The Testament of Avery Ehrveil, and a Path to Salvation

#L530

Following her abdication of the crown in the Roscarte Coup, Avery R. Ehrveil went into hiding and wrote the following. It is likely intended as a message to her children and it is aptly titled The Testament of Avery Ehrveil, and a Path to Salvation, often referred to simply as The Last Edict.

And in this bloody decay,
Find our strength in your resolve
to bring salvation.

  1. On Power Power is not oppression, it is the strength to remain whole as the world burns around you. It is the quiet hand you use to guide the world so it may be hospitable for those without it.

  2. On Fear Fear is a tyrant’s control over you. It is a poison that spreads like a cancer until it ails every fiber of your now-feeble being. Do not be a husk. The only antidote is a virtue which cannot be bought with coin; courage. It can be found in the embrace of a lover, the art you escape to, or even the smile of a daughter. Guard it with your life, keep it woven into your soul and never lose sight of it.

  3. On Loyalty No amount of blood, coin, promises, or threats can purchase loyalty. Even now as I am ousted, there are those in her so-called Blood Court who whisper in my ear. Inspire loyalty through action, leadership, and care. True loyalty is born of love.

  4. On Justice Justice is paramount, and decidedly not revenge. Where revenge consumes, justice restores. Do not become tempted by the eager and blinding blaze of revenge. Stay the course and follow the steady flame of justice.

  5. On Sacrifice Do not measure sacrifice in what is lost, but rather what is gained for those in your care. When you sacrifice, do it decisively and without reservation. When you are not sacrificing, it remains your duty to prepare for the next. If you are too feeble, nothing will be gained for those in your care.

  6. On Hope Hope is not childish, naive, or weak. It is brave and reckless. It is the strength to get up when the writing on the wall is of your blood. It stands on the shoulders of your countless ancestors who weathered worse. They simply picked up a bucket and started bailing. They, in you, proved it was not in vain.

  7. On Salvation Salvation is not something to wait for. It is not a place, a person, nor a promise. It is the very moment you decide to have hope and take power. To sacrifice courageously. To restore loyalty through justice. When all is lost, salvation lies solely in the choices you make. Salvation is the icy palm protecting a candle flame in an arctic night. Protect the flame as your tears harden into ice. As your skin turns blue. As you slip away, use your last breaths to hold the flame close. It is yours, and it is all that you will ever have.

My child, remember these teachings. Carry them close, hidden but powerful, and let them guide you home. For you are my power, my hope, my salvation. Peace is earned, not begged for.

— Avery Rosendahl Ehrveil