You’ve just arrived in a swampy, dim town. As you look around, your gaze is met with shacks and cabins. It smells of rotted wood and wet moss. You duck and step into a tattered tent, illuminated by a series of candles suspended in the air. At the back of the tent, an old hag raises her head, “What brings you to this dingy town? she begins, then pauses to study your face—” Ah, it’s you. I’ve been expecting you. Sit,” she gestures at a cushion, “Tell me your story.”
“To spread some good faith, ma’am,” James proceeds to sit cross legged on the cushion with a soft smile.
“Of what religion, sir? There are many trying to do the same, whether it be here or on the outer reaches,” the old hag gestures all around her.
“Kindness ma’am, I’ve seen too much hatred and bloodshed in a young man’s life to justify as a battle-hardened Dwarf,” James’ tone shifted to a serious note as he dragged on. “Any wisdom you can pass on to me would be much appreciated,” James gave a soft head bow.
The old hag chuckled, “Sir, this kind of behavior is rare in this time, it wasn’t in a different time, but for now could see you in peril.”
“I assure you ma’am, I know how to take care of myself, I only wish to see others be able to take care of themselves,” he emphasized for the sake of others.
The Old hag took a long look over him. “Why.” She said sternly.
“My past is not one I am proud of ma’am,” James adjusted slightly. “My father was a ruthless warrior who only sought to conquer others.”
“So how did you end up on this path?” she smiled. Sensing some sort of change of heart for the better of his fellow man.
“We had to go and threaten a local village who was to arrest my father, was supposed to be a simple show of force, get in, scare them and rough them up and get out.” James started. “but of course, it wasn’t that easy. They ambushed us upon entry, and brutally cut us down. I lost close friends that day, but all the townsfolk wanted was to ‘get revenge,’ for what my father did to them.”
The hag closed her eyes to focus on the story, “continue.”
“I was only able to escape because of the chaos, I fled for my life to return as a coward,” James stalled. The silence became deafening, as James took in a deep breath he continued, “I had realized the pain I was causing, my father was causing, and took my banishment from my group as a sign to begin again. To make things right.”
“Has it worked?” The hag raised an eyebrow.
“For me, it has given clarity and a new sense of purpose. For others, I cannot say indefinitely, but I know I have helped and saved many on this new course,” James gave a soft smile to meet the old hag’s eyes as they opened. She gave a smile back, showing some missing teeth due to her declining health in age.
“Let me not keep you from your purpose, James. You have great things to accomplish.”
Caught off guard but staying focused he smiled, “Thank you, may your ability to listen and wisdom guide others after me.” James got up and gave a soft bow of respect.
As James was walking away from the tent, he took a deep breath only to remember the swamp smells that would invade his nostril causing a small cough. The old hag, at the entrance of her tent, let out a small laugh, “Kindness will only get you so far, stand tall, and set the example you wish others to follow.” James nodded and with this encouragement pushed forward to his next act of kindness.
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