Путь через равнину

Тысячелетие спустя та же Земля, но ограбленная, лишенная ресурсов, загаженная и загнивающая, уже не сможет воссоздавать и кормить порожденную ею жизнь. И все же, несмотря на возросшее истощение, бесплодие, последнее слово будет за ней. Даже опозоренная и обнищавшая, Великая Мать найдет в себе силу разрушить то, что она создала. Владычество ее не может быть свергнуто или подменено, ее богатства не могут быть взяты без ее согласия, без ее содействия, без уважения ее потребностей. Ее воля к жизни не может быть подавлена безнаказанно. Без нее может существовать самонадеянная жизнь.

"There are good people and bad people, Ayla, and everyone has some good and some bad in them,"..."But most people are decent and try to help each other.They know it's necessary - after all, you never know when you may need help - and most people would rather be friendly."
"But there are some who are twisted, like Attaroa," Ayla said.
"That's true." The man nodded, having to agree. "And there are some who only give what they must and would rather not give at all, but that doesn't make them bad."
"But one bad person can bring out the worst in good people, like Attaroa did to S'Armuna and Epadoa."
"I suppose the best we can do is to try to keep evil and cruel ones from causing too much harm. Maybe we should count ourselves lucky there aren't more like her. But Ayla, don't let one bad person spoil the way you feel about people."
"Attaroa can't make me feel any different about the people I know, and I'm sure you are right about most people, Jondalar, but she has made me more wary, and more cautious."
"It doesn't hurt to be a little cautious, at first, but give people a chance to show their good side before you judge them bad."