No Good Deed (26 page)

“What does the Orb do?” Terry asked, “Why were they willing to violate your treaty for it?”

“Don’t know and don’t care. As far as I know, it’s just a nice piece of art.” She rode off leaving Vanguard, an orb, and 11 carts filled with treasure. “Oh, and thanks for the company.”

Once far enough away from the group, Lucinda found a well wooded area, dismounted and threw up for several minutes. She could almost hear her gods laughing. “I hate you,” she addressed them, “and I hate this job.”

“We know.” Lord War said.

“But you do it so well. Keep up the good work.” Lady War continued.

“Fuck both of you.” She could still hear them laughing as she rode off.

The Vanguard
looked at each other dumfounded by what they had just gone through. Pretty much used as pawns in Lucinda’s game, then left far from home with more treasure than they could carry. Not to mention, angry, resentful, and appalled by what they had witnessed, and could not stop.

“Ideas?” Relina asked.

“I say we take it home and retire,” Piped in Alister. “We have the wealth of a nation. Hell, we can start our own like so many people like to do around here.”

“We can’t keep it,” Terry interjected.

“Why the hell not?” Alister blasted back. “We didn’t steal it. It’s not ill gotten gains. It was given to us, by a paladin no less. Think of the good we can do.”

“This is the wealth of the people of Maltisland,” Terry said. “If anything, we should give it to them.” Looking down at the ground and seeing the tracks of the refugees, “They’ll be easy to find.”

“Agreed,” Don said, “they are going to need it as they start a new life. Lucinda did not exactly give them a choice. It seems her decision hurt them as much as their dictatorial ruler.”

“I don’t think so,” Relina said, “Lucinda knew we weren’t going to keep it. Let’s get moving.”

“Aww, I don’t believe this,” Alister said, “we can walk away, it’s perfectly legal!”

“No!” Terry said, “Now get your butt in gear and let’s go. Here,” she tossed the orb at him, “maybe you can figure out what this does while we catch up to them.”

Alister knew he wasn’t going to win. Using his magic and bardic abilities, he played around with the orb. He discovered it was very old had compartments where you could put lots of small items. He continued to investigate.

Alister knew he was the best person on the planet to figure out what this thing was. Unlike a pure bard, who relied on folk tales or a mage who relied on magic, he had access to both. This gave him a 95% chance of successfully identifying anything. Better than bards, who were 50—50 or mages who were around 80%.

In no time they caught up to the refugees. They found an elderly lady who was the de facto leader. She had everyone gather around so they could hear.

Terry told the story, “…and these 11 carts of treasure represent the wealth of your old nation. We’d like to give it to you, to help you start anew.”

They began to discuss it amongst themselves. There was a lot of arguing and bickering, however, the old lady seemed to know how settle people down. After about 20 minutes, she walked over to Terry. “Thank you my dear for your gracious offer. However, there is no way we can carry or even protect that much treasure ourselves. We could not ask you to go with us, since we don’t know where we will go. However, we do need something to sustain us and help us in our wanderings. We will take 4 of the carts and you can have the rest.”

“Four?” Terry asked, “Are you sure that is all you need?”

“Four will be plenty and will insure we are treated well wherever we go.” They took the carts and proceed on their way.

The Vanguard headed out slowly with the remaining 7 carts. They weren’t sure what to do and Alister’s insistence that they keep them was beginning to make some sense. As they bedded down for the night, Alister continued to play with the orb. In the morning he had an answer.

“I’ve finally figured out what it does,” Alister said over breakfast.

“Don’t leave us in suspense,” Don quipped.

“Well, one of the first things is, it’s beautiful. Extremely well crafted, perfectly shaped, and pleasing to the eye. And that’s just it.”

“What do you mean?” Terry said.

“That’s why they thought this thing was an artifact. It is old, radiates very little magic, and looks great. It has to be an artifact, at least to the untrained eye.”

“But it isn’t,” Relina said.

“Exactly, it isn’t,” Alister said. Like the master sleuth solving the murder mystery. “The magic is faint because it doesn’t do very much. It’s full of extra dimensional spaces, for holding things.” He demonstrated how it floated, drawers opened, and it even had a mirror. “My best guess, this belonged to a female wizard who like to carry her components and make—up.”

“You mean to tell me that two nations were destroyed over, over…” Relina couldn’t get the words out, she was so furious.

“Yes,” Alister said somberly, “two nations were destroyed over a purse; a very elaborate and well conceived purse, but ultimately, just a purse. So, what should we do with this thing?” Alister asked, “Return it to Seriland?”

“NO!” Relina was furious, “After what they’ve gone through, there is no way I’m going to let them know their children died for a purse! We’re keeping it. Let them think their children died for something. If they ever found out the truth, they might never overcome their grief.” Everyone agreed.

After more discussion, they finally decided to keep the remaining treasure and head home. While they were now quite rich, they were not pleased with the way they achieved it.

Once home, people marveled at them as they rode past with the carts. Alister boasted that he would have a tale for them later that evening at the 5 Coins Inn. The place was packed. They all went to Relina’s to see Obidaan. It was early afternoon when they got there.

Relina dismounted, “Wait here, I’ll bring Obidaan out.” She said as she ran into the house. Tears began streaming down her cheeks as she opened the door. She had been wanting to scream and cry for days but held back for the sake of the group, but she could hold back her grief, anger, shame, and frustration no longer; and neither could the others. It seemed the others also temporarily excused themselves.

With the door closed behind her, Relina leaned back on the door, put her face in one hand and let her emotions take over. She let out chocked cries and tears streamed down her cheeks as she wept uncontrollably. She was choked up, emotionally drained, and disgusted by what had just happened. “Gods damn it!” she screamed in a horse voice, looking up with her tear streaked face. Her mouth down turned into the worse frown Obidaan had ever seen.

Obidaan had been sitting in the living room reading a book, one of the other parents had volunteered for park duty and Obidaan welcomed the rest. He looked up from his book when Relina closed the door behind her and began weeping. For a moment he wasn’t sure what was going on. He was expecting that to be the children at the door, not Relina. He put the book down and headed to her as she put her face into both her hands. He grabbed a hand towel he had sitting on a table near him along the way.

“Relina?” He said when he approached her and took her into his arms, “What. What happened?” He handed her the towel and she wiped her face with it.

“L—L—Lucinda,” she managed to say, “I. I can’t believe the evil that woman did.” She said in an angry tone, “I can’t believe Alister sleeps with her!” She continued. Now in her husband’s arms, she was beginning to feel safe again. She wrapped her arms around him and hugged him hard. Tears continued streaking down her cheeks and she cried even harder. With Obidaan, she didn’t hold anything back. Obidaan just held her, saying nothing for a moment. He was about to say something when she interrupted him with a kiss. It was a kiss of passion, of desperation, of caring, of wanting to forget, of humanity. He returned the kiss. He could feel her pain, her anguish, her emptiness. Obidaan would not stop kissing her, he would let her decide when they were through. For quite some time, she continued to kiss and hold him. It could have been a minute, an hour, a day, they didn’t know or care. It was about three minutes before she finally stopped. For a moment Relina had no faith in humanity, this kiss renewed it.

Obidaan asked again, “What happened, my love?”

“Horrible. It was just horrible. The evil, the pure cruelty that runs through that woman. I can’t believe I was jealous of her. I’m such a fool!”

“What are you talking about? I told you before I’ve wanted nothing to do with her.”

“I know,” Relina said. “But somehow, in the back of my mind I figured you might still hold a little candle for her. I know you don’t, you can’t…” she stopped realizing she wasn’t making much sense. She changed the subject, “We have something to show you. It’s outside.” She dried her face one more time.

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 place 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 of Vanguard can be remembered. You are all that is left of the legacy. I have to protect you no matter what.”