13.
just the energy projectors.
It seemed like, to North, that it went on forever, but again the official called out "Time! Bout ended!" and both boys backed off, exhausted, but North came to attention and brought his sword acrossed his shield, and then up straight. This was a signal to his opponent that meant "Well done!" Instantly his opponent returned the salute and the crowd roared. Both boys returned to their positions, and all eyes fell on the judges. Minutes seemed hours until the awards official came forward.
The winner," he cried "Northern Star!" The crowd again went wild with chering and applauding. Morn got second place, and another boy, third. The officials were about to hand out the awards when a messenger ran up and spoke to him, then the official suddenly announced "Ladies and gentlemen, The Lord God has said he will personally deliver the awards!"
A murmor went up from the crowd as The Lord God and His Guards flew down from His box, and The Leader of The Haven people presented the awards to the winners and blessed them. When He finally reached North Star and put the medal about his neck He said,
"To one of our bravest and boldest...long life and glory!"
The crowd roared with approval.
That evening a very tired North Star sat at the kitchen table of his home, and the pleasure seemed to beam from his mother's eyes, but his father seemed worried.
"My son," he said "today you have done great things, far beyond my expectations! It is obvious you are destined to do great things, for God has shined His Blessings on you. A father could be no prouder! You took great risks and you won. But you could have just as easily lost. Be careful, my son!"
North looked at his father.
"I was ready, father, to accept the consequences of defeat as much as I was to accept the glories of victory. One must be, when he takes chances, must he not?"
"Stand, my son!" the elder said, rising, Reaching out he carefully broke the bottom-most bar from his son's Church symbol and took it to the livingroom to slide it into the recptacle under North's picture.
"I have a feeling," he continued, "that I should remove several more, for my son is wise beyond his years. I hope not too wise for his own good."
And so passed another year for Northern Star, one for all his life he would consider his greatest, not for the praise of God, but for the praise of his father. This man he held in greater revere.
** ** **