"I must tell you, Flaming Serpent, I have always
enjoyed your marvelous displays on holidays. I wish your rockets were
as deadly against the enemy as they are beautiful to see!"
66 "That, dear lady," announced Flaming Serpent, "is why we are here.
This wise gentleman and I have developed a rocket that we feel will
be an effective weapon against the enemy, and we have brought some with
us ready to use. We seek your permission to use them."
67 "What type of weapon is it?" inquired the Warlock.
68 "The rocket," explained Singing Dove, "is fired up over the enemy.
It explodes and a cloud is formed. As the cloud settles down on the
enemy, it burns his eyes and lungs, blinding him."
69 "Something like the Black Spice," added Little Blossom Crow. "Will
it blind the enemy long enough for my people to move in?"
70 "Our Lady," explained the Healer, "the blindness is permanent. The
cloud destroys the eyes. They shrivel and rot. In a couple of days a
Healer must remove them."
71 "Good Lords!" cried Little Blossom, "You expect me to use such a
weapon? I am a mother. I have sons. I know how I would feel if they came home blind. I could
not, I WOULD not use such a hideous weapon!"
72 As she was speaking, a Messenger came in and handed a note to her
aide. As he read it his expression became one of horror. "My Warlock,"
he interrupted, "we have received a message. Your eldest son and his
patrol were captured by the enemy. Apparently they knew who he was, for
the next morning, under a flag of truce, they left