The next short story pertains to a land that was long ruled by kings, until a decade ago when the people had enough and overthrew the monarchy and instituted a democracy. Kino and Hermes arrive to see and listen to the story of that revolution and its result.

The Land of Majority Rule

The concept of democracy is commonly something that is looked at as an ideal. Amusingly, even this book turns that ideal upside down and shows how wisdom does not necessarily come from self rule. Kino and Hermes get to witness the results of tyranny of the majority and hear the story from the lone survivor after 11 years of a pure democracy in this city. One where the majority went so far as to execute the minority of people for treason for suggesting the election of a leader so they don't have to worry about running a country!

The at the end of the short story is a nice short scene about Kino and Hermes deciding which fork of a road to take. Seems as though Kino has a liking to take the road slightly less traveled.