47 Let those who will follow me come of their own free will. I can
promise little in reward, other than a free heart, an open mind, and
the freedom to choose your own way."
48 Silence fell in The Great Temple, none daring to break the wondrous
energy that flowed through the Hall. Only one hand moved. North brought
his command com up to his mouth. "Transmit," he ordered, "Repeat,
transmit! " He put the com back on his belt, then stepped out into the
aisle and walked down before the podium. Drawing his sword, he raised
it high. "Glory to The Lord Of Morning!" he cried, "Prince Over
Darkness, for he is The Light Of Truth! Let all knees bend before him!"
and North knelt.
49 All but a few swords were undressed, and risen with a cry "Hail! The
Lord Of The Morning! " And all in the Hall knelt before Morn.
50 "Arise!" he called, "Never again shall you bend your knees before a
man, for no man is worthy. Bow you only before The Lords. Show honor to
your superiors, to those of higher command with a salute, but never
bring yourself lower than any living man. For you are all equal, you
all have the right to life, to liberty, and to the pursuit of your own
happiness.
51 No one has the right to demand anything of you other than what you
willingly give from a loving heart. You are my brothers. You are my
friends. I do not demand homage from you."
52 "That you do not demand it," cried North, "is the reason we give it.
Do not deny us, Lord, that which is our joy. You are our Light, our
Beacon. Without you, we would still be in The Darkness. "
53 A cheer rose in The Temple. On far away Haven,