else. It is you who should have carried the
sacred scepter. It is you who should have bound The Empire together,
and made it greater than it ever was before. Instead, you and
your consort have torn it apart and divided it amongst yourselves. You
have taken what is not yours to hold.
43 I am willing to give you that right. I ask little in return. But
your hearts have turned to stone, and you care for nothing but your own
glorification.
How long will it be before you declare yourselves gods?"
44 North reached for his sword. "NEVER!" he cried, "NEVER!" But Morn's
hand caught his.
45 "We came in peace," Morn reminded, "we will depart in peace though
we cannot agree. But while we are here might I suggest an exchange of
prisoners and persons who do not wish to remain in our sectors? We have
many
people that still consider you divine, and want to live in your Empire.
And you have many people that would prefer to be with us. While we are
here, could we not discuss such an exchange?"
46 "I think not," sighed The Lord God, "Perhaps at another time.
Perhaps we can meet again when I am prepared to discuss other subjects.
For now your stubbornness has made me weary and sad. I wish only to
depart."
47 "Very well," agreed Morn.
48 They made their way outside, and the two groups began to separate,
when suddenly one of The Lord God's Escorts stepped in front of North.
"My Lord God," he announced, "by The Ancient Law of our people which
you long ago gave us, I claim the right of combat, unto death. For this
one has on his hands the blood of my father, and I claim the right to
put my life against his."
49 The Lord God looked confused, surprised. "We are under a signal of
truce," he announced finally,