which she is now wearing.” Alister warmed his hands and finished his beer. Another was placed in front of him, just in case.
“So, now Lucinda was a full blown paladin, the Paladin of War, but she had to learn the rules. This is how she found out.
‘So, I can go beat up Obidaan now, smite him like he did me?’
‘Not exactly,’ said Lord War, ‘there are rules you must follow. He didn’t exactly smite you as much as you gave up. As a paladin, you answer only to your gods, not to kings, queens, emperors, or the local law. In some places, you may be the law, dispensing paladin justice. You can’t do it half—cocked and you can’t go doing things simply because you want to. But there are differences between you and Obidaan, rest assured.’
‘The first rule of paladinhood is No paladin may harm another. To help enforce this rule, as a courtesy, you will buy a round for another paladin if you both find yourselves in such establishments.’ Lady War was reading the list. ‘Second, if a paladin gives their word on something, it is binding. Now here is where you and Obidaan differ. Obidaan must keep to the letter and spirit of his word; you need only keep to the letter. So guard your promises carefully. Third, No paladin may server as ruler or other recognized authority. You are above all mortal laws.’” Alister stopped at this point, and stood up. “There’s more, but these are all the relevant points. Thank you and have a pleasant afternoon.”
Alister stood there for a few moments. The crowd was in stunned silence, no one had heard this story before and it was taking a while to sink in. Then a lone applause was heard. It was Lucinda, now standing.
“You truly are an expert on paladins.” She stopped clapping so she could talk, “No one has gotten it right before. I am the Paladin of War, not Death. Everyone gets it wrong and I don’t bother to correct them. You’re the first one to get it right. It seems I underestimated you. Thank you.” She began applauding again. This time the whole place erupted. Alister bowed, holding out his hat, people threw coins onto the stage. After collecting them he made his way back to the group.
“That was an amazing story, Alister.” Mordechi said, “I had no idea. So truly no one chooses their paladinhood, even the evil ones.”
“Especially the evil ones.” Alister quipped, “Unlike those on the side of good, they are usually asked and feel an obligation many on the side of evil are blackmailed into it. Neither wants to do it but feel better them than someone else. Right, Obidaan?”
“Exactly. Still I can’t help feeling somewhat responsible,” Obidaan was on his third ale now.
“OK, let me put this to bed for you,” Alister said and looked him dead in the eye, “she was going to be chosen. All the gods were doing were waiting for the right moment. The only thing you provided was that moment. Had it not been then it was coming; they were just waiting for the appropriate time to make a dramatic entrance.”
Obidaan’s new power indicated Alister was not lying or embellishing like he was on stage. A wave of relief came over Obidaan and he smiled for the first time since he saw Lucinda in the pub. “Thank you, Alister. I appreciate that.”
“About time,” Terry said, “Well looks like they’re going to lighten the mood around here, here comes a band.” The band struck up. “Let’s dance. Mordechi, would you care to dance?”
Mordechi had been enjoying his day, no sense in it ending now. “I’d love to.” They went to the middle of the bar and began dancing. Soon Obidaan and Relina and others couples joined in.
“Hit the dance floor, buddy,” Alister said to Don, “Lots of lovely ladies around.”
“Maybe later.”
“Suit yourself,” Alister hopped out of his chair. There were several ladies he could have chosen but he had one obvious choice in mind. Heading over, he bowed and asked, “Would you care to dance, my lovely?”
“I
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