28.
"I came there," Grey answered, "to curse that thing that is not worthy to lie beside your father. For half a year he has forced me, by threat, to do what he desired, and I praised his death, and came to curse him. I was just leaving when you came through that window, and so I hid. But when you spoke I could not help but join you. And as I said before, I am with you. Lead and I will follow."
North reached out and put his hand on the other's shoulder.
"Very well," he told him, "but right now we'd better get home before we're missed."
Flying back to his apartment, North landed on his balcony and quietly slipped inside. Even though it was very late, the light in the office was still on, and he could hear the soft 'tap-tap-tap' of his uncle's calculator. Wearily, he went to his room and laid down. He closed his eyes and had no idea of how long he slept, but when he awoke, his uncle was shaking his shoulder.
"Wake up, North," he said, "there's a call for you. Someone named Morn."
Quickly North rolled off the bed and ran to the Video Phone in the living room.
"Here, Morn," he said, "sorry to delay you."
"That's all right," answered his friend, "I'm in no hurry to say what I'm supposed to say. Anyway, they have finally decided that they will not consider that you shared in your father's treason, and that they will only fine you ten percent of your property. You will be allowed to remain in your present school, but you will have to give up your apartment and move to one of lower rank with your mother. But there is a condition to all of this."
"I did not believe there wouldn't be," North told him. "What is it?"
"You must publicly rebuke your father for what he did," Morn answered, "and swear your absolute loyalty to The Godhead."
"And if I don't?" was the question.
"You will be reduced to the rank of a commoner, and put in a public school. Plus, all your property will be seized by The Church."
"I see," said North. "It will be in The Temple Of The Dead no doubt."
"Yes," answered his friend. "They told me to ask you if you would be there."
"I will," North told him, "what time?"
"Four o' clock," was the answer, "that's when the ceremony shall take place. Only those of a high rank will attend. I will be there."
"I will be there," said North, "and do as they command."
"See you then," replied Morn.
North's uncle listened to all this with interest. "I will not be