The Mad Mercy

POV ???:

"No! How dare you! I am a cardinal, and I serve the God of Light!" A man in white robes, embroidered with a golden thread, screamed and flailed his arms and legs as soldiers in silver armor, with long white capes, dragged him through the square.

Mud and blood covered his previously luxurious robes and his wrinkled old face.

The crowds of people stared at him with disgust, spitting insults at him from every direction.

"Sinner!"

"Traitor to God!"

"Heretic!"

Pyres burned everywhere, and the smell of burned flesh permeated the city.

The angel Hasdiel stood on a small podium, their plain white robes and mask of light obscuring their true form. Their robes waved slightly, and the holy glow of their body pushed back all the shadows, bathing the faithful in its merciful warmth. "The corruption has even reached the highest echelons of the church. You do not serve God; you serve only yourself."

"Have mercy, oh angel of mercy. You are the angel of mercy..."