The Sampler Platter: A Little Bit of Everything

by Susan Skylark

A Family Affair

  The creature ran like the wind, only such an elemental comparison would do as no other beast upon four legs could move like a unicorn. Over logs and streams, the creature took to the air as if flying were his true mode of travel and when once more he deigned to alight upon the earth, the smoothness and speed of his movements made one think he was still borne aloft. The two boys upon his back laughed with the pure exhilaration of youth and speed. Finally the creature stayed his flight in a bright meadow. The boys exchanged a few words, with the rearmost rider sliding quickly from the saddle as the unicorn reared and screamed a challenge. He was answered in the same manner, the boy yet astride drew his sword as another mounted man entered the meadow, and all was soon a swirl of clashing swords and plunging equine forms. The second boy watched in stunned silence until the two combatants slid panting and laughing from their saddles and embraced warmly and then beckoned for the amused spectator to join them.

  The older man looked upon the pair with delight and pride saying, “I would hardly be able to tell you two apart even though Ryne is my own son!” The boys laughed and exchanged a delighted grin at their respective uncle and father’s words.

  Bryant laughed, “it is a good thing then that Ryne has joined the Brethren that you might now tell us apart.” They laughed all the more and returned to their waiting saddles and began the journey back to Astoria at a pleasant pace, exchanging greetings and news upon the way.

  Bryant was the crown prince of Albergia, but had been sent by his father to Astoria to study two years ago that he might be better prepared to rule when his own turn came. Upon his arrival, he had been astonished to meet a boy about his own age that was very nearly his own twin. He knew he had an aunt and uncle among the Brethren but never knew they had a son, especially one with so similar an appearance. Bryant’s mother was a native of Astoria who had caught the King’s eye one day as he had passed through that country on a diplomatic tour of the East of the world; upon returning to Albergia, the King had sent his younger brother to make the necessary arrangements for a marriage with the charming young lady. As it would happen, the young prince had himself been enchanted by the bride-to-be’s sister and after all was settled with the King and new Queen, Merrick had returned to Astoria and married her sister.

  It was something of a scandal at the time that a prince would abandon his rank and title to marry a foreign peasant, but after little was said of the matter save that eventually the pair had joined the Brethren and that the madman had thereby forever given up any chance of rank, title, property, and renown. What was not known in general, actually to none but the King and Queen, was that Merrick had a son about the same time his brother’s heir was born.

  When Ryne was old enough, he had requested of his parents that he might be allowed to attend classes with the Brethren with the intent of joining them when he was of age. His parents were delighted and told him of their own wish to join that esteemed company but of their inability to do so until the boy was old enough to choose his own future. So it was, that Ryne came to live in Astoria and his parents took their Oath that very day. Two years later, Ryne followed suit. Ryne had only been in Astoria for a few months when his cousin arrived. All were amazed at the resemblance and Merrick quickly wrote to his brother of the likeness as neither had ever before seen their respective nephews. The boys were fast friends, and only Ryne’s Oath-taking a month prior had ever caused a division between them. Now that Ryne was an Apprentice of the Brethren, their lives began to diverge and take radically different paths. For now, they could still attend classes and spend their Free Day together, but soon Ryne would set out with his Mentor upon his own adventures and Bryant would return to Albergia to take his place at court. Today was perhaps their last wild ride together.

  But their pleasant ride back to the city was cut short as both the unicorns suddenly stopped and perked their ears. The two Brethren exchanged a look and said as one, “the Lady immediately requires our presence!” Bryant shook his head in confusion and the unicorns resumed their journey with all speed. When they entered the courtyard of the castle, Bryant was left standing awkwardly after the hasty farewells of his companions and the two hurried away to attend the Lady. Bryant wondered vaguely what could be the emergency before wandering off in search of something to eat and less harried companions.

  The two Brethren bowed themselves into the Lady’s presence and placed themselves before her, beside Ryne’s mother and one of the Messengers called Aven. Once all were assembled, the Lady began, “I have just received word from the King of Albergia that he is deathly ill with some slow wasting disease and fears he will not live out the month. But what has him most concerned is that he suspects some sort of plot against his life and throne. He suspects some slow poison rather than a natural illness and has asked our aide in this matter.”

  Merrick asked, “is the prince to be told?”

  The Lady shook her head gravely, “alas I fear not for his father fears for his son’s life as well. He also knows his son well enough to know he is likely to do something rash if he learns of the matter. Therefore I am sending three of you to straighten out this matter and see that Bryant has a secure throne to assume upon his father’s death. Ryne, I must ask you to take your cousin’s place until this matter is resolved.”

  All were stunned at the proposal and Merrick said in astonishment, “but Lady, should something happen to the King, the boy might be asked to assume the throne and would that not violate his Oath?”

  The Lady smiled sadly, “he will be a King only in name, in truth he shall merely be a place holder until his cousin can safely take his place. This shall be a very dangerous and delicate task, especially for one who is yet an Apprentice but for the sake of Albergia and Bryant himself, this thing must be done. Are you willing to assume the risk Ryne?”

  The boy bowed deeply and said in tones of reverence and fear, “my life is ever yours to command Lady.”

  She smiled deeply and said, “then you shall travel to Albergia, in the guise of your cousin and take his rightful duties upon yourself until this plot is ended. Aven shall be your Mentor and protector, ever at your side to help you unravel this riddle. Your mother shall have a place amongst the Queen’s ladies. Merrick, you shall not be going, but as this is a family matter I thought you should know of the situation. Helm, my Advisor to the King of Albergia, shall also be there to aide you at need. Under no circumstances is Bryant to know of this until all is finished.” They bowed themselves from her presence, exchanged hurried goodbyes with Merrick, and each quickly made ready for their journey. Aven and Ryne set out together and the Queen’s sister made her own way to Albergia to quietly take her place at court.

  As Ryne was preparing to leave, Bryant found him in the stable and asked, “what is going on?”

  Ryne said sadly, “I have been assigned a Mentor and we leave immediately.”

  Bryant asked, “where are you going?”

  Ryne shook his head, “that I cannot say, but it is a dangerous mission.”

  Bryant smiled sadly, “why did you want to go and be a Messenger? If you must be crazy enough to join the Brethren, you could at least be wise enough to join the Philosophers like your parents. It is much safer that way!” Ryne smiled at his friend, knowing his complaints came from his concern for his safety. They embraced and said their goodbyes, even as Aven summoned his charge to be off. Bryant watched them go with a sad smile on his face, wondering if he would ever see Ryne again.

  The journey was swiftly made and there was much rejoicing in Albergia at the return of the Prince. The people loved their king dearly and were distressed over his illness, but the return of the heir brought a little joy back into these otherwise dark days. Once all the festivities and ceremonial appearances were finally completed, the King and Queen summoned Ryne and Aven to a private audience. They had been astounded at the similarity of the cousins and quite pleased at the boy’s s
uccess at all of the tasks set him thus far; no one suspected anything was amiss. The king lay on his couch with the Queen standing beside him. He greeted the boy warmly and thanked him profusely for helping his family and Albergia in such a crisis. The boy bowed in embarrassment and mumbled something about only doing his duty. Aven asked after any suspicions or known treacheries surrounding the King’s illness but he knew nothing more than that he was quite sure he had been poisoned and that the traitor was still at large and eager for the throne.

  Two weeks later the King was dead. In her grief, the Queen inadvertently sent a letter to her son, forgetting that he knew nothing of the circumstances. Bryant received the letter and read in grief, astonishment, and horror that his father was dead and that his cousin had taken the throne for his own. In a rage, he left Astoria immediately to reclaim what was rightfully his. The Queen had not mentioned that there was a plot afoot nor that Ryne was only posing, not intending to keep the appointment indefinitely.

  Ryne was astonished to go through all the ceremony and pomp attending his Uncle’s demise and the ensuing coronation and assumption of the throne. It was quite a surreal experience but Aven was ever at his side to give him strength and advice. The new king’s many advisors strongly recommended that he distance himself from the man from Astoria, especially as he came into his own, but Ryne was determined to have Aven at his side until this riddle was unraveled. Those who had plotted against the former King bided their time, chafing at the presence of one of the Brethren so close to the neophyte King but also knowing that they could do nothing for a time or the people’s suspicions might be roused. They knew not that their plot was suspected and that there were those ever watching for some sign of their treachery, but for now they were silent and therefore went undetected but when the time was right, they would strike again. They had hoped the young king would be malleable and open to their influence, but for one so young he was quite stubborn and determined to rule justly rather than as his advisors might prefer, such as to their advantage. If such had been the case, the boy might be allowed to live and to rule, but as it was, he must be destroyed as had his father before him. But they must wait their chance. However, something came about to interfere with their carefully laid plans.

  Ryne and Aven occasionally found the need for a private word together, and not daring to trust such a delicate discussion to the much traveled corridors of the castle, they preferred to ride out alone when necessary. It was upon one such foray that tragedy struck and all the plans of those plotting against them were thrown into disarray. They were riding slowly through the woods, discussing their mission and complete lack of progress therewith when the unicorns alerted them to mounted strangers in the vicinity. Arrows rained down upon them and all soon lay upon the ground. Aven’s mount had died and thus vanished almost instantly. Ryne’s faithful companion lay upon the ground, groaning and mortally wounded. The fall had rendered Ryne senseless and Aven lay unmoving with two arrows in his back. Their attackers rode into the clearing, smiled at the carnage, collected the senseless King, and rode off leaving the rest for dead. Aven lay half-conscious, aware of nothing but the pain in his back, but he felt a gentle prodding at his shoulder. The pain vanished, as did the shadows growing across his vision.

  He found himself face to face with the Master who said quietly, “ride back to the city and inform the King’s advisors that he has fallen into the hands of bandits.” Suddenly he was gone. Aven stood weakly and saw the unicorn struggling to his feet. The pair exchanged a grim look, as it was obvious, though the pain was gone, that the arrows still remained embedded where they had struck. They both knew that once their message was delivered that their own time was at an end. Aven climbed aback Ryne’s unicorn and they rode back towards the city, though both wanted to go after the boy, they knew that that was not to be.

  A few people gasped to see the man and beast pass, injured as they were, but most in the bustling city hardly noticed. The guards let them pass unquestioned as Aven was well known to them, but they gaped in astonishment as the unicorn collapsed and vanished as Aven dismounted. He watched sadly and knew his own time was short. He sought out the King’s closest advisors and greatest lords, once assembled he said, “the King has been kidnapped by bandits. We were overcome as we rode through the woods this morning.”

  One of the generals scoffed, “and you left him to his fate?”

  One of the lords groused, “have you any proof or is this all some elaborate hoax or a plot you yourself have hatched?”

  Aven’s only answer was to tumble forward, revealing the two arrows protruding from his unmoving form. The assembled lords gasped in amazement and one grumbled to the waiting servant, “fetch Helm and have him dispose of his comrade’s remains.” The others drew together to discuss what was to be done about the missing King. Those plotting against the King wondered what this would mean to their own plans. They could not be seen as lax in their search for his Majesty but neither were they pleased that others were trespassing upon their territory. They discussed with their innocent comrades but were desperate to get away and discuss the matter privately amongst themselves.

  Ryne awoke in great pain and confusion and grief. He had seen the others fall, could no longer sense his unicorn, and knew them all to be dead. But soon the pain overcame even his grief as his captors desperately tried to make him speak. There was a hooded man there who demanded to know all that was passing in the court of Albergia and what his own role was. Ryne’s only answers were to scream or groan in agony as his captors pressed him for answers. Then, gasping for air and dizzy with pain, his agonized mind saw Aven standing quietly before him. He could not speak for wonder at seeing such a figment, but Aven said, “you may tell them all, for it is your cousin who has taken you, and to him now falls the mission.”

  Aven vanished and Ryne finally gasped out, “I am ready to speak but to your leader alone will I do so.”

  The hooded man dismissed his cronies and laughed darkly, “it is about time fool! Why did you lie to me and take my rightful place?”

  Ryne said dazedly, “I forgive you Bryant, for all you have inflicted upon me.”

  Bryant gasped, “how did you know?!”

  Ryne pressed on even as his strength failed, “your father was murdered by men unknown and he feared for you and all Albergia. He asked that I be sent to take your place until the plot was uncovered, that you might assume the throne in safety and peace…” His words trailed off and his head dropped to his chest as death took him. Bryant’s heart was frozen in horror, guilt, and sorrow as he was overwhelmed by the veracity of his cousin’s words. He had felt himself betrayed and vowed vengeance, but it was for Bryant’s sake that Ryne had risked everything, only to die in agony at the hand of the one he had given all to protect. The irony was tragic.

  Bryant suddenly saw Aven standing beside him, yet another man he had murdered for no good cause. Aven said quietly, “there is ever hope and forgiveness in the Master. The great lords and advisors of Albergia know the King has been taken by bandits, I was sent to tell you both these things.”

  Bryant asked quietly, “there is yet hope for my throne?”

  Aven shook his head, “I speak of eternal hope, hope for your soul, which is of more value than any number of thrones. What hope there is for mortal affairs, I know not. But seek healing for your blighted soul in the Master’s grace and mercy.”

  Suddenly he was gone and Bryant was alone with his grief but he knew his hired thugs were nearby and lest disaster ensue, he must keep up appearances. He yelled loud enough for his mercenaries to hear, “cut the wretch down and hide his carcass in the woods.” As much as he wished to give his murdered friend a proper burial, it would not be in keeping with his persona as leader of a murderous band, but neither could he associate with such criminals afterwards, either. They disposed of the body and, after paying them well, he dismissed them that he might grieve and se
ek solace for his fractured soul.

  He vanished into the depths of the forest, and what anguish of heart and mind pursued him thither none can say but there he mourned and begged the Master’s forgiveness for all the evil he had wrought. There he found healing, though ever it was a deep and abiding wound that remained all the rest of his days, though he was not without hope, peace, and the ever present joy of the Master’s healing. He donned his hood once more that he might not be recognized and made his way back into the city wondering how to proceed. The news of the King’s abduction had set the Kingdom into an uproar and the Lords and Queen Mother had all they could do to keep order. Search parties were sent out but nothing was ever found. Bryant presented himself to the gate guards and asked if he might see the Brethren’s Advisor to the King. The guards asked for a name and the boy said, “I am the cousin of an apprentice of his acquaintance called Ryne.” The guards shook their heads at this strange man who would not show his face nor give his name but the message was passed along. Helm was not considered a very important person else he might never have received such a summons but no one worried about inconveniencing such an inglorious personage. Knowing full well who this visitor must be, Helm hurried to the gate and immediately took charge of the young prince. The guards shook their heads in wonderment but allowed the boy to pass.

  Once alone, the prince told his full, horrible tale. Helm was silent in horror and amazement and said, “perhaps we can use this to draw out those plotting against your father though what is to follow I know not.”

  The boy’s mother and aunt were summoned and Bryant had to explain to Ryne’s mother how her son had died by his direction. She withdrew weeping, but said quietly as she did so, “this is news to rend my heart, but know that I forgive you, if only by the Master’s strength.”

  Bryant’s own tears were renewed with these words as he watched the heartbroken woman withdraw. His own mother looked upon him with some combination of horror and grief but said, “how are we to finish what your cousin gave his life to begin?” They talked long until a plan was drafted, now all that could be done was to hope the villains would be drawn to the bait. A letter of ransom was produced and delivered to the greatest of the Lords of Albergia. It demanded literally a King’s ransom for the return of the King but also hinted that other arrangements perhaps might be made. A place was appointed and it was asked that only three representatives come and that they come alone else the perpetrator would fail to appear. The lords talked long amongst themselves but finally three were appointed with the power to negotiate with the villain.

  They appeared at the appointed inn at the set time and the hooded villain appeared when he knew them to be alone. Said the first lord, “what is it you want?”

  The villain replied, “perhaps the better question is what are you after? Ere the King died, there was some talk of a plot against him. Now that I have the new King, perhaps the plot still ensues and I would have my part in it. That is, if we can come to a mutual agreement.”

  The three exchanged a look and a dark smile and their leader said, “I would love to know how you came by this knowledge but so cunning a mind must be congenial to ours. We are they who murdered the late King and seek the demise of the new. If you could arrange for his permanent disappearance, we would be most grateful and are willing to pay handsomely for the attainment thereof.”

  Asked the hooded man, “are there others involved in this plot? I would know that I have dealt with them all that there be no discord between us.”

  The first spoke, “we three are those who plotted against the King. Know that by speaking to us, you have spoken to us all.”

  “That is all I needed to know,” said a grim voice from behind them. Helm stood and revealed himself from the stack of crates behind which he had been hiding. He continued, “you are under arrest for the murder of the King and plotting against the crown prince.”

  Snarled the first, “how did you find us out? Where is the new King?”

  Bryant removed his hood and said, “you look upon him.” The men would have fought but they found themselves outnumbered as a dozen guards also revealed their presence. They gave up without a fight and were led away to face trial. Said Bryant sadly as the traitors were led away, “now what shall come of my reign? I am far guiltier than they, for they murdered one man, I killed four thinking creatures and one brutally!”

  Helm said quietly, "that the Lady must decide."

  "In the meantime," said Bryant sadly, "there is one thing we must attend to." The Lady was sent for and while they waited, Bryant led them to the place where Ryne had fallen. They found the bones scattered and the once rich clothes tattered by the scavengers come to prey on the corpse. They buried Ryne in the Pauper's cemetery beside Aven, his mother and Helm sang the Brethren's ancient song of mourning over the grave. Bryant wept, "should we not erect some sort of memorial or at least a marker?"

  Ryne's mother smiled sadly through her tears saying, "it is not our way. The story shall live on as Ryne himself lives on in the Master's bright country." She turned her face and wept at being so sundered from her son. The Lady herself arrived not long after, leaving Astoria for the first time in memory to settle this dreadful affair. Merrick came with her and was devastated by the tale, but did his best to comfort his grieving wife. Bryant was miserable during the whole affair, knowing himself forgiven by both the Master and those who loved Ryne best, but wishing to face the justice he knew he deserved. Murderer though he be, they did not forget him in their grief and tried as they could to encourage and console him.

  Finally, all was ready for the trial of the traitors against the crown and also for the revelation of the full tale. The villains behind the plot pled guilty; it was a simple tale of greed and lust for power. The surprise came to all who heard Bryant's part in the tale for the first time. This man was to be their King? Bryant himself felt the same and said as the tale drew to a close, "Lady, whatever justice demands let me pay, but in no way can I ever rule this people. Let another more worthy of the title ascend the throne."

  One of the lords came forward and said, "the boy speaks truly my Lady, the people will never accept such a man as their King, it would be worse than had the villains accomplished their plot! Let the King's brother assume the throne as he is the rightful heir!"

  Merrick, with tears in his eyes at the plight of his nephew and grieving both his son and brother said, "I cannot assume the throne for I am bound to the Brethren!"

  The Lady talked quietly with Merrick's wife and then said, "for the sake of the peace of Albergia, it would be best if you did so Merrick, at least until a proper replacement is found. You must lay aside your Oath and take up your brother's throne."

  Merrick was aghast but his wife nodded sadly. He gasped, "can I truly do such a thing without imperiling my soul?"

  The Lady smiled sadly, "you are not breaking Oath my friend, you are simply laying it aside for duty calls you elsewhere. You may take it up again one day if such is your wish, once the Kingship is passed to a worthy heir."

  He sighed, nodded, and said, "it shall be as it must Lady." He knelt beside his wife, before the Lady and all Albergia and there laid aside his Oath and was crowned King of Albergia. Bryant wept to think how much he had cost so many out of pure selfishness and thoughtlessness.

  With a tear in her eye, the Lady said to Bryant, "you had best come back to Astoria and there we shall discuss what justice means." The boy nodded, wiped the tears from his eyes, and made his farewells to those he had so grievously wronged. The people saw him led away, a seemingly resigned prisoner of the Brethren and they were content to know that he would be dealt with justly.

  The grieving Bryant was nearly desperate to have it all over and done with; he felt his guilt and sorrow were near to undoing him. Finally, as they came within sight of Astoria, the Lady took him aside and said, "justice demands your life. Either you must go to the he
adsman or give up your life in service to the Brethren." He stared at her as if she were mad. But she was deadly serious and he knew it. He thought the axe would be a relief but then thought how much of a waste that would be, especially when Ryne and Aven had given their lives for this cause and he had taken their service from the Lady. Merrick and his wife had also been lost to the Brethren by his rash deeds. He was only one man, but he would give back a little of what he had wantonly taken rather than spill more needless blood even though it was his own. He knelt that day before the Lady and spent the rest of his life in service to the Brethren and the Master, and finally his heart was at peace.

  Merrick and the Queen were astounded to find themselves parents once more, especially within a year of the events here recorded. While little Aven would never replace his lost brother in his parents' hearts, he brought joy and hope back into the lives of many, especially the aggrieved people of Albergia. His cousin Bryant was delighted when the royal couple brought him to visit Astoria on a tour of state, but his tears of remembrance over what had been did not escape the Lady nor his aunt and uncle. The boy grew into manhood and once he was wise enough and old enough, his father passed on the crown of Albergia and he and the late Queen returned to Astoria and resumed their service with the Brethren.

 

  A Fool Propheteth Little

  “You must go,” said a wondrous voice to the sleepy Gorman who blinked his eyes in astonishment to see a great unicorn standing in the midst of his tiny bedroom. He threw himself flat upon the bed and quivered in terror and delight. The Master continued, “you must go to Sinravere and tell them that doom shall surely come upon them unless they repent of their evil and turn back to the ways of love and justice.”

  Gorman stuttered, “me? Could you not send one of the Brethren? Is this not their appointed task? Who am I to do this thing? Sinravere? They deserve utter destruction! They are the very incarnation of evil! They sell their own children for slaves and execute the innocent simply for the amusement of watching them die! There is no justice, save for the rich and powerful! They would kill me the instant I dared open my mouth!”

  The Master shook his head grimly and the light about him intensified ten fold as he said with a voice sharp as a knife, “are you any less my servant than one of the Brethren? I am sending you. Now go!” Then he was gone.

  Gorman sat up in bed and shivered, what was he to do? It should be the job for one of the Brethren, not a poor man such as he! He sighed as he got out of bed and began to dress, thinking frantically. He would go all right, but perhaps not as the Master expected. Sinravere was a five day ride to the south. He would hop on his mule and ride north as fast as the poor beast could manage. He smiled happily to himself and went to saddle the mule.

  Gorman was quite pleased with his success, it was nearly two weeks since that dreadful vision and he was very nearly into the heart of the Northern Wilds and seemed to have escaped his dreadful task. Suddenly the mule went mad, braying and bucking with all his strength. Gorman lay in a bruised heap on the ground, cursing about unruly beasts when a shadow darkened the glade and a great hand engulfed him. He fainted with terror and awoke to find himself chained to a wall in the dark, dank depths of a cave. He heard a movement nearby and two coal red eyes flamed in the darkness, “awake then wretch?” Gorman fainted again, much to the irritation of the black dragon into whose clutches he had fallen.

  The creature’s eyes watered and his nose itched and he barely managed to turn his head aside as he sneezed, narrowly avoiding Gorman’s drooping form with the great gout of fire that burst forth with his sneeze. He would not allow the creature such an easy death, but then he really did not have this strange problem before he had come into possession of the little imp. He hoped the vermin was not a carrier of some vile disease. The dragon waited patiently and occasionally splashed water on the fainted wretch. Finally, Gorman roused again and at last the dragon could taunt and terrify the brute with his own impending death. The dragon took much delight over the next two days sharpening knives and various implements of torture within sight and sound of the pathetic creature and describing in detail how each would be used upon his person during his own imminent demise.

  Gorman was in a state of terror and panic the entire time and finally in despair he cried out to the Master, “rescue me from this doom! I, like a fool, disobeyed and ran from you. Leave me not to this living death!”

  The dragon sneezed again, this time quite violently and he growled, “I have been sneezing like this, each time worse than the last, since the moment I took you into my keeping. Enough is enough! I cannot go on like this!” Knowing his doom was finally upon him, Gorman prepared to die. But instead the dragon unchained him and took him again into his great fist and took wing. He left the pathetic little wretch upon a dark road with the lights of a distant city brightening the horizon. He laughed darkly, “the denizens of Sinravere will be more than happy to kill you as I would like, but I cannot do it for I seem to be allergic to you and dare not spread your vile entrails about my lair and irrevocably contaminate my cave!”

  He took wing and from that moment on sneezed no more. Gorman sat up and shivered at his strange release and wasted no time in thanking his Maker for the timely rescue. The lights of Sinravere shown before him and he knew thither he must go. He drew himself wearily to his feet and made his way to the despotic city. He still thought they deserved whatever doom the Master felt inclined to deal out, but he dared not disobey any longer and trudged resignedly into town.

  Sinravere was one of the largest cities in the world at the time and certainly the most hedonistic and despotic. There was no rule of law, only the powerful and rich were safe in such a place and they preyed upon all weaker than themselves with impunity. Nothing was forbidden and the most brutal and heinous crimes and activities abounded therein. Even the Brethren dared not go into that vile town openly, for theirs would be a slow and agonizing death were they found out. But thither did Gorman go to denounce their evil and warn them of what would come of it unless they turned back to the ways of justice. He came into town in the midst of some dark festival, for the roads were crowded with people drunken with excitement and wine and perhaps under the influence of more dangerous substances as well. All wore fantastic and revealing costumes and reveled in the streets. The music was brash and the crowds seemed eager for violence or riot at the slightest provocation. And into this maelstrom Gorman reluctantly went. Stunned silence ensued as eyes caught sight of the ragged, exhausted man who climbed atop a wine cask, with arms aloft.

  When all eyes were fixed on the man, none friendly, and all were silent Gorman began halfheartedly, “the Master has warned that doom shall fall upon this vile city and all its inhabitants unless you turn from your ways and seek again the paths of justice and righteousness.”

  His message delivered, Gorman jumped down from the barrel and tried to vanish into the crowd but a strong arm grabbed him and bore him aloft as one voice after another began to cry out, “what is this you say?”

  “Come man, are you drunk?”

  “Can it be true?”

  All over the city, fear and dread broke out among the inebriated citizens and soon the King himself was troubled by such thoughts.

  The terrified Gorman was brought before the King and repeated his simple message. The aggrieved King burst out in terror, “what a strange prophet this is! But I know in my heart that his words must be true! Summon all the people together! Let us turn from our evil ere it is too late!”

  So the people were gathered and the matter discussed. Gorman, much to his astonishment and disgust was quietly forgotten. He sighed, at least that dismal task was done and he was none the worse for it. As he crept from the town, he heard the people mourning and crying out in the streets and beseeching the Master for mercy. He shook his head in amusement, knowing such as these could not be acceptable to the Master nor would their
feigned repentance last. Their doom would certainly come upon them. Amused at the thought, he left town and climbed a great hill overlooking the city. There he found a comfortable spot to await the impending doom of the heathens below.

  The sun rose and the wind grew hot and Gorman very uncomfortable. The sounds of mourning and grief went on unabated below and Gorman grew impatient. Where was the disaster? Certainly it must come soon. In his boredom, he caught sight of a young rabbit nibbling a tender shrub and thought how cute and vulnerable the little creature was. For over an hour he watched the bunny, enchanted until a hawk stooped out of the sky and bore the poor thing aloft with a great shriek of triumph. Gorman was horrified at the cruelty of the bird and could not help but weep a little for the rabbit.

  Then he turned his eyes back to the city in the vale below and wondered how much like the hawk would be the coming of doom upon the evil denizens of that place. He smiled maliciously in anticipation. Suddenly he was throwing himself to the ground once more upon sensing that terrible and glorious presence that was the Master. At last it had come! The Master’s voice held great disappointment as he said, “what is this? I draw you from the brink of a horrible death yet you anticipate the demise of an entire city! You pity a rabbit more than any of the blighted souls in the valley below!”

  Gorman gasped out, “are you not going to destroy them?”

  The Master sighed sadly, “child you are slow to understand! My mercy is not for you alone but for all who cry out for it and this they have done. I will stay my hand for they have reneged their evil and shall now dwell and act justly in all things. You should rejoice at their salvation as much as at your own.”

  Gorman shook his head in consternation, “but it is justice to destroy such as they! I am a good man and deserve rescue. They are nothing but evildoers.”

  The Master asked quietly, “how is it you are any more worthy of rescue than they? Has not my blood atoned for the sins of all? What man has the power to rescue his own soul? Who is good besides me? Who are you to judge another? You can no more rescue yourself from your own evil than you could free yourself from the clutches of the dragon. Think well on this child or ignore it to your own destruction.” Suddenly the Master was gone and Gorman was left alone on that hill, and lost a very long time in quiet thought.