Free The (sort of) Dark Mage (Waldo Rabbit) by Nelson Chereta Page B

off some wolves. We always get charged at least four healthy pigs or a cow in her prime.”
     
    “But you have never dealt with a White Mage before have you?”
     
    “No, like I said, you are the first any of us have ever seen.”
     
    “The members of my order do not work for money. We serve a higher cause. I will destroy this monster for you because it is the right thing to do. All I ask for in return is that you remember.”
     

She could see Lorimer had his doubts, but the villagers were clearly willing to accept her help. Eventually it was decided that they would agree and Lorimer would personally act as her guide to the Hampton place.
     
    XXX
     
    Before setting out the chieftain insisted on putting on a worn leather jerkin and got a spear with sharpened stone tip.
     
    Melissa had tried to explain it was unnecessary, that she would keep the both of them from harm.
     
    “When Lord Durmoor heard about the attack he sent a squad of men to go look for what did it. Ten strong and healthy men, all with iron or bows. It ambushed them, a huge beast they said, skin green as moss and big as a bear. Their arrows wouldn’t pierce it, their swords and axes wouldn’t cut it. It tore them limb from limb, the way a man can tear apart a rabbit.” He shuddered.
     
    “I see.”
     
    He gaped at her. “How can you be calm? I am a man and I will tell you I am afraid.”
     
    “There is no reason to be afraid, I have fought many monsters. I am sure I can deal with this one when we find it.”
     
    He began to stroke his beard. “You really expect no payment for this?”
     
    Melissa shook her head.
     
    “Then why? Why are you doing this for people you don’t even know?”
 
    “Because it is the right thing to do and will make this world a little better place.” Her demeanor was calm and at ease. “I know the sorts of stories they tell about my order, and why people fear us. But I assure you, innocent folk like you have nothing to be afraid of. We exist to protect and serve people like you.”
     
    He hesitated. “Lord Durmoor doesn’t think that.”
     
    “Those in power usually fear change, no matter how beneficial or necessary that change may be.”
     
    “Why do things need to change? They’re all right.”
     
    “Tell that to the Hamptons or to the soldiers who didn’t return.”
     
    “Well I’m not saying the world’s perfect or anything, but what can you do about it?”
     
    “Unite the Shattered Lands to bring Unity. Grant all people everywhere the protection of the law to bring Justice. Kill every last monster and servant of evil to bring Peace. That is what you can do, that is what my order believes in.”
     
    “That’s a bit much don’t you think? No one could ever do all that.”
     
    “No one person could, but I am only one member of the Order, and every one of us is dedicated to working towards this ideal. It is what I believe in, and what I gladly give my life for; Unity, Justice, Peace.”
     
    “Forgive me for saying this Mistress, but it will never happen. The world’s too big a place, no matter how many of you there are. Things have always been the way they are.”
     
    “It will not happen in my lifetime, but even if it takes a thousand years it will happen.”
     
    Lorimer stared, obviously not comprehending. “Why would you spend your life working for something you know you will never get to see?”
     
    “Because I know that all my sacrifices will not be in vain. That is enough for me.”
     
    XXX
     
    It was early summer, and the lands they passed through were all green and vibrant. The fields held wheat, rye, and other crops. On gently rolling hills cows and other animals grazed. Melissa noticed that everyone she saw armed. The people clearly noticed her as she and Lorimer passed them. Most of them stopped working just to stand there and gape.
     
    A few drew circles over their hearts.
     
    They don’t understand , she thought sadly. Why did so many fear the Order? She