Valadain talks to Malkar cy4822 Mar21st

Standing in the palace, surrounded by the nascent theocracy, Valadain begins by relating to his deity the results of his studies, in case there's anything in them Malkar doesn't know.

Then he turns to New Bretonia.

"Lord - Uncle,'' he begins, taking something of a step in that, ''I hear your reasons for your prescence here. Strategically they may make sense. But otherwise they are a disaster."

"Gods and priests and religion are here to help people live their lives - not live them for them! If we do everything for our followers they will expect it, and they will fail when we do not. Look at this place! It has gone from Grayhawk's strongest empire to an empty shell! The people are cowed, bewildered, reft of the pride and purpose that made them mortality's best hope, its' proud example, its' unifying force, against the demons."

''Do you not remember how young Sarik took bickering Gods, dragons and mortals, and welded us into a single voice to shout defiance at Azael? What are we protecting him for if not for that ability to lead?! Instead, you've hidden him, dethroned him, and destroyed any hope of him doing any good. You've reduced him to what he was before we encouraged him to take control - a child coddled to helplessness. Why 'protect' him after that? Muziel must be laughing his well-dressed damned head off!''

''And did you stop to consider what it looks like from the outside? All over Grayhawk demons are destroying and conquering, led by one who appears to want to rule it all, and what do you do? Sieze control of Grayhawk's proudest mortal realm. How different does that look to the average mortal? Are you surprised Viator doubts your motives? Even without knowledge of our heritage, the world will distrust us for that. If the truth escapes, you will find yourself regarded as just another invading demon lord!"

At this point it occurs to Valadain that he's yelling at his God and waving a finger under His nose. He calms and regains an ounce of decorum.

''Gods and priests - yes, and disciples - guide, advise, help, rulers and kingdoms; they do not rule them. How can we teach them the correct path in life if we deny them the choosing of it? Compulsory faith is slavery."

"Put Sarik back on his throne. Mortals must take their own risks, sail their own course. If he dies it will be bad, but this is worse."