this misery. It is not because of anything from
any of our pasts. It is The Darkness reaching out to devour The Light.
22 It is nothing any of us have ever done in THIS life, or, before. It
is that we stand for goodness, dignity, and truth. That is why we
suffer. Because we will not let any evil destroy that we love, no
matter what price we must pay."
23 "Have I told you lately, woman, how much I love you?"
24 "You haven't had much time to!" answered Shining Blossom, "But you
can as much as you like!"
25 "Unfortunately," muttered her mate, "the enemy gives me little time
to do pleasant things. You'd better get back under cover." He kissed
her hand and she departed.
26 Darkness was coming fast. Sorrowful Dove called his Assistant. "Take
all the mated men off the lines," he ordered. "The enemy will do
nothing tonight. Let them spend their last moments with their women."
27 The Aide nodded. "What about you, sir?" he asked.
28 "I will spend a little more time here. Then, I, too, will go up."
29 He stayed until night had well come, and he was sure the enemy was
not going to try a night assault. Then, he rose and turned to leave,
when suddenly another woman stood before him, and he nearly fell over
backward. It was his mate, Yellow Blossom Turtle, who had gone to The
Lords many seasons before. He reached out his hand for her, but she
stepped back.
30 "It is not yet time, my love," she warned, "that we may touch.
Though my heart cries to let you do so, it is not permitted. I have
only a little