When he awakened, it was to find himself once again in the council hall, sprawled on the thick furs which lay beside and before the throne of the Overlord Loala. The first face he saw was that of the Venusian princess herself; she was staring down at him with pride and approbation.
He said, "What ... what...?" and tried to lift himself, but the slightest movement roused sharp needles of pain within his brain; the floor beneath him spun giddily.
Loala leaned forward, pressed something to his lips.
"Here! Drink this! It will rid you of the after-pains. You are a strong man, Steve of Emmeity. Few waken so swiftly after undergoing the Treatment."
As she had said, the amber liquid dulled the fire in his skull, Vigor returned to Steve slowly but surely; he was able to lift himself without reeling. He whispered, "Then it is over?"
"It is over, Steve. Now you are one of Us. Guards! You may retire now. The human will return to the prison by himself in due time."
Obediently the Daan warriors withdrew. Steve stared after them wonderingly.
"Then they speak the human tongue as well as yours? When first you addressed them, you spoke in the Daan language."
Loala smiled.
"And this time also, Steve."