No Good Deed (21 page)

“To Obidaan and Relina. May their baby inherit their beauty, strength, and moral fortitude. May it be as loving and caring Relina, as brave and forthright as Obidaan, and may this world be better blessed for this blessed event!”

“Yeah!” they all yelled and drank up.

“Now,” he turned to Obidaan and Relina, “Don’t you go worrying about what’s going to happen, ya hear? Don’t know if Ma told you but she’s a natural born midwife and nurse. As a matter of fact, she delivered 5 of her own grandchildren. Isn’t that right Ma?”

“Sure is Pa. I can always handle one more. Now y’all don’t worry about a thing.”

Obidaan laughed inside, Ma, Pa. He wondered when they got older would they refer to each other like that.

It became
not only the buzz in the caravan but also wherever they went. It wasn’t so much that she was having a baby but more she was married to a paladin and having a baby. She even ran into a few people who had babies by paladins and were left on their own. They expressed sympathy and a bit of jealousy that she was married to the one she loved and all they had was a love child.

Overall, the caravan was making great progress. Obidaan had settled a few minor disputes, still he had to create contracts and file them. When there are no magistrates around, paladins work even better, especially since breaking a paladin contract can have dire consequences.

All seemed to be going well till they hit the land of Vandicore. Obidaan had never been out this far but the Foxwealths had. They also recalled that it was previously called Quesvenistan. The current ruler is Malcior Ironsides or “Iron Fist”, because that is how he ruled. He held the town in an iron grip and no one dared speak out against him.

He used the town like a Venus Fly Trap, luring in people and caravans, then taking what he wanted, and enslaving the owners. Those that helped him were richly rewarded and had free run of the town. Those who opposed him were put to death. All of the guards were 100% loyal to him and killed anyone who tried to leave. It was the reason no one heard of his brutality; no one ever left. The caravan would find this out too late.

When they approached the gate, Wayford Foxwealth spoke to the guards. “Greetings and well met.”

“Hail caravan. What brings you to our fine kingdom this day?” A guard replied. Note: Since to the guard, it was a fine kingdom, no lie was detected.

“We seek to open trade relationships between you and the town of Pinnacle. We also have wares we would like to sell, some I am sure you have never seen around here.”

“You might find some buyers inside. As for trade negotiations: the king keeps court after lunch, you may visit then. There is a fine inn not two blocks up the road. They can house your caravan, give you rooms for the night, and serve a fine meal, so you can negotiate on a full stomach.”

“Thank you very much,” Wayford replied, “By the way, is this still the land of Quesvenistan?”

“No, good sir, this is now the land of Vandicore. His Majesty King Malcior Ironsides now rules. He is quite formal so do address him as King Ironsides or Your Majesty.”

“Thank you,” Wayford said, and they were ushered through the gates. Because lands changed hands in this world so often, it is not uncommon for people to not ask what happened. Everyone will naturally assume it was conquered by the current ruler. Sometimes it a good thing, sometimes bad; the Foxwealths have learned to take their chances. To date it has worked out, even when ruled by tyrants and thugs. Everyone understands the value of money.

Two blocks up the road they found the Golden Goose Inn. There they parked the caravan, had the horsed washed and fed, and went across the street to the inn.

As they walked in, they noticed everyone was smiling and appeared happy. It didn’t take Alister long to realized that some of the smiles were forced. They found a large table near the center of the dining area and sat down. A waitress came by promptly and took their orders.

“Nice bunch of people,” Alister said sarcastically.

Obidaan caught the remark, “What makes you say that? They seem pretty happy to me.”

“Some do, yes.” Alister continued in a low voice, “I would suspect they are lackeys for the king,” his voice got close to a whisper, “As a bard I study human nature and expressions and I’m telling you all is not as it seems.”

Obidaan was about to say something when he perked up and looked around. The Vanguard had seen this look before, but the Foxwealths and others had not, they were a bit confused. “Another paladin is in the room.” Terry told them.

“He can tell?” asked Mr. Foxwealth.

“Yes,” Terry continued, “They can sense each other out. Just keep watching.”

Obidaan looked around the room, simultaneously calling the waitress to him. She was too eager to run to him, “May I help you?” her tone was more pleading than helpful.

“That man over there in the corner. Who is he?” Obidaan found the paladin, and seemed a bit put aside when he made out the symbol.

“T—t—that is Baron Llewellyn Vandarcathden. He is the paladin of this city,” she said quickly and nervously.

“Buy him a round of his favorite drink, and put it on my tab,” Obidaan replied.

The waitress was struck dumb by what she had just heard but did not question it. She simply nodded and ran off. In about 10 seconds she was setting a goblet of fine wine next to the Baron. He obviously whispered something to her because she was off just as fast and in under 5 seconds was at Obidaan’s table with a mug of the beer he was drinking. They looked at each other, toasted and drank up. After that the Baron got up and left the inn. A palpable collective sigh of relief was let go by everyone else in the room; this puzzled our travelers.

“I think you are more correct than you realize,” Relina said, “this place seemed pretty uptight and now seemed relieved that that paladin has left. Something is going on here.”

“Agreed,” said Don, “seems we may have our work cut out for us. It also seems your presence is more welcome than you realize.”

“True. But first, we need answers.” Obidaan said. “I have a feeling our waitress will be accommodating.”

They continued to eat and moments later the waitress came over to check on them. “Is everything all right?” she asked. Her tone was genuinely friendly now.

“No it isn’t,” Obidaan replied.

“What can I do to correct the situation?” she asked and began to shake a little.

“How about giving us some answers, Marybeth?” Obidaan asked.

“Well, um, ok,” she shook visibly now.

“I’m not here to hurt you but I might be able to help, if I knew what was going on. Seems the people were relieved when that paladin left. I also know he’s not one of the good ones. Paladin of Pain and Suffering if I have my symbols correct.”

“You do.” She said and ran off. A few minutes later she returned with another beer for Obidaan, this time there was a napkin under it. She placed them both down. “Enjoy your drink, sir,” is all she said and left again before Obidaan could ask her anything else.

He was a bit puzzled but lifted up the mug. Under it, on the napkin was some writing. He scooped the napkin and while drinking read what she had written: The King holds us hostage. The paladin insures obedience, please help.

Obidaan did not mention what he had read but discreetly passed around the napkin. When all had read it, they finished up, paid and left.

“What are we going to do now?” Mrs. Foxwealth asked.

“Have our audience with the king,” Obidaan replied.

“So,” Wayford said slowly, “we’re just going to go there, like nothings wrong?”

“Exactly,” Obidaan said, “we have the knowledge so there is nothing to worry about. If you want to make a trade agreement that’s fine, if not, that’s fine too.”

“I’ve dealt with some ornery rulers in my day, but I must admit, this one gives me a bit of the creeps. I’ve never been in a town where the people were so afraid. I have a feeling, especially with their paladin advisor, there aren’t any dissidents around here.”

“Well, you have a paladin protector. I don’t take orders from the king. I can and will guarantee your safety.” Obidaan was a bit arrogant when he said it.

“You’re right Obidaan. With you on our side, I feel much safer,” Wayford said.

“You have nothing to worry about,” Obidaan agreed.

They headed off towards the castle on horseback. It wasn’t that far and they arrived in about 5 minutes. The guards let them in without incident. Once inside they encounter a snippy bureaucrat. He was standing outside the stable area with a clipboard and pen.

“Name and nature of visit?” he asked.

Before anyone else could answer, Obidaan piped in, “I am Obidaan, Paladin of Foresight and I have business with your king.”

“Nature of that business?” he seemed unmoved by Obidaan’s proclamation.

“That is none of your concern,” Obidaan began to move forward on his horse, the young man stepped in front of the horse.

“I’m afraid it is, sir,” he said with a satisfied smile on his face.

“Move!” Obidaan yelled.

“And if I do not?”

“Then you shall get up close and personal with my horse’s hooves,” Obidaan said without flinching. This caught the group off guard because the Obidaan of old would have reasoned with the man; this one seemed to have no patience. Obidaan reared his horse as if to trample the man. That is when a spark went off between the man and the hooves. Again he had a satisfied smile on his face.

“That explains your brazen disrespect, boy,” he said unmoved by what had happened. He got down off the horse.

“What was that?” Relina asked.

“A warning beacon, ‘Paladin’s Protection.’ It’s what you put on a lackey. It informs those who would do him harm, that he is under the protection of a paladin. It doesn’t do any real damage but if he is tortured or killed, the paladin placing the spell will know and seek retribution against the perpetrator.”

“How come you’ve never used that spell on us?” Alister asked, faking indignity.

“Because it’s not a spell to be used on those who have a means of protecting themselves. It’s there to insure the safety of those unable to defend themselves, like this guy. There are, however, ways around it.”

“How?” Don asked.

“Like so,” Obidaan turned around and put his mailed fist squarely into his jaw, knocking him back and unconscious instantly, “Like I said, it’s for torture or killing. He’s going to have one sore jaw when he wakes up.” Obidaan then looked at the rest of the help around there. “Anyone else want to challenge me, or have you learned your place?” They all backed away. As he handed the horses off to one of the stable hands he commented, “They better be well fed and ready by the time I get back.”

“Yes, sir,” was all he said.

The others stayed quiet after that, they had
never
seen Obidaan act like that. Obidaan was changing and they weren’t sure if it was all for the better.

They went into the castle and the king’s chamber, only the king and his paladin advisor were there.

“Ah,” the king said, “honored guests, what can I do for you today?”

Wayford began to speak, “We seek to open trade with you from the kingdom of Pinnacle. We have many fine wares and raw materials. I think we could come to a beneficial arrangement.”

“No,” the king said flatly, “As a matter of fact, I am going to confiscate your caravan and you all will work for me in my mines. How does that sound?”

“Unacceptable!” said Obidaan, who now stepped to the forefront.

The king looked at his advisor, “Was this the guy you were telling me about?

“Yes,” he said.

“Well naturally, it doesn’t apply to you, you’re free to go.”

“And the caravan and everyone with it comes with me. This is not negotiable. By the way, cute trick with your lackey there. If that was supposed to be some kind of test, let’s just say I knuckled under and passed.”

“Cute,” replied Llewellyn, “I guess he’ll have quite the headache from your lesson. No matter. I was curious to see what you would do. Now I know.”

“And?” Obidaan ask.

“And nothing,” he replied. “I just like seeing pain inflicted. He was a mere puppet for my pleasure, nothing more.”

“That’s sick,” Obidaan said.

“Thank you,” Llewellyn said, “I do try my best. Nice to know it’s appreciated.”

“Enough of this useless banter!” Obidaan said. “Now, if you’ll excuse us, we’ll be leaving.”

“I said no!” the king reiterated.

Obidaan was furious now, he began to march right up to the king, “Look you pompous…” he was intercepted by Llewellyn.

“Look, tell you what. What say you and I hash this out. I’m not going to let you harm my king, and you’re not going to let us harm your caravan. We’re at an impasse. Have your people leave the room. I want to talk to you alone. I swear they will be well taken care of and no harm shall befall them.”

No ping. “Ok,” Obidaan said reluctantly, “go wait outside,” he told the group. Still unable to deceiver his behavior, they did as they were told. They were met by some servants and offered food and drink. Once the doors were closed, Llewellyn began taking charge.

“Relax, O, or do you prefer Obidaan?”

“Obidaan, Lou.”

“Lou is fine.”

“Now let’s see what we can do about this situation.”

“I think…” the king began.

“Shut up!” Lou screamed at him, “You just sit on your little throne and keep your fat mouth buttoned until I tell you to talk! Got it?”

The king nodded. “Good boy,” Lou said and patted him on the head.

“Funny way to treat your king,” Obidaan stated.

Lou burst out laughing. “So, you buy into that bullshit! You’ve been listening to too much of that goody—goody crap, my friend.”

“I’m not your friend.”

“Whatever. Let me ask you something. You’ve been in enough lands with single rulers. Who has more power, the king or the vizier?”