52 North entered. Spearon was not sitting on his
throne, but sat in a lower chair. He appeared very weak. Spearina sat
beside him, holding his hand. One of the old man's hands rested on the
fullness of her belly. Lifting this hand, the old Peepian Ruler
motioned North forward. "You have news?" he asked.
53 "They have found the remains of your son's vessel," North announced,
"the bodies of The Command Deck Crew have been recovered, and are now
being processed. They will be brought back for burial as soon as they
are prepared."
54 "Then perhaps," said the old man, "the flames shall claim both of us
together, for my strength is about gone, and only this that sits near
me gives me the strength to carry on but a short time more. For the
treasure that she carries within her is the Hope of our people, perhaps
the Hope of ALL people!"
55 Councilmen of Peepi, Grand Representatives of All The Clans, Fathers
Of Fathers, Lord Over Your Brethren, this is he who I have spoken of;
Father of the Heir to my house, son of a great clan, Lord of a great
people. I ask now, that as we have discussed, you accept him as Heir to
my throne. That you put upon his head The Crown of my Office, and the
Spear of my authority be placed in his right hand.
56 Let it be said by a vote of voices, let those who agree stand and so
say. Let those who do not, speak their objections."
57 One by one the Councilmembers rose and gave their vote. There was no
opposition.
58 "Good!" moaned Spearon. "Let the news go forth that I stand down,
and that The Father Of Kings takes my throne. Let it be that as soon as
the Heir of my blood is laid to rest, the coronation take place. Until
such time I give Lord North authority to act in my name. Now, if you
will excuse
me, I must rest. I am weary."