Before he left, he let Cecilia hug and kiss him all she wanted. It was the least he could do for her. It was two more hours before he left.
“And don’t be such a stranger around here!” Cecilia yelled to him, “I expect to see you every few months, got it?”
“I promise,” Obidaan said and he meant it.
“Good!” she was almost crying as he rode out the door, the manager handed her a hanky.
Obidaan was relaxed, more powerful, but still disturbed as he left the keep and returned home. He respected, and even liked Gheriballi, but still he could not accept what he was being told. It went against many of the things he believed. He believed paladins should be a part of the community, not aside from it. He liked his place in Pinnacle. He was well respected and liked by the town folks. He was a local hero. Maybe that bit of ego was getting to him. Either way, he didn’t see the need to change the way things were at least not yet. However, with his newfound power and divinity, he knew it would be difficult. No one would understand how he felt, how he saw things now. He was curious to see how they would react to the new him, but he was not afraid.
Yet, through all of this, there was that slight pang of anger and jealousy. He knew it shouldn’t be there so he tried not to acknowledge it. He felt like rube. He believed so many knew for so long but no one helped him. Why? He knew the gods were upset about him being picked but still, five years? There was more to it; he just wished he knew what it was. Others got help sooner, but others aren’t married or adventure with groups for extended periods. Maybe that was the tradeoff. Maybe that’s why the Seers wanted him picked when they did, because of his family. It made sense. Then, if he had trained right away, he would have more easily seen Gheriballi’s point and would have abandoned his family, abandoned his wife, abandoned the orphanage. No, now, he could never do that. Obviously, the Seers foresaw this, so they made the deal not to train him. It made sense, to Obidaan at least.
He was riding along rather lazily, contemplating the last few days, when Mystic jumped into his hand. “Danger,” she whispered to him. He immediately began to pay attention to the road. Up ahead were several bandits, humans and orcs. Normally Obidaan would be cautious about this situation; however, after everything he was told, and learned at the keep, he strode up to the men almost too cocky.
“Well met!” he greeted the man. Men? He almost couldn’t consider them men. These were the first humanoids he encountered since leaving the keep. He had them sized up in no time and actually considered them a waste of his time.
“Howdy, govna,” the guy in the middle spoke, “fancy meeting the likes of you around here? Must be our lucky day. We’re the official toll collectas, and considrin’ your fancy stuff, figure we let you be about your way for…” they pretended to consult with each other, “15 silver, each.”
Obidaan sighed. “Look, I know there’s no toll on this road and what you’re trying to do. I’ll make a counter offer. See, I’m a paladin, and I’m not in the mood to judge today, just go back under the rock you crawled out from and I’ll forget this, or else.”
“Oh a paladin ya say!” the orc on the left spoke, “ain’t see one o dem around here in ages. I guess we should be scared an’ all. I mean, there is sumptin’ bout this bloke, still, blokes a bloke.”
“Trust me lads, no one goes around faking that.” he leaned a bit forward on his horse.
The three didn’t budge. He was irritated now. How dare they! Who do they think they were? Well, they were about to find out who he was, with extreme prejudice.
“I see we’re going to have to do this the hard way. I’ve given you a chance to leave, you’ve stood there. Normally, I’d take your clothes and weapons and give them to the nearest town for charity, but your wearing rags and your weapons are a joke. I’m tired and now I’m irritated but I’m still going to give you a choice.”
“Wha.. What choice is that gov?” the orc asked. They were all still not budging.
“Which hand you’re going to loose,” he was deadpan in his delivery and hopped off his horse.
“That’s not funny!” the leader stepped back and readied his weapon.
“Wasn’t meant to be and since you’re ready, you can decide first,” he stood directly in front of the bandit leader. Unsure now, the leader held his sword in both hands, and yelled as he swung on Obidaan. With no effort at all, Obidaan broke his sword in half. He grabbed the man by his collar and asked him, “Which hand?”
“Now lookee here … Mr. Paladin, we didn’t mean no harm. Just trying to get along in this world.”
“No, you’re trying to get what’s mine! Which hand?” Obidaan was beginning to see things through Gheriballi’s eyes now. A crime has been committed and now he, who just wanted to go home, has judged and passed sentence. It irritated him even more that it came to this. “Damn, why didn’t they just leave me alone?” he thought. The other two, deathly afraid now, began to break and run. It was pointless. “Shirak tov rithgi,” Obidaan said and the two men where now paralyzed in place unable to move. “If I have to ask again, I’m taking both,” Obidaan looked him dead in the eye.
“L.l.left, the man said sheepishly, I’m right handed.” He winced as he said it.
“You heard the man, Mystic,” and in a single fluid motion, he swung his sword, lopping off the man’s left hand. Blood began to gush and he screamed in terror and agony.
Obidaan walked slowly, but deliberately to the bandit on the left, “You can talk while paralyzed. Which one?”
“Right,” he said in a high pitched mousy voice. Without a further thought, Obidaan lopped it off.
As he approached the third one, he didn’t even have to ask, “Left. Left.” The orc repeated. Obidaan had to move his hand to get a better view of it, but soon it was gone. All three screamed as blood rushed out of their bodies. Saying a prayer, he healed all three simultaneously, closing the wounds he created. Obidaan hopped back on his horse.
“The paralysis will leave you momentarily,” he began riding away. “Who knows, maybe if you hurry, maybe someone in your village can put your hands back on. However, since you’re out here stealing, I doubt it.” Obidaan rode off.
“Jerks.” He thought to himself, “Making me waste my time on them. Lucky I didn’t kill them,” Obidaan stopped himself. He had never thought like that before. He was always looking for a peaceful solution. “Why did I do that? I’m usually not that harsh. But they had it coming, they didn’t believe you. They should have known better. You’re complete now. Still, even if they didn’t I should have tried harder to convince them. Why? Why is their ignorance your fault? It isn’t but still. Is that what you want to do now? Constantly prove yourself. If you say you’re a paladin, they should believe you, period. But not everyone thinks that way. That’s their problem. They know paladins exist, it’s no secret. Everyone knows how to identify one, our symbols are known throughout the world, and are worn openly. They saw it; they had to have seen it. They should have respected that. They chose to ignore it. Still, was I too harsh, I chopped a hand off? They’re lucky you didn’t kill them, or worse. Besides, you gave them a chance to leave; they chose to ignore it. They got what they deserved. As a paladin, I cannot go around being robbed. My authority means nothing if people don’t respect it. Yes, they got what they deserved, maybe the next time a paladin comes by, they’ll know their place.” Satisfied, he rode on.
By noon, he reached Pinnacle. He was so glad to see home. It was a beautiful sight since he and been away so long. The guards smiled when they saw him and greeted him warmly, “Afternoon Obidaan. Hope you had a wonderful trip.”
“It was excellent Floyd,” he knew the guard’s name. He had never paid attention before, but now he realized he knew the name of anyone around him, “Bartholomew,” he said to the other guard, “good to see you again, keep up the good work, both of you.”
“Thank you, sir!” they said with a smi
le. As he passed on they looked at each other.
“Boy, has he changed,” Floyd said.
Bartholomew nodded.
Everything seemed brighter and more interesting. The people seemed livelier. He headed for the orphanage; he already knew that’s where Relina was. He entered without knocking. Everyone looked up, they couldn’t help it. He lit the place up like never before. Relina and Martha were in the main room with the children helping them paint or reading a story. All the children smiled when they saw him. They started to rush toward him but he put up a single finger as if to say wait; and they waited. He carefully removed his armor, and then got on his knees. At that point, he motioned the children to him and they rushed like water from an open spigot. After hugging each and every one of them, he turned his attention to the ladies.
First Martha, he greeted her warmly, kissing her on the hand, which made her uncharacteristically blush. He then pulled her to her feet for a massive hug. She could feel the change in him and melted in his arm. He kissed her on the cheek and then gently placed her back in her chair.
He lightly grabbed Relina’s arm and pulled her close to him. She too could feel the new power and sense of presence he possessed. She was overwhelmed by him. She felt like a schoolgirl in the arms of her boyfriend, unsure of what to do. Obidaan ended the uncertainty. He took her into his arms where they embraced and kissed for close to a minute. Everyone just stared in silence. It was as if pure love entered the room, personified in Obidaan.
When they got done kissing Relina could barely speak. “Y—y—you’ve changed. I’ve missed you,” was all she was able to get out. The children couldn’t stop looking at him. They were caught like moths to a flame.
“Yes. I’ve missed you too, very much,” he said, he looked around, “Hey, forget about me, go back and have fun, I’ll catch up with y’all later.”
It was as if the children snapped out of a spell and went back to doing what they were doing. Still you could here the whispers “He’s changed.” “I like it.” “Me too.” “Wow.” Obidaan lead Relina outside, “We’ll be back in a bit,” he said. Everyone just waved and said bye.
Relina was finally over it, “Sweetheart, what happened to you? It’s like you’re…you’re … um… ” she couldn’t find the words, “more.”
“I am,” Obidaan confided in her. “It turns out I wasn’t properly trained as a paladin. I thought I was whole and complete, then after our mission, Gheriballi Thornton, Paladin of Justice, took me to the Hall of the Paladins. There, he showed me not only what I was missing, but help me complete my paladin training. Turns out I was just an adept; I was not a full fledged paladin. He changed all that.”
“So I see. I mean. Wow. I mean you still look the same but boy, can anyone who knew you before feel the difference. It’s like the intensity in you has been turned up 1000%. It’s almost overwhelming.”
“It’s supposed to be. People are supposed to know what I am at all times. For the good, I am a beacon of safety, to the evil a harbinger of doom. My powers have increased well beyond what they were before.”
“Um, I think you better start at the beginning, dear. I really want to hear this,” she was beginning to be concerned.
“And so should the others. This story is important and affects all of us. I wonder where they are?” he thought for a moment, “oh, never mind, I know.”
“You do?”
“Yes, I can discover the whereabouts of anyone I desire. Very handy for tracking anyone from missing people to fugitives. Oh, and watch this,” he cupped his hands and whispered into them. He then blew gently and opened his hands, there four doves made of pure light fluttered off into the night sky.
“Come on honey, they’ll join us at our favorite bar.”
“What was that?” she asked.
“Messenger pigeons. They will deliver the message that I am back and to meet us at the Silver Arrow as soon as possible. Something else new I picked up. Quite amazing I must say.”
They made their way to the Silver Arrow. It was its usually jumping self. The music continued to play but the whispers died briefly as Obidaan entered the room. Everyone took notice of him. Then the whispers went back up. Some of the whispers became of him. Looking around they found a nice table and sat down. The owner herself greeted them.
“Welcome back Obidaan, Relina. So good to see you again. Can I get you anything?”
Obidaan looked over at Relina allowing her to go first, “Wine, please.”
“And a beer for me, Shyrellia, thanks. This is one of my favorite spots”
“Why thank you, Obidaan,” she said and blushed slightly, “I’ll be right back with your drinks.”
“How did you know her name? We’ve never known it.”
“Another Paladin feature, anyone I talk to I can learn their name instantly, even if they don’t mention it.”
No sooner had he said that than three people came bursting through the door looking for them. “There they are,” Alister said. They all walked hastily over to them and sat down. Alister and Terry were still trying to catch their breaths, Don was the spokesman.
“We got your, message and rushed over, it seems there has been a change in you. A major one I might add,” Don said staring at Obidaan. Then, the usually emotions in check Don’s eyes grew very wide. The other looked at him, then over at Obidaan.
“D—don’t keep it to yourself,” Terry said, “What’s going on?”
“Obidaan,” he said, “I have never seen it before, but then again, I have not seen other paladin’s, other than Lucinda, before either. Is this what it means to truly be a paladin Obidaan?”
“Yes, at least on our side.”
“I see,” Don said, “how come I didn’t notice it in Lucinda?”
“For lack of a better explanation, she works for the other side. Had you concentrated on her, like you did me, you may have been repulsed by her.”
“I noticed it. I thought it was due to her eyes, I’ll have to make a note of that,” said Alister, “That’s what made me want to walk up and talk to her. It’s quite intoxicating actually.” Alister’s eyes glazed over as he went into a dream state.
Terry hit him on the back of the head, “Snap out of it.” Everyone laughed.
Shyrellia returned with their drinks, “Ah, more guests, what can I get for you?” The others relayed their drink orders, and she was off again.
“I notice there’s one chair not taken, who’s that for?” Alister said.
“Him,” Obidaan pointed at the door. There stood Mordechi.
“You sent a message to Mordechi?” Relina said “and he came? How did you manage that?”
“I’m a paladin. I can summon anyone I choose, and they better show up,” Obidaan said flatly. That caught the others off guard, but they brushed it off.
Mordechi deftly moved through the room and made his way to the table. He didn’t have to look for them; it was as though he already knew where they were. He looked up, he saw Obidaan, but he did not react like the others. On the contrary, he was calm and almost nonchalant about everything. He sat down slowly and deliberately, hailed the waitress for a drink, then looked over the table.
“Well Obidaan, I see you’ve completed your training.”
“You knew I had more training to do?” Obidaan was very surprised at his statement, slightly taken aback and a bit angry, “Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”
“Well, it wasn’t my place,” Ping. That wasn’t exactly the truth. There was that word again, ‘place’ what was it about that that bugged Obidaan? Mordechi continued, “I had a feeling you weren’t complete. See I have met other paladins before and knew the charisma that they emanated. You weren’t quite there. When I stepped into this room, I knew instantly where you were. I could have found you blindfolded. It is good to know that your training is complete,” Mordechi seemed quite pleased, yet apprehe
nsive. Obidaan noticed a ping on his last sentence. The waitress returned with his wine, “If I may,” he leaned into the table, “A toast, to Obidaan Paladin of the Seers!”
“Huzzah!” they cheered and drank up.
Obidaan kept his thoughts to himself. Someone close to him knew what was going on, yet said nothing. Then just lied about it. Maybe it had more to do with his family and training. Still, he wished someone had clued him in earlier instead of just letting him blow in the wind. Why was Mordechi lying? “Not everyone who lies to you is trying to deceive you.” The words rang through his head. Maybe he couldn’t tell. Maybe he still can’t. Either way, Obidaan was disappointed but he wasn’t going to let anyone know. Not after everything he’d been through. This is a happy time and he was going to enjoy the moment. All else be damned!
They ordered dinner and Obidaan related the tale to everyone about what had happened to him over the past few weeks including Cecilia. This got Relina a bit jealous and Alister eager to go. He told about how his life is being written down, the library, and finally how he and Gheriballi trained and meditated until he got in touch with the Divine. He also told them of the arguments how he was the only married paladin at the moment and planned to have a family and how it changed him. Everyone listened intently. Alister, always having pen and paper with him, was taking notes.
“So, let me get this straight,” Terry said, “the gods built y’all this fabulous keep, gave you a companion, everything you wanted, in order to keep the peace, and you still came back to us? Now that’s love,” she smiled as she said it, “I can’t say I’d have done the same. What I can’t figure out is for as long as I’ve been around I’ve never heard of it before. But then again, I don’t go hanging around with paladins that much.”
“Even I’ve never heard of it,” Alister interjected, “and I’m a bard.”
“And you will not sing or tell stories of it either,” Obidaan told him, “This place is strictly confidential. Only paladins know about it and only they can speak of it.”
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