Master Crag Duggan, who had journeyed from Calontir, spoke. "Finnvarr asked, what sullies our society? I say, when we stand by and see wrong things done, and we turn our heads. This responsibility is on all of us, but falls on the peers the heaviest, for we are keepers of the flame. When I speak to gentles on their vigil, I urge them to ponder the difference between respectability and honor. Respectability is a cloak that you may put on and off, and is only for public consumption. Honor is what you do because you know it is right even when no one but you and your God know it.
"Many times honor and respectability clash. Sometimes your fellows, your friends, your peers, even your Crown will say don't make waves, let it pass. Sometimes you cannot be popular and respectable while at the same time being honorable. If you chose honor, you will have to be prepared, sometimes, to risk your popularity and good name for what you hold right. People have been nailed to the cross for that.
"I have had over the years to read the riot act to a monarch or two and at least a few peers," Crag said with a smile. "The art of it is to be civil, kind, and courteous, all the while being unyielding. Crown or carl, treat them kindly but firmly. Look them in the eye, and tell them gently and kindly what you feel is right, and bow not to what is wrong. Give them a chance to fix things, but take your stand. Of course, not all will respond to sweet reason. If they won't, study their weaknesses, and you will find how you may lead them to fall on their own sword. Then," he said, with a second, smaller smile, "you can shed an honest tear for such a waste."
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