"Perhaps some arrangement can be made for the
father to visit or when the child is older, he may visit with him. But
the woman demands that her child return with her."
79 "Among our people," said The King, "a woman demands nothing. I
understand among your people it is different. I will send for the
child. Hopefully we can get it without bloodshed. Perhaps your promise
that the father may visit will be sufficient. The man is an old friend.
I do not want his blood on my hands. Let us go and eat. It is my
problem, not yours. I will deal with it."
80 They entered the banquet hall, took their places, and the
festivities began. The Hawk had never seen such beautiful rooms, or,
tables, or, cushions... never had he eaten off from golden plates, or
been entertained by dancing girls wearing little more than a smile!
81 The King was a gracious host, but after the meal The Hawk's
curiosity got the best of him. "Your Majesty," he explained, "among our
people it is extremely unpolite to question the motives of a host. But
you must understand, I am extremely curious! Why all this? Why do you
greet me as a hero?"
82 The King of The One sat down his cup. "Frankly young man," answered
The King, "to tell you the absolute truth, we're scared to death of
you, and, your power! As to the explanation, I'll let my old friend
Fast Serpent, tell the tale. For it was with him it began."
83 The old slave dealer leaned back against his rest. "It all started
many weeks ago," he began, "probably about the time you were marching
into Fr, if the stories we have heard are accurate. One night I dreamed
a Dream. I saw a young soldier of Spirit standing at a crossroads in
our land, and a wise old