother smiled, as she went to the door. "Maybe," she said,
Maybe!"
46 That night North lost himself in his studies. It was very late when
he went to the bathroom to take a shower. As he was returning to his
room, he could feel the girl's eyes watching him as he passed. He knew
Hashons could see far better in the dark than his people could. "Aren't
you asleep?" North asked.
47 "No, master," the girl replied. "I've been laying here thinking."
48 "About what?" continued North.
49 "About the strangeness of women," she told him, "how foolish it is
for a woman to fall in love with someone she should hate because she is
his slave and his property."
50 "You were in love with one of your masters?" North questioned.
51 "Yes, sir," the girl replied, "I still am."
52 "Who is he?" North asked. "Someone I know? Perhaps I could speak
with him."
53 "Yes," the girl answered. "You know him better than anyone else.
He's you!" North stood quiet for several minutes. "Are you angry?" the
girl finally asked.
54 "No," North assured her, "but I can't lie to you. I like you, but I
don't love you. I'm not sure if I can love anyone. I'm afraid to.
Anyone I love tends to get hurt in one way or another, and I'm not sure
you love me. Is it love or gratitude because I saved your life that
night in the mines? Or, duty because you think I'm part of that
Prophecy your people have? Would it be fair to you? Would you be merely
trading one form of slavery for another?"
55 "That would be alright," she sighed, "as long as I can stay with
you, and please you. I did not know it was