led another, while Swift Turtle, one of The
Hawk's best men, led the third. The banquet was laid out, and ready, in
The Hawk's house.
10 When the guests were all seated, the master of the house clapped his
hands, and the women entered, wearing nothing but small aprons. They
walked around the room until The Hawk chose one and then each of the
other guests in turn chose. The remaining women were sent to be
with The Hawk's servants.
11 As they ate the meal, Gray Boar looked disappointed. His sister was
supposed to be in this house, but she was not among the women they had
seen. The Hawk waited. Finally one of his men entered, put his hands
together,
and laid his head on them.
12 The Hawk nodded and rose, drew his sword, and put it to the throat
of the master of the house. The master's favorite woman
screeched and jumped back. The woman who
had been standing up on a platform and singing, stopped.
13 "What is the meaning of this?" screeched the master of the house.
"How dare you? If you are thieves, take what you want and begone! But
harm one person in this house, and you will not leave the city alive!"
14 "We are not thieves," answered The Hawk, "we are Children Of Spirit,
come to rescue our sisters from bondage and to punish those who use
them without their consent."
15 The master of the house's eyes filled with terror. "You're mad," he
screamed, "crazy! All these women were bought on the open market."
16 "You know," growled The Hawk, "they were all taken captive in raids
on caravans, and you had no right to buy them."
17 The master saw his guards being dragged in, and his terror became
panic. "Search the house," ordered The Hawk, "gather all treasure.
Whatever is here