To his surprise, Wandering Fox agreed with him.
It would be too dangerous for his people to stay. The Frns had made it
known that they weren't welcome there. They had come mainly to
establish trade. But the Frns didn't want to trade directly with The
Children of Spirit. They would rather sell to others. The old
bitterness of battles generations old was not healed.
57 His people had no real property in the city, and could be ready to
move in only a few hours. Fortunately, they had no young children.
All of their people could account for themselves well in a fight.
58 "Then your aid," praised The Hawk, "will be greatly appreciated. You
know the city. We don't. The first thing we must do is deal with this
slaver, and find out where our women are. After that we'll try to find
our men."
59 So it was, a few days later, one of The Hawk's people approached the
slave dealer. His master was very busy, but understood he had some fine
stock. Could he make an appointment to view them that coming evening?
60 "An evening sale," agreed the slaver, "is not unusual. Many come to
my dwelling at night. They prefer that to the common block in the city
square. I have some fine goods. Let your master come and see. Bring his
nobles. We will have a good meal, while he is viewing the stock."
61 The servant returned and The Hawk was pleased. The more men he could
get in the house, the better.
62 That evening they sat in the slaver's hall, eating, while the slaver
displayed his wares. One after another young girls and women, boys and
young men climbed upon a stage, removed their robes, and displayed
themselves for the customers.
63 "All the boys and men have all that they were born with. I do not
usually send them to the surgeon until they are sold to a customer.
Some want them un-