Some inhabitants of a peaceful kingdom cannot tolerate the act of cruelty that underlies its happiness. The story was first published in, a hard-cover science fiction anthology edited by robert silverberg, in October 197...Some inhabitants of a peaceful kingdom cannot tolerate the act of cruelty that underlies its happiness. The story was first published in, a hard-cover science fiction anthology edited by robert silverberg, in October 1973, and the following year it won le guin the prestigious hugo award for best short story.