must I sacrifice my right to express my opinion?"
41 "Your opinion," sighed Thundering Dove, "is taken in all matters. It
is when your emotions interfere with your judgments that I must be
harsh."
42 Bay Blossom picked up her sword and strapped it on. "Warlock
Commander," she announced, "I have shown bad temper before those I
command. Whatever discipline you order, I will, without question,
accept."
43 Thundering Dove went to the door, opened it, and called the other
Warlocks back in. "As a manner of discipline," he announced, "because
of her rudeness, I fine the lady present half her pay for the next ten
months. Do any here think that too lenient or too harsh?"
44 One of the Warlocks stepped forward. "I think, sir, under the
circumstances, and for the good feelings of all concerned, the whole
matter should simply be forgotten. A fine will go on record, and
considering this Warlock's splendid history, such a blemish would be
uncalled for. Under the circumstances could we not all swear to
silence, and let the whole matter pass?"
45 The other Warlocks nodded. "Your loyalty," announced Thundering
Dove, "to your leader is praiseworthy. All right, I agree. No fine, no
punishment. I do not think anything of the kind will happen again.
Now, as I trust your judgment, I will leave you to make these plans
into reality. I expect to be ready to depart in five days. If you have
any questions, I will be taking a nap in the next room."
46 He left as Bay Blossom and the rest began to discuss who would stay
and who would go. As he laid down, a servant girl brought him some
broth, in which bits of meat and vegetables had been carefully diced to
almost paste. He drank it eagerly. The girl