in their honor, and songs of joy will be sung by
their houses."
47 "Couldn't you give them a little more time?" North asked. "Are they
not worthy of more life?"
48 "Mine is not to give or take," the Spirit answered. "I am only The
Keeper Of Time. I have no power to change Destiny, nor do you. So do
not think such thoughts as you are thinking. You can't change what must
be. They will choose themselves.
49 They already know. All of them have settled their affairs. They
sense that The Hour is near. This is often the case with my people,
when many come at once."
50 A sense of peace came over North. "I understand," he said. "Perhaps
you, of any other, can answer for me a question."
51 The ancient Hashon held up his hand. "There is," he answered, "no
truth to your peoples' belief in an eternal being. All the energy they
generate with these thoughts go towards the Spirit that represents your
Holy Ghost in your Spirit World. It is as my people say, there is only
Natural Law, but that Law has no form. It does not have a mind, it does
not think. It neither rewards nor, does it take away, it only gives to
each, according to what they, themselves, do."
52 "Thank you," acknowledged North. "I feel extremely honored that you
have taken time to converse with me."
53 "On rare occasions," said the Hashon Spirit, "I do speak with those
who yet live. As you say, it is rare but sometimes it is good to give
wisdom to those who will share it with others. In the parting of my
people, Northern Star, peace; prosperity!"
54 The ancient Spirit departed and North went to sleep. It was a
peaceful and quiet sleep such as he had