The Truth yet. They haven't begun to doubt The
One God. But we get many deserters almost every day. Their power grows
weaker.
24 This is a lesson you must learn, North; that many people are good,
even when they believe in something that is not. But now you had better
be getting home. You don't belong here. Come, let me take you back."
25 North's father led him to the Gateway. "I miss you, father," North
wept.
26 "I miss you, too," North's father told him. "We have shared many
journeys together, and before the end of time we'll share many more.
But for now, back through The Gate. The Doctor is anxious about you."
27 North passed back through the curtain, and felt like he was falling.
A moment later he woke up in the Doctor's room, sitting up, startled.
28 The Doctor too, jumped up. "Easy son!" he cautioned, "Easy! You were
sleeping pretty soundly, there! I was beginning to get concerned! How
do you feel?"
29 "About like I did after we came out of leap by that ghost ship!"
North answered. "What am I doing in your room?"
30 "I thought I'd better bring you down here," the Doctor explained,
"while they dealt with that problem in your room."
31 North's eyes widened. "My father's coffin!" he gasped. "What have
they done with it?"
32 "It's been taken to a funeral parlor," explained the Doctor, "and an
Honor Guard has been stationed. I didn't think we'd better take any
other action without your approval. The Number Two is handling
everything."
33 North looked around. "I think I'd better get dressed," he announced,
"and go see what's happening."
34 The Doctor threw him his bathrobe. "Not before you take a shower!"
he insisted. "You've been sweating so