On Mercy and Redemption
Marpenoth 10th, 1370
Marpenoth 10th, 1370
I come before you today, on a matter that plagues the country still after the battle within the Pass of Teeth. Murann is still not whole despite our recent victory.
Throughout the war. We have seen horror. We've seen monsters sent against our fighters. Gruesome sights upon the battlefield. Cruel plagues hitting us during times of rest within the ranks.
I've seen young fathers and husbands, who were hopeful to return to their newborns, lose their lives. We would like to say we've sent our best to fight the monsters head-on.
Yet, I've seen many a young man and woman, barely old enough to be called adults, a week's worth of training to hold a spear instead of a pitchfork, placed upon the front line to face the terror of war.
How few amongst us can truly say they never feel fear in battle? Past all the bravado. There are many more of us who feel that ice coursing in our veins right before the enemy's charge. That spider crawling down our spine before the fight begins.
How many warriors are there who are assailed by the nightmares and waking memories of bloodshed?... I admit to being one of those flawed warriors. There is no shame as that fear is what keeps our senses keen.
When my thoughts inevitably drift... To those ones who do break. Their hearts and minds no longer able to withstand fighting. I feel for them. Can every person in this city say they wouldn't flee before the charge of an ogre or giant?
That small part of me that feels fear, that same seed of fear within many of us, would call me a hypocrite if I harshly judged them.
I will share with you all that among my kin. We look to the Lady of Mercy, our Shining Dancer, to guide us in meting out justice. For she is the watchful guardian who gives mercy to those who need it. Much like for the broken I mention.
When times are hardest. She is the warm flame that blazes behind you when you need courage. She gives warm sanctuary, when you have spent all the strength you could.
When I think about the poor souls who took to war and then broke- it is Sharindlar's compassion that reminds me, that I should be understanding, before casting judgement or blame.
These people were our neighbors, our sons and daughters. Often the ones who were unfit for the war in the first place. These poor souls tend to be the ones who we label Deserter.
Do we live in such a society that our children must be accused of treason and sentenced to death for the fear we all feel? What hope does that end give to those who stumbling down that dark path? None I tell you.
For all these soldiers who broke heart in battle, I shall say for all to hear, that I /Forgive/ them for their fear. As a maiden of the Lady of Mercy. As a healer within the Accord. I forgive them. I say that any deserter who truly regrets their path should be given a second chance again. There still must be punishment for crimes. But it need not be death.
Upon this threshold to the Halls of Judgement I ask the lawgivers, the adventurers, and soldiers all - To give Hope instead of serving Death.
For you would like to see hope if life had given you an unfair roll of dice. Remember it shows true strength and integrity to uphold the virtues of Mercy.
Thank you for taking the time to heed me. I ask that you all reflect on what I have said today as you return to your homes.
If there is one thing you take from this, I ask, remember that we all are striving to be better than we were tomorrow.
Given by,
Maiden-Priestess Frila Silverlore, Oathsworn of the Accord, and local midwife