“You've no doubt heard,” said Cantwell cheerfully, “of the famous demonstration once staged by the mad Emperor of Haiti? When, to show his soldiers' discipline to a visiting diplomat, he ordered a troop of his soldiers to march off a cliff? Well, I can't spare a troop, but-which of these warriors do you find the uglier?”
“Ugly?” I snarled. “They're both incredibly lovely!” Cantwell frowned.
“Then which do you find the most attractive?”
I studied the two impassive-faced girl swordsmen. It was hard to say, but-"The blonde,” I said slowly, “is just a little more alluring.”
“Then,” said Cantwell, “the brunette is the uglier. And we can do without ugliness.” He pointed at the blonde. “You! Prepare to dispatch this enemy-” he waved at the brunette “-at the command now!”
The blonde raised he
