The Land of Grimney - The Illustrated Adventures of Cora Pearl, aged 12

If it is vengeance you seek, Wraak, then I must intervene. I can give you the peace you look for.

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Love all, forgive all, show mercy, condemn no-one.
May the King's peace be upon your body, mind, soul and spirit.
May love and joy be ever with you.

http://www.waycyber.com

Not this time. It is true, you can give me peace, but my family will still be dead. There is one thing and one thing only that will give me lasting peace, but first Grosnik must confess to all here what happened.

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The innocent demand justice, the guilty plead for mercy, and we are all guilty
Those that willingly receive mercy must be merciful to others by the same degree.
"I have always found that mercy bears richer fruits than strict justice." - Lincoln

Morning gentleman, no raised voices please I have a patient upstairs in need of a rest.
A little breakfast for you and yes Wayland this place is in need of peace. Even my beautiful hand held a weapon last night although I used it not.
Urat is not here but I wait hourly for his return.

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http://themermaidmuse.wordpress.com/

Don't worry, Philomena, I knew this day would come.

Yes, Wraak, I am the one responsible for the death of your family. I regret it deeply, and would do anything if I could undo what I had done.

I was not long in the service of the King. I had learned to use his gift of truth, but did not have wisdom.

I saw myself as an agent of truth, and revealed secrets wherever I went, regardless of the consequences. I became arrogant. Self-righteous.

At that time, Wraak's people were refugees. Homeless. They were persecuted wherever they went, and sought sanctuary in the great city.

I told the authorities where they were hiding, but did not wait to see what happened to them. I simply got on with my life.

It was some years later that the King visited me, and showed me all the lives I had destroyed. All the people I had harmed. All in his name.

Such grief took me that was almost to great to bear. I expected the King's anger. I expected to be destroyed there and then.

Instead, he told me that I must learn from what I had done. That I must ask forgiveness whenever I have the opportunity; that I must forgive myself; and that I must always use my gift with wisdom.

So, Wraak, I accept whatever punishment you deem is just for my crimes, and I ask that none of you, especially you, Wayland, should intervene.

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Truth is the strongest force in the universe.
It cannot be killed. It can be hidden, but will strive to stand revealed.
Deceit is as the morning mist when the light of truth rises.
Lies depend on lies, but truth stands for itself.

Well it's quiet and there are no blood stains so I am assuming this has been settled amicably.

Still no Urat? What a long time he's taking. Hope he's not in trouble. If anyone needs a drink just call, I'll be upstairs with Kalvos, combing my hair and telling him mermaid tales. Ugh I'm so tired, I didn't sleep a wink last night after all that drama.

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http://themermaidmuse.wordpress.com/

Glosnik. Let me tell you something. My confession, if you like.

When the soldiers came into the place where my family were, I was just returning after a foraging trip. I saw them butchered before my eyes. My wife, my son, and my baby daughter hacked to pieces.

I went mad. I killed the soldiers, and a hundred besides over the following weeks. I hardly slept, hardly ate. I just lived to take revenge on the people that slaughtered those I loved.

Then I was brought before your King and he restored my sanity. I decided to accept his offer of service, and he gave me a gift, and how I should curse him for it, for his gift to me was mercy.

Glosnik Prawdy, because of you my family are dead and I am alone. You have admitted your guilt, so now I will give you the gift I received. Your death would not bring my family back, and I know that you will remember what you have done for the rest of your life.

I forgive you. I forgive you. I do not do so for your sake, but for mine, and in the name of my family; Sharl, my wife, Kera, my son, and Varis my daughter. I forgive you.

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The innocent demand justice, the guilty plead for mercy, and we are all guilty
Those that willingly receive mercy must be merciful to others by the same degree.
"I have always found that mercy bears richer fruits than strict justice." - Lincoln

I have returned, although I'm short one cart, and I have no wine or produce to speak of, I was quite down, but it seems there are always those who have suffered more and are worse off than me... As I see that I have stepped into a serious dispute. I won't interfere with you gentleman, but I would ask that you do not fight, sounds to me enough blood has been spilled. You'll also scare off the other patrons. So please do try to settle your issues peacefully.

Urat , how glad I am to see you return, we were getting quite worried.
Things seem to be a little heated here hope your presence will calm things down

Urat! You are back and safe, I am so glad to see you I could weep. Has Sweeney told you of our visitor last night? I've been so worried but have tried to put a brave face on. I've spent most the night guarding the door holding a sword so heavy I can barely lift it.

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http://themermaidmuse.wordpress.com/

Hello Don1, where are our lovely ladies? I hope you've been behaving yourself sir! I know you of old. Thank you for your concern, but someone stole my cart. Holme's Tavern is in safe and caring hands, so I knew that all would be well here on my return. And how are you these days Don1? Still chasing the ladies, and swishing about with your falchion? And playing your musical instruments between composing a song and a sonnet or two? Dodgy characters? In this tavern surely not?