"I don't know how to tell you this. The nearest village is Hamilton."
"So?"
"So we're going to raid it. We're going to raid your village, Johnny."
Starbuck's laughter carried through the entire encampment of conical tents, each flying its clan-standard from the central ridge pole.
Johnny wanted to hit the man, then realized he would be striking out at his own mixed up emotions. Diane was staring at him with genuine sympathy, but that hardly helped. She said, "What are you going to do, Johnny?"
"I'm not sure yet. I have to think."
"Remember, you're one of us now. Any time you doubt that, look at your knees or elbows. You are a Shining One, make no mistake."
"Yes, a Shining One." But Hamilton Village had been his home.
"We don't harm anyone," Diane explained. "I told you I take no part in the raids. I don't know why, for they're harmless."