[center][h2]~Eclipse~[/h2][/center]
[i]Town of Greenwood, Ralda
Featuring: Percival, Johannia, Sir Oswyn.
Special thanks to [@ZB1996].[/i]
[center][h3]"Pawns of the Gods"[/h3][/center]


As Eclipse had predicted, the rains grew heavier during the night. He had been wise to elect to tarry within the Dwarven tunnel where it was dry. There was little available for a fire, but the air was warm enough. He had blankets, one for himself and one for his horse, who reluctantly folded its front limbs down and flopped uneasily on the firm ground beside him once it had been unburdoned. No other travelers came through during the night, as to be expected for such gloomy weather, but the constant drone of rain eventually faded to near silence. Eclipse slept. He didn't get many hours, but he didn't need it, he hadn't been fighting.

With a prayer and a fist over his heart, he rose to greet the dawn, grateful to see a drier day opening up before him. He had memorized a lot of prayers. The tome at his side was more of a comfort now than a necessity, but it was useful for sharing with others. This one was to Nidanke, goddess of the land, for good fortune during travel, but also for guidance to where he was most needed. He brushed down the grey gelding, who's coat was now mostly white with age, and checked its feet. The animal was sound, but would need to graze to keep its strength up. "The town's not far from here." Eclispe spoke to it softly. "The stable will have grain, and a nice bed of straw for you to lay down in. I suppose I wouldn't mind some straw of my own either." He smiled and secured the last saddle bag. The two rode on once more.

The countryside was breathtaking in the morning sunlight. Instead of forests, the land was shaped by rolling hills and grasses, with individual wolfwood trees spotting the view here and there. Wind favored the hilltops, and small streams sang their splashy songs in the valleys. Shortly, the lone knight came upon a clear roadway, a hardened path where the earth was marred by frequent use. Farmland took over where grasses had formerly dominated, and Eclipse could see the first barns and marks of civilization coming into view. He smiled and waved as he passed the first townsfolk, yet his greeting was not returned. "Strange," he thought, as he began to percieve a coldness from these people as he entered the town. People seemed to eye him up and down at first, immediately aware that he was a stranger before deciding he was anything else. His armor undoubtedly would have been intimidating, but his white cloak spoke peace as it flapped gently beside him, identifying him as a knight of the church. Bandits would probably have chosen darker shades, or so Eclipse had hoped.

A child ran screaming as the knight walked his horse into the stable. Eclipse hesitated in order to spare the little one any fear. He paid for a day of keep for his horse and settled on his plans. Something untoward had happened to this town, and he was intent on finding out what. Of course, the local church would be able to fill him in and might even make use of him before he left again for Nyhem. He would seek their report as soon as he had eaten something himself. Perhaps there would be more news circulating at the inn as well. What was the name of it again? The Grand Old Lion?

-----

Having stripped himself of his gauntlets, helm, and thrown a simple tabbard over his armor, Eclipse looked more like a town guard than the fierce soldier of the gods that he was. He descended to the ground floor of the inn, into an open tavern with a warm smile, his flowing golden hair loose, and his sword but a silent memory beneath his cloak. In this way, he kept any intimidation to a minimum. One caught more flies with honey, and Eclipse intended to gather information.

The townsfolk in here were mostly regulars, more of them eating at this time of day than drinking. The holy knight chose a table in the middle of the room where a savy eye would recognize him for what he was. Food would come, and while he waited, he listened. 

The blonde knight thanked the woman who had brought over his meal, grateful as well to the land that provides. He ate quietly, listening to the sounds of the hearth. Eating was a necessity that all people shared, from the smallest babe to the burliest man, and in the expression of common need was a spiritual unification of all under the gods. Eclipse recognized the pervading sense of calm, of peace, in this homely place.

He finished and then began to stack his plates and clean his own table. Seeing this, a busboy rushed over to intervene. "That won't be necessary, erm, sir knight." The young man hesitated on how to address Eclipse once he saw the fine armor underneath the white tabbard. He began to clear the table. "Patrons have no need to clean up after themselves. Fair coin is all that will be necessary. Was everything to your satisfaction?"

Eclipse sat back down. "Why thank you, my good man. You'll find my payment is on the table. The food was good indeed. I would return again should my travels take me back through Ralda." He watched the youth at his labor, strong hands, fair skin, and lean. The lad was vigilant, hard working, thereby likely an honest man. Surely he would do well in life. "Gods' blessings my friend. Could I tarry you for but a moment?"

The busboy straightened. He had duties to get to, but this knight's smile was captivating. Curiosity won out.

Eclipse was glad to see he had an ear. "Greenwood has changed since my last venture here. No one is on the roads, I see no children playing outside. Has there been a battle?"

Plates in hand, the young man frowned. "We've had a terrible problem with bandits from the north, my lord. They've robbed our banks and stores, broken into homes, and done worse than steal. We've asked for aid, but with the war against Lord Manshrew going on, the king, King Duncan De Remier, supposedly cannot spare the men to defend us. It's come down to every man protecting their own in Ralda, please don't take offense."

"Oh none taken my friend. You have done well to inform me, and I deeply sympathize. I am Eclipse, Knight of Klebirthy, and I will personally raise my arms in defense of this town so long as I am here. I go now to the temple for clerical reasons, but I will inquire as to their resources while I am there. Though Kings and Lords may falter, the Gods will never abandon their faithful. Take heart in this, my friend." Eclipse touched the man's shoulder reassuringly as he spoke.

The busboy nodded, but looked uncertain. Eclipse easily read the guilt in his eyes as he glanced aside. The knight hesitated, considering what demon plagued this innocent soul. He spoke softly. "I wonder... I see doubt in your eyes. Do not fear. You cannot hide it from me. What is on your mind?"

"Forgive me, Sir." The man was exactly as Eclipse had gathered, honest. "It's just that, well there have been rumors about the church. I don't know what to believe."

Eclipse nodded, knowingly. This was the work of the dark gods, Hystix and Giphine, the result of heretics spreading their seeds of doubt. He had to get to Nyhem, and fast. "I too have heard such rumors, and I fear for the future of the faithful. But know this, and this is all the advice I can give you. The gods themselves are constant, no matter the work of mortals. The faith that lives in your heart cannot be taken away from you. Hold onto it, until we can discern truth from lies in the inquisition that is to come." He smiled solemnly, and the young man left to carry on with his duties.

Johannia and Percival were sitting a safe distance from the blonde knight, yet they were close enough to hear him. On one side of her Johannia had a pewter tankard filled to the brim with, and had a plate full of jerky and potatoes. She was tired from all of the traveling, from the fatigue she felt from her very life being chased and constantly thinking over the endlessly intricate complexities of political intrigue. She did not know how it was that Percival could still remain so cheerful and energetic after all. For now all that truly mattered to her was eating this meal and getting through the next meal, though she was disappointed deeply that her travel so far had been delayed as much as it had. Percival was not as much down as Johannia was, and he listen to the conversation of nearby blonde knight intently. It would seem to him that this knight just might be exactly what he needed in order to finally get out of this backwoods safely.

“Excuse me, sir,” Percival said, rising to his seat. “I really couldn’t help but overhear that you wanted to get rid of those bandits, which have been causing so much trouble recently.”

“What do you think you’re doing?” Johannia said, turning her head to Percival.

“Trust me on this one," Percival said. "Those bandits have gotten the two of us stuck here, when we really ought to be on our way. So if you require my sword, sir, you can have it, at least for now."

Eclipse welcomed the stranger to a seat at his table and listened with growing approval. "How the Gods have graced us!" He responded appreciatively. "You are a good man to make such an offer, friend. On behalf of the people of Ralda, I thank you. I am Eclipse Kornova, sworn to the gods themselves and to the one true church of Klebirthy. You may call me Sir, if you wish, but I have renounced my lordship and titles. 'Eclipse' will do just fine. Please, tell me where you hail from and how the bandtis have troubled you and your companion." The knight gave the most sincere expression, like a true brother, and he listened with a stoic gravity that implied he planned to do something about it. 

“A pleasure to meet you, Eclipse. The name’s Percival, and this is –” Percival began.

“Clara,” Johannia interjected. “We came from Nyhem, and were on our way to Fishgrove, the capital here, when those bandits barred our way. Thanks to Percival here, we managed to get away safely, but we still haven’t been able to get through, and have been stuck here for a while.”

“And that’s where you come in,” Percival. 

The two seemed perfectly innocent. Eclipse had a subconscious inclination to trust a lady, believing them to be inherently more virtuous creatures, and any man in such company shared some measure of her edge, even if he barely knew her name. He nodded. "I see. I believe I can help you, as well as helping Greenwood and possibly all of Ralda. It is the influence of the dark gods that leads men to prey upon each other, and therefore it is only the power of the Eight that can undo such madness. Come with me to the church. There we will bring our people together to form a proper defense under the guidance of the gods. The people are in need of an organized daily patrol and nightwatch. These could surely be provided from the many faithful souls willing to dedicate themselves to such a holy cause, the protection of the meek. They only need be inspired and believe." In the knight's crystal blue eyes was the image of his vision, a heavenly land guarded by noble warriors of light, and as he smiled it was hard not to fall under his sway, to implicitly trust him. Who on Earth had birthed such a charismatic man?

A cloud blew across the vision momentarily, obscuring it, and something like doubt flickered in Eclipse's eyes as just before he let his gaze fall. His demeanor changed to pensive as he considered whatever had stricken his vision. Soon, he explained, "It is this very element, belief itself, that I have come to protect. Without it, humankind will crumble powerless under the constant weight of evil and chaos that seek to overtake us. I travel from Thralreth to the capitol, Nyhem, to stop the spread of doubt and heresy that has begun there. The heretic, Johannia, shatters the very bond between humanity and the gods of light with her words. I could never have conceived of a more lethal move by our unholy enemies, to send a wolf in sheep's clothing to decry the church itself. So you see this is why I must reach the city with all due haste, yet I am torn, for I cannot abandon those in need whom the gods' have placed in my wake."

His smile suddenly returned, as if taking an odd pleasure in the irony of the situation. "Yet I trust them, the Eight. In bringing us together this day, they have given us the opportunity to restore the people's faith, starting with Greenwood. Come my friends! Percival and Clara, let us go now to the temple and begin what must be done."

Johannia gave a cough. Neither Johannia nor Percival dared to look at each other, though they wanted to.

“Yes, let us go,” Johannia said. “And under the grace of the gods, we shall succeed.”

The trio proceed to the temple at Greenwood with Eclipse leading the way. It wasn't difficult to find, for people prayed often in hard times. The building was a large wooden structure, with wide, open doors through which holy incense wafted out into the commons, a tradition said to invite the spirits of the benevolent deities. Inside was a large gathering hall with the typical eight centerpieces, each representing one of the gods. As Eclipse entered, he pressed his palms together and bowed his head, uttering softly as per common tradition in his homeland, "Gracious gods, I humbly beseech thee. Cleanse me of my sin so that I may be welcome in your home." He passed through and looked around.

There were a number of people at each of the shrines. No sermon was at the moment being given, and so anyone could come and go as they pleased. Not yet seeing the temple priest, Eclipse gravitated toward one of the holy icons. "Leplo." He looked up to it and paused reflectively. "He speaks to me quite often, leading his guidance in matters of justice, love, forgiveness... Theologians who study the gods often argue exactly where one god's realm ends and another's begins. For, is showing mercy to one's enemy not also worshiping Jykher, the god of life? It is a fascinating discussion. Ah, but alas, we have not the time. We must find the head priest and ask to be seen."

Johannia and Percival entered inside the temple alongside Eclipse. She felt that this warrior was always in a state of religious ecstasy, or at least half-way. She was, in any case, outdoing herself in all outward notions of piety, despite who she was. She did make a solemn and reverent expression, though her expression was usually sour anyway, but did not make a loud proclamation like Eclipse did. Yet she could not really respect a man who had, unwittingly, thoroughly denounced her so soon after they had met. Yet she listen to the words he was saying, and she nodded.

“It is something I have often wondered on,” Johannia said in response to his ponderings on the nature of the particular domains of the gods. “But true, we mustn’t discuss it here.”

It didn't take long to find the Klebirthy priest assigned to this little parish. He lived in the temple, which was not unusual. Fortunately, he had been puzzling over this very same issue. Conversation ensued.

"...I had been praying to all the gods for an answer to this dilemma for weeks, for the flock suffers in the wake of these Anjervine wolves, but I always knew in my heart that my faith would be rewarded. Now you have come, the white knight of Thralreth." The grey-maned cleric was filled with hope after hearing Eclipse's proposition. His cheeks were rosy against pale skin as he looked upon the three of them sitting in his office.

Eclipse smiled, flattered at being recognized, but didn't let it get to him. "You are very kind, Father Mackery. I will draft the mission statement and set rulings for conduct and protocol in permanent record. The gods do much for us for our prayers, but in answering, they require our action. As a man of the church, I am sure you know the saying.

By combining their vigilance and traveling in groups, the people of Greenwood will be more apt to protect themselves from these roving bandits. You will be their spiritual leader as before, guiding them in this endeavor. My friends, Percival, Clara, and I, will be able to assist initially, but we are travelers as well and are needed elsewhere. I hope you understand. I will do what I can to protect this town and see that the people are brought together before I leave."

The blonde knight glanced to his companions. "I will go back to the inn to begin writing. Until the streets are safe, you two may not be able to continue your journey. Perhaps you could begin spreading word to the townsfolk and leading them here to the temple to meet with Father Mackery. We will need to call the able-bodied especially."

“That’s the least that we can do,” Percival said. “Though don’t forget, my friend, that this sword of mine is not merely for show. I look forward to fighting by your sword.”

“Yes, we’ll do it,” Johannia said. “It should be simple enough. Given the arms and the impetus, the people should be willing to fight after being harassed for so long.”

The impromptu meeting adjourned and Eclipse passed once again into the gathering hall on his way back to the street. It was then, when everything seemed to be beginning to be planned and put in order that another piece the puzzle was added. Standing within the Church were a group of men and women in shining plate armor, and as they heard Eclipse speak their leader approached them, and the rest of his knights followed him.

“I heard you speaking with the priest,” said the man in the shining plate armor who had approach. “And I can only commend you for your plans. My name is Sir Oswyn, from the Holy Order of Saint Elenor, and these are my fellow knights. I had come here with the hope of recruiting members for the coming campaign against the Manshrew Pretender. Yet because of those bandits, I have been held up here, and I have lost valuable time! Our men simply were not enough to defeat, for their numbers were to great. But your arrival is a good omen indeed. So, sir, should you allow it you shall have my sword, and the sword of every man and woman who follows me.”

Eclipse stopped in his tracks and faced the leader of the armed and armored knights. He recognized them immediately as allies, and his spirits lifted. "By their glory..." Uttered the amazed paladin. He could not believe the timing of this unexpected blessing.

Immediately in response, Eclipse greeted his fellow knight with a firm clasp of hands. "Never did I doubt the divine were at work here, yet even I failed to grasp with what strength they moved! My dear Sir Oswyn, your offer of aid is most eagerly accepted. On behalf of myself and the people of Greenwood, you and your knights have our deepest gratitude."

He let go of Sir Oswyn's hand and more formerly introduced himself. The priest, Clara, and Percival were also present for the exchange. "I am Eclipse Kornova of Thralreth, Knight of the Church of Klebirthy in all of Formaroth. In the eyes of the gods, you and I are brothers."

Eclipse paused a moment, considering the plans that were now unfolding in his mind. "Your arrival comes as a great blessing, Sir Oswyn, greater than you now realize, for now that you are here, I forsee a means through which Greenwood at least may have a swift victory over its enemies. I will of course still see to the creation of a defense coalition based in faith, but the gods have graced me a new plan. You see, Father Mackery here has told me of a cave to the west that the Anjervine raiders have been using as a hideout. The enemy remains encamped there, certain of their strategic foothold in the wilderness and doing little to ensure their defenses. I had believed Greenwood would be forced to endure repeated attacks from this location, but perhaps no longer. If the Eight will it, and you will join us, these raiders could be routed in a surprise attack lead gloriously by the holy warriors of the church. You, Sir Oswyn, and your men are fierce and righteous warriors, and your presence alone will lend much confidence, inspiring a sizeable force to join us in this endeavor. If we are to succeed, we must commit everything we have to victory. To strike at the enemy now would force them to retreat until the end of winter, buying months of peace."

Indeed the man had come up with a sound strategy, one that would possibly allow a quick return to safe travel through Greenwood. Eclipse beheld Sir Oswyn calmly for a moment, giving him time to consider any flaws in his proposition. "What say you my brother? This will not be possible without you." 

“Of course we shall join you!” Sir Oswyn said. “As I said, our swords our now yours. Send the word and we shall join you. I look forward to seeing these bandits finally felled.”

Sir Oswyn as well as his fellow Knights were beginning to become excited, knowing that finally they would be able to leave this village and continue on their way. Johannia, however, was nervous. She knew too well that the Holy Order of Saint Elenor was nothing other Lord Lycaon’s own personal army, and these knights were nothing other than his soldiers. This made Johannia quite nervous and fearful of them, though for now she said nothing.

“Well, this is certainly great!” Percival said. “Glad to have you aboard, friends. Though we’ll still need some help from the villages if we want to take out these bandits, even with these knights’ help.”

TBC