Life or death

Rarak Sept

Life was always preferable to death in most cases. The edict from Islana would spread through the land and they would shun these men for the rest of their lives. At least among the faithful.

No, exile in the desert would not mean death. It would mean leaving their families and old lives behind but they would survive and maybe even endure.

She could see the surprise among the captives faces and the confused murmured of some among the crowd. But she saw that others understood her decision and that she did not wish to solved their problems with more blood and death.

When none of the captives replied Sister Locust turned from the scene and returned to the oasis.

~~~

Silina watched with interest and listened closely to her fellow pilgrim's words has she banished the men instead of killing them. She was surprised at the decision like many others around her. It was a dangerous precedent to make. In one hand it could show weakness, and she saw that concern in some of the Sister's closest advisors but another hand the small mercy shown appeared appeal to many of those assembled.

This decision though would have deep ramifications in the coming months for the Ozainae.