cottage and knocked on the door , the keeper who opened the door was the same one whom I saw at the gate that morning . He looked at me for a moment and then said : " I see you have been to see the Gentle Shepherd , come on in and stay the night . It is far too late to start your journey up into the high country tonight . " We went into his cottage and sat before a warm fire while a second gatekeeper was in the kitchen preparing a meal . When he saw us come in , he poured us a hot cup of tea to drink while he finished cooking . When we sat down to eat the keeper who had been cooking said a blessing over the food and then we began to eat . Until now I didn 't realize how hungry I was , I didn 't stop eating until I had three helpings . After dinner we went in and sat placed in your path by our Lord 's enemies . You must keep your eyes on the KING and your heart open to the voice of the Shepherd or you will stumble and fall . " I was quite When you stumble or loose your way , cry out to him and he will hear you . " When he finished speaking they brought me to a bedroom where could wash and sleep . After warning ; " There are many paths on your way leading to the left and right . Do not take them , they only lead you into danger . Stay on the over the whole valley like a thick fog through which no light could pass . What a joy to see blue sky , and the sun so bright and warm . I never knew it mountain son , on the right side of the road . " As I looked up , I saw a light that had not been there be - fore , it was still a long way off , but seeing my destination gave me the courage to keep on going . The path had grown very narrow and was high above the canyon 's floor with nothing to break my told us of your coming . When you didn 't arrive before dark he spoke to me of your trouble and sent me to bring you the rest of the way . Take off your backpack son and let me bind up your ankle . " As I removed my backpack , he pulled a small as a hart , it took very little time for him to travel the rest of the way to his house . I could feel the Shepherd 's peace as soon as we passed through the door . The Shepherd 's servant and return to my Father 's work . " He spoke a few words to the servants as he walked out the door . Seeing the Shepherd reminded me of the copy of his book they had placed in self walking with the Shepherd . We were up in the highest mountains where the snow stays year round and the air is always so fresh and clean . The mountains were very steep , but we never grew tired and although we were walking through snow I was never cold . Then I home , my child . " As he finished speak ­ ing , I woke up . The sun was now low as I started back , walking slowly along and thinking about my dream . I wondered what it would be like to live everything and ran out to meet him , I fell to my knees before him and said ; " My Lord ! " He looked down at me smiling and said : " Hello , my son ; stand up and let 's walk on to the house ; I have good news for you ! " . The love and joy that I feel when I am walking by the Shepherd 's side are so beautiful that there is nothing to which I can compare it . We walked on back to the house talking and laughing all the way . After entering the house , he told me to go and finish packing while like the sun , and our enemies cannot stand it . They would kill you if they could . " We walked on in silence for a while , I didn 't know him ; " My Lord , you are the Gentle Shepherd , how could anyone hate you or Father ? He said : " Son , Father has many enemies . Not everyone is seeking his light , there are many who love the darkness because Father 's damaged stretch of the road where Father 's enemies had caused a large avalanche . There was also a company of Father 's warriors standing guard to stop the enemy from causing any more damage to the road or attacking His workers . As we passed by them , I saw a small quickly as they came . I was so interested in what was going on down below us that I didn 't keep my eyes on the Shepherd and slipped on a loose rock which caused me to fall down the mountain . I again . Soon we reached the road again and continued our journey to the house walking on the road . There was still another three miles to walk from where we rejoined the road to the had a fire going . Because we were high in the mountains now the nights were cool , and I was also very tired after our journey across the slopes above the road . This house was only a two ‑ story cabin made of stone and logs , but I journey to the next house . Do not turn to the left or right my son , stay on the straight and narrow road . You will drop down and walk until you reach it my son . I must leave you now my son , remem ­ ber my words and you will do well . " After we had finished dinner the Shepherd said " Goodby " found that they had break ­ fast ready for me . I went back upstairs to my room and repacked my backpack be - fore eating breakfast . As I was finishing my food , they came back in carrying supplies for the house , I asked them where they beautiful garden up ahead of me a few minutes walk down a side road . As I drew near the road to it I began to feel very tired . Forgetting the the KING ' S road . But after a few moments I fell asleep and when I awoke it was late after ­ noon , I knew that I had failed my Lord again . I stood up to put on my backpack and armor , but it was gone , I began to shake with fear , while I was sleeping my Lord 's enemies had come do . As I stood watching the enemy warriors , a legion of Father 's warriors came riding down into the valley from the mountains on the far side . Riding on their horses and chariots . When the enemy saw them they turned and and then fell asleep . While I was sleeping those warriors , you just broke up , stole my backpack and armor . I am now trying to get to the Shepherd 's house across lights of the next house , it wasn 't too far away and I was sure that I could make it before night ­ fall . As I walked along thinking everything was going great , six of the most sinister and vicious looking creatures stepped out in front of me blocking the road . They had tails like a scorpion , fangs like a boar , scales like a dragon with fire and smoke coming out of their mouth and nose . I had my sword out and my shield up , but how could I could hardly keep walking . Again I cried out to the Gentle Shepherd and he heard me . Immediately a small company of warriors left the house and with swords drawn headed down the road as fast as their horses could run . As the balls of fire out of their mouths at the war ­ riors . The KING ' S warriors were too powerful for them . Each time they threw their balls , you saw today come from a land in the far north , it is controlled by the one whom you have heard the warriors and keepers call the KING ' S enemy . He is also called the ' Lord of Darkness ' and many other names . He has been at war with the KING for a very long time , even other ruthless creature you saw , riding on that fiendish bird was one of these fallen warriors . And his bird is from one of the north lands , controlled by the ' Lord of Darkness ' . Most of these called demons . They are not very powerful , they are at the bottom of the dark lord 's warriors and are used to harass the KING ' S children and warriors . It is far more dangerous here talking . But there are a few things I must tell you son , it has become too dangerous for you to walk by yourself . I have called a few warriors down from the north to travel with you , they are a specially trained corps who will help you through I got up and quickly put everything in my backpack and went down to meet ' The Warriors Of The North ' . What I saw was beyond anything I could have imagined , these warriors were the biggest and strongest men I have ever seen . I was almost afraid to walk up and speak to the land fell away so that we could not see beyond the plateau 's edge . The road now ran along the foot of these mountains and widened out so that we travel with two chariots across . The warriors quickly changed formation so that Golden was in the lead followed by Silver and Platinum , then Nickel and Copper , and last came Bronze and Iron . As we traveled along , I said to Silver ; " I know your had a hold of my arm . I did not notice them in the canyon , but these things had two arms as well as four legs . It had such a tight grip on my arm that I could not break free , I kept poking it with my sword but its hide was so tough I didn 't hurt it much . Then it pinned me on the ground and started trying to sting me with its I had to keep my shield up and could not see it . These things were much smarter than I thought , when I brought my shield up in front of me this creature which I will call a dragon , came at me and knocked me into Silver 's char - iot . My head hit the wheel and everything went black . If only I could have seen it , to the top , and then climb back down . They were not long in reaching the top , where they discovered the crevice leading down to the ledge . Bronze tied a rope to his horse and began working mountain behind Iron . He told me about their battle with the enemy and search for me afterwards , and that the others had continued on ahead of us . As we reached the foot of the mountain Iron and Bronze began talking to each don 't think we have any other choice ! " As they were talking we reached their chariots and they began harnessing their horses to the chariots and replacing their gear . I asked Iron ; " How far is reach this house safely ? " The keeper gave him a nod as he set a full plate of food in front of each of us . When we were finished , finish my service here as his blacksmith , I will be going home to the KING soon . Who are you , son . I have never seen you here before ? " , he asked as he walked back into his shop . " You are right Sir , I am called Bezal . I am on my way to the KING ' S palace , Shadow Of Death ' . I arrived here last night . Tell me Sir , what is your name ? He looked at me for a moment and then said : " My name is if they are not stopped it could be the end for the people in the valleys . This is too much for even the Northern Warriors to handle by them ­ selves , so the Shepherd sent for Asa 's warriors to join them . Chapter 7 . ' Snowflower ' . the barracks . But when this strange warrior came close to us I could see what was so different , the red war - rior was a woman ! When she saw Mosie she going to be taking place so close by . But the keeper and Warriors knew she was coming and must have thought we would be safe here . She stood looking at me as if she were a Captain inspecting his warriors , and then said : " I do not understand why they call you Bezal , you are not under a shadow . You may not be a warrior yet , but that will come soon enough ! Come , horse ? " As we walked along , I began telling her of my past in the valley of ' The Shadow Of Death ' and my journey up into the mountains and that I was headed to the KING ' S palace . I told her that I had been named Bezal be - cause I had lived under the shadow of death for so many years . Then I said to see . My coat - of - arms is a bald eagle standing on a rock with a fish in her left talon . My shield is white with a purple border and " You have not met the Shepherd 's Angels ? They are his messengers , the fallen warriors were also angels before they turned evil and followed the Lord Of Darkness . They are spirit beings and can aid . " She said : " Yes , he has done the same for me many times . It is much the same with his angels , except they show themselves to you so that you will know it is one of them speaking to you and not a fallen warrior or demon . Do accept them . You and your father know much more than I do about these things , it is all still so new to me and often I don 't know what to think . Snowflower , I think there is something far more important than chariots and shields that the Shepherd has given you and your father to teach me , has he spoken to you about me when I was traveling here , he told me to give Bezal his new name and to have you make a shield and chariot for him . We will also have to design his coat - of - arms . I have renamed him the upper left . Then he said : " What do you think of this ? The shield is blue with a white star , and the warrior is silver " . I said : had told me to have father make a chariot for him ? " Golden laughed at her and said : " I had a visit from one of his messengers too . And Snowflower , over others from him . They camped that night with no fires or lights , and placed a sentry to watch the KING ' S warriors who were camped around the outpost . They thought all of the warriors would be outpost , thinking I would be left alone . I have a guard of six warriors and the four of us . I don 't know how many of them there are , and Starfire has never fought in a battle yet . We do not have enough of us to fight them outside the outpost , do you have an idea how we can win this battle ? " Mosie But there was no time to sit around thinking of past failures . I put on my armor and sword and grabbed my shield . As I headed back to Mosie 's shop , I met Snowflower coming out of her room . Dressed in her armor Snowflower was again the ' Red Warrior ' I had seen ridding in the center of Asa 's have been able to tell her from any of the other warriors . We walked together back to Mosie 's shop in silence . Shortly Mosie joined us dressed in his battle scared armor , it was a deep green and on his shield was a lion 's head in gold . He saw me looking at his shield and said : " When I was young I was captain of a small company of warriors . They called us the ' Young Lions ' . Each of us had our own color and a lion 's head on our shield . I think I am the only one still in the KING ' S service . We will have time enough for stories later , now we behind them . Then come out and do what you can to help us . Snowflower , watch Starfire and help him if you can . Oh ! one other thing , the keeper 's men said these are only men that we will Suddenly the gate flew open and fourteen men ran into the outpost . They ran straight for the keeper and two of his men with their swords drawn . But as soon as they were in the others closed and locked the gate behind them . Mosie and what was happening . Snowflower and I dropped our bows and came out with our swords to help the others , but they had already taken out four more and the last three surrendered . When it was over the keeper 's men took the three prisoners to a small room in the stable which was built like a jail to hold prisoners the KING ' S warriors would help Mosie build that chariot . Mosie told me your colors are blue and silver , and there will be a white star on your shield . I would like to suggest a seven ‑ point star , seven this armor and sword , but no one has taught me to use my sword in battle . Will you teach me how to fight like a warrior , and how to use my sword and shield ? " They all laughed at me and the keeper you are also going to have to find time to learn to ride your chariot and get to know your horses . Snowflower will teach you this . " I thanked him and each evening after that he gave me lessons in using my sword and shield . When he had other language , " he said : " Yes they are , Sorglos means Lighthearted and Stjarnfall means Falling Star ! They are in the language the Northern Warriors speak in their homeland . " We stayed with them for a while and went back outside just as it was getting dark . The stars were shining bright and there was not a cloud in the sky . Winter was coming on , but the nights were still coat - of - arms was a silver warrior , with his sword thrust through an anvil . I was so happy that I just said : " I don 't know what to say Mosie , this is beautiful . May I two days with Snow - flower . We talked a lot and walked around the outpost . The keeper had been sending his guards out patrolling the area around the outpost each day , since they had already come back . I knew the Shepherd would be with them when they came , and I was really looking for - ward to seeing him again . On the morning of the ninth day , my chariot was ready returned to the outpost . Around lunch five fallen warriors came ridding by on their birds , at first we thought the outpost was going to be attacked again , but the Dark Lord had some other mission for them and they flew on by . The keeper gathered his guard , Mosie , from far down the road we heard another horn blown in answer . One of the guards came in and said : " The warriors have returned , and the Shepherd is riding in front of them ! " The gates were opened and we all gathered in front of the barracks to meet them as they rode in . Northern Warriors came riding on into the outpost and stopped in front of us . The keeper 's guards took their horses to the stable and the rest of us bowed before the Shepherd . The Shepherd and go east to the high deserts . There have been a lot of problems with small bands of enemy warriors near the ' Great Dry Lakes ' . Mosie , I would like you to stay here and continue the good work you have been doing . are the Dark Lord 's top servants , he calls them ' Djavulsk Stratrovare ' . They are fallen angels and do not deserve a name . If you must speak of them , call them the dark ones or evil ones . They were going back to the Dark Lord whose realm is far from here in the southeast , several months journey on horse after breakfast ! " So after eating I found the Shepherd beside his chariot , which was the most beautiful chariot I have ever seen . It was white , but it reflected light like a pearl or precious opal , and his shield was the same with the KING ' S seal inlaid in pure gold . As I walked met you became a child of my Father , the KING . Today you have become a warrior of the KING , and your name has been changed from Bezal to Starfire and Moses has built your chariot and shield . My keeper has given to you two of my Father 's horses . And now I give you this package which I have brought from my sword . " I held it out to him , and as he took it he said : " Son , kneel before me ! " When I had knelt before him , he took my new sword and placed its tip on my head and said : " I name you Starfire , Warrior of the KING . Arise my son , and put your sword away . Now my son , go if you wish and say spend some time with each of them during the night , but all too soon it grew late and we had to go to bed . As I lay in bed that night , I began to think back on my journey with the Northern Warriors . It had been a long journey and there had been some bad times , like when the evil one and his bird took me up on that ledge . But I also learned more about them and their homeland . It is far to the north , where the sun never sets in the summer and the mountain tops are always white with snow . And Golden said that many of their folk have traveled the seas for many genera ­ tions and were known to be the most ferocious warriors on earth . Until they found the Shepherd they were the meanest and cruelest people ever known , feared by all people on earth . Now , most of them have become children of the King and broken and chariots all ready for travel . The Northern Warriors also had their chariots outside the outpost with the Shepherd 's at the head . As I brought my chariot out , I and his men would leave us and ride over the crest of the White Mountains . So we began an easy ride up the KING ' S road wound around the foot of a mountain called Red Rock , because of the out - cropings of red granite near its peak . The experience with my chariot . We reached the fork of the KING ' S road and the eastern one Asa would take just before the sun dropped behind Red Rock . This fork had a the four of us began to eat . As we were finishing Asa said : " My friends , today we must part ways . I am glad to have met you Starfire , you have already come a long way since I first saw you . But this is the life of the KING ' S war ­ riors , and we will meet again someday . For now you will still think the two of you will enjoy yourselves there . It is a big place with a lot of people , but sometimes the snow can get deep and cut off the fort from the rest of the KING ' S forts and houses . Snow ­ flower , take care of yourself , and watch over that had crossed it through the years . Down to our right I could see the beginning of Blue Lake , it look like a very large lake . Then the road left the river and began to travel pulled out his horn and gave one long blow . While he was blowing , another warrior inside the fort gave a blow on his horn and the gate began to rise . When the gate was up we must be the Commander of Fort Blue Lake . The warrior traveling with us who had the horn walked up to him and said : " Commander Stenkross , I am Captain Balder . I have delivered three enemy warriors Snowflower , I am glad to see you again . It has been a while since you passed through here . Starfire , I don 't think I have ever met you before , but all of here . We are all friends and there is no need for rank ! You will find plenty of empty rooms on the second floor , go on up and pick a room . The corner room was open and when I went in I found it empty , and that it also had both a south and an east window which had a good view of the lake , so I laid my back - pack near the bed and went into the bathroom to wash up before supper . Snowflower had followed me down to the window and took the bedroom across the hall from me . He said : " Star ­ fire , supper is ready . If you will follow me I will show you to the dinning room . " As I was closing my door he walked over to Snowflower 's door and knocked on it , when she answered he said the same to her . Then the three of us walked will go see the Commander . " This surprised me because I had not seen any women on my journey except Snowflower . As Snowflower left for the kitchen , Balder said to me : their homeland . They went down the KING ' S road and then were going to take the highway north . The Shepherd was going to travel with them as far as the valley of ' The Shadow Of Death ' . The Shepherd also sent Commander Asa and his men possible ! " While he was talking a woman came out of his house , which was behind the office , and stood behind him . Stenkross turned and said : " This is my wife Gelfiun . " Stenkross reached out and rang a bell which sat on his desk , a household servant appeared and Stenkross said to him : " Bring Gelfiun 's chair ! " We waited while the servant disappeared and placed it on his right and then disappeared again . As she sat down she said : " Good evening Snow ­ flower . " And she said : " Hello Gelfiun , it has been a while , too long I for most of your life . I remember Moses ' first journey into the high country , I was not much older than you are now . Starfire , listen to your sister , she is a wise young woman . We will be sending some scouts out again soon , you may go with them if you wish . They will be going around Blue Lake and exploring some of the trails that lead up into the mountains . They will one of my horses since we were at the outpost . I think I will take Sorglos , he 's a good horse for riding . But I don 't have a saddle , could you lend me one ? " Stenkross said : " There are plenty of that spring . He came back for me just before they returned to their fort , which was near the eastern foot of the White Mountains . It was the next year that I became a warrior , but I look forward to the day when I stop being a warrior and become a wife and with chariot tracks coming out of it . As I entered , I found that this was where they kept all of the chariots . The blacksmith was over on the west side next to the Commanders I began looking for someone who had nothing to do and wanted to go out . I found Snow - flower and some of her friends in the stable saddling up their horses and she said : " Hello Starfire , I was just about to go and find you . We are going down to Blue Lake for a while , would you like to come with us ? " I just looked at her for a moment and then said : " Have you been talking to the Commander ? " She said : " No , I haven 't seen him today . Why ? " I said : " Well I asked him a little while ago if I could go outside and he said that I would have to find some other Road . They don 't travel the main roads much , but they have many trails in the back country where they can travel without being seen . The Eastern Road is the thought , it was about fifteen miles long and two or three wide . Snowflower came up behind me and said : " What do you think of Blue Lake now ? " I said : " It is very beauti ­ ful sitting on the ground in front of the bench . Snowflower said : " Starfire this is Skadi and Girda , we spent a lot of time together during my last stay here . " She looked over at Skadi and said : " Starfire , you are and what about you Girda , have you found a young man ? " She said : " No , I have not been looking for a husband . There is plenty of time for that , and there is too much that I want to see and do before I get married . " from , and why are you still alone ? By now you should have found a wife yourself ! " So I said : " I am from a small village near the River of Life . I was so unhappy there and because the folk who lived in my village did not want woman . " Snowflower began to turn as red as her hair and said : " Thank - you Starfire , I haven 't heard many men talk about me like that except my father . But I think you see me as much more than I am , you are also becoming a good warrior yourself . " Skadi ? " Now it was my turn to turn red . I answered her saying : " I think I agree with Girda , I have only been out of the valley for a few months , there is much I would like went back to my work . There is still much to do before I can sleep tonight . " I asked him : " Can I help you Knute ? " He said : found the dress mother had been wearing lying on the floor where she had dropped it . Mother had left with them taking nothing but the robe they had given to her . Father sat in a chair with his head in his beside him and we rode out of town . When we reached the highway we turned south and rode for several days sleeping in the wagon . We did not see mother and those women , but on the sixth day the Shepherd came ridding up as we were about to stop for the night . He asked if he could stay with us , and father said sacrifice to the Dark Lord . Your father was wise to get out of the valley because they probably would have come back for you . The Trollkvinna are very wicked and serve sitting right beside me . I began to grow sleepy and turn out my lamp , but as I lay on my bed the room became as bright as day . Standing at the foot of my bed there was a man who was so bright I could not look at him . He said : " Do not be afraid Starfire , I am one of the Shepherd 's mes - sengers , my name is Karlek . The Shepherd has sent me to give you this word : Starfire my son , do not let the Trollkvinna concern you , my warriors are preventing them from crossing and will always be watch - ing over you . Obey the word I have brought to you , I must go now and speak with Commander Stenkross . If you need his help , to the little park to sit for a while . It was not raining but the clouds still filled the sky looked like it would start again at any time . While I was sitting there the commander came and don 't be afraid , the Shepherd will not ask you to do any - thing that is beyond your ability . Karlek came and spoke to me last night as he told you he would . I will do anything I can to help you , as he said , supplies had been put away and all of the warriors had left . I did not know what Snowflower had been up to , so I went to the kitchen thinking maybe the ladies there would know where she was . The foreman told me that tell them about my meeting with Karlek last night and the commander this morning . When I had finished , Sevea said : " I wonder why he told you to choose Snowflower to be one of your company , I would think he would have told you to find six men . Did he tell you what you would be doing ? " I said : Knute thought for a while and then said : " Yes , I will give you all of the help I can . I think I should have a talk with father before we begin to choose your warriors , maybe he can tell us what kind of company this is and what your work will be . I will go see him after work . " So I asked before winter . I must go now , I will come and find you as soon as I have spoken with my father . " We sat around for a while after finishing our one ? " He said : " No son , I have never seen one , but I know many folk who have . I am only a blacksmith , I guess the Shepherd has never doing ? " I said : " No , not yet . I think he has told the Commander what he has planed , but they are not telling me until I have put the company together . " Svartsmed sat with me a while not saying much , then he said : " Well I help me if you want . " I said : " Sure , what do you want me to do ? " He walk - ed over to one of them and said : " When I pick the chariot up slide the wheel back onto the axle for me . " Svartsmed surprised me , he was not much bigger than I am and chariots are heavy . But he reached down took hold of the bottom of the chariot and lifted it high enough for me to slide the wheel on , Karlek told me to have in our company . " Knute nodded and said : " I think you have made a good choice Starfire , come with me tomorrow and we will choose your warriors . We will be finishing our the room where no one was sitting . When we were all sitting around the table , Snow - flower said : " Girda , Sevea , I want the two of you to join us . You are both good warriors if we should have to fight , but you are also kind and gentle women if our mission is one of mercy . Are you willing to be become members of Starfire 's company ? " Girda said : " I will join you Snowflower . I like this fort , but there is right . " Snowflower said : " Sevea , you think too much of me . I do not have this great wisdom you seem to think that I have , but I am glad you are willing to be a part of us . As for Knute and Skadi 's wedding , before we came here the Shepherd said we would be here for the winter . So of you for accepting Snowflower 's invitation to join us . And I agree with you Sevea , I think Snowflower 's wisdom is much greater than she thinks it is . Life has the valley ! " Once more I must have embarrassed her , she turned red and said : " I don 't know what to say , but I am glad to have each of you for my friends . I think we will be a good company whatever the Shepherd has am Olaf , the Cooks have prepared an early breakfast for us . Come down as soon as you are ready ! " I said : " I will be right with you Olaf . " It was Viktor and Storvik . " Then he turned to the three men and said : " This is Starfire , he will be your new captain if you choose to join his new company . I have already given you my per - mission to do We went to the stable where they had prepared two horses for us , one carried hand tools and the other lumber which might need to be replaced . Then we began walking up the water line until we came to a bend in the line . We had walked about five miles and the said : " Thank - you Knute , I still don 't understand any of this myself . You said Olaf 's mother is called Sif , who is his father ? " He said : " I don 't know , he was born shortly after she came . She came walking along the road nearly starved to death and was spotted by the guards who wandered here . I think one of them must be his father , but she has never said anything about it . Don 't let it worry you , Olaf has fought beside me many times and I trust him with my life . He is like my brother . " We had walked about half way back to you think I am supposed to have women in my company ? " He answered : " As I said before , I don 't think your mis - sion is one of warfare . But others . " I said : " That could be true Knute , but is there any other kind of work which the Shepherd might send out a company like this to do ? " He answered : " Yes , there are missions which he would send men When we were getting close to the fort I said : " I will tell the men to meet me , and go find the women as soon as we get back . Maybe they can help me decide what to do , it would sure help if I only knew what we are being trained for . Thank - you for your help house . " So I thanked her and went to Girda 's room . She was there with Skadi but they didn 't know where the others were . When we returned to the greatroom the warriors were already waiting for us , so I asked them to wait mind . " He said : " Yes he is with Asa , his name is Vastervik . He has been in the Great Dry Lakes for quite a while , I think it has been nearly three years beautiful woman , it is too bad she died so young . But the Shepherd knows when it is time to take us to our eternal home . " I said : " Well it could have been so that you your father , but that is all he told me about you . I am glad to have a Viking among us , but is there anything else you can tell me that will help us put this company together ? " He answered : " There is not much to say . The Vikings go wherever the Shepherd are worth having around . You would not have chosen Girda and Sevea if they were not at least as valuable as you are . We need to have someone each who we are with so this does not happen . " Then Olaf said : " Viktor is right , if you put me with one of these beautiful ladies for too long , I think it would be time for a wedding . But Girda rear . There is seven in each company , so there will be twenty - one of us . Star ­ fire , I want you to ride at the rear of your company beside me . " chariots for the journey . Short - ly after breakfast we pulled out of the fort and turned north . No one knew how far we would have to travel to find the wagon comp - any , if we had to ride all of the way to the farms it would be two hundred miles each way . As we began Knute Then I said almost too softly for Knute to hear me : " Knute , I have began to look at you as the brother that I never had , and Snowflower as my sister . I had sisters in the valley , but they wanted nothing to do with me . They would not being a new captain . But you are right , we cannot let the enemy find our supply wagons without a fight . Maybe we can stop them from finding it at all . " miles . " Knute stood up and said : " I will go and send one of my men . " As Knute walked a - way , Anderson said : " For someone who has never enough for being so kind . But this is going to be a real battle , not just more practice among ourselves . I have not done very well in real battles , I still remember quite well being carried away by that evil bird at White Mountain Plateau . I do of them behind the mountain , but it is not as large as we thought . Also , the wagons were not with them , so maybe they have not found them . The scout we a miss - take in putting the seven of you together . " I said : " Thank - you Knute , I will try not to disappoint you or the Shepherd . We will do that lay at the foot of the mountain . They were not brave enough to come and help the warriors and must have thought we had already discovered them . I remembered the bolts of blue fire that the warriors had where they were trying to take me . They said very little near me , and when they did it was in a strange tongue . I want to thank you for rescuing us , and Rahoe said : " No , they were not with me . They were already prisoners when the enemy captured me , and they did not allow us to talk . " Then I burned them . The warriors you rescued except for Rahoe were the wagon drivers . They must have been trying to bring them to another group somewhere . " I said : " Knute , we also meet up with four dragons at the far end of Bergvagg . We were able to kill them but one of the warriors got his legs a little burnt by one of their fireballs . I think he was the only one who was posed to see me here . I am all right , you can go and join the others , I will join you in a little while . " I could see she was trying hard to keep from crying again so I said : " Sevea , I am not going to leave you out here to cry by worse then she was letting on , so I said : " Sevea , will you let me help you or should I go and bring Snowflower ? If you would rather have a woman 's help , I understand . " She said : " No Starfire I don 't need a woman , you can help me if you wish . It is here on my side . " She had already cleaned it well enough so I helped her put a bandage on it which she had been making , then we walked in and sat with the to help . I will tell you a little which you might understand , I have seen some things which will come to pass . There will be people hurt , and I cannot bear to think so , I found her by her chariot last night trying to dress the wound by herself . I don 't think she wanted Girda to know what happened . But As the others were getting up Snowflower said : " I will do what I can . " We made some breakfast and then began preparing to head back to Blue Lake . After the chariots was not completely a dream . What I did in the beginning has already happened , and be - cause of it I am going to have a baby . As you know I am not mar - ried or even engaged , and the man is going to marry another " No , I haven 't told him yet . " I made her look at me and said : " Then don 't say a word to him about it . I love you think you were the reason the Shepherd kept me from asking her , because I did think of it more than once since I met her . But now I am sure that I Want You Sevea . Unless The creek was not very far away from our camp , but everyone had stayed away while we sat and talked . When they saw us come back to the fire they began to fetch water for washing and cooking dinner . Snowflower who was sitting by the some - thing between you ? A lady doesn 't have that look on her face for nothing ! I may not be married , but I have seen that look before . " Girda said : " This time I agree with you Snowflower , the my wife . But I did not want to ask any lady not knowing when the Shepherd might send me away for a long time . Yesterday when I was talking with her I began to see that it was only because I was afraid of being rejected , that had kept me are hiding something from us . What did you do or say that would cause Star - fire to ask you to marry him ? We all know perfectly well that we want to know what you have done to him . ' I didn 't know what to say Star - fire , I couldn 't tell them the truth , but I didn 't want to lie either . After setting there silent for a while with it is against everything the Shepherd has taught me , to kill them . What am I supposed to do ? " He said : " Starfire , it is good you feel this way , because you are right , they are men just like us . But this is a war between the Shepherd and the Dark will let us be . " He said : " Starfire tell me about this problem , I will not let Sevea find out that you said anything . I will find some way to help my wife in a few days , and I promised not to tell her secret to anyone . " Stenkross said : " Gelfiun ! " A moment later his wife came into the office and he said : " Go get Sevea and is too late for that , winter is already here . It will be okay , Gelfiun you can take care of their wedding . " Then he turned to me and said : " Well very good warrior anyway because we asked you to . Your warrior days are over now Sevea , we do not ask a wife and mother to fight in our battles . We will find a larger room for you and Starfire to live in , and when your time Snowflower and Girda who were also yawning said : " Me too ! " That night the Shepherd came to Knute in his room . His room grew bright as it had when Karlek came to my for you each time we go out . Have I failed you ? " The Shepherd said in a stern almost angry voice : " Yes my son , you know what you have done , why are you trying what you have done ! " Knute put his head in his hands and said : " I didn 't know she was going to have a child . I will do as you over , his father was not in his office so we went back into the house and found him sitting by their fireplace with Gelfiun . Knute said : " Father , may we talk with you and mother ? " Both of them am supposed be the child 's father or stand back and let Starfire ? Sevea , I am sorry , I didn 't mean for this to happen to you . But now that it has I cannot change what took place , all I can do is accept what you , Starfire and father decide is right . " Commander Stenkross spoke first being commander of the fort and Commander . I think Starfire should be put in your place , but that must be left to your father and our Shepherd . Stenkross , what do you say ? " He stared at Knute for a moment and then said : " I want more than keep your position , I will send for you after I have made my decision . You may go now son . " Knute left and joined us in the great room , He said : " That will be fine , it won 't take too long . " So the three of us went to my room and sat on the bed . Knute said : " Well I found him still there with the forge going . When he saw me come in he said : " Starfire , it 's good to see you . I hear you are going to marry Sevea ! " I another at the ceremony . That is the custom at the Shepherd 's forts . I would like to make a gift of your rings if you will accept them . " I said : " Oh Uncle Svartsmed , I we sat and waited some of his men were letting the people know what was to take place . When the ladies came out most of the fort was assembled in the great room and champagne had been passed around for a toast . Knute told had been brought in front of everyone . Then I said : " Sevea , I want to ask you again in front of everyone to marry me . " She said : " Oh , Starfire ! Of course I will marry you . There is nothing I time they were tears of joy . I think she must have been the happiest woman in the fort this night . I didn 't understand before this how much they had invited . We talked a lot about the wedding and what you and I are going to do afterwards . Greeth , Sergeant Starklad 's daughter , said her father was willing to make your room and Snowflower 's into one for us . And Snowflower said she will move down to room two across from Greeth tomor ­ row . Starfire , said it was the one she wore when she married Sten ­ kross . Starfire , wait until you see it , I don 't think I have ever seen a dress so beautiful as this one ! Gelfiun has almost finished the arrangements for our wedding , but she won 't tell me about it , she said she wants it to be a surprise for us . Oh Starfire , I am boring you with all of this girlish talk about my party ? I could go on for hours . " fort , now I tell you again . It is you that I want , there will never be another ! Before they miss us we should go back out to the others . But first come here . " I took her in my arms and held her in silence for a little while , and a bond seemed to be formed between us at that time which was so strong that nothing escorted by Svartsmed and behind her Girda and Snowflower who carried the ring she was giving me . As we entered one of Starklad 's men gave a blow on his horn , and all of his men raised their swords forming an arch over our heads . When we reached right choice . I want to reassure you again , it was my will all along for the two of you to marry and become one . This is one of the most important reasons I What I have joined together through my Father , no man can take apart . You are now one in my Father 's sight . " He then turned to Stenkross and Gelfiun and said : " Would you finish this ceremony my son and daughter ? " They stepped forward , one on each side of the Shepherd and Stenkross said : " Starfire , do you have and put the ring on her ring finger . Gelfiun turned to Sevea and said : " Sevea , do you have anything to give Starfire as a reminder of your wedding vows ? " She said : " Yes Mastarinna Gelfiun , I have a ring ! " Sevea turned to Snow ­ flower who gave her the ring Svartsmed had made for me . Then Gelfiun said : " Place it on Starfire 's finger Sevea and she put the ring on my finger . As she did the warrior with the horn gave another blow on his horn , and the Shepherd said : " Give Sevea a kiss Starfire , she is now your Wife . " So as we stood before everyone I gave and you love her as you would have your own . But Knute is also your son , you must forgive him as I have . You made your choice from what your feelings told you was right , and you have made would not have touched you if you had told him to stop . I forgave Knute for his part in this and I forgive you as well . You knew that Knute was not to him to you , today Starfire has become your husband . I know my children , and I know who to give each of them for a Mate . " " Starfire , you are free of any blame I will keep you here until after Sevea 's baby is born . You have all spoken a desire to see Knute and Skadi 's wedding , then I will send you on . When the time is near I will come and tell you where you are to go , for now enjoy your time to - gether and continue to work together as a in your wedding dress , we must find someone who can paint your portrait wearing your dress . I want to be able to remember you looking like this forever ! " She said : of you , I wish you more peace and happiness than either of you have known before . " Then Snowflower said : " Sevea , I have something for you , they were my mother 's . I have kept them since we left the valley , but I never wear them . I would like you to have them . " She held out a small silver box to Sevea , when Sevea opened it she found a pair of sapphire earrings and necklace . She said : " Oh Snowflower , real date when your baby is due , this fort is too small to try to hide the birth of a baby . Your baby will be born two seasons too soon , but that cannot be helped , it is part of the price you will have to pay for your night with Knute ! I am sorry Starfire , Days turned into seasons and at last the long winter was over . Plans were being made for Knute and Skadi 's wedding and a little room was being turned into a nursery in our apartment for our baby . I was still trying trimed with gold and had buttons of solid gold . Skadi 's wedding gown was so beautiful I don 't think anyone could make a dress that would have made her look more like a queen . It was sky blue like Knute 's uniform with real gold as thin as thread woven into it . They gave each other to our child . She and her husband had done this many times before , for husbands waiting for their wives to give birth , she was called Dagmar and her husband Geirrod . When they knew the baby would come at any time , one of the midwives came and said : " Starfire , the time stay out too long . " We went to the stable and each took out one of our horses , I chose Stjarnfall , because he was the better horse for ridding . Viktor must tell the nosey folk you were talking about . It is not uncommon for a baby to be born a little early , and that is what everyone must be told . You can spread the story that she was born a little premature if you wish . " He said : the White Mountains . We will be gone for two weeks to a month , and I wanted to see my niece before I have to leave tomorow morning . " Sevea went to the little room where Viktoria was sleeping in her crib and " Oh ! It 's you Starfire , yes it has been a while brother . Who is that with you ? " I answered : " A lot has happened since you went Blue Lake I will tell you all about it . But for now , this is my wife Sevea and our daughter Viktoria . " Then Golden said : " Captain Starfire , we have been sent to " So Starfire , this young child is your daughter Viktoria ? " I said : " Yes Golden , she is three months old now . " He then took Sevea 's hand and said : " Sevea , I too afraid to even come up and say " Hello " to us . Now you are a Captain with a wife and daughter , and soon you will have your own post as well . Tell me him . Then I met Sevea , and as you have seen , she has taken over where Snowflower left off . She is responsible for the greatest changes in me . It is a whole new life for me have married Snowflower back at the outpost , I am sure she would have been willing . So what is your story Sevea , how did you get my brother to fall for you ? " She we don 't have enough chairs for nine . There is also three empty rooms near us for our brothers , you can stay with us if you like Golden . " He said : " Thank - you my brought up to our rooms ? I will go and find Starklad and get the table and chairs we will need , and a bed for Golden . " She said : " Yes Starfire , is there in our rooms . Do you know where I can get a long table and seven chairs ? And if you know of a spare bed I could use for a few days , Golden would like to stay with us in our I am sure it will be the best cake they have eaten . " She looked at me and said : " Oh Starfire , I love you so much , you are always saying such kind things to me . I think you must be the best hus - band any woman ever had , share will be safe with them ! Golden my brother , now you see why I held you back . Starfire and Sevea were not ready for you to come escort them to the dry lakes . Now my friends I must leave you , you have all done well . As you honor each other , you honor me and my Father . " Then he dis - ap ­ peared . talk when you have eaten all you can . " One of the Cook 's servants had stayed behind , and made sure that the Warriors plates were never empty . When dinner . As to who taught me to cook , I have spent several months helping the Head Chef here , the Commander sent me to help him when I could no longer travel with our company . My mother also for us . Then with a nice fire burning in our fire - place , I said : " Well Golden my brother , now that we are alone you can ask us whatever you wish . Sevea , I have spent enough time Then Golden said : " Starfire , let 's start with you . When I last saw you , you seemed awfully close to Snowflower , I was sure that the two of you would get married when you came here . What happened to separate you ? " I said : " Golden , I love Snowflower , and will always think of my time with her as one of the best things that has ever happened to me . It is possible that if we had been sent somewhere else that I would have married her . But Snowflower is my sister , and it is as a sister that I love her . I am Tell us how you came to become a Captain with your own company . " I answered : " That is much simpler , one night a messenger from the Shepherd appeared in my room . His name was Karlek , and love with the Commander 's son , Knute . I thought in time he would ask me to marry him , but about a year ago he asked Skadi instead of me . For a while I thought I could win him back from her . We were out on a scouting mission about a month before Starfire and Snowflower came to Blue Lake . One night we were talking after the others had gone to sleep and the memories and emotions of what we Commander asked of you . Now Star - fire , you will be the one who is responsible for the safety of this little town . You will still be under a brother who had resently went home to our KING . I was very afraid of failing just as you are now , but the Shepherd knew what he was doing . As you can see , my fears have not come to pass . Brother , I am sure you will find the same will be true in your life . The Shepherd does not give us tasks that are too difficult for us , and Sevea is right , you only see has more wisdom than you are giving her credit for . Sevea , I must agree with my brothers , you are a lady fit to be a Prince 's wife . And Starfire evil deeds I had been doing before you came , the good things the Shepherd has given to me have been able to be used by him to help you do his work . I would have been nothing without you , but because of you these Warriors say I am fit for a Prince . You already are my Prince Starfire , and I could not accept any other . " I lowered my head and said : wed - ding gift for us . She has one of her own and thought it would be better for a family than ridding around in chariots . " Sevea said : " I am glad she did , it is much easier now that I have Viktoria to take care of . It also shows the folk that Starfire is more than a common warrior , at least he is Royalty to me . What do you think Sir Golden ? Oh , I am sorry brother , it is a using Father 's power , prepare yourselves to be sent home in a moment 's time ' . He spoke to the KING and in an instant we were in Nordligast . The Dark Lord had sent several large how many more of these stories you have been holding back . You should be putting them in a book , the folk down here never see such things or even hear about them . Those folks you went and helped are Sevea 's life . If you keep rising up in the KING ' S army your battles will only get larger and more frequent . Do not be afraid little brother , you will without saying anything . Then I said : " Golden , I know you are right , but I know so little of these things . You knew me back at the able to handle a woman 's affections , if the Shepherd had not sent Snowflower , I could never have accepted Sevea at all . I call Snowflower my sister , but really she is much more than that . If I had not me , if I had known more about ladies , then we went back to our camp . Later that night after she thought we were all a - sleep , she began crying again . I knew she had a bad cut , but it see she wasn 't tell - ing the truth . Finally she told me she was going to have a baby , and because it was Knute 's she was going to leave the fort . I about wives and children , are you married ? Do you have any children ? " He said : " I was married once , but that was long ago . My wife died young had already brought more than we would eat , so I said : " No sister , you have already brought too much . Thank - you I really didn 't expect this . Will you thank the Chef to eat and drink . He said : " Thank - you sister , but I have already eaten , I will have a little tea if you don 't mind . " As she poured a cup of tea for him , he said : see us about ? " Silver said : " Knute has brought back news from the eastside of the White Mountains . The Commander thinks we should know what his son has found before we leave for the Dry Road . He has some news I think you should hear , Knute tell them of your journey . " Knute said : " Sirs , Starfire ; after we made our way over the pass we began to see signs of the enemy . At you are just worried about Viktoria , don 't be worried brother , the Shepherd had us tell them the true story . So they know she is your daughter . There is no concern for our to know , we only did as he told us to . I don 't understand why the Shepherd wanted them to know what we have been keeping secret from the folks here , but I know that whatever the Shepherd has told me to do has been for my own good . Mother , you know the Shepherd has more wisdom than all of us put together , we must trust him ! " Then she Viktoria 's uncle for that reason , you would have found ways to be close to them anyway and as her uncle no one could find anything wrong with your love for them . If this is to be our last night here Knute , you might go and get Skadi so she and Sevea can have a long visit . It may be a long time before they see each other again . " and the warrior went back to his company . Then Knute said : " Well Starfire , it looks like all of my worrying was for nothing . But I care about you , Sevea and we saw going by . Starfire , earlier I told you that I love Sevea , you seemed to be able to feel it already . Now before we part I want to tell you why I didn 't marry her myself before you even Sevea , because I know I hurt her badly . Please don 't tell her about this , it would only open the wounds I gave her all over again . She is your wife now Starfire , try not or my children back to Blue Lake unless I am DEAD . In that case I thank you for your offer to care for them . My wife and daughter are my life , maybe them . " He said : " Yes , I am sure it is Starfire , but if our enemies come you wouldn 't be of much help to them inside the coach . Just " Go ahead Starfire , we have not seen any warriors around . You should have plenty of time to come back if we need you . " The road was wide enough for two rename the town to if you feel like it . It is about ten days from where we will stay tonight , that is about five hundred miles . There has been little enemy activity there because Asa 's warriors have chased most of them out , but you should have more to do than you ever have before . Remember my little brother , you will be like a Governor over this town . There are enemy journeys . I hope the Shepherd lets us stay there in - stead of sending us on for a long time . Maybe it is having a wife and child but I would rather settle down for a while and have somewhere I can not like it . Does Sevea have that much control over you already ? " I answered : " Brother , I don 't like to be made fun of ! I had more than think of doing such a thing . I do not control her either , we are Man and Wife , not Master and Slave . When there are deci ­ sions to be made we make them together slave ? Maybe you did make the right choice , Sevea is a kind and loving woman , but she is no man 's slave . We do not try to make each other into a slave , we work together because of our pass . We have already been discussing this , but Knute , as for you and your men it is your choice when you head back for Blue Lake . I see no reason why you should not turn back in the as early as we can . They won 't expect us to ride at night , even so I want Bronze and Iron to ride ahead of us . We don 't need any surprise attacks . " I said : " Silver , you are talking as if there were enemy warriors down there ready to but there are only seven Northern Warriors here . Silver , how many do you think there are ? " He said : " It is hard to tell , they don 't said : " I think you are right , and I hope we don 't have to fight any of these dwarves , they may be stronger than Bronze thinks . " We then went over to Sevea 's coach and began setting up her tent and started some of her coal in her little firebox . I told her : She said : " There is something you are not telling me Starfire , we are in some kind of danger , I can feel it . Tell me what is going on Starfire ! " I knew there was no way to convince her there was nothing wrong , so I said : rocks , that is all . It is nothing to worry about , I don 't think they will attack us . " But Sevea said : " Be careful Love , if it was here than we have seen . Knute , if you are will - ing , I would appreciate it if you would send out a few scouts . " He said : " All of our tent . It was dark now , and there was no moon to help me see . I had not walked far before I felt strong hands grab hold of my arms and pull me to the ground . Then I arms . As we slowly made our way through the warriors and chariots the warrior behind me moved along with - out making a sound , it was as if I was the only one there . Then we talking , they all came over and stood around the warrior with their swords drawn . But after listening to him for a while they put their swords away . Iron turned to me armor on and sword drawn , as I started to enter the tent I heard her say : " Stop right there , or I 'll run this sword through you ! " I came to a quick stop and said : " It is okay Sevea . It 's me from behind and had me on the ground by himself in a moment . I don 't know what is going on Sevea , but it seems that you were right , not all of these little men are evil . The one that grabbed me didn 't try to hurt me , that armor off or put your sword away . We can take turns standing watch tonight . " She said : " That sounds good to me Starfire , but I don 't think I will do much to treat you so ruffly last night . He needed to speak with us , and chose you to bring him through our camp . " I said : " Tell him it 's okay , but next time choose someone else . What did he have to say so badly , as to pockets and pulled out a small box . Golden said : " Starfire go in and wake Sevea , Cashel wants to give her a gift to make up for his rock . " So I went into our tent , but instead of finding Sevea sleeping I found her sitting " I cannot speak this strange language , tell Cashel this was not necessary , but I accept his gift and thank him . I can see there was no evil in his actions last night . I will remember his kindness for a long time , and tell Viktoria to make a clean sweep of the valley and turn it into one of his Strongholds . I have talked with Knute , he is willing to take his two companies and guide you to Mosseberg . We must leave you at the North - South Highway and head for that valley . You should be safe enough , there will be twenty - one warriors . Get your company ready , we must start our day now . " Then the Warriors went back to right . After that we would finally see the beginning of the High deserts , and after about five more days we would be at our new home , Mosseberg . We would be able to travel a little faster once we were in the desert , route and was even paved , it was also wide enough for four chariots to ride side by side . I hadn 't seen a road this big since I left the Valley and it brought back memories of my life there . I didn 't know what it would be like to live in a desert , but I was glad the after your daughter . If only all girls could have such a loving father as you are . I love you Starfire , no woman could ask for a better husband than you are ! " is it to a town where we can pick up some more food ? " He said : " About two hundred miles , so that is about four days . There is a town where we will turn south on even seen their families for a long time . I am not sure I could obey him if he did send me off on a long journey without you . " She said : " Starfire , the Shepherd knows how you feel , he would not send you away from me now . I and it wouldn 't be good for Viktoria not to have her father near her while she is so young . " I said : " Sevea , you said Children ! Are you trying to tell me bring back some more rabbits . Sevea being the kind woman that she is cooked dinner for the warriors again that night , but this time they went back to their chariots as soon as dinner was over . Knowing this this baren land at all , so I went and found Knute . He was filling our water barrels at what was left of the stream . I asked him : them have wells also . " I was relieved to hear this , and said : " Thank - you Knute , that is good news . When I saw this desert I was afraid the town was wife also . " We had a good dinner that night , and Gerda seemed happy to have another woman and child in her house . In the morning Knute and his two companies resupplied their wagons from South Desert Governor ? " He said : " Because although Mosseberg may be a small town it is the Capital of the South Desert . If you have been sent to take of the Mid Desert Road and the road that went to Mosseberg . The Mayor and his wife also had a coach like Sevea 's , but not nearly as fancy . It seems Skadi had given us a much nicer coach than I thought , it could be that we had the fanciest coach in the I thought about what the Mayor was saying , and then said : " Well Sevea what do you think about being called the Governor 's Wife ? " She said : " Maybe that should be : ' Herre Governor 's Fru ' , isn 't that the way you say it Herr Garmer ? " He laughed and said : " Yes Fru Sevea , I guess I talk like I am still in the Northlands . Herr means ' Sir ' , Herre means Oh , that means wife . " Then I said : " I will accept whatever the folks want to call me , but I think I prefer Starfire and Sevea without any titles . I really didn 't you with more respect than you are used to , but let them do it . In a small way , their Governor and his Hustru are like their King and Queen . They know their King is THE KING , but they never see him and rarely see the Shepherd so the governor has One after another our company spoke up saying similar things as Snowflower . It was hard for me to accept my friends saying things like this about me . So I said : " I am not your Governor , Fru Sevea , you will make a love - ly Governor 's Hustru . It 's been a long time since we had a couple like you . There are going to be good times in the South Desert now that you have come We will Starfire a Governor . I did not give him that title , the only title I gave him is ' Captain ' . Mayor Garmer , you should have asked me before giving out titles like that . Starfire , you do not have to accept this position if a hundred feet square . Later I found out that it was built so that my personal warriors and servants could live with us . There were so many shops that it would take Sevea quite a long time just to know where everything was . their floor will near - ly be filled . Your private floor is the smaller one on top . The first floor is for entertaining your guests , it 's rooms are quite large for holding parties and dinners with the Mayors of South Desert or the Governors of matter though whether you have any sons at all , whatever the Shepherd gives us will be fine with me . I am your husband Sevea , not your Governor . Please don 't call me ' Governor ' ! " and found the rest of our company about ready to go down also , so we waited for them and went down together . It seems like everybody there thought they had to come up and shake my hand and kiss Sevea 's . By the should try to get used to it . You may think you are only a Captain , but the towns - folk see you as the most important person in the South Desert . They are only mine ? " She said : " I have never had my hand kissed so many times in one evening in my life , but if it makes them happy , as your wife I should let them do it . As