| paradox | a statement that is seemingly contradictory or opposed to common sense and yet is true |
| theocracy | government of a state by immediate divine guidance or by church officials who are regarded as divinely guided |
| villainy | wretched, evil conduct |
| hearty | strong, healthy |
| dissemble | conceal the facts; hide under a false pretense |
| propriety | socially acceptable behavior and speech |
| heathen | an uncivilized or irreligious person; pagan |
| trafficked | traded; had dealings or associations |
| conjured | summoned a devil or spirit by invocation or incantation |
| faction | group; secret faction; clique |
| abominations | sources of utter disgust or intense dislike; hateful, disgusting actions |
| gibberish | unintelligible or meaningless in language; nonsense |
| sniveling | speaking or acting in a whining, sniffling, tearful, or weakly emotional manner |
| deference | respect and esteem due a superior or an elder |
| marvel | something that causes wonder or astonishment |
| providence | event guided by god or divine leadership |
| ail | suffer; ill health |
| dwindling | steadily lessening |
| vindictive | disposed to seek revenge |
| corroborating | supporting with evidence or authority |
| abyss | an immeasurably deep gulf or great space |