"Now lead the way," Rex said.
He killed four more guards before they arrived at the Place of Eternal Strength, shooting them in the back without compunction as he stalked ahead of Rex, clearing the way.
Upon arrival at their destination, Tommy cried, "Why this is the place where my arm was healed. I had a wound and then it was gone!"
Maxis laid the body of Fanton on a marble couch under the singing colored rays. "Even greater miracles are achieved here," he said. "It heals all ills—even old age. If a spark of life remains in a body, the fountain greatens and strengthens it."
Rex stared in wonder. "Will it revive the dead?"
"No. It will preserve a dead body—cause it to remain perfect for centuries but once life is gone it can never be returned."
"Then this is what happened to Professor Spencer. He was killed and placed under this ray."
Maxis nodded sadly. "Brutally murdered. It was Pandek's signal for his great coup. We were caught completely unawares. He acted very cleverly and told us Fanton had died, refusing rejuvenation, when in truth he had deprived Fanton of the fountain's healing power. Only today did I discover that Fanton still lived."
Rex was staring at the body of the ancient ruler. "How long does the process take?"