48 The staff in the hospital marveled at his good
humor. He spent most of his time consoling the others, writing letters
for the blinded, helping feed those who couldn't feed themselves.
49 When an enemy prisoner was brought in, he did not shun him like the
others, but talked to him daily, and even asked to be put in a bed next
to him so he could tend to his meals.
50 The man had been in a bomber which was shot down and was horribly
burned. The whole upper part of his body was in bandages, which had to
be changed every day. The man was polite, but extremely
quiet, as if always deep in thought.
51 One evening, after they had brought him back, Gray Boar came over to
speak with him. He looked at a fresh note the nurse had made on the
man's clipboard. "Wounds not responding. Infection spreading. Outlook
poor."
52 Suddenly the man reached out his hand and seized Gray Boar's. "Sir,"
he whispered, "among your people you're a religious leader, aren't you…
Priest?"
53 "In times of war," Gray Boar answered, "all Warlocks can see to the
religious needs of their people. It is part of their duties, but if you
want one of your own priests, there is a Village of The Gentleness near
here. They would be glad to send someone over."
54 "No," the man continued, "I want to talk to you, alone, in some
private place, where the others can't hear. I know I am your enemy. You
have every right to say no. And if you do, I will understand."
55 Gray Boar went and summoned a Nurse. They wheeled the man into a
dressing room. There they spoke in private. "Sir," the man began, "your
people believe if a man confesses his guilt, admits an evil and
sincerely