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With my thoughts muddled in joy and confusion, the party continued to discuss the issue at hand. Grendel and Cloudbreaker bickered with Bal Vyr about what should have happened when the villagers came at us. I was grateful that Bal Vyr was outnumbered against his desire to destroy all those townsfolk, though that changed later. After much debating, it finally sounded like an agreement was made; we’d steal the boats and leave the town unscathed.
Once dusk began to set in, we wandered back to the wheat field. As we approached the mouth of the canyon, little dots of light could be seen. In the dark we could make out about 6 villagers clustered together by the wheat field while more dots of light sparkled across the water. It was clear the town was being vigilant in their watch for us.
We were still quite a ways off and for a moment we agreed to sneak around, Trickfoot suggesting to distract them with some light show.
“I could just set this field on fire. That would guarantee to distract all of them,” Lash said.
“No,” I said gently, “Our goal is to just take the boats. We can hug the canyon walls and go a farther distance from the 6 folk clustered over there before cutting through the wheat field. By leaving the villagers unscathed, hopefully we’ll leave a lasting impression upon them of us marked folk.” There were some murmurs of agreement.
“I don’t know,” Trickfoot drawled, “I’m very much concerned about their Elder. That guy is going to get them all killed. Anybody with the mark that comes to this village looking for help, as we did, will be attacked because of his paranoia. Burning down the wheat field would surely doom the entire village, or worse. But sneaking in and eliminating just the Elder could help these people.”
“I’m with Araja on this,” Cloudbreaker said, “Their Elder must have a reason for believing that those that bear the mark are a threat. This town must have been attacked in the past! Killing the Elder will merely prove to the townsfolk that all mark-bearers are evil and need to be killed. If we hurt nobody, then we show the town that mark-bearers are not all a threat. Perhaps next time the townsfolk see a mark-bearer they will think twice before being hostile because of our example,” he emphasised. The Goliath then paced a little. As he did so I could feel something inside me soften. Someone supported my idea. No one had supported my ideas since I was full heartedly Fall the Prophesied.
"This is what I suggest,” Cloudbreaker continued, “Grendel, Bal Vyr, Araja and Lash. Head down-river about a mile. Trickfoot and I will proceed across the river and get the boats. Trickfoot can distract the guards with his light trick. We’ll then float down-river with the boats and meet the rest of you,” Cloudbreaker explained.
"You do realize that we’re still stealing boats right?” Trickfoot asked. After a moment pause he elaborated, “If we steal their boats, which I still think we should do, then the Elder is going to order the attack on the next group anyways. We may not have hurt them, but now marked folks are thieves.
“Maybe the best option is to see if the Elder has them under some kind of spell. I would be able to detect that if I got a little closer to the village once you and I are on the other side of the river," the Gnome suggested. I liked the thought Trickfoot put forth. It was more hopeful in the sense of reasoning behind the villages determination to destroy us. But what if the Elder was placing the villagers under a spell? I suppose he ought to be punished for forcing his people to murder. Yet what if he was the one under a spell?
“That would be smart Trickfoot. Let’s see if the villagers, and possibly the Elder, are under a spell. Perhaps we could dispel it if that's the case or return later to help them,” I then furrowed my brow. Depending on the situation of the village, I wasn’t for or against what happened to the Elder. I was a bit miffed with his determination to kill us despite my certainty he was acting out of fear.
“However,” I cautiously continued, “if he appears to be acting according to his own will and choice, especially if he’s forcing his people to attack us via enchantment, I won't encourage nor discourage what happens to him,”
I then voiced my thoughts aloud as I really pondered the possibilities, “I can see the act of his death freeing the people to discern for themselves, which could be favorable for us. However I can also see them finding the act as a result of our presence like Cloudbreaker said," as I said those words, it became clear how unpredictable this situation was becoming, "I... this whole thing will probably end up skewing perceptions either way. In the end, we're still stealing boats, we're still the marked ones."
“Suppose we kidnapped the Elder?” Cloudbreaker suggested, “We wouldn’t have to kill him and perhaps after a few days with us, he’d change his opinions. Oh wait,” he said, “Our Drow friend probably wouldn’t be much help with that,” he added looking at Bal Vyr. Bal Vyr commented how he’d probably just murder the guy when our backs were turned.
Grendel grunted in dissatisfaction.
"I am of like mind with Trickfoot. If we leave this village untouched by the hand of Justice, they will surely strike others who are marked like us with the same vicious ferocity they attempted to strike us with,” Grendel said, “There is a distinct possibility that if we remove the Elder that it will be for the good of all. If that is not so, then the whole village is damned by injustice and must be dealt with swiftly and with extreme prejudice. I propose we send Trickfoot and Bal Vyr into the village to deal with the Elder.” Something dark overcame Grendel suddenly. His talk of Justice took a dramatic turn that even I almost got carried away into.
”Personally, I find all of these people distasteful. Even if they are afraid, they have no reason to threaten us considering our peaceful front. An unjust action punishable by my Order,” he paused a moment before punctuating his dark thoughts, “In all my capacity, I would take joy in bringing Justice to these preachers of injustice, but we must head south. I say kill the Elder and see if there is magic at work. If not, then I’m setting this field on fire.”
Anger erupted in me. The villager’s threats to us were hardly a cause for murder. I took a daring step toward Grendel. I knew what he was about to initiate and I wasn’t going to stand for him warranting a massacre. It took me a moment to get the words to form in my mouth.
"If we kill these people... I will not be the one to blame for this massacre!" I seethed. Then in a more pleading ton, hoping he’d see my sincerity, continued, "They are scared! They are doing what they believe best. They don't know us nor understand how we are perfectly in control despite the mark. I just- I just," forming the sentence I wanted to say sent a panic through me, "I just don't want us to kill innocent people just because they're naive to our plight."
“Naivety is no excuse!” Grendel growled, “No excuse for murder Angelic! Did you see that crucified man on the road? Have you been present at a crucifixion?" He paused a moment and pointed back the way we came, "That man is me. That man is Cloudbreaker. That man is Trickfoot. That man is Lash. That man is Bel Vyr. That man... is you. They crucified him for being marked.
“I do not know how long you have been on this plain or how often you have been to this world, but it is not kind Araja. It is a hard world and it will break you if you do not grow hard yourself,” Grendel concluded. I glared back at him as he reminded me how hard this life was. He didn’t know me and had no right to tell me that.
“Yes I know this world is not kind,” I began my response, my voice hard and raising, “I’ve been reminded plenty since my return to the mortal plain. Reminded from the very moment I woke up in the tiljot bowl!” I shouted. I then looked away from him and at everyone standing around watching. In a defeated voice, more to myself then to them, I muttered, “The only problem is I still care too much.”
Grendel remained unmoved. His whole posture suggested that I wasn’t going to win this argument. In that moment of no one else speaking I hung my head. They were going to go off and murder a village. They were going to make our lot that much harder in fulfilling Grendel’s ‘Justice’. I let a few tears escape as I let the despair take hold of me.
“Do what you must, I’ll say no more,” I condoned. I was angry at them all for being silent, for not caring.
But I was wrong.
“Araja!” Cloudbreaker interjected suddenly, “Do not set aside your convictions! He calls himself a man of Justice, but he advocates Injustice here! You hear me Grendel?” the Goliath shouted at him, before softly saying, "Do you not see Araja? This man will lead us all astray in the name of false truths. Grendel is no better than the Elder."
“You dare say I’m advocating injustice?” Grendel snarled.
“Yes!” Cloudbreaker thundered, “Perhaps some of the villagers crucified that man, but it would not have been all of them. What about the women and children? You would kill children because of the sins of their parents? That makes you a monster no worse than the creatures we fought in the bowl!”
Cloudbreaker began to shake as though he was about to lose control.
“Attacking these people, burning down their village, burning down their crops... Those are the actions of a coward! I defy you to explain to me Grendel. How are you a crusader of Justice?!"
Grendel removed his helmet. Underneath was a hard face that had seen years of troubles, or so it seemed. Scars marred the once flawless skin.
"Cloudbreaker, you are of strong arm and I respect you for that. But if we wish to protect innocent life, we must remove the factors taking it. What happens to the next group of wanderers who stumble from these hills? Are these villagers going to believe another similar group, who may not be as armed as we are?
“Your idealism is admired Goliath, but unfortunately in a world such as this it has no place. If you wish to call me weak, cowardly, and a servant of injustice you must do so in much more direct terms! Prove to me that these people will not continue to kill! Only then I will do nothing.”
Grendel then returned his helmet to his head, hiding the stern look he bore. I did not like his reasoning. I saw a little of my past in him, except I was merciful while he punished those for crimes that others committed.
Cloudbreaker was still shaking next to me. I didn’t want him to be so angry. It wasn’t becoming of the gentle person he displayed to me that day. So I cautiously placed my hand on his arm. I could feel him look at me.
“Thank you hajarikn Cloudbreaker,” I said softly. I looked him in the eyes before looking away. A smile stole across my face before I let go of his arm. I was grateful for his support, I was also embarrassed for being so bold as to reach out and lay my hand on him. Perhaps it’s my imagination, but I’m certain it helped some. He seemed to calm and not shake much.
I walked away not lingering on what just happened between us. You can’t allow yourself to get attached! I reminded myself as I walked to Lash. I wanted to ask her if she could receive guidance from her deity. I also wanted to keep my word and say no more.
As I approached her I could hear the men continue, Trickfoot jumping in.
“Grendel, you speak as if you have no free will and no emotion,” the old Gnome condoned, “I've heard horror stories of your order. Stories that parents tell children to make them behave. Justice is not black and white. Every situation differs from the next.
“I too agree with Araja. They are making assumptions about us just as you are about them. They see these marks and they assume we are here to rain death upon them. Guess what? If we burn down this field, they are right. The worst crime they have committed is being ignorant, which is far less of a crime than what your order has done in the past,” Trickfoot clipped out. I became enthralled with their continued debate that I forgot what I was going to ask Lash for a moment.
Cloudbreaker looked to Trickfoot.
“That is curious, Trickfoot,” he muttered almost to himself, “And from what I’ve seen and heard tonight, I don’t disbelieve what you’ve said either.
“Now Grendel, you want proof?” Cloudbreaker said menacingly to the crusader, “I will go get it for you. I will go unarmed and without my armor and prove to you these folk are just scared and not the threat you make them out to be.”
“No!” I hoarsely shouted. Eyes focused on me once more, ”I mean, I'll go with. Having had a past with the mark, I might be able to help convince these folk. Perhaps we could start with the few over there. They might listen better seeing they are small in numbers.”
“Heavens! Are you all insane?” Grendel finally snapped, “Do none of you follow or listen to the law? Absolute law demands Justice from these people. They have violated absolute law by killing innocence. Will you absolve them of their crimes because they are afraid? You may call me a monster, you may call my order monsters, but at least we are willing to keep the balance of life and have Justice reign!”
"The law? What law Grendel!?” the Goliath roared. I looked toward the canyon mouth to see if the folk there noticed. We hadn’t been particularly quiet, but Cloudbreaker’s outburst was very loud and was certain to have been heard.
“These people have not hurt us yet! And how do you know that the crucified man was innocent? He could have been a thief, a rapist, a murderer. He might have actually attacked the village! By your reasoning, his crucifixion could have been Just!”
The shaking returned to Cloudbreaker. I knew he was moments from losing control especially as he made his last statement, “I will not stand by and watch a weak man, a coward, condemn children! Never again will I allow an innocent child to die by my hand or any other's!"
My heart went out to the Goliath. I knew exactly how he felt. Part of me wanted to know who the child was he killed... but at the time, it was irrelevant and too personal for me to pry.
I then watched Cloudbreaker slowly reach behind his back to grab his sword. Everything in my being wanted to stop him. Not that I disagreed with his desire to take Grendel out for his skewed sense of Justice, but because it didn’t seem right. Let alone I didn’t want what was happening escalate into a fight. Weren’t we suppose to be working together? Was this going to turn into that day in Rehm?
Part of me wonders why I felt so strongly to stop them. They weren’t my family or friends. I had no connection to them. Cloudbreaker had been the only one to support me. It must have been that. I wasn’t intervening out of the interest of them both, it was out of my determination to protect Cloudbreaker for validating my stand.
“Stop it! Both of you!” I shouted at them. I moved back toward them, positioning near them, but not between them, “This contention cannot happen! Remember, first and foremost we are all marked! We all were placed in that bowl for a reason!
“Cloudbreaker,” I spoke gently. I thought about reaching out to him again, but I stayed my hand, feeling I would be overstepping personal boundaries that time, “Don't taint your good just because we don't see eye to eye him. Don't let your anger consume you either.
“Grendel,” I said, turning my body toward him. I was about to disclose some ugly, but this was my last effort to convincing him. If I made it personal, perhaps he’d see some reason to give the villagers a chance, “Like I said, I was once like them. I killed marked beings!” I slowly said. Then with trembling lips and frustration for still feeling guilty about what I had done to Meryth, I continued, “I nearly killed my sister because I saw she was marked and feared for her salvation. I thought killing her would save her from a life of darkness. Am I to be slain for my past sins? It wasn't until 7 months ago that I learned marked beings are in control. Even better, they aren't all evil. Granted most who bear this mark are evil for it is their way of showing their alliance with Erythnul. But others, like us, are marked so the good will slaughter them!” I then stilled my tongue for a moment. That was the thing that angered me most; Heironious letting us kill those who were innocent just because they bore the mark.
After a few deep breathes I finished my plea, “I'm taking steps to understand people and their intentions before condemning someone. Think of them like Bal Vyr, Grendel. We need to educate them! Yes there's more of them than us, but they deserve a chance."
“Once more Araja’s right. They are mistaken, not evil. I will not allow you to hurt those people,” Cloudbreaker reiterated. Grendel made no comment. “Fine then!” the GOliath spat,”How about this. I will be the Champion for these people. Will you be the Champion for Justice?”
“Of course,” Grendel clipped out.
“If I win, we take only the boats and leave the villagers unharmed and leave the wheat field alone. If you win, then we’ll do it your way,” Cloudbreaker suggested. My heart sank. What if Grendel slayed the Goliath? No. I knew if Grendel so much as harmed Cloudbreaker, I was going to fight back with all my might.
The two didn’t even get a chance to act when a bolt struck the ground between them.
“Enough you two! You’ll weaken our party if we lose either of you,” Bal Vyr interjected, “Grendel, let us go get your proof. I’ll sneak into the village with a few others. We’ll investigate and go from there,” the Drow said. It seemed odd of him to volunteer himself. Part of me wondered if he had ulterior motives. He had been wanting to kill the villagers earlier... I chose not to care. If he murdered the Elder or the villagers (or all of them) hopefully I’d be none the wiser.
“I’ll give you one hour to do this,” Grendel said, “One hour to convince me or I’m lighting the field on fire.”
“Fine, who’s coming with me?”
“I could,” I suggested though the idea of sneaking into town was unappealing.
“No, you chose to run from a fight. How can I expect you to protect me if a fight came about in the village?” Bal Vyr asked. I held my tongue. Had he already forgotten that I attacked the very creature that was pursuing him in the bowl? The creature I killed by myself?
Cloudbreaker and Trickfoot ended up volunteering to go with him. Bal Vyr then decided to go sneak up on the guards to create a disguise. We all watched. At a distance I couldn’t see Bal Vyr any more, but I did see the guards with their torches. After a minute, one of the torches started to walk in the direction Bal Vyr had wandered off in. Not wanting Bal Vyr to be discovered I whipped out my bag of tricks and chucked a fluff ball.
A boar appeared in front of me. I instructed it to go distract the villagers and pointed in the direction of the torches. Immediately the boar took off. Another minute later Bal Vyr returned. He then put on his disguise and we made our way through the wheat field. A squeal rent the air to which I assumed the villagers killed the boar.
Rustling could be heard over our movements in the wheat field. We froze and waited to see what it was. A few yards away from us we saw the guards carrying someone back to the village. Once they passed we continued toward the river.
After going down river a ways, we tied my rope with Bal Vyr’s and had Cloudbreaker swim across. He then anchored it to a tree in which Trickfoot and Bal Vyr used it to help them get a across. They then took off toward the village leaving Lash, Grendel and myself waiting.
Lash hung onto the rope as we waited. I maintained an eye on Grendel. The wheat field was still behind us. It seemed only 10 minutes had passed since he gave his conditions for proof. Even if they were late, if Grendel so much as made a move to light the wheat field, I was going to stop him.
I began to feel somewhat restless. It didn’t seem like an hour had passed, but surely it was getting close. I wasn’t too concerned about how well they were doing, it was Grendel that made me nervous. I figured if the others were gone another hour, I’d go search for them... but I’d have to subdue Grendel first...
Finally someone came running toward us.
“Grendel!” Cloudbreaker’s voice called out in a loud whisper, “We have you proof!” He stopped in front of the crusader, panting for some breathe, “The villagers, they have been attacked on 2 separate occasions! Marked beings like us have come from the hills and each time have burned their village and wheat down. This is fear they are acting upon. They have a right to be wary of us,” the Goliath informed Grendel.
“You speak words Cloudbreaker, but my clock still stands. I want proof!” Grendel snapped. Cloudbreaker clenched his fists and looked away.
Thankfully Bal Vyr and Trickfoot were shortly behind him in the boats. However as they approached one could hear the commotion taking place behind them. I’d say they barely managed to get out of the village. They grabbed onto the rope Lash was hanging on to and pulled themselves to shore. It turned out to be just one boat and we all had to quickly hop in.
As I made way into the boat I caught sight of Grendel reaching into his pack. Cloudbreaker saw it too and gave the crusader a bear hug. I had summoned a wolverine from my bag of tricks just incase Grendel broke free. If anything, I could have the creature attack Grendel as an added deterrent to his attempt at lighting the field.
Bal Vyr took the flint and steel that Grendel dropped in his struggle with Cloudbreaker. He then chucked the objects into the river. As he did so, we could see the villagers pursuing us. Quickly we all loaded into the boat, I saving some space by getting into Bal Vyr’s bag of holding. I still don’t know if that was wise of me, but since I couldn’t fly, I figured having some alone time would be nice than being crammed onto the boat. Cloudbreaker and Trickfoot were being towed behind. Still, a fully armored man and two average sized beings... we’ll see how long this boat lasts us.
Today really has been one of those long days, but mostly due to the exhaustive debate! I’m livid with Grendel. Why was he so intent? I commend him upholding Justice, but how was it he couldn’t comprehend the variables that played into those villager’s innocence? I don’t know what the others will do with him. I take some solace in knowing he’s not my problem. I say that meaning the others are more likely to deal with him and therefore I can keep my hands clean of murder. Part of me still feels he’s a good man... he just needs to learn how gray everything is. That’s what I had to do... If I hadn’t, I’m sure I’d be dead by now... or highly revered like I once was with my ‘at all costs’ mindset when I first was battling this blasted mark.
I am already weary again of the constant struggle of what is right and wrong. I long for home, for Dijon where my time was most peaceful... but with the mark upon me, I doubt I’ll ever find rest again.
