I was born into the Empire, trained in the ways of honor and obedience, sworn to the Empress and the will of the Crystal Throne. As an instrument of the Empress, my life was one of discipline and duty, my blade an extension of the Empire’s will. I believed in our right to reclaim this land, in the necessity to put down those who opposed our expansion well beyond the Toman Head Road.
Alas, the Empire is crumbling and for the first time in my life doubts entered my mind. A time of reflection as my day to day was destroyed and replaced with mundane tasks, devoid of any real honor or respect for all the work I had performed at the risk of my own life on behalf of the Empress and the crystal throne. Days turned to weeks, and weeks to months, rumors of infighting spreading like wildfire through a once great nation spoiled any last hopes I managed to cling to in these trying times. A weapon for the Empire now cast aside like an ill forgotten toy.
I have seen the truth beneath the lacquered mask of our so-called “justice.” The Seanchan claim to bring order, but I've seen what they do to women that can not channel the one power. The mistreatment of non combatants and the chains they were forced to carry until further "proof" could be managed by those responsible in the Empire left me conflicted. I have watched many fold to the empire under the tight grip of a silvery a'dam clasps to their wrists and ankles, barring them from pursuing anything worth living other than their next meal and to obey their next order. Dogs roam the streets of Falme with more rights than most of those enslaved by the empire. Despite my deep distrust of those that can channel, many who were wrongly taken and beaten into submission as slaves for the Empire's bidding, were never giving the proper chance to swear the oaths, which we were taught too lead with as we expanded north from the Arad Doman.
What I thought was important was cast aside at the convenience of others, and eventually I too was left to rot. Alas, the Light has offered me something new, a second chance if I may.
The Children of the Light stand against the shadow, against tyranny and corruption that sweeps the lands. Their evangelism knows no boundaries when it comes to upholding their beliefs and making the world whole again. While the Seanchan crush all who do not bow, the Children fight for the right of men and women to stand unshackled. Their vision is not built upon the backs of slaves like the Empire, but cleansing the world of all who oppose the light, protecting those who seek shelter in the light, and spreading the good word of all the light has to offer anyone whom will accept it as their own.
I walk away from the Seanchan Empire, turning my back on everything it means. I walk a new path, this time steeped in the light, and the light my guiding vision. As I begin to walk in the light and break free from the ideologies that have forged me, I will reshape myself in the image of the Children of the Light, and I will embrace my new role as an Acolyte in the army, bringing the light to all whom oppose it - including the Empress of the crystal throne.
I hope others will hear of my actions and use it as motivation to propel themselves towards a higher calling, and greet it with their own exodus from the Empire. Join me, as I denounce the Empress, the Crystal Throne, and the Empire for good. Let the light be your guide.
Zeek Al'Sharar |Acolyte|