Collateral damage. Sharpe could allow it -- within its limits. There were some people and objects that were sancrosact: children; women, so long as they weren't trying to kill you in the first place; churches, on account of how the locals hated you if you looted one.

Sharpe cleared his throat. "The trick is knowing at what point the collateral damage also damages your chances of success, Ganondorf. Allow too much, and you'll scupper yourself."