She opened the door. All three were there, in the same positions they were in when she went into the house; she had no idea they had let out their frustration just moments before. Obidaan was surprised by all of the wagons. Relina then related the story of what happened. Obidaan almost cried himself when he heard the fate of the children. “So, what do you want to do with these chests?”
He began to scratch his head as he looked. He then began a silent count. After a moment he said, “Looks like one for each of us, Relina and I will share one, one for the church, and one for the orphanage.” Everyone was in agreement.
“Well, then.” Alister started, “If you don’t mind, I’m off.” He said as he grabbed the reins of a horse and cart and rode away.
“Don’t worry,” Obidaan said, “I’ll make sure the church and orphanage get their share.”
“I know you will bro, that’s why I love ya.” and he waved and left.
“Want us to tag along?” Terry asked.
“Only if you want to.” Obidaan said. “I know you’re tired and have to take care of your stuff. I’m fresh, I can handle it.”
“Ok,” Terry said, “we’re off.”
“You go in and rest, dear.” Obidaan said to Relina, “I’ll handle this.”
“Ok,” she said. She walked into the house, walked into the bedroom and collapsed on the bed, instantly falling asleep.
Obidaan took one cart and put it in his barn. He then took the other two to their prospective new places. When Martha saw how much treasure was in the cart, she fainted. She now had more than enough to rebuild the orphanage and ensure every child had their own room with closet, a bigger kitchen and main room, and plenty of games, toys, and learning material they would need, along with new clothes and shoes. With plenty left over to last the rest of her life.
When he went to the church, Mordechi was equally overwhelmed by the gift. He hugged Obidaan and thanked him. This was the largest gift anyone had ever giving the church. He now began to feel bad for the plan he was about to hatch but realized in spite of what Obidaan had just done, balance must be restored, which to him meant Obidaan’s children had to go.
Mordechi sat in his chamber already on his third bottle of wine. “Follow your heart,” echoed through his head repeatedly. “Remove the children,” followed. It was meant to be a choice, however Mordechi combined the sentences, believing that the removal of Obidaan’s children was following his heart. Had he been wearing the flower, it would be ice cold, instead it sat wasting away in his desk drawer.
Sobering up some, he planned to have dinner with the King and Queen. He was taking some of the treasure over, as a small gift. He was going to presenting his plan on what to do about Obidaan. It was not going to be the most pleasant of evenings. Mordechi dressed in his fine robes, took a medium coffer filled with treasure and headed out.
When he arrived, he was greeted by the vizier. “Welcome to the castle, Mordechi. It is always a pleasure to have the head of our number one church here.”
Mordechi put on his best face, not wanting to let on what he was doing, “Thank you. Thank you very much.” He said. “I always enjoy my visits here.”
The vizier led him to the dining area. Since it wasn’t formal, he wasn’t announced. The king and queen were dressed quite casually, while he sat at the head of the table, she sat next to him. Mordechi was to be seated across from the queen. It was just going to be the three of them for dinner. Before he sat though, Mordechi presented them the gift.
“Your royal highnesses, as you know, The Vanguard had a recent excursion which netted them quite a lot of treasure. Well, in his always kind ways, Obidaan saw fit to give the church a cart loaded with treasure.”
“Yes we heard. The guards mentioned that they returned with seven carts.” The king said.
“It seems with all of their adventuring, they have finally hit it big.” The queen said, “I am so happy for them. They deserve it. They’ve done so much for us, it’s nice to know they’ve been blessed.”
Listening was making it harder for Mordechi to do what he ultimately had to do. Still, he was firm in his believe and had to see it through. “Um, yes, they are indeed blessed. So are we all. As a token of my appreciation, I’d like to offer you some of the treasure that was given to me, so that we may do some great works around here.”
“I thank you for your offer Mordechi bowed and handed the coffer over to the king. The king returned the bow and handed the coffer to the vizier who bowed to both and left the room. The three then sat down to a fine dinner of prime rib, potatoes, asparagus, and apple pie, all washed down with plenty of wine and beer.
During dinner, they talked of many things; including the new found wealth, other churches, gossip, Vanguard and most importantly of Obidaan and his value to Pinnacle.
After desert, they retired to the study for coffee, brandy, and cigars. Even the queen had one. Mordechi was on his second cup of coffee when he began his unpleasant task. He coughed, and then addressed them.
“I must confess, I come to you with an ulterior motive than to just share my wealth.”
“Oh,” the king said, “and what is that?” He seemed to have a diplomatic air about him now. He was used to people having hidden agendas so it really didn’t surprise him. He refilled his brandy glass and took a long slow puff on the cigar while Mordechi spoke.
“I’m here about Obidaan. I need your help with something,” he began.
“Of course,” The king seemed a bit relieved, he was not prepared for what Mordechi said next.
“I need your help. The Darkness will soon be upon us and we need to get Obidaan back into the game, by any means necessary.”
The king dropped his cigar into his brandy glass. “What? Are you sure? Now?”
“I have never felt so positive about something in my life. We are about to face some major tribulations and we need Obidaan to stop worrying about his family and start worrying about the rest of the world. I believe his family life is clouding his judgment.”
They both sat up in their chairs and stared at Mordechi. For a moment, he felt the weight of the world on his shoulders as he spun his tale. He only wished he could tell them the whole truth, but he knows they’d never accept it. He had better be right. “I have to be right.” He thought, “I have to believe I am following my heart.” He began his explanation. “I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but things are a bit out of order. Crime seems to be up; random bad things seem to be happening more often.”
“A swing of the pendulum,” the king said, “bad things happen, then good, then bad, then good. It’s like the weather, some days are good, some bad. Occasionally the gloom sticks around, but it always passes.”
“True,” Mordechi said, “this too, I believe will pass, but not before it get a whole lot worse, or we try to bring about the good a lot sooner.”
“And this is why you want us to help you with Obidaan?” the queen asked.
“Yes,” Mordechi replied, “ever since he became a father, the world has been a little off. Evil has had a slight edge and is taking advantage of it. I believe if we do not do something soon, evil will overtake us and the darkness will be upon us. To this end we need Obidaan back as a paladin, not as father.”
“So,” the king began, “how do you propose to bring him back?”
“By sending him on a mission. I need you to create another caravan or something for him to go on. That way he gets back into the game. Hopefully the adventure bug will bite him and he’ll see how the balance has shifted. He’ll realize he’s needed more as a paladin and less as a father. This will bring the balance back.”
“I don’t know.” She said. “He’s a paladin. He doesn’t answer to us, he does it as a courtesy. What if he doesn’t want to go?”
“Because he’s a paladin. His place is in the world, not being a father. He always talks about ‘place.’ His p
lace is with the paladin corps, not his family. As you know he is the only paladin who is married and raising a family. It is failing. Our world is leaning to evil, we must put a stop to it, now. We’re his friends. We care about him just as much as his family. And in that perspective, it is our place to tell him that the world needs him more than ever; that the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.”
“I don’t agree.” The queen said.
“Nor do I.” said the king. “Why don’t you talk to Obidaan some more, try to convince him to join the corps sooner?”
“I’ve tried, but I’ve been unsuccessful. He is too devoted to his family. To him, nothing is more important than his children. And I believe that blinds him to the truth.”
“And what truth would that be?” The queen asked.
“That we are on the brink of the darkness overtaking us and destroying us!” Mordechi said. “The darkness is coming, now. There are no more tomorrows. Before we see another year, the darkness will be here. We need him now. We need him back as a paladin and I believe a mission is the only way to do it. You know my success rate. You know why I lead the church. That is why I beg you to help me do what must be done so we can save the world.”
The king and queen listened carefully to what he was saying. They knew he believed what he was saying. They figured one mission wouldn’t hurt and it might bring Obidaan around.
“What if you’re wrong?” The queen asked.
“I…” he had no answer, “I’m not wrong,” was all he could say.
“But what if you are? What if we send Obidaan off on this fool’s errand and not only does he not turn around but the darkness you speak of comes anyway. Then what?
“I…I know,” he accepted, “but I’m not wrong. I can’t be wrong. I know he’ll come around. I guarantee it. I feel it in my hea..heart.” No one caught his slip, everyone just though he was choking up over the situation. After much more discussions the King and Queen agreed to help Mordechi. No one was smiling when Mordechi left the castle. Tears welled up in Mordechi’s eyes as he started his plan in motion. He had just deceived the king and queen, next he had to deceive Obidaan, with the truth.
The next morning, Mordechi had his weekly meeting with Lord and Lady Seer. “My gods,” he started, “I fear I must do something unpleasant and it will hurt someone I truly care for.”
“Then don’t do it.” Lord Seer said.
“But if I don’t it will have dire consequences for the world.”
“Then do it.” Replied Lady Seer.
“Can you show me more, give me another sign, I must know that what I am doing is correct.”
“Over these many years, we have shown you all we can.” Lord Seer said. “We can not interfere in the affairs of mortals, only present options. Ultimately the decisions and consequences remain yours.”
“Are you following your heart?” Lady Seer asked.
“Yes.” Mordechi replied confidently.
“Are you sure?” She asked again, she noted he no longer wore the carnation but said nothing.
He hesitated for a moment, “Yes. I am sure. I am following my heart.”
“Then you have nothing to worry about.” She told him.
“Shall I tell you my plans?” he asked.
“No,” replied Lord Seer, “even if we were to know them, we could do nothing to stop them, nor should we.”
“We can see things laid out before us,” Lady Seer began, “the future has many branches, but once a branch has been chosen, you can not go back.”
“Also,” Lord Seer continued, “if you did not already realize, the time of Darkness is here. As a result, we can no longer see into the future. Where we would see many branches, they are all covered in darkness. The future is no longer known to us. The gods can no longer help their followers. It is the time of mortals now. They must decide their own fate. We can offer no further guidance. How mortals act in the coming time will determine what will be.”
“So choose wisely your path,” Lady Seer said, “we have imparted on you all the wisdom and foresight we can. The rest is up to you. We shall communicate with you no more till the darkness is lifted. Do you have anything else you want to say? Once we depart, that will be it.”
“No. I know what I have to do. Thank you,” Mordechi said.
“Be blessed, and go with foresight,” They said in unison, and then faded.
A few days later, they hatched the plan. The king called the Vanguard to his castle. Mordechi was there also. “I am sending a caravan out for more diplomatic and religious relations; I would like you to guard it for me,” Obidaan got a ping.
“Is that the only reason?” Obidaan asked.
The king was ready. He wasn’t sure that his initial reason was going to get past Obidaan’s detection. “There are certain agendas this caravan must perform, but I am not at liberty to say.” This did not cause Obidaan to ping.
“I understand, state secrets and all,” Obidaan said.
“Something to that effect, yes,” the king replied, “because of that, I need all of you along on this trip,” he guarded his words carefully.
“I understand,” Obidaan said. “I must make arrangements for my children. I’m sure Marsha wouldn’t mind taking care of them.”
“Actually,” Mordechi said, “I would love to watch over my godchildren. There is so much I’d like to do with them.” This was the truth so Obidaan did not detect his deception.
“Sounds great. I’ll bring them by the church in the morning, when we head out.”
“I’m looking forward to it,” Mordechi said. The plan was hatched and the Vanguard was none the wiser.
The next day, they dropped off the children at the church. Everyone kissed each one of them goodbye with Relina saying, “You be good for Mordechi. Listen to him. He will take good care of you.”
“Good—bye mommy, daddy, uncle Alister, uncle Don, and auntie Terry,” the children all said.
Soon the caravan was off for an uneventful mission. The caravan was designed to stay out for a month.
Two weeks into the mission, Mordechi came rushing into the room where the children were sleeping; it was the middle of the night. “Quickly, children, get dressed and come with me.”
“Huh?” Kim said rubbing her eyes.
“What’s going on?” Kat asked, now sitting up.
“We must hurry,” Mordechi reiterated. He got the children up and dressed. When they were a bit more awake, he broke the ‘news’ to them. Grabbing them, he gave them a group hug, “I’m so sorry children, but your mommy and daddy have been killed.”
“What?” Haden asked shakily, “Mommy and daddy are dead?”
“I’m afraid so,” Mordechi said, “some very bad people called assassins attacked the caravan and killed not only your mommy and daddy, but the rest of the group as well. They left one survivor who told me they’re coming for you next. We must get you out of here before they arrive.”
“No!” Kat screamed, “They’re not dead! They’re not! They promised they’d be back. Daddy never breaks a promise,” she began to scream and cry hysterically.
“I know sweetie, I know,” Mordechi was holding them tight, “your daddy would never break a promise, but he had no choice. He fought bravely and died protecting people.”
“But,” Kim said, “he has his magic sword, it protects him, I’ve seen it. He can’t be dead.”
“Yes, darling you’re right, but the assassins also had magic swords, which fought his sword. In the end, there were too many of them.”
“No! No! No!” Haden screamed, “I want mommy, I want daddy!”
“They’re gone son, I’m so sorry.” Mordechi was consoling them, “but we have to get you to safety. You have to leave here, and never return; otherwise the assassins will find you and kill you too. You must live so Obidaan, Relina, and the rest o
f Vanguard can be remembered. You are all that is left of the legacy. I have to protect you no matter what.”
They continued to cry while Mordechi packed their bags and took them to the stable. Three women were there, all dressed in acolyte robes. There were also three covered wagons parked near the entrance. No one else was around. These women were going to become wandering priests, going to parts unknown to carry out the message of the Seers. They too were unaware of Mordechi’s overall plan. They only knew that there were children in trouble and needed help.
“This is very important.” Mordechi addressed the children. “I am going to leave. All three of these women are leaving here tonight, never to return. I do not know where they are headed and each of them only knows where they are going. One of them will take you with them, to live wherever they settle. I will have no further contact with them or you. That way, when the assassins come, no matter what they do to me, I will not know where you are and nothing they do can reveal your location. They will constantly be wandering in far away reaches of this planet and will have almost no access to information, this way the assassins can’t ask around and find where you are. However, as a result you will have almost no contact with the outside world. It may be months or even years before you hear something that is happening over here. Finally,” he gave each of them a sunburst medallion, “Now, just to make sure,” he used a spell, effectively fusing the medallions to the children’s chests, “that way no one can remove them. This will make sure the assassins will never find you.” What he didn’t tell them was that the medallions prevented anyone, including paladins, from finding or contacting them . “Now, give me one last hug,” he was beginning to tear up, “I am going to miss you so much,” he said. There was not a dry eye in the stable. The acolytes were not aware of Mordechi’s lies. He turned to them. “When I leave, choose amongst yourselves what to do with the children, then each of you take a covered wagon out of the city, hiding the children. And remember, you can never return here.”
“Understood,” they all said. Each of them was also wearing a sunburst medallion.
No Good Deed Page 28
