The Peepians were dually impressed.
27 North landed at the system capitol of Speari for the official
reception outside The Great Hall, he was approached by the Chamberlain
of Honors, dressed in such clothes as North had never seen, and
carrying a gold- tipped staff, topped with bell and crown.
28 "I am a bit perplexed," announced The Chamberlain, "of course, good
General, I know how to introduce you, but you have two wives. Who is
senior? Who is first? How am I to introduce the other?"
29 "The eldest wife," explained North, "is always senior in protocol.
But would it not simply be easier to introduce them both together, and,
the children? That way, they can walk in side by side, carrying the
youngest ones, with the eldest ones following."
30 "A most workable solution," agreed The Chamberlain, "one that I am
sure will please my Lord and The Court! I do wish, though, you had some
brighter uniform! And do your people not give a Lord and his Ladies
jewelry worth showing?"
31 "We do not believe in jewelry!" explained North, "We wear only gifts
of honor. Gaudy jewelry is an expression of vanity. Does not your own
Lord teach such things? 'The man who dresses himself in silks and gold
while his people are in need, shall surely come to much sorrow, when
his Day of Reckoning is at hand.'"
32 The Chamberlain bowed. "You speak the words of Lord Change," he
praised, "with dignity and respect. I bow to your wisdom. However, The
Great Lord of our people, Spearon, awaits, and grows impatient. For he
has long desired to lay eyes upon the wondrous warrior that so shames
our enemy. So if you will follow me ...."
33 The Chamberlain tapped his staff twice and the two Guards opened the
great doors leading into The Grand Hall Of Audience. North marched
briskly behind The