when I go to The Chamber Of Whispers. I am
content until then, to be at peace."
31 One of the other Priests leaned forward. "The visitor," he remarked,
"reported something strange. He said you had spoken with Death. I bid
you, tell us of it."
32 "I, too," cried Spearon, "would hear of THAT tale"
33 So North told them about The Pride Of Hades and The Ancient One he
had touched upon her. When he was done, The High
Priest laughed. "Next he will claim to speak in the voice of Change,
himself! Excuse me, I must go perform an errand to satisfy my own
heart. Come," he said to the Priest, "you have believed what was
heard. Come and witness the proof of its falsity."
34 The five Priests left. North and Spearon chatted a while longer,
then joined the ladies. North and his party returned home, and North
went to bed thinking little of what had been said.
35 He woke in the morning, dressed, as usual, and was preparing to
leave, when a Peepian Security Man and two Priests appeared at his
door. "It is requested, sir," explained the Security Man, "that you
come with us immediately!"
36 "I'm extremely busy," announced North.
37 "Sir," begged one of the Priests, "I beg of you this is important
beyond your understanding, beyond your belief. You must come. Please
bring your ladies, and, your children. This is something they must
witness."
38 North shrugged. "You heard the man! " he announced, "Grab your
things! Let's go! Whatever it is, let's get it over with!'
39 They took a transport beam down to the planet, then a ground
transport through the city. The streets were lined with people and
every window was filled to capacity. The people were cheering and
waving. "It appears," remarked the Priest, "word has gotten out, though
no official