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methods might not be considered normal, but they'll be effective. Warriors are firm believers in teaching
by example. Lasting impressions are gained in that way that mere words can't hope to duplicate. Which is
why the old crime and punishment philosophy goes over so well here."
"Are we finally getting around to discussing the laws around here?"
"No, I've concluded that the extra information I've been feeding you isn't helping and could be part of the
problem. You haven't been given time to assimilate what you're learning. Besides, you know the basics,
enough to stay out of trouble. No more pants for you; they offend warriors. Never leave home without an
escort at your side, or without wearing a cloak of this house, so anyone who doesn't know you will see
that you're protected. Be respectful of other warriors, obey your own. See? Very simple."
"Bah, you call those laws?"
"Well, actually." Martha began another round of laughing. "I don't, but they do. Rules might be a more
appropriate term. They don't have the kind of laws you're used to, because they don't have the kind of
crimes that require strict laws. Theft here is more a sport, a back-and-forth kind of thing. If something or
someone gets stolen, they merely buy it back, steal it back-or be glad it's gone.
"Then nothing gets stolen with the expectation to keep it? Why does anyone bother?"
"Like I said, it's more a sport, something done for fun. There's also no such thing as murder; the warrior
ethic simply doesn't allow it. Challenge can cause death, but rarely; it's more desirable to humiliate an
enemy with challenge loss service. They have their own rules that govern their behavior. Any disputes are
brought to the shodan to decide. But you've let me get sidetracked."
"Is that even possible? For you?"
"My, aren't we feeling sarcastic today."
"I have a good teacher."
"I don't have an ego to bolster, doll, though I appreciate the effort. Now back to the subject, which was
women. Women are the sole responsibility of their protector, be he father, lifemate, or shodan. Without a
protector, they become claimable by any warrior who wants them, and a claimed woman isn't quite as
desirable a position as a free one-for the women, that is."
Brittany stiffened, hearing that addition. "Why? And why haven't I heard about this before now?"
Martha injected a shrug into her tone. "It wasn't mentioned because it's never something you're going to
need to worry about, as long as you obey those few simple rules we just discussed. As for why it's not a
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'wanna-be' status, probably because it draws many parallels to slavery. A claimed woman can't be sold
or mistreated, but they have so few rights, they might as well be considered slaves. Most women around
here would rather enjoy the luxury of freedom."
"Free? When they can't go out without being led by the hand like a child?"
"Are we feeling aggrieved?"
"Damned right we are. You know I'm not going to be able to accept that when I come from total
freedom of choice."
"So did Tedra, and she adjusted just fine. So will you. It Just takes rearranging certain thinking and
seeing the logic behind the protection that's offered. And I could swear I said I was done feeding you
information. Start asking Dalden your questions. The answers he gives you will give you a better
understanding of him. Signing off, doll."
"Wait! Martha?" No answer, but the fembair was still there, watching her with those big blue eyes. "Go
away, cat. Go on, shoo.
It didn't, but then it perked up and glanced behind him, as if it heard someone calling. She heard nothing,
but animals had better hearing than humans. It then rose so fast it lost its footing on the shiny floor,
regained it, ran toward the balcony, and leapt off it the same way it had arrived.
Brittany sighed in relief Martha signed back on long enough to laugh.
Chapter Forty-five
BRITTANY DID START STORING UP SOME QUESTIONS FOR Dalden, but he didn't return to
his room. A Darash female servant showed up instead, to help her dress for dinner. And she did need
help in figuring out how to get into a chauri. [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]