Chamberlain who led him down the center of The
Hall as the crowd applauded and cheered. The Chamberlain banged his
staff three times, and all fell silent.
34 "Oh, Great Spearon," cried The Chamberlain, "Descendant Of Change,
Ruler of all that is Peepian, Carrier Of The Sacred Shield And The
Blessed Spear, let me introduce to you General Northern Star, defender
of The Republic, slayer of millions, the just but the merciless, the
Thunder And The Lightning."
35 The Peepian Leader rose. "Ascend, great warrior!" he roared, "I pray
ye, in The Name Of Change, come forth, that I might touch you, and
share your glory."
36 North climbed the steps and the Peepian Leader grasped both his
shoulders. "I am honored," he cried, "that you come before me. By our
Tradition I would pay you homage by kissing both your cheeks, but
knowing that to your people this would be offensive, I greet you in
their manner, instead, and introduce you to my family.
37 Sharena, my devoted wife who must remain seated, to my left. At my
right, Spearos, heir to my throne, and Commander of all our space
forces, and, to my wife's left, Spearina, the greatest joy of my
heart, daughter of my house."
38 The two youngsters rose and saluted. North saluted in return. When
he turned towards the wife, a strange emptiness came over him. "She's
dead!" North muttered. "There is no Spirit in her body!" Examining the
body closely he found that the woman was completely enclosed in some
clear, transparent substance.
39 "She is NOT dead!" Spearos snapped quite harshly. "She is only
sleeping. A wife and husband die together, one sleeps awaiting the
other."
40 "Watch the manner in which you speak!" warned Spearon, "Remember, he
is a guest and unfamiliar