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| The heroes went down to the river to bathe. They hung their garments from the branches and moved together into the water. No one spoke. One boy splashed another, who laughed. There was the sound of birds and wind and moving water. Later, they gathered on the bank as Gregor was initiated into their ranks. |
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| "Kneel," said the King. |
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| Gregor knelt, still wet from the river. He shivered slightly as the King touched the top of his head. |
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| "What do you love most?" said the King. |
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| "Beauty," Gregor replied, his eyes cast down. |
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| "And where do you find beauty?" asked the King with some amusement. |
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| "People say I am beautiful." Gregor blushed and looked up. "But there is beauty in many things," he was quick to add. |
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