other girls, I expected, like the rest of them,
to be used. But YOUR men have great honor. None of us were touched
unless we were offered some reward and accepted it. Only one girl was
taken against her will, and that man was punished. It is the only
cruelty I have ever seen your people do.
23 Already many of my sisters have said they will not return home.
Better to live as a captive among your people, than as a free woman
among our own! This is why I betray my people, pledge to you that I
will show you the entrance to the tunnels and lead you into the city. If you do not trust me, you may keep a
knife at my back. And, if I betray you, I will be the first to die."
24 "To take that city," praised Thundering Dove, "would be a stroke the
enemy couldn't bear. They would have to withdraw their forces from
other areas to take it back. That would relieve more of our people, we
could make a drive for Charity, cut them in half.
25 Ready every ship. Gather every man we can spare. We'll set sail as
soon as possible. Little Blossom," he ordered, "I put you under my
personal protection. You will travel with me."
26 Little Blossom gave a slight smile, which did not escape Bay
Blossom's notice. When their eyes met, Little Blossom bowed her head.
It would take some time to get the new assault ready, so for several
days Thundering Dove spent some time with Bay Blossom in the
countryside, out of their armor, like ordinary people. They picnicked, sat on the hillsides and watched the
clouds. Their fighting people tried to keep out of the way as much as
possible.
27 The day before Thundering Dove was to leave Bay Blossom looked at
him. "I'm afraid of this Oneness