into slavery."
55 "How would you like to be a free man again?" The Hawk asked him, "and
with a sizable new estate?"
56 "I am all ears!" answered Shining Serpent.
57 "Just up the road here," explained The Hawk, "is the mine, where you
were to be put into bondage. Several hundred of my people are held
captive there, and I plan to free them. If you and your people will
help me, I will give you an equal share of whatever treasure we seize,
and the right to dwell freely, in The Land of Spirit, taking whatever
labor or land you wish. Instead of being slaves, you would all be free
foreigners in my land, and, very rich."
58 "And what if we don't agree?" asked Shining Serpent.
59 "Then you will remain our guests until we return to my homeland.
After that, you may go your way. We have no charge against any of you. As far as we are concerned, you
are free men, all!"
60 "As soon as we are done eating," agreed Shining Serpent, "I will
discuss your proposal with my companions and give you an answer."
61 The Hawk nodded. The food was passed around and after every belly was
filled, The Hawk listened to Shining Serpent talking to his people. He
did not speak The One's language, so he had no idea what was being
said, but finally, The War Leader approached him.
62 "There are a couple of problems," he explained. "One, they believe
you slight me. Among our people, The War Leaders get two shares of battle spoils, The King gets five
shares, and the soldiers get the rest. I have explained to them that
the custom must be different among your people, but they do not
understand."
63 "About that," The Hawk said, "I can do