by P. G. Thomas
“Not any are better than myself.”
“Then what’s the issue?”
“Have I put out her flame?”
“What do you think?”
“She does not fight.”
“Is this good or bad?”
“I do not know.”
“Not acceptable. If I was Alron, what questions would he ask you?”
“Where is my Earth Mother?”
“Where is she?”
“She is and is not here.”
“Did Alron enjoy riddles, Panry?”
“Not.”
“Then where is she?”
“She stands before me, but she does not.”
“How can she be in two places at the same time?”
“She does not. You know what I mean,”
“No, Panry, I don’t understand you. That’s what Alron would say. You would suggest something is missing, so what is it?”
“She is but a shell. She looks like Earth Mother, but her fight has left.”
“So the riddles end and the truth reveals itself. What happened to the fight?”
“It left when Alron died.”
“What did Alron do to you when you lied to him?”
“Not ever did I lie to Alron.”
“If I’m Alron, what happened to her fight?”
“She is dangerous. She does not think.”
“More truth, so we’re making progress.”
“You shall not make light of my plight. I am trying to figure out what I need to resolve.”
“You already know that answer. You say she is dangerous. She doesn’t think. What’s the significance of this?”
“If she took council before she acts, Alron would still be here.”
“No, Panry. I know and you know the truth. You need to hear the words. That night, if she sought council, if you or Alron had convinced her not to enter Hoyle’s house, what would be the outcome?”
“I do not know.”
Ryan rejected Panry’s denial, “NO!”
“Many things could have happened.”
“NO.”
Panry looked to the ground, his answer almost a whisper, “She would be dead.”
“WHY?”
“Hoyle hid assassins. They would have killed her as she slept. She could have done different. She could have let us lead.”
“Would you have found the assassins?”
“I do not know.”
Ryan was becoming angry at Panry’s refusal to accept the truth, “You shame Alron. You hide behind a wall of ignorance that you have built, but you didn’t construct it of earth but of glass, as even I can see the truth. You know it, and you need to speak it.”
“The truth is not known. Many things could of happened that night.”
“Mighty Earth Guard, since you are afraid of the truth, I’ll speak if for you. Lauren would be dead. What would Alron have done the next morning when he found the secret door open, her throat slit, the bed covered in her blood? Hoyle would have been gone. You may have caught him, killed him, but Lauren would still be dead. Is that not correct?”
“Yes.”
“Could Alron have done different when you went to visit Hoyle? Could you have done different?”
“I do not know.”
“Alron chose poorly. I hope you fight better with your sword than with your words.”
As the titans of Panry and Ryan were clashing, the volume of their voices increased, their expressions growing intense. The town watch secured the courtyard, turning curious onlookers away.
“Yes, we could have done different!” yelled back Panry.
“What are you?”
“Earth Guard!”
“What is she?”
“Earth Mother!”
“What is her job?”
“To push back the plague shadows.”
“Why?”
“To save Mother’s children!”
“Earth Guard, WHAT IS YOUR JOB?”
Panry wanted a fight, needed a fight, but not a fight with words, “TO PROTECT!”
“Did Alron fulfill his obligation?”
“Yes, she lives!”
“If you had convinced her to wait, what then?”
“She would be dead!”
“And?”
“Alron would embrace shame! All would embrace shame!”
Ryan wanted to reach out, grabbing Panry by the throat, seeing if he could shake the words loose. He screamed at him, “Your shame. That’s all you can think of, shame? If shame were only the single consequence, it would be so simple. You have seen what she has done. Your thoughts?”
“There is much there.”
“If she died, once your shame has been covered in morning dew, absorbed by the ground or melted by the sunrise, what happens without her. If there’s much she has done, is it over.”
“Not, it does not be over!”
“Can she do it if she is dead?”
“NO!”
Ryan lowered his head, raised his voice, “So let me see if I understand what we’re talking about. She’s Earth Mother, and her job is to do what’s required. You are Earth Guard. Your job is to protect. Is it that simple, or am I missing something?”
Panry punched the side of Alron’s statue, cursing as the pain shot up his arm, “She does not think!”
“Why is that? Wait, I hear Alron moaning in his grave. I hear Mother scolding him for promoting such an incompetent.”
“She does not think!”
“Take down the damn wall of denial! Step down and promote one of the Dawnfalcons or Erust! Go climb a mountain, get close to Mother! Talk to her or speak the damn truth! What will it be?”
“I do not know it!”
“Your words are like a dagger in me. Mighty Earth Guard, poorly chosen, let me help you. If she did as you, thought as you, were similar to you, she would do as you would do. If they know you, they know what you’ll do. Would you have banished the traitors? Would you have visited Hoyle? If she doesn’t do as you would do, doesn’t think as you would think, then they don’t know what she’ll do. Could this be an advantage?”
“I do not…know what to think.”
“Alron rises from his grave because you shame him. He comes to silence you, as your words cut him deep.”
“You do not make sense!”
Ryan could see that Panry was on the edge of the truth but fighting against it, “Think, is that in the oath? Once again, I’ll speak the truth that you refuse to see. She’s not like you, doesn’t think like you, and doesn’t act like you. They don’t know what she’ll do next.” Ryan felt like he was going to explode, “SHE SCARES THEM YOU STUPID LITTLE MAN. WHAT ARE YOU?”
A rage filled Panry’s eyes, “EARTH GUARD!”
“WHY ARE YOU EARTH GUARD?”
The question stopped Panry cold, as he remembered when Alron had asked him a similar question. Panry pushed the image aside, “If again into the unknown she leads us?”
“My first answer would be that you are Earth Guard, you protect. This night, I’m scared for Lauren. When danger presents itself next, your men will look to you for guidance. I can see the look on their faces when you say, ‘I does not know.’ Because of your inability to act, to think, to understand, more Earth Guards will fall.”
“You shall not question my ability to fight or lead.”
Anger fueled Ryan’s words, “Finally, some fire from the Poorly Chosen. Maybe, if I insult you enough, you’ll be worthy of filling Alron’s boots. When, if, known, unknown. None of that matters. Why?”
“I am Earth Guard. Protect and serve is my oath.” Panry was unsure of what had happened between Ryan and Lauren, but he had not expected this confrontation from the mysterious one, “I am Earth Guard. Earth Mothers do not lead. They stay back, advise, help, they do not fight.”
“Have your lands ever been invaded before?”
“Not.”
“So the rules have changed.”
“Yes.”
“W
hat are you?”
“I am Earth Guard. Leave my presence now, as I need to think.”
Leaving Panry at the foot of Alron statue, when he looked back, he could see him looking up to Alron, questioning him, questioning himself, questioning Mother, but Ryan was uncertain if any answered.
*******
Panry walked the streets for most of the night, hoping for a stupid thief or even a stray dog to approach him. The town watch heard him coming, giving him a wide berth. Pintar’s wife found him sitting at the bar when she showed up the next morning. Neither said anything, and it was after the second sunrise when the truth, if it could be called that, finally dawned on him. He had nothing to drink at Pintar’s, so his mind was clear, but his legs were tired; you can only kick so many rocks or buildings before they begin to complain. Walking into the house, he had no interest in updates. Seeing Lauren in the backyard having tea with Gingaar, he walked half the distance from the back door to the table and stopped.
Lauren looked at him, puzzled.
“Moth Flame, burn bright, do what you do best, even if you do not know what it is. Be all of that, not less. Mother Chosen you are. Threats, shadow hidden they are. It shall be you who will defeat the shadows, exposing both the threats and truth. Burn bright to expose all!”
Lauren’s expression was one of surprise, “I can’t. I’m the wrong person for this. I tried to warn everybody, but nobody would listen to me. Because of that, Alron is dead. We almost lost four of my friends. I even put Pintar’s life at risk. I thought I could do it, but I know I can’t. You can’t change me. You’re right, I’m dangerous, so just let me be a figurehead. I’ll make a few speeches. The people know about the threats now. Find somebody to build and lead an army. Let them carry the burden of deaths, as I don’t want it.”
“Alron told me before he died that Earth Mother talked much about you; that you shall push back the shadows of deception. If you do not continue what you started, then Alron dies twice. The second time is when you no longer battle the shadows that took my friend’s life. Your fault it was not. Many share that blame, which includes myself. You shall be like were before Alron died. I will fight you until your fire blazes, burning brighter than all three suns. That which you were, you shall be again. To these lands, you shall bring hope, salvation to Mother’s children. It shall be my Moth Flame that will save all. I know that now!”
“Of the moths?”
“Burn bright. Push back the shadows where they hide. Show them unto me. Bring them forth where I can see them, where I can vent my rage on them. Yes, you are dangerous, so unleash it onto the lands. You are Earth Mother, be that, all of that. Burn brighter than the three suns, challenge the black-clad, challenge all that threatens Mother’s children. I am Earth Guard, so let my cold steel greet those who are too stupid to fear you. Go where you want to go, worry not about anything. Concern you it shall not, for I am Earth Guard, and protect you I shall. No danger shall embrace you, and that is my promise to you. You shall save the lands and children. I shall protect you.” Panry then turned, heading up to his room in desperate search of sleep.
“What just happened?” asked Gingaar.
“We have a meeting with the mayors today. Please send a messenger advising that I’ll be arriving within two hours, and have the messenger tell the mayors to be ready.” Leaving the table, she went up to her room. She was uncertain what was going to happen, but Panry was right. She may not understand what she was doing or why, but it seemed to be working, and somebody had to do something. As she headed up the stairs, she whispered a prayer to Mother. Please make me a better Earth Mother. I don’t want to see any more of my friends die, even if they don’t call me friend.
It was almost two hours later when Erust knocked on Panry’s door, “Panry. Earth Mother wishes to go to the town hall. Do you wish to accompany?”
“Yes, I will be down in minute.”
Crawling out of bed, he went to the washbasin on the dresser, washing away what little sleep that had embraced him. After stumbling down the stairs, he was glad to see that a carriage waited for them, entering it without saying anything. He never looked at Lauren or Gingaar, just prayed to Mother. When they arrived at the town hall, they all went in to talk to Brook, Lindo, and John. The assistant came in, advising that the mayors were absent.
Lauren interrupted her, “The mayor’s in here in ten minutes. Please be a dear and tell them. Thank you.”
“They are not in the building.”
“Then send somebody for them. Quick,” replied Lauren.
“But...”
“No.”
The assistant closed the doors when she left the office, but ten minutes later returned, “The mayors have not shown up.”
“Can you please send somebody to fetch Ramy and Eric? Thank you.”
Erust stood watch at the door while Panry smiled, sleeping on the couch, and Eric and Ramy showed up several minutes later.
She looked at them both, “I would like the mayors here, please.”
“When, Earth Mother?” asked Ramy.
“Twenty minutes ago and please ask somebody to bring us some tea.”
An hour later, Eric and Ramy escorted the three mayors, protesting, into the office. When Lo tried to speak, Lauren cut him off, “My friend John has made tax and budget recommendations. This being a civil matter I think you should vote on them. John, I think in simple terms, you have suggested a forty-percent reduction in taxes. Is that right?” He nodded. She looked at Lo and Maine, “Have you had a chance to review what he has presented?”
Maine started, “Earth Mother, he does not consider the costs we have had to endure, our capital outlay.”
“John?”
“They have been repaid tenfold on their investment, Earth Mother.”
“We have the right to profit. We established this town,” added Lo.
“John, do they still make a profit?”
“Yes, though it will no longer be a 1000% pay back each month.”
“What is it then?”
When Panry rolled over on the couch, the cushions hid his smile.
“It’s 30%, more than fair. Especially if you consider that they don’t pay taxes.”
“That seems like a double standard? Why is that?”
“I don’t know. There’s no record of them paying taxes.”
“So, what you are saying is that they are behind on their taxes?” He nodded, “How much?”
“I thought you might ask.” John walked over, giving Lauren a piece of paper.
“Eric, Ramy, please send the watch over to their houses, retrieving the amount specified on this piece of paper. No more, no less.”
After Ramy had retrieved the paper, he headed out the door with Eric.
Lo exploded, “You cannot do this.”
Lauren smiled, “Show me. Show me where it says I can’t do this, show me, and I’ll stop.”
“We built this town,” replied Maine.
“And you’ve recovered your investment tenfold, so you’re very good businessmen.”
“You have no right!” shouted Lo.
“And you have the right to rob people because you built a few walls?”
Maine stomped his foot, “This is our town.”
“No, this isn’t your town, it’s the people that make it a town, not the corrupt few that run it. Six started it. Riblo and Bince were traitors to this land. They consorted with those that invaded the east, those that now invade the west. Hoyle was one of them, and he was part of the invasion. He was worse than a traitor, he was the enemy. Do you two consort with traitors and enemies?”
“No,” replied Maine.
“All of you listen to me. You’re greed, corruption, and lies. You form the basic recipe of evil. You haven’t crossed that line, and I would advise you not. Pay your taxes and enjoy your 30% return. If this does not meet with your satisfaction, go elsewhere. I’ll not tolerate you feeding on the souls of those less fortunate. You’re free to do as you wish but don�
�t displease me, now go. The motion for a tax reduction is passed, and it’ll be announced at the town hall meeting tonight. We’ll also be announcing the elimination of the passes, and I believe John talked about auctioning all of the unoccupied dwellings. As well, we need to auction off all of that stuff in the office next door. That money from the traitors and spies will be delivered to the Earth Mothers, not the town.” She looked at the three mayors, “If that’s all, you’re free to leave. I look forward to seeing you at the town hall meeting tonight. Erust, please escort the gentlemen out of this office.”
Lauren turned and looked at John, “Your help in these matters is greatly appreciated. Have somebody hire a clerk to maintain the books. We’ll only need you to check them once a month, ensuring that nobody’s cheating or stealing.” Lauren stood, “I’m famished. Would you ladies like to join me for lunch? You too, John?” All three followed Lauren out of the office while Panry continued to sleep on the couch.
When they returned, Lauren was in her top form, “The threats are increasing, and right now the town is secure. We need to divest ourselves of playing mayor. Brook, Lindo you both did a great job under tough conditions, but we need to focus on the bigger picture now. Get rid of whatever business you can. Auction off the goods and the vacant buildings. Hire somebody to hire the workers we need, and somebody to run elections. Yes, let’s run elections and vote in three mayors, but we’ll make sure one Earth Mother remains on the council to ensure that John can examine the books and so that corruption doesn’t sneak back in. John, we also need an account for the surplus taxes. Leave the money in a town account, but if we need to buy weapons or other resources for the war, I want to make sure that money is there for us. Also, have somebody set up a charity kitchen, as there are too many that look undernourished in the shantytown. It would be nice to see some of that gold do some good for a change. We need to concentrate on the Earth Scouts, the postal service and… and… Well, I don’t even know what else is on that list.”
The town hall meeting was incredible. Everybody stood and applauded when Brook announced the tax reduction. She continued with announcements about the passes, the citizen mayor elections, the hiring, auctions, and such. When they opened the floor for questions, there were still some about the attack, which Brook handled as best she could. She advised they were looking forward to the input of the citizens, but this night they would postpone all talk about war or invasions. The meeting was almost over when Lauren stood, which completely surprised Panry.