conviction

(n) a strong persuasion or belief

perilous

(adj) dangerous, risky

sentimental

(adj) weakly or excessively emotional

indulgent

(adj) lenient or permissive

encumber

(v) to impede, block, or hamper

timid

(adj) lacking in bravery or confidence

waif

(n) a person who has no home or friends; an orphan

billet

(n) lodging for a soldier

expound

(v) to explain or state in detail

edict

(n) a decree or command

pillage

(v) to rob of goods by force

constraint

(n) limitation or restriction; repression of feeling or impulse

incite

(v) to stir up, urge, or encourage, to stimulate or prompt to action

wizen

(v) to shrivel, wither, or dry up

sanctity

(n) holiness, godliness, or saintliness

reprieve

(v) to postpone or cancel punishment