65 "How was that?" asked The Old Hashon.
66 "I told her I didn't love her, but when I woke up this morning, I
said to myself, 'You damned ass, you've loved her since the first
moment you laid eyes on her! You're just too damned dumb to admit it!"
67 The Old Hashon did something North had never seen him do ...he burst
out laughing. "Young Lord," he chuckled, "you are the greatest of men!
In body you are but a youth, in your soul, you are an ancient!"
68 North looked at the Old Man and smiled. "I like your legends," he
admitted. "This business that a person can live more than one lifetime
fascinates me."
69 The Old Hashon stopped laughing, and became suddenly serious. "Young
Lord," he continued, "why is it that men ten times your age follow your
orders without question? They know, young Lord, that you are far older
and wiser than this young flesh that holds your eternal Spirit. They
sense The Power within you. They know that you will rise to glory, and
that those with you will rise, also. These men have wisdom, young Lord!
Now, who is coming to your wedding? We have things to arrange. It is
not ALL women's work!"
70 That same morning as Morn awoke in his own room, he checked to see
what messages had been left for him. When he saw North's
name, he pressed out the code for that message and
was delighted with it. The rest of the messages didn't even deserve an
answer. He punched in North's number and his friend answered himself.
"I'm delighted with your offer," agreed Morn. "I think it would be an
agreeable arrangement. We could help each-other with our studies. I
would be proud to share quarters!"
71 "Good!" cried North, "Now, I've got a favor to ask you. I'm getting
married in four days. As my father can't be there, and my uncle, well,
prefers not to, I'd like to have you stand for me, be my witness."
72 Morn was taken back. He didn't even know North had a lover. "Who are you marrying?" he asked. "Do I know her?"
73
North reached for someone off screen, and pulled her close to him.
"This one," continued North. "She's going from maid to wife. A BIT of a
promotion.”
74 Morn thought to himself, "From slave to citizen- even
MORE of a promotion!" He was pleased North had chosen one of his
mother's people. "Of course I'll stand for you," he agreed. "I'd be
proud to! I'm sorry your uncle objects."
75 "Oh, that's all
right," assured North. "He's not really against Valley Blossom, but you
know how some of our people feel - about Hashons taking part in our
ceremonies."
76 North nodded. "Yes," he sighed, "I know. You'll be coming to my mother's funeral of course?"
77 "Of course," promised North. "We'll be there."