[Mkguild] Sir Edmund Duplicate

[Kit]

This was a quite interesting story and I think it's one of the better done
impersonation scenes I've read in some time. Somehow it just felt more
realistic than others in which the protagonist fools them without a hitch
even when they panic inside. I can't point to what did it, but it was there.
On a side note, the swine flu was an amusing touch and I must say I enjoyed
the inserted daydream of Misha's.

On Fri, Jun 19, 2009 at 10:55 PM, Stealth <stealthcat15 at gmail.com> wrote:

> Given the theme, this was originally going to be more of a slapstick
> story but it became more serious as I began writing. On that note I
> don't know how plausible this is.
>
> Sir Edmund Duplicate
> Copyright (c) 2009 Michael Nastov
>
>
>        =93TEW!=94 The feline sneezed violently.
>
>        =93Do you need anything?=94 Stealth asked, covering his muzzle.
>
>        The paladin took air in haggard breaths as he trembled under the
> sheets, =93More wood...=94
>
>        Stealth turned to the hearth and quickly threw more logs onto the
> fire. Edmund=92s quarters were already quite toasty, Stealth didn=92t mind
> though Bridgette showed signs of discomfort. As she panted, the maned
> wolf helped Edmund with his chamber pot. Not that he felt the call but
> he couldn=92t let his muzzle stray far from the pot for fear that he=92d
> make a mess on the bed with the chicken soup that Bridgette fed him
> earlier.
>
>        The door suddenly opened and revealed a troubled fox.
>
>        =93How is he?=94 Misha asked from the door, his arms and legs spre=
ad out
> as if he were about to bolt off somewhere.
>
>        =93Misha close the door!=94 Stealth ordered sharply.
>
>        =93Oh! Sorry.=94 He slammed the door shut behind him.
>
>        =93Misha! Gently, no loud noises!!!=94 The feline lectured.
>
>        =93Oops!=94 The vulpine=92s ears folded and his eyes widened, a lo=
ok
> Caroline was long familiar with.
>
>        Edmund coughed into the chamber pot, his chest compressed itself to
> squeeze out every last drop of fluid from his system, crushing his
> lungs and leaving him struggling for breath. Bridgette whimpered and
> rubbed his back. She could feel his heart beating rapidly and as a
> cheetah Ed already had a rapid heart beat...
>
>        =93This is not good.=94 Misha mumbled under his breath. =93The old=
 man
> will
> be here within the hour.=94
>
>        =93Old man?=94 Stealth asked, =93His father?=94
>
>        =93No, an important noble from the south is heading to the keep to
> negotiate a treaty for trade, something to do with Starvin and some
> other places in the north.=94 Misha whispered as Edmund retched and
> heaved for breath, =93He wants to meet Edmund.=94
>
>        =93What?=94 Stealth asked surprised, =93What does Ed have to do wi=
th trade
> routes?=94
>
>        =93The old man knows about Edmund. He=92s a devout follower and he=
=92s
> heard of the =91great paladin who sacrificed his humanity=92 to help lost
> souls.=94
>
>        =93Oh.=94 Stealth said softly, =93What if we get him up and about,=
 you
> know
> =96 some fresh air. Can we fix him something from Pascal?=94
>
>        =93No!=94 Bridgette said sharply, her muzzle turning the same dire=
ction
> as her erect ear, =93Edmund is sick. He=92s staying here so I can look
> after him.=94
>
>        Stealth nodded with his mouth agape, the feline turned his head do=
wn
> in shame.
>
>        =93What will happen if I do not attend?=94 Edmund asked in a faint
> voice.
>
>        Misha shrugged, =93He=92s quite old and he travelled here... I thi=
nk
> someone might have mentioned a meeting with you to secure these
> talks.=94
>
>        =93Just how important are these talks?=94 Stealth asked as Edmund =
began
> another coughing fit.
>
>        Misha took a deep breath, =93Let=92s just say we=92re in a bad way=
 right
> now. The keep needs friends and resources bad.=94
>
>        =93And we can=92t bring him in here.=94 Stealth added, =93If he=92=
s old and he
> gets sick it could kill him.=94
>
>        =93How did he get sick?=94 Misha suddenly asked.
>
>        Stealth gritted his teeth, =93A swine coughed several times direct=
ly
> in
> his face!=94
>
>        =93Ah... some repugnant person, eh?=94
>
>        Stealth blinked, =93No, Misha, a pig. A swine gave him the flu.=94
>
>        Edmund finally began to rest, for the time being his body was free
> of
> torment and he was exhausted. Bridgette applied a wet hand towel to
> his forehead and licked him gently on the cheek, resting her head near
> his.
>
>        Misha turned from the ill knight to the courier and pulled him in
> close, =93how well do you know Ed?=94 He asked in a whisper.
>
>        =93What do you mean?=94 Stealth whispered softly.
>
>        =93I mean how well do you know Edmund as a person, how familiar are
> you
> with his... mannerisms...?=94
>
>        Stealth blinked and then gasped, =93Misha... that will never work!=
=94 He
> said in a harsh, soft voice.
>
>        =93Why not? It=92s not like this person has ever met Ed, also he=
=92s old,
> he can be convinced and there=92ll be several people supporting you
> ready to bail you out.=94
>
>        Stealth bared his fangs at the fox, =93I-cannot-pass-for-a-PALADIN=
!=94
>
>        The vulpine=92s gray, slit eyes bore into the feline, =93You can. =
You
> are
> the ONLY one who can...=94
>
>        The cheetah dragged the fox out of the room and closed the door
> behind him, when he was convinced they were out of earshot Stealth
> said, =93You=92ve lost it this time Misha. You=92ve REALLY lost it. March=
ing
> into Nasoj=92s citadel suddenly seems sane in contrast.=94
>
>        =93This isn=92t hard!=94 Misha shot back, =93You put on his clothe=
s, meet
> the
> noble, talk pleasantly to him about how nice it is to be at Metamor,
> about the haunted woods or whatever, then tell him some stuff about
> Eli and being a Follower. Then he talks to the duke. You leave and
> never see him again. It=92s easy and it will work.=94
>
>        =93And what if I have to answer complex questions about obscure bi=
ble
> text or use my =91divine powers=92 to cure him?=94
>
>        =93Improvise! You=92ve talked to Edmund enough to understand the b=
asics
> of being a Follower. If all else fails make some vague and confusing
> parable. Priests and paladins are always good at that!=94
>
>        Stealth crossed his arms, =93Don=92t get me started...=94
>
>        Misha grinned, =93And I will stay nearby to help you if things get
> sticky.=94
>
>        =93But what if someone says, loudly, =93hey, Stealth, What are you=
 doing
> dressed up like Edmund?=94=94 Stealth asked, throwing his voice to sound
> like a mock-moron.
>
>        Misha shook his head, =93That=92s just silly. No one will say that=
!=94
>
>        The cheetah sighed and pondered, =93...what=92s in it for me?=94
>
>        =93Ah...=94 The fox began, =93Friendship?=94
>
>        Stealth pouted and then grinned slightly, =93Damn you.=94
>
>        Misha laughed, =93Have you ever known me to be stingy with my mone=
y?=94
>
>        Stealth looked at the door to his sick friend=92s chambers, =93Wha=
t do
> we
> tell him? ...should we tell him? Or do you just want to sneak back in
> and nick his garb?=94
>
>        =93We need to tell him.=94 Misha said solemnly, =93...Afterwards.=
=94
>
>        Stealth nodded, =93And what if I change my mind?=94
>
>        Misha shrugged. =93I will not force you to do anything but we need
> your
> help=94 He answered and opened the door before the cat pulled him back
> by the shoulder.
>
>        =93What if we=92re exposed?=94 He asked coldly.
>
>        The fox shrugged, =93It wouldn=92t be as black and white as that; =
the
> Duke has an army of word smiths who can spin any political situation
> around.=94 He answered and opened the door again.
>
>        After they closed the door behind them Stealth stood back near the
> fire place. Looking at the prostrate figure in the bed he suddenly
> felt very ashamed.
>
>        Edmund was snoozing lightly in the bed with Bridgette close by. She
> almost looked up at them defensively as if they=92d come to take him
> away.
>
>        =93We need to borrow some things.=94 Misha said softly to the maned
> wolf.
>
>        =93Do what you need to do but don=92t wake him.=94 The canine mumb=
led.
>
>        Misha went directly to the wardrobe but Stealth approached Edmund.
> As
> the vulpine searched through the paladin=92s clothing Stealth kneeled
> down next to the bed and placed his hand on Edmund=92s.
>
>        =93Get better, Ed.=94 He whispered.
>
>        He looked up at Bridgette who nodded and then he stood up again,
> rejoining with the fox who now had a bundle of the Paladin=92s more
> regal-looking clothes.
>
>        Before they departed Stealth turned back to the prone figure and t=
he
> adjoining canine who had an unreadable look in her eyes. Perhaps she
> regarded them as scavengers and vultures =96 Stealth certainly felt like
> one.
>
>        Misha suddenly chipped in, =93We know it=92s dishonest but we have=
 no
> choice. He was promised an audience with Ed to secure trade talks. If
> we break that promise we will loose a treaty, one that we need right
> now.=94
>
>        Bridgette shrugged and didn=92t answer. She couldn=92t care less a=
bout
> treaties right now...
>
> ------
>
>        They had about an hour to prepare. With a little effort Stealth
> shifted his plantigrade legs up to digitigrade and then donned
> Edmund=92s attire. Standing on his toes, his body was almost a perfect
> copy of Edmund=92s though he wobbled considerably at first.
>
>        Misha preformed two rehearsals with the cat in which he played the
> Baron. In that time he also summoned Terrant. The Paladin=92s second in
> command was fooled... for about a second until she looked into his
> eyes. Misha eventually explained the situation and managed to talk her
> into assisting.
>
>        Now they stood in a hall, waiting, practicing, waiting...
>
>        Duke Thomas paced back and forth on his hooves. He stopped, looked
> at
> the cheetah, and continued pacing. With some chagrin they discovered
> that Thomas could also see through the disguise. He was not happy.
>
>        To the untrained eye the feline looked every bit a Paladin. He wore
> a
> green vest with a large follower cross emblazoned on the front, a Yule
> tree hanging down from his neck and the steady visage of a casual yet
> regal leader. To the trained eye, Stealth was stiff, his eyes were
> dilated, his heart rate hectic and his tail thrashed about.
>
>        The fox elbowed him, =93You=92ll be fine so relax and stop fidgeti=
ng.=94
> He
> ordered in a whisper.
>
>        Stealth licked his nose and took deep breaths, =93If this doesn=92t
> work,
> I=92ll kill you.=94
>
>        =93Wait in line.=94 Thomas mumbled.
>
>        =93Lord Marcus Von Claiborn approaches.=94 A page called out.
>
>        =93No backing out now.=94 Misha whispered.
>
>        =93Thanks for the reminder.=94 Stealth anxiously whispered back as=
 the
> double doors on the far end of the hall opened.
>
>        A small procession entered the hall, amidst them was a man of
> advanced years dressed in fine attire. Time ground to a halt as the
> man approached. Stealth breathed a sigh of relief when the nobleman
> first allowed himself to be greeted by the duke, the conversation
> didn=92t last long though, and then the procession continued to where
> the cheetah stood.
>
>        The two parties just stood and stared at each other for a long
> moment
> until one of the Duke=92s aides, standing behind the visitors, began
> flailing his arms at the cheetah to speak.
>
>        =93Lord Von Claiborn.=94 Stealth said regally and stiffly, =93It i=
s an
> honour to meet you.=94 He bowed, =93I am Sir Edmund Delacot.=94
>
>        The horse lord bit his lips and stood back, hidden underneath the
> robes his hand formed a fist.
>
>        Von Claiborn smiled tiredly, =93Sir Edmund, It=92s good to finally=
 see
> you.=94 The old man held out his hand and the feline clasped it, =93Tell
> me,=94 The noble began and leaned in, =93Did you ever do my son that
> favour he asked of you all those years ago?=94
>
>        Everyone in the room except the Merchant and his entourage
> stiffened.
>
>        Stealth looked at Thomas who looked back and shrugged in response.
>
>        =93Could you remind me?=94 Stealth asked him.
>
>        The man grinned, =93You know the task I speak of.=94
>
>        The cheetah did his best to look casual and answered, =93Forgive m=
e,
> I=92ve assisted many in their time of need.=94
>
>        The old merchant looked taken aback, =93I didn=92t think it would =
be
> difficult to remember such a thing, it was quite important to him.=94
>
>        =93It is always important, no matter how small or great the task.=
=94
> Stealth gulped.
>
>        The old man pointed scornfully, =93None of that, Sir Ed, I know you
> know the task of which I speak and I can assure you, you weren=92t sworn
> to secrecy. It was very public knowledge at that.=94
>
>        Stealth tilted his head, =93Then I need not delve into the past as
> you=92d already know the answer.=94 The feline felt a moral boost, =91Take
> that, old man=92 he thought to himself with a mental grin.
>
>        Claiborn shook his head, =93It was public knowledge among the comm=
on
> folk but I=92m not one for gossip, so I am asking you, directly.=94
>
>        Stealth reached out mentally for help, also to curse, specifically
> at
> the vulpine next to him, though he received no answer. The cheetah
> pretended to look thoughtful, like he was remembering until he
> answered, =93Let me just say this, I=92m sure that what happened was for
> the best.=94
>
>        The old man smiled sadly and nodded, =93Yes, it was.=94
>
>        Stealth mentally breathed a sigh of relief and held out his arm to
> his right, =93Come, rest your legs, milord. You=92ve had a long trip.=94
>
>        =93I thought you=92d never ask.=94 The merchant sighed and began to
> shuffle
> off in the offered direction.
>
>        It took a moment but Von Claiborn was eventually seated in a
> comfortable chair in a small but well appointed chamber. To either
> side of the old man sat his aides. Stealth sat opposite with Misha to
> his left and Terry to his right.
>
>        =93Do tell me, Sir Knight, who are your two... attendants?=94
>
>        The feline motioned with his hand to his left, =93This is Sir Misha
> Brightleaf, knight commander of the b-=94
>
>        =93Forgive me for interrupting.=94 He said, waving a hand, =93I am=
 curious
> to the relevance of their attendance.=94
>
>        Misha frowned at the old man.
>
>        =93Sir Brightleaf is too a merchant and also a friend; on both
> accounts
> he can claim responsibility for organising this meeting.=94
>
>        =93I thought your Steward, erm, Thalberg had the honours...?=94
>
>        =93The good Steward did help but his role is more... oh dear...=94
> Stealth cringed, eyeing the reptile in the hallway.
>
>        =93His role is more, what, rubber stamp? Bureaucrat? Waste of good=
 tax
> payers=92 gold?=94
>
>        Stealth leaned forward, =93Sir, he can hear you.=94
>
>        =93Oh, I know. Serves him right for eaves dropping.=94
>
>        Only the morphs in the room could hear the reptilian grumble and
> shuffle away.
>
>        =93I wouldn=92t say eaves dropping, he is a minder for the duke an=
d you
> know how minders of Lords and Ladies are.=94
>
>        =93True, true, speaking of which, who is your fair lady friend?=94=
 He
> asked, motioning to Terrant.
>
>        Stealth regally said, =93This is Sir Terrant Gattaway, my Second in
> Command.=94
>
>        =93You claim a woman to be your second in command?=94 Von Claiborn=
 asked
> scornfully, =93Or is there more to your... relationship?=94
>
>        Misha and Duke Thomas openly gawked at the merchant. Terry hid her
> anger under a veil of indifference while Stealth just tried to figure
> out how to respond. What should he say? What did he want to say? What
> would Ed say? He knew the answer to all three but would he blow any
> chance at a treaty? Most certainly. But could he just =91go with it=92 for
> the sake of the Keep?
>
>        Stealth took several seconds in which his guise began to wain until
> he became resolute and regarded the noble with a hard gaze, =93Marcus
> Von Claiborn.=94 He began in the same way as a parent scolding a child,
> =93Terrant is a fine soldier and every bit as proficient as she was when
> a man. There are changes one must deal with from the curse but it has
> not affected the ability of any of my men or women, if anything it has
> made them stronger and they are still the same people they were
> before.
>
>        =93Any new habits or needs let alone appearance have not changed w=
hat
> my people have always been on the inside.=94 He said loudly, =93And even
> if I wasn=92t FORBIDDEN from sexual activity with another that would be
> between me and them. A private life is one=92s own.=94
>
>        Suddenly, Stealth realised that he was standing and everyone was
> looking at him. The cheetah slowly sat back down and looked patently
> at Von Claiborn.
>
>        The old merchant nodded slowly, =93Indeed. Forgive me Sir Edmund, =
Sir
> Terrant.=94 When he saw the =91Paladin=92 blink he continued, =93I am
> impressed that you defend your people=92s honour. Last time I made a
> similar remark the host agreed with me.=94 Marcus said regretfully.
>
>        =93Oh... your host had a female commander?=94
>
>        =93No, but he held his servants in poor regard.=94
>
>        Stealth nodded. His heart was still racing and he just couldn=92t
> shake
> the feeling that he=92d just evaded a poison arrow.
>
>        =93Tell me sir knight, what do you make of this business in the so=
uth,
> the recent struggles between Lightbringer and Follower?=94
>
>        Stealth shrugged, =93It is a sad fact of life =96 conflict. There =
always
> have been and always will be a war somewhere.=94
>
>        =93Is it the will of the Great one?=94
>
>        Stealth mentally groaned and pondered furiously on how to respond.
> Is
> it? Probably. Though he never did understand how or why a god would
> influence the world to achieve a goal yet punish sinners who=92s crimes
> allowed the plans to come to fruition.
>
>        =93The Great one is mysterious and works in many ways.=94 The feli=
ne
> answered.
>
>        =93Could you subtract some of that mystery and enlighten me in Eli=
=92s
> ways?=94 Marcus persisted.
>
>        The cheetah swallowed a lump in his throat and eventually answered,
> =93No.=94
>
>        Duke Thomas looked wide eyed at the feline.
>
>        =93...no?=94 The merchant asked patently.
>
>        =93I am but Eli=92s servant; I do not know or claim to know his pl=
ans
> for
> us or how they are carried out, no one does.=94 He answered calmly...
> wondering if the old man bought it and cursing his words, him Eli=92s
> servant? Like hell he is!
>
>        =93But Bishop Brehany of Abewyvern claims he knows the Great one=
=92s
> plan.=94
>
>        =93He is mistaken.=94 Stealth said coldly.
>
>        =93But as a bishop he has access to sections of the Canticles that
> common folk and certainly no women, with apologies to Lady Terrant,
> are permitted to see.=94
>
>        Stealth began to glower, =93The Canticles were written by mortals =
like
> Brehany, not by y- not by the Great One.=94
>
>        Terrant suddenly stepped, meaningfully, on Stealth=92s foot.
>
>        Stealth sighed, =93A bishop cannot speak on the behalf of god, just
> interpret and spread his teachings.=94
>
>        =93But the teachings ARE the word of god, how can one spreading th=
em
> not speak on god=92s behalf?=94
>
>        Stealth closed his eyes and silently cursed, =93By using good
> judgement
> and not claiming your words as The words, just an interpretation. In
> the end it=92s up to you and what you believe to be the truth.=94 He
> answered tiredly.
>
>        =93So you cannot tell me?=94
>
>        =93Correct. I did say so a few moments ago.=94
>
>        =93Well if you cannot tell me what you know then you can tell me w=
hat
> you think.=94  The old man persisted.
>
>        Stealth grinned inwardly; he=92d been here before... =93Forgive me=
 but I
> make no presumptions.=94
>
>        The merchant pinched his nose bridge, =93blast it, my dear feline,=
 is
> there nothing you can tell me of, don=92t you have any mind of your
> own?=94
>
>        Stealth glared at him, =93In my experience I=92ve found that those=
 who
> consider themselves experts and take sides are the ones with no minds
> of their own, I am just being honest, not neutral or evasive, just
> honest. If you=92d like we could discuss topics that are more tangible.=
=94
> He offered and quickly fretted if the last word was appropriate or
> would be taken the wrong way, =93You could discuss religion with any
> number of people, why did you whish to meet me?=94
>
>        Marcus nodded, =93You=92ve had dealings with my family in the past=
 as I
> mentioned, but I am curious to why you sacrificed your humanity and
> your freedom to the curse.=94
>
>        The cheetah could faintly hear the fox next to him growl softly
> under
> his breath.
>
>        =93I have not lost my freedom, let alone my humanity to the curse.
> There are many your words would offend.=94
>
>        The old man sat back and made himself more comfortable, =93Then
> forgive
> me again but as you must know by now I=92m not one for political
> correctness. Why did you do it?=94
>
>        =93Because Metamor needs me and I went where I was needed.=94
>
>        =93And why is that?=94 He asked in a bored tone.
>
>        =93To free the souls of the long dead.=94 The feline explained.
>
>        Marcus raised an eyebrow, =93Goodness, this castle is cursed and
> haunted?=94
>
>        =93No, not the Keep but a forest north, bordering the Giant Downs.=
=94
> Stealth answered, =93Long ago it was once the capital of the valley,
> under the Suleiman Empire and it was the first to fall. It is now
> known as Haunted Wood and the spirits of the Suleimans who lost their
> lives that night are trapped there, reliving their last night over and
> over each night.=94
>
>        =93Are they alive or is it a... memory, an image?=94
>
>        =93They are very much alive, trapped between this world and the ne=
xt.=94
> The cheetah answered. =93And before you ask, no I do not know how to
> help them but I will not stop trying until I succeed.=94
>
>        The old man grinned, =93If they are Suleiman then they are unlikel=
y to
> be men of faith but the ones responsible for the death of our
> saviour.=94
>
>        Stealth pinched his nose bridge, =93Lord Claiborn, with all due
> respect
> your tests have since become... transparent.=94
>
>        =93Perhaps but it is still a question many, albeit fools, would as=
k.=94
> He countered.
>
>        =93Yahshua died on the tree long before the empire actually fell a=
nd
> he
> allowed himself to be, so that he=92d become a martyr and spread the
> word of our faith.=94 He silenced the merchant with a forestalling
> finger, =93Ware your question, milord, we=92ve been through this, I do not
> know Eli=92s will and this conversation will lead down a never ending
> spiral.=94
>
>        Terrant cringed, she knew Edmund well, better it seems then Stealth
> did... Stealth=92s atheist and rebellious nature were showing through
> his disguise though he was obviously loosing patience with this man as
> they all were.
>
>        The merchant nodded, =93very well, and this is the reason you conf=
ined
> yourself to this valley... for the rest of your life?=94
>
>        =93Yes. I have much work ahead of me and I must remain here to
> complete it.=94
>
>        =93It doesn=92t bother you that you and a score of your men will n=
ever
> leave this place? Except perhaps the third of your bountiful...
> warriors that=92d make many a strong man happy in the south.=94
>
>        Von Claiborn suddenly doubled over in pain on the table, clutching
> at
> the spot between his legs. As aides began looking around in alarm and
> confusion, Misha slowly lowered his foot-paw back down to the floor.
>
>        =93Misha! Did you just...?!=94 Stealth asked in a loud voice.
>
>        =93Aye, I kicked him in his manly-man-ness.=94 He shrugged, =93A m=
an needs
> to know when to quit.=94
>
>        The fox began wrestling with the Duke=92s guards as the merchant=
=92s
> small entourage began running around in a panic.
>
>        =93What=92s wrong?=94
>
>        Misha blinked.
>
>        =93What=92s wrong with Sir Brightleaf?=94 Von Claiborn asked, poin=
ting to
> the fox.
>
>        Misha blinked out of his vengeful day dream, =93Huh? Oh! Sorry, I =
have
> a lot on my mind.=94
>
>        =93The war and all...=94 Stealth added for him.
>
>        =93As I was saying, for the most part your people won=92t be leavi=
ng,
> doesn=92t that bother you?=94
>
>        =93We have a home now.=94 The feline countered, both with the reas=
oning
> of Edmund and the heated emotion of Stealth, =93Metamor is a good home
> for us, no more wandering about the midlands. We now have a true home
> and people who need us.=94
>
>        =93Indeed! Actually on the matter of need... I have need of you.=
=94
>
>        Misha cringed and shifted his eyes to the Duke and then to Terry,
> neither of them returned the look, their eyes were dead set on the
> cheetah.
>
>        =93How can I help?=94 Stealth asked, trying to sound casual.
>
>        =93My right arm is in constant pain...=94 He answered and held it =
up,
> =93Could you perform a small miracle and heal me with your prayers?=94
>
>        =93Of course.=94 He said and moved forward slightly, =93Show me yo=
ur arm.=94
> Stealth avoided eye contact, knowing that he looked like a frightened
> child, no matter how hard he tried to hide it.
>
>        When the old merchant held out his arm and rolled up his sleeve, t=
he
> feline swallowed a knot and began to probe around his elbow before he
> surprised everyone by saying, =93Oh my... this is... this is infected!=94
>
>         =93Affected by what?=94 The merchant asked in confusion.
>
>        =93No, this is an infection, not a true injury. I cannot heal this=
.=94
>
>        =93Oh? Why not? What is wrong with my arm that a warrior of god ca=
nnot
> heal?=94
>
>        Stealth shook his head, =93This is an infection =96 a bane. It is =
not a
> matter of damage or repairing damage, you need to expunge the bane
> from your body =96 there is nothing to heal here, just remove.=94
>
>        =93I am... possessed? Can you exorcise this evil from my body?=94
>
>        =93Not possession, just a bane that needs to be cleansed from your
> system.=94
>
>        Marcus scratched his head, =93How do I remove this bane?=94
>
>        =93With cleanliness, ointment and a healthy diet!=94
>
>        Marcus laughed warmly, =93Well, it has been pleasurable but I must
> attend to these talks with your Duke before either the curse or the
> grave claims this old merchant.=94 He said, changing the conversation
> from dreaded medical treatment and dietary needs...
>
>        Stealth smiled, =93Of course. It has been a pleasure milord, I too
> must
> attend to my tasks.=94 He said and quickly stood up.
>
>        =93What tasks are those?=94 The merchant casually asked.
>
>        Stealth gagged, =93I... I have a dear friend who is very ill. I mu=
st
> tend to him.=94
>
>        Marcus looked into the feline=92s eyes before he nodded, =93Aye...=
 aye,
> I
> understand. Then please don=92t let me keep you.=94
>
>        =93Thank you, good day.=94 The cheetah said as the human and vulpi=
ne
> practically whisked him away.
>
> ------
>
>        Once they were out of sight and ear shot Stealth practically
> collapsed into a trembling heap.
>
>        =93Did it work?=94 He mumbled from the ground.
>
>        Terrant firmly grabbed the feline and pulled him up, =93Aye, I don=
=92t
> see why not.=94
>
>        =93I told you it was easy.=94 Misha said.
>
>        =93EASY?!=94 He shouted.
>
>        Misha winced but nodded, =93Easy. You handled that well. You did a
> fine
> job, Spots.=94
>
>        Stealth pouted but then began to grin and blush.
>
>        =93Now let=92s get you out of these clothes.=94
>
>        Stealth nodded. The uniform smelt strongly of his friend and every
> time he took a whiff he was reminded of what a big fraud he was.
>
>        As Terrant collected the clothing she smiled... and looked away fr=
om
> the handsome, scantly clad morph, =93Stealth, thank you for what you
> said in there.=94
>
>        The cheetah smiled shyly, =93It=92s the truth and I really meant i=
t.
> Don=92t Paladins have to tell the truth?=94
>
>        She laughed but then sobered, =93Speaking of which, each of us have
> some explaining to do.=94
>
>        Stealth sighed and grimaced as he replaced his tunic.
>
> ------
>
>        Sunlight streamed into the room when the door opened. Feeling
> reserved, Stealth entered and closed the door behind him. He was
> relived to see Edmund sitting up awake.
>
>        =93Ed! How do you feel?=94 He asked, quickly approaching his bedri=
dden
> friend.
>
>        =93Better then I did this morning.=94 The paladin answered tiredly.
>
>        Bridgette fed him chicken soup, due to his muzzle it looked like Ed
> was being fed in much the same way that a bird would take in water =96
> tilting his head up to consume each spoonful.
>
>        Stealth kneeled beside the bed and tried to form the words to what
> he
> wanted to say, =93Ed I... I just wanted to see how you were doing.=94
>
>        The ill knight nodded, =93Thank you.=94
>
>        Stealth sighed and turned his head down.
>
>        =93And the other matter?=94
>
>        The feline bit his lip and remained silent, he felt as if the
> paladin=92s eyes were boring into his soul, albeit as heavy as his
> eyelids were.
>
>        =93I won=92t force you to discuss anything you don=92t want to my =
friend
> but I=92d say you have something on your mind.=94
>
>        =93Yeah, I just think I need more time. Now that I think about it I
> might need to wait till you=92re feeling better.=94 He said and stood up,
> turning briefly to the canine, =93You=92re doing a good job, Bridgette.=
=94
> He said and stroked her cheek prompting the maned wolf to tail wag
> slightly.
>
>        =93Alright,=94 Edmund answered softly, =93What of the merchant? Wa=
s he
> disappointed?=94
>
>        Stealth flinched and stood frozen, half way to the door... =93I do=
n=92t
> know.=94 The cheetah mumbled, =93I hope not, he=92s still talking to the
> Duke and his aides.=94
>
>        Edmund nodded, =93We can only hope.=94
>
>        His ears were folded and his tail swayed about but Stealth could
> only
> hope his body didn=92t give him away as he rushed to the door and closed
> it behind him.
>
>        The feline headed down the hall, his head angled down as he, at the
> same time hoped for and dreaded Edmund=92s full recovery.
>
>
> Sir Edmund Duplicate
> Copyright (c) 2009 Michael Nastov
>
> _______________________________________________
> MKGuild mailing list
> MKGuild at lists.integral.org
> http://lists.integral.org/listinfo/mkguild
>
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