The Key of Ban
Overnight the snowstorm changed into heavy rain. The cold winds from the north gave way to a warm front out of the southwest. The heavy snow melted rapidly, creating small steams of water flowing in all directions. The water running off the roofs pounded the ground in a mesmerizing rhythm. This time of year, rain had the special power to infect people with spring fever. The change in the weather brought a transformation in the monks. As they entered the dining hall, their normally stoic expressions gave way to smiles. The quiet, reserved voices of yesterday had been transformed into hearty voices of growing optimism. The monks chattered about cultivating the soil, the new seeds they had received from the south, the building of a new weaving machine, remodeling the west chapel, planting flower beds and weapons practice in the outdoor arena. The completion of these tasks was necessary for the overall survival of the Monastery.
This morning the visitors from the Outlast sat at a table in the corner of the dining room discussing plans for the journey to Neverly. It seemed Earthkin and Pacer had been debating how the rescue team should leave the Wastelands. Earthkin was in favor of departing to the east during the night. Pacer wanted to use a route to the north.
Pacer said in frustration, “The Wastelands are being watched on all sides by Crossmore’s spies. No matter what direction we travel we will be seen and reported. We need to leave the Wastelands in a manner unexpected by the spies. Does anyone have a suggestions how we can do this?”
Brother Patrick said, “Maybe we can create a diversion that would draw Crossmore’s attention away from the real escape route. I could arrange for a company of Warrior Monks to leave Wastelands to the east with covered wagons. It is about time for the Monastery to pick up farm supplies from the Dod Farm. We could have people dressed like us riding in the wagons. It will only be a short trip, but at least it will create confusion.”
Brad nodded his head in agreement.
He commented, “That almost sounds too easy. Are there any weaknesses in this plan?”
Pacer reacted, “I think it is a great plan. The extra guards will give the impression of protecting people in the wagons. I support this plan.”
Brad continued, “We will go with the diversion plan. Now we need to talk about how, where and when, the rescue team will depart.
Coaldon said, “We could travel from the Monastery during the cover of night in the opposite direction from the diversion team. After leaving the Wastelands, we could break up into small groups and travel in disguise? Maybe traveling as vagrants would satisfy our need for obscurity.”
Brad questioned, “What route should you take?”
Before anybody could respond, several Monastery novices delivered two trays heaping with food to their table. The reputation of Monks being overweight was understandable because of the quality of food served by the Monastery. A bell rang in the dining hall, drawing the monk’s attention to the front table. Abbot Hugh stood and signaled for everyone to stand. In a solemn voice, Abbot Hugh ask for a blessing on the food. Abbot Hugh was a short, rotund man with a gentle personality. His round, jolly face was alive with perpetual laughter and smiles.
The room was transformed from words of thanksgiving into the sound of clattering plates and robust conversation. Pork gravy over buttered honey bread was served. The monks enthusiasm indicated this was one of their favorite meals.
After the bountiful breakfast, Brad called the travelers to the library meeting room to finalize their plans. The group waited several minutes for Topple to arrive before starting.
Earthkin grumbled, “Now, where is Topple? Again, he has found something more important to do than attend this meeting.”
Starhood explained, “Topple’s values have been greatly modified over the centuries. The whims of the moment often dominate the focus of his attention. He can easily become engrossed in the sound of the wind blowing through trees, a beautiful sunrise, a bird singing in a tree, children playing games, a bug eating a leaf, or maybe rain water running off a roof.”
With a smile Pacer added, “He follows the beat of a different drummer. His trust in providence fills every fiber of his body. We should not allow his unique personality to cause us to lose sight of his intelligence, wisdom and caring.
After the group finished talking about Topple, Brad stood up. He stated, “Let’s get back to business. I like the idea of a diversion. This will allow the team to travel undetected. I also agree the group should travel under disguise. Now, we need to decide on the route of travel to Neverly. What direction will it be?”
Pacer responded, “We could go north along the slopes of the Black Mountains and take the road from Goobe to Neverly. Another possibility is to travel to Grandy and then travel to Neverly on the North-South Road. Do you have any opinions about these routes?”
Coaldon stood up in an uncharacteristic fashion. He looked around the room with a growing sense of authority and confidence. He stated, “I want to go through Grandy. I think this would be the last place spies would expect to find us. We can travel south out of the Wasteland under the cover of darkness, cross Rolling River and pass through Grandy as homeless seeking employment. We can cover our homely faces with dirt and grime. We can be among the many vagrants looking for a place to find shelter, food and work.”
When Coaldon finished, Earthkin had a frustrated look on his face. He said with a tone of rebuke, “My face is not homely, but attractive and masculine. The rest of you are rather homely, but not me. We can not allow incorrect facts to cause misconceptions.” In a solemn voice Pacer intoned, “Coaldon must stand corrected in his observation. Earthkin’s face is not homely, but he had better watch what he is saying. He is starting to sound like Topple.”
Earthkin’s eyes grew wide. “Now hear this! I may be charming, attractive and witty, but never accuse me of acting like Topple. I am a dwarf. I am not absent minded and irresponsible.”
Brad interjected, “Earthkin, what disguise do you want to use while traveling? It will be difficult to cover up the fact that you are a dwarf.”
Brother Patrick in a relaxed manner said, “Earthkin could act as a slave. A chain around his neck and ring in his nose would add credence to the disguise.”
Earthkin was disgusted at the thought of being a slave. Everyone could see a tinge of anger ripple through his body. Yet in Earthkin’s mind, he knew it was a good idea. After a moment of quiet contemplation, he said, “I will do it, but only if I am not a slave to Topple. That would be too much for me to handle.”
In a tone of moderation Brad said, “I believe Topple is the only person who can play the role of a slave master. No one else has the character to convince people you are a slave. It may be challenging, but I believe it would be best.”
Earthkin stared at the floor for a long time. He knew Brad was correct. He would need to convince himself that the rescue of Noel was worth the price he would pay. He finally said, “Brad, you and I will need to talk to Topple before I will say yes. This will be a sacrifice beyond the normal call of duty. I do not want to blow my cover because Topple over does it.”
Brad responded, “That sounds good to me. I want the team to be ready to leave tomorrow night. I will talk to Abbot Hugh about sending out a wagon as a diversion. I bask in the dream of meeting my granddaughter and sending Crossmore a message concerning our intentions to defeat him. I take great pride in knowing each of you is willing to risk your life for my family and the Empire.”
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The Journey Begins