“So how does it look?” I asked. Di smiled and said, “It looks as if it’s my first night today,” and she blushed. “I’ve got something els... for you as well,” and I handed her another package I had bought. It was a beautiful red bridal saree with a matching blouse.She looked happy and excited. “It’s beautiful,” she said. “Isn’t it? Just like you. Wait till Tushar sees you in this. He’s going to go crazy.” Taking out another package I said, “I hope I haven’t gone too far with this. But I thought. Mary was furious with him and tried to run away, but was caught, beaten, and brought back with a brand on her arm signifying that she was an escapee. Penelope felt sorry for the girl but her bitterness extended to her as well."We treat our slaves as treasures," Maximus told his wife one night after they had made love. "However, when one runs away like Mary did, she must be punished like a child who disobeys its father." I know but branding is so cruel," Penelope argued. "Isn't there something. "They have been here for five days," he said in a voice barely above a whisper.Tarras finally understood. The "avatars" were the Cohorts. This explained a great deal despite his continued ignorance of what precisely the term meant."And what of you?" the Elder demanded."Only yesterday and today. Then perhaps I am not--" Unless your alleged sins were committed elsewhere. You will tell me what you think you have done wrong."Tarras recognized the tone, as it was one he once used on underlings: obey. She looked at me, "Us? So you're sure that you're going to be involved in this?"I nodded and smiled, "Oh yes, I'm going to make it my duty to make this school work, and I'm the one best suited for this. Don't you agree?"Jo'ha looked shocked, "But you're from one of the major houses, how can you claim to be independent?"I stood upright and regarded her, "True, I am from the House of Grork'n. But from now on I am from the Planet first, you say the Accord should not be broken, very well it won't.