Chapter 13: Epilogue

I've been here over twenty years now.

The Manubans disbanded. A few people from their village joined us and are productive members of our village.

The Others are no longer a threat. About ten years ago, they came and we defeated them soundly capturing prisoners. We took them back to their village and hung them. I found the headman and forced him to the square. After warning the people to never come raiding our way again, I put a rope around his neck and pulled him up to strangle. After he slowly died, we left.

I am now a grandfather and am enjoying my life. I am thankful for that flash of light giving me two wonderful mates, five wonderful children, and a grandson with more expected. My sons and daughters are all taller than usual. It made it a little tough for my daughters to find mates but they take after their mothers in looks. After my oldest daughter, Linda, mated with a man proud to have her. It didn't take long for the others to find good men.

I figure that bringing a new way of thinking about treating people was enough for one man. Stopping an evil and cruel practice was a bonus. Life is good. My mates and I are satisfied. There were some parts of civilization that I'm not sure we need.

Tom Underwood