"These men are the best that can be found, the task they will undertake grave beyond imagining. And meanwhile, by your thoughtless actions and your inquiries, you have now put their lives, and mine, and the security of the Four Kingdoms, at grave risk!"
The old wizard made an angry noise and turned away. After remaining silent for a time, in which the abashed Brogan looked on, his features remorseful in the dim torchlight, Belloc continued in a tired voice, "Small wonder the enemy is able to ascertain the movements of our forces and the decisions and motives of our counsels! And yet . . . forgive me, young Brogan, the blame for this is not yours. You have grown up in an age when trust is freely and easily given, and just as freely and easily received. An age in which there were no stakes attached to an unknowingly mis-spoken word.
"But what you must come to terms with is, that time is now gone! Do not repeat your error! The next time it may cost you your life, or a term of imprisonment. But enough! I have given you sufficient warning. We will speak no more of the matter, and you will repeat it to no one! Why have you come to speak to me, thus?"
"I wish to ride with you as far as your home," Brogan told him, looking uncomfortable. "I am . . . overdue."