It was clear in this
small chapel of honesty, that they not only loved and respected one
another, but clung to each other, and held the value of each human life
high above any other aspiration.
Commander Stenmark in particular she watched, and began to wonder at
this grizzled pioneer whose age was so incongruous to all around him,
most of whom were under forty. And during the moment of silent prayer
she had to restrain with difficulty her own emotions, as she saw the
same face that could be so still and dispassionate, draw close over the
fervently folded hands with tears of age, and thanks, and tired
responsibility flowing like the sudden, relentless Spring. And it was
with warmth and a further shock that she realized this outpouring was
for her: that something, someone dear to him had been spared. She had
never felt so honored.
When the service ended they moved outside, and after a light meal,
spread themselves more comfortably on the grassy earth of a clear space
at one end of the compound, backed by a gentle rise and a single, lithe
and undistorted maple. This in preparation for what remained to them
the greatest pleasure (and diversion) in life. Learning.
Sylviana's story was fascinating, what they had heard of it the night
before, but it was Kalus whom they longed to interrogate.
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