51 The War Leader stopped his pacing and came up.
"Documents!" he demanded. Everyone showed him their documents. "You
know," he complained, "it's against our law to enter our kingdom under
false pretenses. You are no more merchants than I am a barge puller!
But our King has granted that this time the crime go unnoticed. I KNOW
who HE is. I can only suspect who YOU are. Tell me now and truthfully,
are you The Hawk, Warlock of Spirit?"
52 "I am he," answered The Hawk, putting his hand to his sword.
53 To his surprise, The War Leader dropped to one knee. "In the name of
our King," he announced, "I welcome you to our land! In exchange for
your promise of good conduct, I assure you that that which you seek
will be given you. You will be allowed to return peacefully to your own
land. In the meantime our King offers you hospitality and graciously
asks that you accept."
54 "Does the guarantee of safety," The Hawk asked, "extend to all those
with me?"
55 "All in your party," explained The War Leader, "are safe, while they
are here, and may return safely with you to your land. Any grievances
WE have against them are passed."
56 "Very well," agreed The Hawk. "I accept with great honor your King's
offer of hospitality. How do your people say.…may we share a cup of
wine?"
57 The War Leader smiled. "It would be our King's greatest pleasure!"
he announced. "Come! The King awaits you at the city gate. A triumph
has been ordered in your honor. Did you bring uniforms, or are those
your only clothes?"
58 "We brought no uniforms," answered The Hawk.
59 "Then your people will be given dress of proper rank. We already
have a uniform for Shining Serpent.