35 "And I with you," agreed The Lady Hawk. "I am
not sure I believe what you say, but if you believe it, I will honor it
with you."
36 "Come," insisted The Hawk, "take me to your ladies. I wish to hear
their terms."
37 There was another house on a hill not far away. Here, the young
master's former mates resided. They greeted The Hawk cordially, and he
sat discussing with them how much land went with the house. The
youngest of the women kept staring at him and finally nudged her
sister. They went off by themselves and discussed for several minutes.
38 The younger woman was bashful so the older one did the talking.
"Lord, we have much income from other sources. Money is not to us a
need, but there is a means by which you might rent our land. We desire
children, so the estate may have heirs. But the memory of our former
love is deep. None could ever replace it. We will let you use our land
if, when our time comes each year and we burn, you will lie with us and
give us children. We have long sought a man of exceptional courage, and
we think you are the perfect one."
39 The Hawk was not surprised at this suggestion. It was not the first
time such an offer had been made. "Ladies," he explained, "I am
flattered, but as you know, my mate is not of our land, and some of our
customs she will not accept. I am afraid, though, I would be quite
willing, but she would not permit."
40 "Before you refuse," insisted the elder woman, "let us speak with
her. We will make her understand how desperate is our desire, and that
we will not take you from her, merely borrow you. We have our own
companions to fulfill our needs at other times. They will willingly
fulfill the man's ·role to our children."
41 "Well," agreed The Hawk, "I will let you try, but I warn you, she is
stubborn! I doubt if you will