"Prudence," Merlyn says sagely, "is the preserve of those with something to fear. And for those of us who know that the true purpose of our lives has already been achieved, well, I happen to believe it is always our duty to speak for the voiceless." He frowns, thinking of the Avoxes. "Sometimes the literally voiceless, in this case. There's quite the barbaric streak in this place's punishments."