A Knight of Redemption

          The creature swung its sword at the knight much like a child would swing a stick. It was easily parried. What gnolls lacked in skill however was more than compensated for by their numbers, and today was no different. They were like a pack of wild dogs, timid when alone, but aggressive in numbers. Attacking in waves like water on the shore, they violently advanced, then rapidly retreat. Their goal was to wear their enemies down while picking away at them, slowly but surely though their numbers were falling.

         They wielded all sorts of unkempt weapons, swords, axes, pikes, staves, and even farming tools. Gnolls were scavengers in nature. They took whatever they could find or steal, since they lacked the ability to craft their own weapons. Looking a great deal like a hyena would look if it stood upright, gnolls were a step above animals, but barely; some would even wear clothes.

         They advanced again, weapons swinging wildly with most missing their mark. One sword harmlessly slashed the plate armor protecting the knight’s torso while a staff bashed his shin guard. Once again they retreat.

         Abian chose to take the offensive, charging as they fell back. His sword a blur of motion, each swing causing enemy blood to flow, each wound a mortal one. The Gnolls were completely taken off guard with the ferocity of the attack, most turned to flee only to be cut down in the attempt.

         Moments later only one remained, it clutched its spear as if it were its very link to life. It backed away wanting to run but afraid to turn its back on the knight.

         Abian quickly advanced, sword raised to cut the creature down. It scrambled to get away but tripped. As the sword plunged towards the gnoll, it raised its spear in defense and caught Abian under his arm. Already committed to the attack he couldn’t help but impale himself on the spear, but his sword found its target.

         Standing as still as a statue, his sword embedded in the skull of the gnoll with the gnoll’s spear penetrating him. He knew the first move he made would send pain shooting through him and decided slow movements would be best. He tested his theory by releasing his grip on his sword. There was pain, but it he was able to bear it. He kept his wounded arm suspended in the air as he used his sword-hand to grab the shaft of the spear. He tried to ready himself for what he was about to do next.

         He gripped the spear firmly with one hand for leverage; he then used his legs to propel his body upwards as he twisted his torso away from the weapon. Pain shot through his body like a bolt of lightning, his scream was the thunder while his blood sprayed the ground like rain. Abian felt like he was going to pass out but knew if he did he’d likely bleed to death.

          Rising from the ground, he staggered his way to the body of his fallen steed. He kept his wounded arm pressed closely against him in an attempt to slow the bleeding. With his good arm he reached into one of the saddlebags and pulled out a cloth, which he carefully stuffed into the wound. He stood for a moment surveying the gruesome scene.

         Just a short distance away was a small pond. Abian made his way towards it deciding it would be a good idea to clean up a bit before heading to town. Dried blood was especially difficult to remove from armor.

         Reaching the edge of the water Abian knelt down. Looking at his reflection he saw the toll the battle had taken on him, as well as a frown he didn’t realize he was wearing. A paladin such as himself shouldn’t be in so much pain. With the aid of is matron goddess he should be able to pray for healing. Unfortunately he has long since fallen from her graces.

         He cupped his hand and scooped water onto himself and his armor, running his hand over the contours of the iron plate mail. The blood washed relatively clean, only remaining in some of the deeper scratches.

         Looking at the sky, Abian realized it would be dark before he could make it to town. He took one last look at the ragged and aging man he saw in the pond and then made his way towards the road.

* * *

         The darkness receded as he walked into the welcoming torchlight of the city gates, still favoring his wounded arm.

          “Lords Abian!” said one of the two guards posted at the gate. “Should I get you a healer?” A deep look of concern etched in his face. It was Vesam, a good lad. He was often looking to him for advice. Abian recognized the other guard as one of the men usually on morning guard detail. Not being a morning person, Abain was less familiar with them, usually not wanting to crawl out of bed before mid-day.

          “I’m fine, thanks; I was just heading to the temple.” Abian said.

          “You sure?” Vesam asked.

         Abain nodded, feeling almost too tired to talk.

         Making his way into the city he passed through the trade district. Only a few shops were open at this time, but as usual the pub was busting with business. People were singing and laughing and having a good time without a care in the world. Abian wished life was really as simple as they made it look. The temple was just a little further he told himself.

         Pain still lanced through his arm with every little movement. He tried his best to keep it immobilized as much as he could. On the other hand it was almost like a welcome friend as it filled the void he felt in his soul.

         Reaching the temple he pushed the door open. Candles kept the inner areas of the temple dimly lit, the largest concentration was around the statue of the Lady Elluna. Your eyes couldn’t help but being drawn to her. The smells of incense and sweet oils wafted into his nostrils. They always had a calming effect on anyone entering the temple.

          “You look a mess,” A robed priest said from the shadows. “And you shouldn’t have gone alone, it was very reckless! I’m thoroughly convinced you want to die.”

          “Good to see you too, Brother Hamilax.” Abian said. Hamilax stepped out of the shadows and he obviously wasn’t amused. The priest took another step closer to better examine Abian.

          “You’re wounded!” Hamilax said with obvious shock. “And you can’t heal yourself?” It was difficult to tell if it were a question or a statement.

         “She’s abandoned me.” Abian said softly.

          “Nonsense, the Lady doesn’t abandon her children; it is your faith that is lacking.”

         Abian studied Hamilax for a moment then lowered his eyes. “I don’t know why I do this any more. People don’t seem to care. Nothing seems to change or get better! If I died, would it really matter to anyone?”

          “Those gnolls had already killed one farmer, others were sure to die too. You certainly made a difference in their lives. You've helped more of the townsfolk over the years than I can count the people care more than you realize. And, even if you choose not to believe it, the Lady is watching over you.” Hamilax said.

          “If she cares so much, why can’t I feel it?”

          “The signs are there, you just refuse to see them.”

         The two men studied each other for a moment, then Abian decided to break the silence. “I’m going to head to the tavern and get a drink.”

          “First let me heal your wound.” Hamilax insisted.

         ”No!” Abian said forcefully, his face flushed with anger. Suddenly embarrassed by his outburst his features softened, “I’ll be fine, really. I know you just want to help. I decided I'd rather live with this shame.”

          “You have no reason to feel shamed. All the same, Lady be with you brother.” Hamilax said. Abian turned and left without another word.

         The night seemed a bit more brisk than it had earlier and Abian was alone with his thoughts.

         Suddenly there was a scream nearby, it sounded like a child. Abian rushed in the direction the sound had come from, as he got closer he heard crying. It was coming from Kerik’s house. It was likely his daughter Danielle.

         Abian knocked on the door of the home. A muffled voice asked who it was. “Kerik, it’s Abian. Is everything alright?” A bolt slid back from behind the door and then the door opened.

          “Greetings Abian. It’s Danielle, she just had a bad dream. Why don’t you come in a moment?” Kerik said, then stepped back to allow Abian to enter. Danielle was standing outside her room, face flushed with tears streaming down her cheeks. She looked to be about three now.

          “Hi Danielle, do you remember me? I haven’t seen you since you were the size of a tadpole.” Abian said. She smiled despite herself.

          “Are you a padalin?” she asked.

          “Yes little one, I’m a paladin of the Lady Elluna.” Abian said with a smile, finding humor in the mispronunciations of children. “She sent me to help you. Can you tell me what’s troubling you?”

         She looked back to her room and her fears seemed to return to her. “There are monsters under my bed and they want to get me!” She said. “My daddy chased them away, but they keep coming back.”

         Kerik and Abian shared a smile. “Well tell you what little lady, how about I make them go away for good?” Abian asked.

          “Please mister padalin, can you?” she said, her eyes pleading to him. Abian returned a comforting smile.

          “Okay, I need you and your daddy to stay outside so I can take care of the monsters for you. I need you to be brave because I’m going to shut the door. No matter what you hear, you have to stay outside. A little lady shouldn’t see what I do to monsters, okay?” Abian said. Danielle nodded.

         Abian stepped into the room and closed the door behind him. He then drew his sword as loudly as he could so Dani could hear. “Come out from under that bed, beast!” Abian shouted, and then made a feral growling sound as if it were a response from the creature.

         Abian pushed the bed with his foot causing it to make a scraping sound. Abian gave a little shriek and used the blade of his sword to make scratching sounds on his armor. He heard Danielle gasp outside and he smiled. He then stomped and staggered in mock battle growling and threatening the imaginary beast that was on him. He clashed the flat of his sword to his armor, a jolt of pain made him yell as he reopened his wound a little. Blood started flowing from him again.

          “Run mister padalin!” Danielle shouted from outside the door.

          “Take that, monster!” Abian said as he made a large thump with his foot and another crash of his sword on his armor, this time being more careful of his wound. Sweat was forming on his brow, he wasn’t certain if it was from the pain or the exertion. “And don’t ever return!” he said loudly.

         Abian opened the door and Dani peered in past him. Her eyes opened wide seeing blood stained on the floor.

          “You really killed it!” she said smiling from ear to ear. She then ran to Abian with her arms outstretched for a hug. “Thank you so much mister padalin!”

         Abian bent down to embrace her. As he held her in his arms, he realized his arm no longer hurt. His wound had healed! Tears welled in his eyes and he said, “No little lady, I thank you!”