your first child, you must not ever come back to
this house again. If it takes two, three, twenty years, she must be the
first.
129 When that is done, then knock at my door again, and we will discuss
what part we will play in each-other's lives. But until then you must
not see me. For my will is weak, and I may break the vow I have made.
Please, do not come again until all that I have said has come to pass."
130 Thundering Dove smiled. "As you have said," he told her, "before
The Eyes of The Lords I pledge, so must it be. But I will say now, that
I WILL return to your door, or, you will come to mine. Remember, in MY
Land, the woman may claim the man, and you have claimed THIS man with
your blood." He took her hand and departed.
131 When he told Bay Blossom, she stared for a moment out across the
bay, then sighed. "She is going to be a good sister, isn't she?"
132 Thundering Dove could only smile. "How could two women," he
thought, "become so close to one-another in so short a time?"
133 They sailed back across the lake and were moving their
reinforcements into position when a messenger brought news. There was
an emissary from The Priest of Priests at one of the camps. He wished
to speak with those in charge. "Then bring him down," ordered
Thundering Dove, "for surely if he wishes to speak words of peace I will hear him."
134 So it was, with an escort of fifty men, the emissary was brought to
their camp. Under cover of an awning sat up in an open field, they
greeted. "So this," said the emissary, "is the warrior that steals our
city and his battle whore that gives birth to monsters."
135 Flag of truce or not Thundering Dove had to