"We extinguish the Light but we keep It within our hearts, so no matter where we go It goes with us!"
He put out the first candle, went to the second, repeated the prayer, and put that one out.
"Let us go our way in peace," the Warlock remarked.
"So must it be!" the warriors answered.
The one who had requested the service said "Thank you, sir! Temple Speaker couldn't have done better!"
The Warlock smiled then winced. "Hey, medic!" he called, "These burns are beginning to be uncomfortable. How about some more of that joy juice?"
The medic came over, used his scanner, then nodded, gave the Warlock a shot. "I think you'd better get some sleep, sir!" he suggested.
"Good idea!" the Warlock agreed. "Let's all bed down, people!"
The Emperor motioned the medic over. "Why haven't the Warlock's wounds been seen to?" he asked.
The medic looked startled. "He's in the computer, sir. The doctors are aware of his condition. They're treating the most serious wounds first. As soon as there's a space available they'll treat The Commander. He wouldn't permit, sir, if he was shown favoritism, and treated before someone else more seriously injured."
"Of course!" The Emperor answered, "Of course! My apologies!"
"If you wish, sir," the medic put in, "I will check and make sure he's on the list."
"Do that!" The Emperor agreed.
One of the priests who had been standing in the corner watching all the proceedings for some time suddenly walked over and knelt beside the Warlock.
"Warrior Of Warriors!" he cried, "Warrior Priest! I welcome you and ask that when you are fit if you will come and speak in the temple as was prophesied."
Warlock Polley looked at him bewildered. "Prophesied?" he asked.
"Yes!" the priest answered, "In the writings of Do, the most sacred of our Teachers! It is written 'A warrior priest shall come from the sky and put his life before the life of our cherished and save him from certain death. And he shall be The Chief Of Warriors, The Leader Of Generals, and his sons shall be the conquerors of stars.' It is written, you have come. I have already heard your words of wisdom. My brothers and I will wish to hear more."
"Oh, no!" one of the Warlock's men moaned, "Not another prophecy!"
"What do you speak of?" the priest asked.
"We Humes are always fulfilling prophecies," the warrior answered. "I think this is the ninth or tenth that I know of!"
"That will be ENOUGH, Mud!" Warlock Polley snapped. The priest looked at the Warlock in wonderment.
"His name is Mud?" he asked, "His name is Mud?"