one scandal or another. Others resigned. One even
had a mysterious accident that took his life. I found myself one of the
few candidates available to run for the position.
147 I was approached by people constantly, urging me to run.
Reluctantly, I agreed. My mate was overjoyed. Then something happened
that somewhat upset her plans. She became pregnant. She tried to keep
it secret from me, and even was planning to get rid of the child, when I found out. She said that now wasn't the right
time for a baby, we could have our quota later, when things were settled down.
148 No, I told her, either we have it now, or I withdraw from the
campaign. You will have the child, you will nurse it and love it with
me, or we will stay here, in The State Speaker's House all our days.
149 She was angry with me but conceded. The child was a boy and at
first she resented her mother's duties. But after a time she began to
show affection to him herself. I became National Speaker and grew in
Power.
150 Again my mate influenced me greatly in my decision. We began to get
very rich. We had a large estate with many servants but I wasn't really
very happy. The only real joy I had was my son. My mate, though
obedient and always answering to my needs, had become cold. I knew
there were other men but I thought it was because my duties kept me so
busy.
151 I ran for Kingdom Speaker, and won that post. Our riches grew in
abundance. My mate seemed to grow even more hostile to me as I rose in
position. She hired very beautiful servants and openly encouraged me to
know them.
152 I had been Kingdom Speaker for two-and-a-half seasons when we were
taking a trip up in the mountains to survey the construction of a new
village.