"something special I could give you, but by The
Holy One, I could think of nothing! Then the wife said something. We've
been looking for a husband for my oldest daughter...some hero that
would have a good income, and, treat her well. And we said, 'Why not
this Hawk fellow? He'll surely provide for her, and she'll make him a
good wife.' So, well…um, ah, here she is!" The girl put her hands
together and bowed.
96 The Hawk looked at her in disbelief. "I appreciate the offer," he
answered, "and I'm greatly flattered. She's an exceptionally beautiful
woman, but among my people it is just not done! I would have to court
her, see if we like each other, then, if we got along, we'd mate. It's
not our custom to just have women given to us!"
97 "Oh!" sighed The King. He turned and explained to his daughter, who
did not speak Spirit's language. When he was done, the girl began to
weep, fell to her knees, and wrapped her arms around The Hawk's legs.
He could barely hear what she was saying to The King.
98 "She begs of you," The King continued, "not to shame her before her
people. If you find her unworthy, then take her as a slave. Knowing
that you have refused her, other men will think she is cursed, and not
want her."
99 "Oh, good Lords!" moaned The Hawk. "All right, tell her this. I'll
take her with me and have her taught our customs and ways. Then she can
decide if she wants to stay with me, or, find some other man more to
her liking."
100 The woman rose, straightened her dress, and wiped her face with a
handkerchief. She spoke to The King, and then The King told The Hawk,
"It pleases her that you are so kind. If it is your desire, she