- The Prouds 14
great kingdom to which all other kingdoms have
submitted.”
The two friends paused as Milton hoped Hammond
would agree to his plan.
Hammond said, “Your words make sense, but my
father will never accept that.”
“Just try,” Milton pressed with desperation.
The leader’s son replied affirmatively, “Do you
want him to be mad with me? Do you want me to look as if
I am refraining from protecting the tribe? I am telling you,
he is my father and I know him very well. He will never
accept anything but war.”
Milton asked, “Isn’t there any way you can
convince him?”
“What is the matter with you, Milton?” Hammond
asked, incredulous. “Do you want him to see my younger
brothers willing to sacrifice their lives for the tribe, while I
look as if I am trying to save myself at the expense of the
tribe?”
Hammond wished that Milton’s option would
prevail. Nevertheless, he had something more important in
mind, which was his image in the eyes of the leader of the
Prouds and the rest of the tribe. He was the eldest among
his brothers, but not the strongest one of them. He was not
the best fighter of the Prouds. Hence, the least he could do
was to appear to be holding on to their dignity and glory,
which they held on to for centuries and would expect their
future leader to cherish. Perhaps one day, when he would
become the leader, he could change his people’s traditions
and mentality.