Chapter 31Hester herself was probably as surprised as anyone else at her uncharacteristically impulsive proposal that the colony formally declare independence.
It caused a considerable stir throughout the community, but the dominant emotion it generated was one of relief. On reflection, though admittedly in a mood of some self-congratulation, Hester assessed the move as having been unusually perceptive.
It chimed with the mood of the majority of the people, severing as it did the last lingering emotional links with their old life. From then on, the community would go forward unfettered by the past; looking back only to learn from the mistakes of others.
Despite the illness of Taithur, morale was good. They had met and defeated their greatest fears, and even though the cost had been high
