but emptiness. You know by all rights, it should
be returned to The Lords, to have another body another time. To give it
this…" The Healer could not speak any more.
104 "How will you do it?" inquired Thundering Dove.
105 "This is a new invention," explained the Healer, "it uses a
serpent's tooth with this little pump. With it, I can put a couple of
drops of this liquid into the egg. It will be drawn into his body, and
he will go to sleep. There will be no pain. The Lords will simply come
and take him."
106 "Why?" questioned Thundering Dove.
107 "That," explained the Healer, "I can't tell you, it could have been
many things. We are only now beginning to keep accurate records of
pregnancies, and learning what happens with them. With every one we learn a little more- some, good things, some, bad
things. It may have been the sickness she had when she was pregnant. It
may have been the foods she ate; we simply do not know."
108 "Return him," agreed Thundering Dove. "I will send someone later to
take him to The Temple."
109 "I know this is a terrible thing to ask," continued the Healer,
"but if I could examine him, make a record of it, it might be of great
importance. I have hundreds of records of babies like this. It may someday prevent
such tragedies."
110 "You mean cut him up?" stuttered Thundering Dove.
111 "Yes," answered the Healer, "that is what I mean. I know it is
hard, but every scrap of knowledge...."
112 Thundering Dove nodded. "That her labor be for nothing would be a
waste. If it might help to prevent such things in the future, it is
good. Go ahead. But it is between you and me. Do not mention it to any