59 The Hawk nodded. "There is only one problem,"
continued The King, "I am willing to be taken away, but my people will
not permit it. No matter how much I plead with them, they reject the
thought. They say they will fight to the death before they will have me
carried away."
60 The King leaned closer. "Look," he whispered, "I am an only child. I
have no brothers or sisters. I am a young man, and have no children. If
we agree to the OTHER thing in private, with only you and I knowing,
you may bear witness of course. Won't that be sufficient? I will have
no heir. The city Chieftains will have to gather and elect a new King."
61 "That will be sufficient," agreed The Hawk.
62 The King drew his sword and handed it to The Hawk. "It's a little
difficult," he announced, "to bow in these boats, but I assure you, I
pay you all homage. Come into the city. My Palace is yours!"
63 So it was The Hawk's forces landed, the bitter fight was over, the
warring was done.
64 Several days later as The Hawk prepared to leave, a committee of his
men approached him. "Lord," they said, "the King of this land is
preparing to help pay the war debt. Lord, with the money we have won in
this war we can afford to take mates, but you know women are scarce in
our land because of the sickness a few years passed.
65 Lord, agree on a price for these women with The King, and let us
take them as part of our prize, and, their children, also. We will be
to them proper mates and fathers to their children. Do not let the
women of such brave men be sold into bondage and be separated from
their children!"
66 "How can I agree to such a thing?" argued The Hawk. "You know The
Law forbids us forcing ourselves on captives."