Curoc was an Aedyran noble in Readceras who owned six hundred acres of vorlas fields. He considered himself a pious man, and his neighbors and tenant farmers knew him for his fervent devotion to Woedica. He labored alongside his tenants and kept meticulous records of production and sales. Yet he was also known for his pitiless temper and his ruthlessness with shirkers. He carried a switch with him and would savagely thrash any worker he caught dawdling or lagging.
Yet he was a favorite of the imperial governor, and so his excesses went overlooked.
One day, Waidwen approached him while he was doling out an especially savage beating. Waidwen, fresh from his encounter with Eothas, demanded that Curoc release his victim. When the lord refused, Waidwen asked what the tenant farmer has done to deserve such treatment.
"He neglects his duties on the field," Curoc replied. "Every day, he gathers less, yet still he enjoys the protection of my estate."
"Is it any wonder that your harsh treatment of the man would render him unable to fulfill his duties? Let him enjoy a week of rest. He will return to your service renewed," said Waidwen.
Curoc sneered. "You would reward his indolence! It is my right and my responsibility to discipline him for his errors."
"What authority gave you such power over this man?" Waidwen asked.
"Woedica, the Oathbinder. It is she who set me above the farmer as his lord and employer and her order that I serve in disciplining him."
But Waidwen persisted. "Does not the queit winter beget the fruitful spring? It is by Eothas' clemency that we enjoy rebirth in each new life and restoration with each morning. And it is Eothas' season that blesses your fields. I say to you again: release this man."
In his fury, Curoc turned on Waidwen, his switch raised to strike. Yet the rod grew suddenly hot in his hand. He cried out, and as he held the rod, it ignited. The flame that gushed forth blinded him instantly, scarring his face in the manner of the Burned Queen.
Curoc dropped the smoldering rod and fled to tell the governor of what he had witnessed.
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