Forest & Kingdom Balance

by Robert Reed Paul Thomas

  “Simple? No. The mind would like to make it that simple, but it is not.” He picked up a stone. “Let us say that this stone represents most people’s perception of good and evil’s complexity.” He turned and swept his arm to the horizon. “By comparison, the realty of good and evil’s complexity is greater than all the land, sea, stars, and anything beyond.”

  He followed the teacher into the courtyard, to a tree with benches beneath. “Get comfortable.” He was told.

  Humanity’s Choice

  The very nature of good and evil is misunderstood. They are not opposites; they are not even two different concepts. It is a choice made along a scale. A choice that is as fluid as water, and that choice has the ability to change from instant to instant in every person. No action or object has good or evil as an inherent property. A person will however, assign the properties of either good or evil to everything, based on that individual’s worldview.

  Our choice as to what is appropriate for any given action is based on two factors. The first is our worldview. We are each a bubble filled with our unique experiences and perceptions that are interpreted within the framework of predispositions that we were born with. As we grow, the predispositions effect how we perceive our experiences, and our experiences determine which of our predispositions become dominant. Eventually by young adulthood, we bundle it all up and say, ‘Yes, this is who I am.’ It is our individual worldview and we give it very little thought there after.

  It is true that a person’s worldview will change over time, though major changes only happen rarely, and when they do, it is usually in response to a powerful experience. The important point is that to a large extent, we do not control the initial influences that create our worldview. Once we attain the conscious ability to shape ourselves as adults, most people immediately abdicate the responsibility to do so.

  The second factor is self-interest, which is a universally misunderstood concept. To believe that self-interest and altruism are opposites is false. Or to put it in terms that I use, it’s total pig slop! Altruism does not exist, it is a concept we created to hide the fact that we are too lazy to look at ourselves. We had to create the concept of altruism because we mistakenly assigned self-interest a negative connotation. Self-interest is merely the expression of our worldview. It is our worldview that can be either positive or negative, and our self-interest expresses itself accordingly.

  In battle, a warrior sees an ax blow headed for his friend’s back and there is no time to warn him. He leaps and takes the blow that would have killed his friend. Is that altruism? No, that is his individual worldview expressed in self-interest. He ‘wanted’ to save his friend more than he ‘wanted’ to live through the battle. Does the fact that his action was an expression of self-interest diminish its nobility? No. It was a soul defining choice, as are most important choices. However it was still a choice between two things he wanted, in other words, his priority was defined by his worldview and he acted on the self-interest he valued more.

  Somewhere, far below the level of conscious thought, in that place where reactions are developed and souls defined, he decided long ago that if he could prevent a friend’s death, he would. That is his worldview, and his action was one of self-interest based on that worldview. If you examine someone’s actions over time, especially in a crisis, and look at the choices that person made, and also determine what choices they had to choose from, you will know that person better than they know themselves.

  “You thought our topic was good and evil, did you not?” Fortune’s Child nodded. “Actually it is.” The teacher confirmed. “So tell me, if all actions, good and evil, are an expression of self interest, which makes self interest morally neutral and irrelevant to the discussion, what is the relationship of a person’s worldview to the concept of good and evil?” The teacher stared at him. “Think it over, I’ll wait.”

  “I really should have gotten her on time,” was Fortune’s Child’s first conclusion.

  Chapter Seven

  Balance

  I

  The Caretaker left an unconscious Red Knight at the bunkhouse door once the captives were well away. He was brought in and Kalibra was more than happy to help him recover. Joshua handed him fresh clothing, “Do we follow, Sire?”

  “No, the hostages served their purpose. For now we rest, we will not be attacked again tonight.” He looked at Deminar who was so swollen and bloody that he was hard to recognize. “At least most of us won’t, I don’t believe that Deminar is well liked in this area.” The Knight raised his voice as he leaned into the High Councilor. “Deminar, I suggest that if you need to relieve yourself tonight, you should consider waiting until morning before you go outside.” A loud wolf howl in the distance was drowned out by the Knight’s laughter. “Do we have food?” He asked as he sat down, satisfied that had accomplished what he wanted.

  As the valley brightened in the morning, the Crimson Guard ventured out. They found the chewed remains of four of Deminar’s men near the hostage area, and other than that, the valley was peaceful and quiet. Joshua returned to the bunkhouse to get further orders from his lord.

  Shortly after he entered, there was a knock at the door. Joshua spun, sword in hand. The Knight waved him off and opened the door. “I see that you’ve found clothing.” He said to the Caretaker.

  “Last night was a bit impromptu, I had not planned to stop by until today. May I come in?” The Knight stepped aside. Kalibra and Joshua took a defensive stand with swords drawn and Deminar fled to the pantry as he entered.

  “What are you going to do with those?” The Knight asked the pair. “To either of us?” The Knight invited the Caretaker to take a seat. “You two are dismissed.” The immortals were left to their discussion.

  “Last night was unnecessary, you knew that I would visit.” The Caretaker was handed a mug. “Thank you.” He said as his adversary took the seat across from him.

  “No, it wasn’t needed to get you here. It did serve the purpose I intended however.” The Knight took a sip. “How should we resolve this issue? Any suggestions?”

  The Caretaker leaned back, “Your options are limited I’m afraid. You could return to the coast, gather an army and take what you want by force. It would have to be a large, well trained army. I think we both know that you would need to bring in reinforcements from the other continent to get the quality of men you would need.

  “My estimate is that it would take you a minimum of ten years to make your way back to the coast. Although I think I can lengthen that. If you thought that brief two year swim you had awhile back was arduous, it will seem like a holiday compared to what I will do to you. After that, at least an additional three years to get men from across the sea before you could begin to reenter the mountains.” The Caretaker said with determination then added casually, “You will need a steady stream of replacements as you try to move forward of course.”

  The Knight smiled. “And I would pave that trial of yours with the bodies of Mindow slaves, to make travel a bit easier.”

  “That was a given.” He returned the Knight’s smile. “What makes you think I would leave you, personally, alone once you reached the coast, or for that matter, the other continent?”

  “Which reminds me,” the Knight leaned forward, “how did you manage to keep Emperor Kale in power that long?”

  “A word here, an unmasked spy there, a few whispers of just the right information at just the right time, it proved not to be difficult.” The Caretaker waved his hand.

  “My compliments on an excellent campaign.” He sat back. “I do see a slight flaw in your timetable for my conquest of the mountains though. I have the same abilities as you, do I not?”

  “Similar perhaps, however it will take you centuries to discover and develop them to an extent where they would interfere with my efforts.” The Caretaker lied.

  “I have plenty of centuries. Shall we begin?”

  The Caretaker shrugged, “If that is your choice, however there is one
option we have yet to discuss.”

  “Such as?”

  “The Mindow are willing to negotiate with you. If you humans can settle your affairs without me, then my involvement would not be necessary. As you said last night, I would then be free to continue my existence without humanity’s interference. To accomplish that the Mindow would have to freely accept any terms that are negotiated. That would fulfill my obligation to them.” The Caretaker put his mug down. “I believe we have discussed all the options that are available to you.”

  The Knight considered his position for a few moments. “As I see it, the negotiation option in no way deters or changes the first option. It can be implemented at any time. Do you agree?”

  “Obviously.”

  “Then there’s no need for us to begin our battle today. How do the Mindow wish to proceed with the negotiations?”

  The Caretaker rose from his chair. “I will give the location to your captain. It is a week and a half’s journey from here. Just follow the road.

  “Until you choose to take the option of direct conflict with me, you have my safe conduct.” The Caretaker then showed his adversary what the gaze of a powerful immortal feels like from the receiving end. “So that you understand, my commitment to the Mindow is still in effect, and your safe conduct only applies to my actions. As far as I am concerned, the Mindow are free to act as they please.” He released the Knight.

  “The Mindow delegation will include twenty guard, their captain, the negotiator, and I will be present to observe. Is that acceptable?”

  “Yes.” The Knight shook his head to clear mind.

  “Good. Please have two horses saddled and put Yamikura’s saddle as baggage on one of them.” He went to the corner, picked up Yamikura’s pack and sword, then left. The Knight followed him out.

  A short time later Ular led two horses to the Caretaker. “These are the horses the slaves rode, my Lord. They’ve gotten used to those two hanging on to them for dear life.” He left the horses with the Caretaker and withdrew. “I gotta admit,” Ular thought of the slaves as he left, “those two were kind’a easy to get use to.”

  “I would have to agree.” The Caretaker said as he strapped Yamikura’s belongings onto the horse.

  It was early afternoon when the Caretaker came upon his three wayward charges. He was surprised to find them on foot with their horses walking behind. Yamikura met him as he rode up, and shrugged when he saw the Caretaker’s expression. “We’re actually making better time this way.” He grinned.

  “I believe we can get you on your way.” The Caretaker smiled as he dismounted.

  “It is an honor to meet you sir.” Yamikura bowed, “I thank you for saving our lives.”

  “Please call me Caretaker, and since I was the one who put them in danger, I thought that it was the least I could do.” They walked over to the two teenagers. Atheria was excited while Simon looked wary.

  “Simon,” the Caretaker took his hand, “your flame is pure and bright. Palinar would have been proud of both your actions and the instincts you showed the night of the Red Knight’s arrival. The Mindow will need good warriors and good leaders in the coming years, you will be both.” He turned and gave Atheria a hug. “You young woman, are the only person in all the time that I have been Ward of the Mountains who’s first impression of me was that I am warm and cuddly. That is a thought I will cherish always, thank you.” The Caretaker allowed her to experience the warmth and affection he felt.

  “Here they are!” Catherine’s message was sent to all four. “Look out below!” Eight great eagles glided down to the road, each dropped a bundle near the group and flew off. She thanked her fellow Forest Dwellers then returned her thoughts to Yamikura. “It may not be well cooked, but it's a few meals.”

  “You are truly a woman of your word.” Yamikura was thankful for the supplies, but even more for her presence.

  “I still owe you a well cooked meal and a smile. I think I’ll make something special, and I may even bring in a little help to do it! Unassisted, my cooking tends to taste like camp rations. The smile of course, will be all me!” Yamikura felt her gift of joy. “You should pack quickly. I’ll keep you updated on how far ahead you are.”

  “Yes, we need to get you three moving.” The Caretaker went back to his mount. “Yamikura, please saddle your horse, here is your pack, and this.” He untied Yamikura’s sword and handed it to him. “I sincerely hope that there will be no opportunity for you to use this any time soon. However we must be ready for any eventuality.” Yamikura strapped on his father’s sword and felt as if his soul had been returned.

  The Caretaker picked up a bundle and started working on Atheria and Simon’s saddles while the other three packed supplies onto the spare horses. They were ready to ride in no time. Yamikura walked Atheria over to her horse to give her a boost. “Excellent!” He said as soon as he saw her saddle. Both the Mindow saddles were fitted with belts.

  “The Red Knight’s company is only about four hours behind and making good time.” The Caretaker said as he strapped Simon in.” I’ll come with you until you can widen the gap.” He undressed and put his clothes in one of the bundles on a packhorse. A flash of emerald green came from behind them just before a great white stallion flew past.

  “Go!” With that thought, all five horses set off at a fast gallop to catch the stallion.

  II

  In a camp west of the Kingdom and a fair distance from the road, the Royal Guard Elite were in full mobilization as the Elites readied for departure. Twenty-one riders mounted as John rode in. Tre and the Elite Lieutenant rode up to meet him.

  “Peter, are we ready?” John asked his Lieutenant.

  “Ready, willing, and able Captain!” Peter replied with a head bow of crisp, military precision.

  “Proceed.” John ordered.

  Tre looked John over as the Lieutenant left to join his men. “You look good in that get up.” He noted with a grin.

  “Shut up. I’m tired. I left very late last night and flew from Spirit’s Vale non-stop. I barely had time to eat, get dressed and get here.” John yawned. “Besides,” John reminded his friend, “my uniform will look quite sedate next to the costume you’re going to be wearing when we get there.”

  “Don’t remind me.” Tre had a sour look on his face. “The councilor has been using me as a dress dummy for two days to get just the right look. Tre turned to John as the pair started off to follow the column. “Hey! By the way, I don’t even get a sword?”

  “You’re a negotiator, not a warrior. A diplomat does not carry a sword.” John felt himself join in the cadence of his horse. “That’s what those twenty men are, they’re your sword. You are, theoretically, so important that you need a personal guard. Their sole purpose is to protect you.”

  “Okay, so who’s going to protect them?” Tre didn’t share his comment. “I’ll still don’t like it.”

  “What?” John yawned again. “I missed that.”

  “Let me see if I have this correct?” Tre crossed his hands on the saddle horn. “You just spent a week, an entire week, in the most beautiful, magical, enchanting place in all the world.” Tre paused and cocked his head to the side. “What world is the Forest in anyway? Never mind. You just spent a week in a magical land with the most beautiful, most wonderful woman to exist in any world, and you want me to feel bad because you didn’t get your beauty sleep. Did I get that right?”

  They rode along in silence while John smiled. “Sorry.” John said. “Your question reminded me of something.”

  “Cruel. You are truly a cruel man.” Tre laughed and let John doze off.

  The Elite company arrived at the first night’s camp area as the sun was setting. The warriors worked with efficiency and discipline as they went about their tasks. Tre couldn’t remember hearing a single order spoken the entire time. Once the company was bedded down, he took a seat with John in front of the fire.

  “You did an incredible job.” Tre said as he filled his mug fr
om the pot next to the fire. “I swear, these twenty men could face all the Palace Guard in Kingsport, and they’d own the place without breaking a sweat.”

  “Yes, They’re the best.” John’s voice was reflective. “But they won’t be facing the Palace Guard. The men they’ll face are a select group of warriors from a land of constant war, men that are battle hardened and experienced. As long as the Red Knight is willing to talk, the Caretaker and Catherine will not bring in any of nature’s reinforcements. So if a conflict starts we're on our own until the Knight decides to take what he wants the hard way.”

  John refilled his mug. “If he does, then all is lost. On the other hand, if every one of us dies, but a solution is found, then we’ll have lost twenty-one to save thousands. Not a bad trade, what do you say Trader?”

  “Twenty-two.” Tre answered. “What, do you think I’d let you leave me all alone with the Red Knight? Once the negotiation starts, my part is done. I may not be able to carry my sword but I will certainly know where to find it.”

  John lifted his mug in acknowledgement. “Of that I have no doubt.” He laughed softly, “Yes, the hard part with you always was keeping you out of a fight.” John’s mood turned somber again. “I told you what happened with Yamikura last night, the Red Knight didn’t even let him speak. If he decides to take on the Caretaker, winner take all?” John left the question unanswered.

  “The thing about it is, it’s not even the Caretaker’s fight. You and I fight for our lives, our loved ones, even our way of life, but he is an observer, a natural force, should the wind choose which side of a conflict to fight for? Does the sea make moral judgments as to who has the more righteous claim?” Tre listened as John’s inner conflict sought release in quiet words.

  “If everything goes bad, the first who will suffer will be the coastal Mindow. The Caretaker told the Knight that it would take him ten years to reach the coast and centuries to learn enough of his own abilities to negate the actions against him. My estimate would be closer to two weeks for the Knight to learn, and six weeks tops to get to the coast. Then the Mindow slaves would be slaughtered, and at that point there will be nothing we can do to stop it.” John suddenly yawned wide.