71 "Three of the guards have been using some of
us for women. We would like your permission to take care of the
situation. We would like to prolong it, but we know your Law. We will
be quick."
72 "Take them up in the rocks," The Hawk agreed. "I don't want the
women to see it."
73 Shining Serpent nodded. He rose, picked up a broad sword from one of
the ox carts, and headed off into the rocks. Without a word, his people
shoved gags in three of their captor's mouths, and dragged them after
him. A few minutes later, The Oneers returned, the guards did not. The
Frn War Leader looked at The Hawk. "Some time during the night," he
asked, "do the rest of us go up into the rocks?"
74 "Do you know the difference," The Hawk asked, "between a man and a
woman?"
75 "Of course!" The Frn answered.
76 "Then I think they have no reason," The Hawk told him, "to claim
your head. Behave yourself. Do as you're told, and when this is over you
can go home. Tell that to the rest of your men. We're not butchers, but
we will justly punish those who humiliate and defile. Your men have
nothing to fear, if they do as they're told."
77 "No one else I would believe," answered the Frn, "but you are a
Child of The Lords, and your word is good." He spoke to his men, and
they seemed more at ease.
78 "Let's get some sleep," ordered The Hawk. "I want to hit them at
high sun tomorrow when they will be out of the mine. Everyone settle
down for a good night's rest." It would be their last for many days.