No Good Deed (4 page)

“Are you sure?” Lord Seer asked, “You have the ear of the gods and you seek nothing? You truly are a monk. Last chance.”

“In that case, I seek one thing,” at that he held Lady Seer’s hand, bent down and kissed her on the knuckles. He then stood straight and saluted Lord Seer, “I am honored to serve with Obidaan and Relina; therefore, it is an honor to serve you. My only desire was to express my appreciation.”

They both chuckled and moved on to Terry.

“And you my dear, what may we do for you?”

Terry was over 200 years old. She was an adult elf, but at this moment she sounded like a schoolgirl and her body language matched it. “Well, y—y—you see, there’s this guy…” That was about all she could get out.

Lady Seer decided to end her torment. She put her hand on her should and simply said, “Yes. Though I don’t know why you asked, you already know the answer. Anyway, here’s what you really need.” She patted Terry on the back. A calmness washed over her. Now she knew what to do.

“Thank you.” Her voice was deeper than normal.

They moved to Alister, “And what can we do for you?”

“Well, there is one thing I’ve always been curious about,” and Alister, true to form, took Lady Seer into his arms, dipped her so that he was over her and he was looking deep into her eyes. As he stared into them he almost could not get the words out, “I, I’ve always wondered what it would be like to kiss a goddess.”

Unsurprised by his request, Lady Seer began to change form, assume every possible woman he could imagine. Fair skin to dark skin from white, to black, to yellow, brown, blue, and orange, long hair to short, blond brunette, redhead, bluehead, and bald, straight to kinky. Every possible combo was displayed. “Pick one.” Alister settled on long black hair, tanned skin, deep red eyes, slender but with a nice chest. “Make it count.” Alister kissed her, deep and long.

Almost instantly, he felt himself transported away. Everything fell away before him and he was in the stars. They swirled about them first slowly, then picking up speed. He felt warm and tingles ran down his spine. He thought he was in control. He wanted to release but realized he could not, so he went with it. He saw the end of the world, and he saw the beginning. He heated up even more, then everything went totally dark, the pure light surrounded him. He felt like an eternity had passed.

In the real world, the kiss only lasted about 3 seconds. Lady Seer undipped herself and left Alister’s arms. He was in a trance. They gently sat him down back on the pew. Everyone else returned to their seats.

“Too bad he won’t remember that. Maybe someone should have told him that no mortal kisses a goddess and remembers. No mortal can handle a kiss of pure love, truth, and energy.” Lady Seer said. With a final farewell they left the church. At that moment, Alister recovered.

“What happened? I feel as though I was in a state of bliss, but it’s fading fast and I can’t remember what happened. Damn, I know it was something good but I don’t know what. Wait, no, it’s gone. Whatever that feeling was, it’s completely vanished.”

“We’ll tell you later. Let Mordechi finish the sermon,” Terry said.

“Well, . . .” Mordechi began, when the Seers returned.

“Ha, thought we forgot you, Mordechi?” Lord Seer said. “No such luck.”

Lady Seer approached him forming a carnation out of thin air she placed it in a buttonhole that wasn’t there on his tunic. She then took his hands into hers.

“Your gifts are special, and you use them well. We can only guide you, but in the end, your decisions are your own. Keep the carnation close to your heart, it will help guide you,” she patted his hands and at that, they were gone.

Mordechi stood silent for a moment, along with everyone in church. No one wanted the moment to end and everyone tried desperately to hold on to it. But just like Alister’s kiss, the moment passed and people still wondered what happened.

Mordechi finally spoke, “Well, people, after a day like this I think we can adjourn a little early. Good day and I know we’ve all been blessed.”

The room exploded with applause.

While gods
usually appear during their holy days with rote blessings, it is rare, that they pop in as they did today. The fact that the Seers got so personal was very unusual. Some say they were being overzealous parents with their paladin. Other say it was truly a sign of the coming Tribulation and they were trying to comfort everyone.

A light drizzle was beginning to fall. The Vanguard created mana umbrellas. Most people used ponchos or normal umbrellas if they had them.

It was decided they would go to the local bar for lunch to celebrate. Obidaan looked over at Mordechi, “Care to join us for lunch? We’re heading over to the Silver Arrow.”

At first Mordechi was going to refuse politely, when he realized it had been a very long time since he had been to a pub. Deep down, Mordechi was lonely and the thought of going back to his office and drinking alone was too much to bear. He was secretly overjoyed to get the invitation, though he tried to show only modest interest. His eyes widened and a broad smile came over his face, betraying him, “Yes. Yes, I would love to join you, thank you very much.” When he accepted the invite, the carination felt warm against his chest. “Was this following my heart?” he thought to himself.

As they left the church, the spell Maria put on Alister wore off and he was back to his shabby, smelly self. Without a thought, Mordechi renewed the spell with just a touch. “This will last till evening, plenty of time for you to get cleaned up.” They all chuckled.

It was about a twenty—minute walk to the pub. Mordechi broke the silence with remembrances of his youth. “Oh, back in the day, I was quite the rowdy youth. Drinking till I got my fill and then going beyond.” Everyone looked at him half—cocked. It is a given that he enjoys his wine; it is hard for them to believe he was once a wild man, “I know you’re finding it hard to believe, but it’s true. I adventured briefly. We must go forth and see the world so we may understand our visions. Isn’t that right, Relina?”

“Yes, after I was ordained I began adventuring with Obidaan. That was just over five years ago.”

“Yes,” and he chuckled a bit, “some stick to it, becoming wanderings priests like yourself. I do hope you get to preach every now and again to others than just these guys.”

“I’ve had occasion, but they are few and far between. When people ask I’m happy to expand on the virtues of The Seers and the gift of prophesy.”

“We don’t actively seek followers, since we know when they are coming,” everyone got a laugh out of that.

Mordechi continued with stories of a wild youth, brawls he had gotten into and a fun but failed treasure hunt. By the time they got to the Silver Arrow they were in quite a festive mood.

They found some seats not too far from the fire. On it was a large pot holding a stew. Chickens, pigs, and beef parts were roasting above the dancing flames. The meat sizzled as fat dripped into the flames, making for a wonderful aroma. Cooks spooned stew into large wooden bowls and using thick gloves, they would either remove whole animals, or cut parts off accordingly. Vegetables came from the back.

They sat, continued to talk a bit, when Obidaan shivered for a moment and began looking around the room. Everyone at the table noticed his abrupt movement.

“Is everything all right, darling?” Relina put her hand on his.

He patted her hand gently, “Everything is fine. There’s another paladin in the room and I’m looking for them.”

“You can tell?” Mordechi asked.

“Oh yes,” Alister stepped in. If there was going to be a story to be told, Alister was going to tell it, “All paladins can recognize each other, even if they are an antipaladin. It goes along with membership,” Alister was going to continue but Obidaan stepped in, still searching.

“Actually, we are all Paladins, whether we fight for good or evil. Bards and the masses primarily use the name antipaladin to distinguish us. To us there is no distinction. We have to follow the same rules; the only difference is the choices we make. We . . . Lucinda.”

Relina looked over to where Obidaan was looking. There in the corner, keeping to herself, was a half—elf dressed in a black dress, cut in ways that revealed everything but showed nothing. Over her heart was a pin, her holy symbol. It was black skull and crossed swords, outlined in pure silver. She had long black hair that flowed down the full length of her back. Her beauty was unsurpassed, a haunting face, perfect figure, long slender legs, and perky breasts. Her open toes shoes showed perfectly painted nails, in black nail polish, matching her fingernails and lipstick. But it was her eyes that would have people staring at her.

In the world there are only eight possible eye colors, the colors of the rainbow and brown. However, for a few, fortunate or unfortunate depending on your perspective, there is a ninth color, black. An eye color extends beyond the iris to the sclera. A person with black eyes looks very strange. Since the pupils cannot be seen, you can never tell if they are looking at you or not. It is as though they are looking at everyone at once. This tends to make people very uncomfortable. Also, it only appears in half—elves. Some think it has to do with the mixing of elf and human that causes the defect. It is rare, and for the half—elf who has it, makes them stand out. Most try to hide it with glasses or spells but glasses can be removed and mana runs out. Lucinda was the rarest exception. She never hid her eyes.

There she sat, in the corner, alone, eating a steak and drinking ale. When she looked up it was as though she was scanning the entire room at the same time. It was only the fact that her head turned toward Obidaan that he became aware that she was aware of him. A brief nod exchanged between them and they both went back to what they were doing. Relina squeezed Obidaan’s hand extra tight.

“Pardon my ignorance but I ‘m obviously missing something,” Mordechi said. “There seems more to this than mere recognition and acknowledgment.”

“And you’d be right,” Don said, “There is a bit of history between them.” At that moment, the waitress came by. She sat a pint of ale in front of Obidaan. Looking at the table, she asked, “May I take your order?”

“Chicken and wine” said Terry

“Beef and beer,” said Don

“Stew and beer,” said Alister

“Hmm, it all looks good, but I think I’ll take pork and wine,” said Mordechi.

“Ma’am, sir, what would you like.” she broke Obidaan and Relina out of their trances.

“Um ...,” Relina was a bit flustered, but recovered, “Chicken and wine, please”

“And you sir?”

“Beef stew. And please send a glass of ale to Lucinda, put it on my tab.”

“Thank you,” and she was off. Seconds later there was another glass of ale sitting in front of Lucinda. Obidaan picked up his ale; she picked up hers and they toasted, took a healthy drink, nodded, and went about their business.

“What was that about?” Relina asked.

“Courtesy,” Obidaan replied, “as a sign of good faith toward another paladin, it’s common to buy each other a round, then toast. It is a way of recognizing each other and respecting the station,” Obidaan went silent after that. Relina continued to hold his hand.

“There’s more to this, isn’t there,” Mordechi looked over at Obidaan. “I do remember you mentioning someone in your past, is that her?”

Obidaan nodded.

“Let’s just say they have a bit of history,” Alister replied.

“Let’s say Obidaan feels responsible for her,” Terry butted in. Mordechi got a puzzled look on his face. “Obidaan still, wrongly, believes he is responsible for her becoming a paladin.”

“I am responsible, if only indirectly.”

“I doubt it,” Terry shot back. “You can’t make those types of choices,” Terry was playing her big sister roll. “She chose it; you can’t blame yourself for that.”

“I don’t. What I blame myself for is her being given the option. Go ahead, Alister, you love to tell a good story, they don’t get much more interesting.”

“Well, I am the foremost expert on paladins, hanging around one and all, ...”

“You’re the foremost expert on everything, according to you.” Don quipped.

“Yes, well, I do know how most paladins came to be chosen, even Lucinda; if you’ll excuse me for a second.”

He got up and made his way across the room. Without permission, he took a seat at Lucinda’s table.

“That’s a pretty ballsy move, bard. Especially considering the table you just came from. Were I in the mood, I’d bash your pretty little face in,” Lucinda greeted him.

“It’s nice to meet you too. I am Alister, and yes, I am a bard and a wizard, and the foremost expert on paladins.”

“Really? That nice,” there was a bit of cynicism in her voice. “Looking for some stories? I don’t have any today. I’m just here to do some boring business, diplomatic crap. Nothing special. Hell, you hang out with one, barely. Besides, I thought bards got their stories from each other, after making them up.”

“That is so not true,” Alister, feeling slighted by her barb, missing the ‘barely’ crack about Obidaan, “we do not make up stories; we embellish them. As you said yourself, the truth is boring, and doesn’t get tips. A well—embellished story keeps people interested, gives tips, and improves my reputation. That and I know one little fact about paladins, you can’t start a fight without good reason, even those working on the side of evil. If you could, it would promote common thuggery. You have to remain above such things.”

“You’re quite the smart ass, and you’re correct. However, since I don’t have the same threshold as your brother—in—law, yes I know who you are and your relation to Obidaan, I can set it. So, unless you have something interesting to say, I will break you in half.”

“The reports are true; you get better looking when you’re angry. Anyway, my whole reason for being here is to ask a favor. As you’ve noticed, people have been whispering and staring at you, at least as long as I’ve been here. Probably since you walked in.”

“I’m used to it.”

“I’m sure you are. Still, since you have honored my town with your presence, I’d like to tell your story onstage. So the people can get to know you better.”

“What if I don’t want them to?”

“Then I won’t tell it, while you’re here. Wouldn’t it be nice to hear it, make sure I embellish it correctly? Besides, they’re already making up rumors, let me nip it.”

“Hmm. A day without a bard telling a story is like a day without the sun rising; can’t happen. I have to admit, I’m starting to like you.” Under the table, she rubbed her foot along his calf. Alister’s eyes grew wide. “Tell you what, I’ll let you do it, but it better be good, otherwise you will see how low my threshold can go.”

“Thank you very much.” He stood up and offered her his hand. She reached out and as they shook, as he bent down, he kissed her on the cheek. Before she could react, he was on stage.

“Bards, I should know better.” She whispered under her breath as she wiped her cheek.

“May I have your attention please?” Alister did not have to yell, the stage had a spell allowing those on stage to be heard by everyone in the room. One of the finer touched in an upscale pub. Alister reached for a chair and a table. Sitting, he had his food brought up on stage. “Many of you know me, I am Alister and I’m a bard. This afternoon, I have a story to tell you. The story of Lucinda, often called the Paladin of Death. I think you will find it quite fascinating, especially since it involves Obidaan, paladin of the Seers. However, I must be fair. If you are not interested in hearing this fascinating story, full of intrigue, deceit, bloodshed, love and courage, let me know, and I shall walk off this stage. Due to its nature, it must be unanimous. If anyone objects, I will leave the stage.” Not a peep was heard.

About a minute passed, while slowly Alister ate his stew and took a few sips of beer. He could see and feel the anticipations on everyone’s face. He laughed inside as he saw someone about to object and his buddy quickly slapped his hand down. He had them and he knew it! “No one?” his mouth was still full. Showtime! He swallowed and took a swig, “Very well, we will begin.”

He pulled his lute and strummed a few bars. Kicking back and putting his feet on the table, he began, “A while back, a beautiful baby was born to an elf male and human female. That baby’s name was Lucinda. She was gorgeous in every way, but her eyes were black. It was the rare condition that only appeared in half—elves. No one knows what causes it. They knew from that day on, she would be different. No matter what, she would stand out. Children would make fun of her. Adults would shun her. Some would even blame the parents and call her an abomination. Still her parents loved her and tried to protect her.”

“They did all the things parents do, glasses, eye color spells, but they were temporary,” Alister took a swig of beer.

“At the age of four, she realized her condition and more importantly…what it meant. It happened when she was wearing sunglasses and playing with other children. They got knocked off and everyone saw her eyes. The children she thought were her friends ran from her, called her ‘black pit,’ ‘no eyes,’ and ‘demon’. Children can be so cruel,” He looked down, shedding fake tears. “She decided then and there that she would hide them no more. If people could not like her for whom she really was, then to hell with them.” Alister looked over at her; she was listening intently.