made it clear that he liked her, but did not love
her, that he would be faithful to her and do his duties as a husband,
and he kept his word faithfully.
82 She grew to love him very much, but she knew she was not loved in
return.
83 When you offered to take her, she thought she might die, but a god
would not take her without loving her, and for a moment she would be
happy. My husband," complained The Lady Hawk ,"what cruel thing have you done?"
84 "Explain to her," insisted The Hawk, "that I will not lie to her. I
do not find her beautiful, but what she lacks in physical beauty she
makes up for in character. I admired her courage greatly as she stood
in the square, and if it was not for the promise I made to you, I would
gladly take her into my heart!"
85 The Lady Hawk translated, and the woman looked up. She spoke to The
Hawk, and his Lady translated. "You do not lie?" she asked. "You would
love me?"
86 The Hawk took her hand and kissed it. "Never," he answered, "have I
spoken an untruth. If I was free I would love you. Your way is pleasing to me. Your Holy Light shines as bright
as this woman, who I have loved for so long."
87 The woman smiled. "I can have peace now," she sighed, "whatever
happens. If a god would love me, surely there will come a man that
will!"
88 Suddenly, Little Mountain Glory, their daughter, burst from the
other room in her usual dashing way, and ran up to the adults, saw the
little boy standing tearful, beside his mother, and walked over. She
took his hand. "Don't cry, bro-ther," she giggled, "Come and play!"
89 For the first time since The Hawk had seen him,