It would be a desert crossing of which
legends would be written. Other than the people's journey through The
Wilderness, it was the greatest trek ever made!
31 The Hawk's return to Southern was such a triumph that few believed
his statement that he was not going north to visit The First Speaker.
"Five more of our people," he announced, "are in bondage in The
Land of The One. I shall not rest until they are free. I
will take just a handful of people, a couple of dozen who will go with
me, and return south."
32 "Are you mad?" asked Shining Serpent. "You would risk your life
again for five people? Is not what you have done enough legend for
one-hundred men? Stay here...accept your people's glory! Let
others take the mission!
You have already done enough!"
33 "You are a good man," said The Hawk, "but you do not understand our
way. As long as one of our people is unjustly in bondage I am not free.
If it costs us one-thousand lives to free one of our people, then the
price is worth it! I cannot rest until they are free. I am not free
until they can stand on their own soil and say 'Lords, I am home!'
There is no greater cause for which a man can give his life, no greater
service he can give The Lords."
34 The Hawk did not realize the crowd had stopped all conversation and
was listening to his every word! When he stopped speaking they began to
cheer wildly!
35 "Then perhaps," answered Shining Serpent, "I am mad, too. You go
into my country, I know every
back road, every village. I have friends that will give you shelter. I
am out of my mind, but I will go with you!"
36 So it was, as The Hawk's people that had gone with him to Fr
returned to their villages, The Hawk, himself, dressed as a private
citizen of Spirit, headed south with twelve of his best people, and,
Shining Serpent. They made quick progress. Joining up with a