take these women as second mates. I can mate The
Oners, those who have no other mate, but I cannot mate the others. Do
you remember those words you said to me the night you gave your
approval? You asked me if they were the right ones, if you had spoken
it correctly and I told you you had. It was after that I began to
realize the mistake I had made."
116 From the look on the faces of many of the men standing around The
Hawk realized they, too, were beginning to understand his thoughts.
"Good Lords!" one of them cried, "First mate's approval! By Law we
can't take a second mate without the recorded approval of the first!"
117 "That is why," announced The Hawk "I cannot perform any ceremonies.
If I did, I would be breaking The Law."
118 The Lady Hawk explained to the Muan women and they looked very
fearful. "What are we going to do, Lord?" one of the men asked.
119 "Nothing," The Hawk told him. "You will simply wait until you reach
home and get the necessary permission. If you do not, you will still have to keep your word to
these ladies. If you do not mate with them, then you must still keep them, and, their children, and support them.
120 And if you cannot fulfill their other needs because your first mate
will not approve, then you will have to provide them with someone who
can! The only way you can be released from your promise, is if they
mate someone else." Everyone returned to their tents in a worried mood.
121 "My husband," asked The Lady Hawk, "what do you think will happen?"
122 "I believe," answered The Hawk, "that the first mates will give
their consent, when they hear the circumstances they will approve. Oh,
there will