I shall justify myself in response to your slander, though it is against
my better judgment, simply because what you state harms my public
reputation and I should like to correct the record.

I have never once claimed my Lady was useless, nor have I ever
complained about Her in private to you as a daughter might complain to
her father, though, yes, I have been tired of the constant battle the
many enemies of Justice bring upon my Order. This is a battle you have
chosen to stand against me on, which I understand and even respect, as
you are your own person, and have your own decisions and beliefs. Yet is
it for principle that you attack my city, or my Lady's shrines? I do not
believe so.

Yes, you have protected me. Yet you have also caused more harm to my
city and my beliefs than many in the long list of our enemies, for the
sake of your own pride. Congratulations, you once swallowed your pride
to hear the pleas of your daughter that she should be blessed with your
presence at her Knighting. Should I applaud you for this generous
gesture? In reality, yes, I was extremely pleased to have you at my
Knighting, for I once believed that you would be able to reconcile the
idea that one of your mistakes had duties she placed over her family in
priority. Then again, perhaps life as a rogue has left you too long
without duties, and you have forgotten what it means to serve a greater
cause than yourself.

Your pride has trampled upon many who did not deserve your ire, and for
what? Because Cooper insulted you on Nishnatoba, you defiled the shrines
of my Lady rather than choosing to fight him directly. Because another
of your daughters chose a lover you did not approve of, you punished an
entire House and almost caused your own lover's dormancy and loss of
rank. You are blinded by your own pride and cause harm, even to those
you claim you love, if you feel you have been slighted.

As for my reasons for leaving Shallam some years ago, I do not see a
need to air those in public. Those in power are aware of my concerns
from that time, and since rejoining I have seen marked improvement. I
serve Shallam and Miramar wholeheartedly, and will not act against Their
interests.

I have no doubt you will be able to kill me out of Dragon, and perhaps
you will find it satisfying. But I will not beg your forgiveness, and
neither will you have mine.

May your future children bring you more happiness than I did.


Lady Eschilde

Penned by my hand on the 9th of Scarlatan, in the year 554 AF.