"They only acted foolishly," she said in a careful voice. "They came from a smaller place and saw too much too quickly, so their minds became greedy. That does not make them right, but perhaps it means they are more stupid than truly wicked."
The people around them shifted.
Some frowned.
Some listened.
Zara, seeing that she had gained a little attention, continued at once.
"A light punishment would be enough for them to learn. If they are beaten and cast out, or if they are made to work and repay what they did, then surely they will understand the weight of their mistake. Sometimes people only need to be corrected, not destroyed."
She said it gently.
Very gently.
As if she were only trying to see the good in everyone.
As if she were too soft-hearted to bear harsh punishment.
As if she truly cared.
The refugees who had been targeted looked furious at once.
