The Key of Ban by James Harshfield
“The presence of evil limits the prosperity of life. It is like a cancer sapping strength from the very heart of being. Evil feeds evil as goodness nurtures goodness. The personal gift of sacrifice is essential in the conquest of iniquity.”
Book of Enlightenment
The mark of evil had been removed from the surrounding area. The sound of returning wildlife emerged the moment the battle ended. The cleansing of the valley was greeted by an outpouring of energy. This burst of vitality spread like a strong wind.
Coaldon had been in a coma for two days. The blast of energy from Gurlog disrupted the half-elf ’s mind and body. His pale face, empty eyes and contorted facial features did not change. He often raved about a dark spirit. He moaned and thrashed in an attempt to escape from some unseen enemy. Earthkin watched him with growing concern.
Sid sat next to Coaldon with attentive eyes focused on his face.
Earthkin’s burns healed rapidly after several applications of a curing ointment. The pain of the burn forced him to limit his activities.
Early evening on the third day after the battle, a horse returned to the pasture. The old animal had shaggy hair, friendly black eyes and a dirty white coat. Its short legs and round body moved with a lively, inquisitive, confident spirit. At sunset the horse trotted to the cellar to investigate the inhabitants. Topple rushed out to give the horse a warm welcome and a handful of carrots. The horse (Rose Petal) nuzzled Topple with gentle appreciation, blowing its warm breath on the wizard’s hand. Topple and Rose Petal became good friends. It was not unusual to see them walking together over the battlefield of the farm.
While Coaldon was unconscious, Earthkin and Topple had time to talk. For the past few weeks an uncomfortable relationship had developed between them. Topple felt a responsibility to deal with the issue. So in an uninhibited manner, he opened a discussion with Earthkin. Topple spoke from his heart not his mind.
In unusual seriousness, Topple stated, “Over the centuries I have learned wisdom grows from trusting in the providence of the One Presence. Wisdom is not a word or idea but a gift. It is not a possession but an escape from the fears of life. What may look like craziness is in truth freedom from the enslavement to conformity. The unspoken voice of the clown is a protest of the empty values of self pursuits. The jester proclaims the values of humility, honesty, charity and honor. The clown dances in the face of the harsh winds of life. The face of my clown is the image of faith.”
In a grim mood, Earthkin nodded in understanding. He realized Topple’s inescapable personality was an expression of trust in the One Presence. To expect anything else was fantasy.
Earthkin responded, “My grumpy disposition grows from dissatisfaction. I am a person of action with little tolerance for the foolishness of wasting of time. My practical view of life could be described as Can do, Will do. I constantly rush to finish the immediate task in order to do the next. Your child-like behavior is difficult for me to tolerate. I expect adults to be serious and solemn. I need to learn to accept your unique behavior as you must learn to accept mine.”
Then Topple and the dwarf hugged. This never-to-be-forgotten event opened the door to an unshakable friendship. The reconciliation helped paved the way to understanding, but did not put an end to the beautiful differences between the two men. Like two jagged rocks rubbing together, sparks would still be created.
Topple was most unhappy after his encounter with Gurlog. He constantly complained about the foul odor clinging to his clothes after coming into contact with the beast. Topple had to make a tough decision. He could wash his clothes or continue to smell the foul odor. It had been decades since he had washed his precious robe. He was afraid the robe might lose some of its old magic if it was washed. Topple sputtered around the cellar in total despair. Finally, with a look of determination, he decided to wash his clothes.
Soap was found in the burned-out cabin and an old tub located in the brush. Earthkin offered Topple a spare gown to wear while he washed his robe. Water, soap and the tub waited for Topple’s dirty, smelly clothes. In moments of weakness, Topple changed his mind several times. He finally proclaimed that he could no longer stand the smell. With the courage of a great warrior he took off the old robe, put on Earthkin’s short gown and walked to the wash tub. With tears in his eyes he dropped the robe into the soapy water. Topple treated the wet, soggy robe with the reverence due a valued religious object. With exaggerated and dramatic motions, he dunked the robe in a ritual of sorrow. The wizard portrayed an actor struggling to accept the tragic lose of a good friend. Topple removed the robe from the water and honored it with profound dignity as he hung it on a tree branch. When his clothes were dry, Topple put them on with righteous indignation.
Earthkin understood Topple’s dislike of soapy water, but found no humor in his behavior. He thought Topple acted like a little child protesting the use of bath water. For Topple it would be weeks before the tragic pain healed. Topple referred to this calamity as the Tragedy of Soap and Suds.
The end of the third day, Coaldon was still trapped in his coma. Topple hummed around the root cellar with an air of carefree indifference. He placed an empty cooking pot on Coaldon’s chest without thought or concern. There was limited room in the cellar so why not utilize all space to the fullest? Earthkin’s tolerance for Topple’s strange behavior was once again growing thin. Yet, what could he do? Topple had lived for many centuries with his eccentric personality. He was not going to change.
Sid remained at Coaldon’s side with his curious eyes watching for any change in Coaldon’s condition. Late in the afternoon the dog left Coaldon’s side. He walked around the room in a restive state and then trotted outside. With impatience the dog walked in and out the cellar as if looking for something to satisfy some unknown need.
This uneasiness climaxed when Sid gave a sudden bark, placing his front paws on Coaldon’s chest. Unconsciously, Coaldon grabbed his shirt pocket holding the gemstone. Moments later he shouted a command in an ancient elfin dialect. The authority of the words was so powerful it shook the ground and caused the cellar to rattle. Dirt fell from the ceiling creating a cloud of dust. Coaldon suddenly sat up coughing from the dust. He looked around the room with fear. The pot tumbled from his chest clattering to the floor. He relaxed when he saw Earthkin and Topple standing near him. He lay back on the mat and sighed in relief.
He said, “I have finally escaped from the beast. I feel so weak.” Coaldon reached out to Sid giving him a hug.
He looked at Topple and Earthkin saying, “The spirit of Gurlog must have entered my body when it died. I have been fighting it. It tried to possess me. If it had not been for the power of the gemstone I would have been lost. I can still feel its ugly spirit pressing to gain control of me. The final battle consumed all my energy. I feel so dirty and lonely. Please stay close to me.”
Earthkin poured Coaldon a hot cup of soup. Coaldon sipped the delicious potage with great relish. His hungry body craved food. He tried to get up, but did not have the strength. It would be days before he regained his old vitality. Without enthusiasm he consumed all the food placed before him. Coaldon was afraid to close his eyes, yet out of total exhaustion he slowly yielded to the gentle voice of sleep. He slept quietly through the night without any bad dreams.
Morning greeted the small party as they prepared to depart. Coaldon had gained adequate strength to walk out of the cellar.
Earthkin said, “I do not want to stay in the valley any longer. The potential of being attacked increases the longer we stay. Coaldon can ride the horse while Topple and I walk.”
With a twinkle in his eye Topple asked, “Earthkin will you carry me piggyback.” The dwarf growled several unsavory words in response. Earthkin’s tolerance had not improved.
The journey made slow progress on the first day. It was necessary to stop frequently so Coaldon could rest. By the end of the day, black storm clouds were approaching from the west. Earthkin was happy to see Coaldon’s body and mind were rapidly healing.
As the group traveled, Topple was well entertained. Different locations on the trip triggered memories of some past event. Topple’s rich imagination would erupt with vivid enactments of events that happened centuries before.
The first night the travelers spent in a deserted stone house built into the recesses of a mountainside. They were amazed the old house was in such good condition. After cleaning out the fireplace, the dwarf built a roaring fire. Earthkin prepared a dinner with the touch of a seasoned wilderness chef.
After dinner Earthkin said, “Coaldon needs to have new shoes and clothes; plus we need to buy food. If we plan to go to the Monastery of Toms it will be necessary to cross Rolling River. Presently the river is too dangerous to cross on foot. The only ferry is at Grandy.”
Coaldon suggested, “I believe it best to travel to Grandy by the Old South Road. People will be less suspicious of us if we arrive from the south. We do not want to be seen as strangers traveling from Lost Valley.”
By morning a cold rain was falling. The solid ground of yesterday was turning into a sea of mud. It was difficult to leave the old house.
Topple smiled as he said, “Let’s stay in this beautiful palace until the summer flowers bloom.”
It took an hour of sloshing through the mud to reach the turn off to the Old South Road. The lightly traveled road to the south gained elevation in the foothills. The rocky soil made traveling much easier. The open land of the valley turned into the dense forests of the hill country.
The rain turned into a light snow by early afternoon. Coaldon decided to walk after developing several painful saddle sores. Topple graciously volunteered to ride Rose Petal. With Topple on the horse it was possible to travel faster. By late evening on the second day of travel they stood on the southern slope leading into the Village of Grandy. Coaldon estimated they would arrive in the village by noon the next day.
The morning light found the three travelers shivering in the cold air. Topple gave a squeak of distress when he found that Rose Petal had disappeared. After a short investigation, they found the horses tracks headed east toward the river. Without a word, the travelers followed the tracks down a cattle trail toward Rolling River. Coaldon was happy when they saw the river in the distance.
Topple was overjoyed to find Rose Petal grazing in a meadow near the river. The horse welcomed them with a nicker. She trotted up to Topple with no fear or hesitation. Topple proudly climbed on Rose Petal’s back and rode like a prince reviewing the troops. They followed the river until arriving at the outskirts of the village. Coaldon led his companions to an abandoned boathouse hidden in the trees.
Coaldon said, “People in the village do not visit the boathouse out of superstition. They believe the wicked Witch of Blacknose had cursed it with demons. The story tells how the previous owner had refused the witch’s proposal of marriage. The Witch’s anger raged in unholy torment. It is rumored the owner was drowned in the river by a demon.”
Upon entering the cabin, Topple found an old trunk in the corner of the small room. A wide variety of usable clothing still remained in the trunk. Out of curiosity Topple rummaged through the old clothes with an inquiring eye. With a gasp of surprise, he pulled out a green robe with a hood. The symbol of a dragon was on the front of the garment.
He exclaimed, “This is a robe of the Monks of Toms! I wonder how it got here?”
He looked at the robe for several moments before he spoke. “I have a plan. Since we do not want the villagers to recognize Coaldon, he can pretend to be a Warrior Monk of Toms. We can tell people he has taken the vow of silence. This would allow us to move more freely within the village. The monks are highly respected.”
Topple suggested Coaldon rehearse being a monk. Topple said, “You are to stand erect and stately. Your hood is to remain over your head at all times. You are not to speak at any time. Your eyes are to remain focused on the ground in front of you except when listening to people. This should be fun.”
Coaldon commanded Sid to remain at the boathouse to protect the horse. Sid’s sad eyes followed Coaldon as he disappeared into the village.
~ ~
The Village
Book of Enlightenment
The mark of evil had been removed from the surrounding area. The sound of returning wildlife emerged the moment the battle ended. The cleansing of the valley was greeted by an outpouring of energy. This burst of vitality spread like a strong wind.
Coaldon had been in a coma for two days. The blast of energy from Gurlog disrupted the half-elf ’s mind and body. His pale face, empty eyes and contorted facial features did not change. He often raved about a dark spirit. He moaned and thrashed in an attempt to escape from some unseen enemy. Earthkin watched him with growing concern.
Sid sat next to Coaldon with attentive eyes focused on his face.
Earthkin’s burns healed rapidly after several applications of a curing ointment. The pain of the burn forced him to limit his activities.
Early evening on the third day after the battle, a horse returned to the pasture. The old animal had shaggy hair, friendly black eyes and a dirty white coat. Its short legs and round body moved with a lively, inquisitive, confident spirit. At sunset the horse trotted to the cellar to investigate the inhabitants. Topple rushed out to give the horse a warm welcome and a handful of carrots. The horse (Rose Petal) nuzzled Topple with gentle appreciation, blowing its warm breath on the wizard’s hand. Topple and Rose Petal became good friends. It was not unusual to see them walking together over the battlefield of the farm.
While Coaldon was unconscious, Earthkin and Topple had time to talk. For the past few weeks an uncomfortable relationship had developed between them. Topple felt a responsibility to deal with the issue. So in an uninhibited manner, he opened a discussion with Earthkin. Topple spoke from his heart not his mind.
In unusual seriousness, Topple stated, “Over the centuries I have learned wisdom grows from trusting in the providence of the One Presence. Wisdom is not a word or idea but a gift. It is not a possession but an escape from the fears of life. What may look like craziness is in truth freedom from the enslavement to conformity. The unspoken voice of the clown is a protest of the empty values of self pursuits. The jester proclaims the values of humility, honesty, charity and honor. The clown dances in the face of the harsh winds of life. The face of my clown is the image of faith.”
In a grim mood, Earthkin nodded in understanding. He realized Topple’s inescapable personality was an expression of trust in the One Presence. To expect anything else was fantasy.
Earthkin responded, “My grumpy disposition grows from dissatisfaction. I am a person of action with little tolerance for the foolishness of wasting of time. My practical view of life could be described as Can do, Will do. I constantly rush to finish the immediate task in order to do the next. Your child-like behavior is difficult for me to tolerate. I expect adults to be serious and solemn. I need to learn to accept your unique behavior as you must learn to accept mine.”
Then Topple and the dwarf hugged. This never-to-be-forgotten event opened the door to an unshakable friendship. The reconciliation helped paved the way to understanding, but did not put an end to the beautiful differences between the two men. Like two jagged rocks rubbing together, sparks would still be created.
Topple was most unhappy after his encounter with Gurlog. He constantly complained about the foul odor clinging to his clothes after coming into contact with the beast. Topple had to make a tough decision. He could wash his clothes or continue to smell the foul odor. It had been decades since he had washed his precious robe. He was afraid the robe might lose some of its old magic if it was washed. Topple sputtered around the cellar in total despair. Finally, with a look of determination, he decided to wash his clothes.
Soap was found in the burned-out cabin and an old tub located in the brush. Earthkin offered Topple a spare gown to wear while he washed his robe. Water, soap and the tub waited for Topple’s dirty, smelly clothes. In moments of weakness, Topple changed his mind several times. He finally proclaimed that he could no longer stand the smell. With the courage of a great warrior he took off the old robe, put on Earthkin’s short gown and walked to the wash tub. With tears in his eyes he dropped the robe into the soapy water. Topple treated the wet, soggy robe with the reverence due a valued religious object. With exaggerated and dramatic motions, he dunked the robe in a ritual of sorrow. The wizard portrayed an actor struggling to accept the tragic lose of a good friend. Topple removed the robe from the water and honored it with profound dignity as he hung it on a tree branch. When his clothes were dry, Topple put them on with righteous indignation.
Earthkin understood Topple’s dislike of soapy water, but found no humor in his behavior. He thought Topple acted like a little child protesting the use of bath water. For Topple it would be weeks before the tragic pain healed. Topple referred to this calamity as the Tragedy of Soap and Suds.
The end of the third day, Coaldon was still trapped in his coma. Topple hummed around the root cellar with an air of carefree indifference. He placed an empty cooking pot on Coaldon’s chest without thought or concern. There was limited room in the cellar so why not utilize all space to the fullest? Earthkin’s tolerance for Topple’s strange behavior was once again growing thin. Yet, what could he do? Topple had lived for many centuries with his eccentric personality. He was not going to change.
Sid remained at Coaldon’s side with his curious eyes watching for any change in Coaldon’s condition. Late in the afternoon the dog left Coaldon’s side. He walked around the room in a restive state and then trotted outside. With impatience the dog walked in and out the cellar as if looking for something to satisfy some unknown need.
This uneasiness climaxed when Sid gave a sudden bark, placing his front paws on Coaldon’s chest. Unconsciously, Coaldon grabbed his shirt pocket holding the gemstone. Moments later he shouted a command in an ancient elfin dialect. The authority of the words was so powerful it shook the ground and caused the cellar to rattle. Dirt fell from the ceiling creating a cloud of dust. Coaldon suddenly sat up coughing from the dust. He looked around the room with fear. The pot tumbled from his chest clattering to the floor. He relaxed when he saw Earthkin and Topple standing near him. He lay back on the mat and sighed in relief.
He said, “I have finally escaped from the beast. I feel so weak.” Coaldon reached out to Sid giving him a hug.
He looked at Topple and Earthkin saying, “The spirit of Gurlog must have entered my body when it died. I have been fighting it. It tried to possess me. If it had not been for the power of the gemstone I would have been lost. I can still feel its ugly spirit pressing to gain control of me. The final battle consumed all my energy. I feel so dirty and lonely. Please stay close to me.”
Earthkin poured Coaldon a hot cup of soup. Coaldon sipped the delicious potage with great relish. His hungry body craved food. He tried to get up, but did not have the strength. It would be days before he regained his old vitality. Without enthusiasm he consumed all the food placed before him. Coaldon was afraid to close his eyes, yet out of total exhaustion he slowly yielded to the gentle voice of sleep. He slept quietly through the night without any bad dreams.
Morning greeted the small party as they prepared to depart. Coaldon had gained adequate strength to walk out of the cellar.
Earthkin said, “I do not want to stay in the valley any longer. The potential of being attacked increases the longer we stay. Coaldon can ride the horse while Topple and I walk.”
With a twinkle in his eye Topple asked, “Earthkin will you carry me piggyback.” The dwarf growled several unsavory words in response. Earthkin’s tolerance had not improved.
The journey made slow progress on the first day. It was necessary to stop frequently so Coaldon could rest. By the end of the day, black storm clouds were approaching from the west. Earthkin was happy to see Coaldon’s body and mind were rapidly healing.
The first night the travelers spent in a deserted stone house built into the recesses of a mountainside. They were amazed the old house was in such good condition. After cleaning out the fireplace, the dwarf built a roaring fire. Earthkin prepared a dinner with the touch of a seasoned wilderness chef.
After dinner Earthkin said, “Coaldon needs to have new shoes and clothes; plus we need to buy food. If we plan to go to the Monastery of Toms it will be necessary to cross Rolling River. Presently the river is too dangerous to cross on foot. The only ferry is at Grandy.”
Coaldon suggested, “I believe it best to travel to Grandy by the Old South Road. People will be less suspicious of us if we arrive from the south. We do not want to be seen as strangers traveling from Lost Valley.”
By morning a cold rain was falling. The solid ground of yesterday was turning into a sea of mud. It was difficult to leave the old house.
Topple smiled as he said, “Let’s stay in this beautiful palace until the summer flowers bloom.”
It took an hour of sloshing through the mud to reach the turn off to the Old South Road. The lightly traveled road to the south gained elevation in the foothills. The rocky soil made traveling much easier. The open land of the valley turned into the dense forests of the hill country.
The rain turned into a light snow by early afternoon. Coaldon decided to walk after developing several painful saddle sores. Topple graciously volunteered to ride Rose Petal. With Topple on the horse it was possible to travel faster. By late evening on the second day of travel they stood on the southern slope leading into the Village of Grandy. Coaldon estimated they would arrive in the village by noon the next day.
The morning light found the three travelers shivering in the cold air. Topple gave a squeak of distress when he found that Rose Petal had disappeared. After a short investigation, they found the horses tracks headed east toward the river. Without a word, the travelers followed the tracks down a cattle trail toward Rolling River. Coaldon was happy when they saw the river in the distance.
Topple was overjoyed to find Rose Petal grazing in a meadow near the river. The horse welcomed them with a nicker. She trotted up to Topple with no fear or hesitation. Topple proudly climbed on Rose Petal’s back and rode like a prince reviewing the troops. They followed the river until arriving at the outskirts of the village. Coaldon led his companions to an abandoned boathouse hidden in the trees.
Coaldon said, “People in the village do not visit the boathouse out of superstition. They believe the wicked Witch of Blacknose had cursed it with demons. The story tells how the previous owner had refused the witch’s proposal of marriage. The Witch’s anger raged in unholy torment. It is rumored the owner was drowned in the river by a demon.”
Upon entering the cabin, Topple found an old trunk in the corner of the small room. A wide variety of usable clothing still remained in the trunk. Out of curiosity Topple rummaged through the old clothes with an inquiring eye. With a gasp of surprise, he pulled out a green robe with a hood. The symbol of a dragon was on the front of the garment.
He exclaimed, “This is a robe of the Monks of Toms! I wonder how it got here?”
He looked at the robe for several moments before he spoke. “I have a plan. Since we do not want the villagers to recognize Coaldon, he can pretend to be a Warrior Monk of Toms. We can tell people he has taken the vow of silence. This would allow us to move more freely within the village. The monks are highly respected.”
Topple suggested Coaldon rehearse being a monk. Topple said, “You are to stand erect and stately. Your hood is to remain over your head at all times. You are not to speak at any time. Your eyes are to remain focused on the ground in front of you except when listening to people. This should be fun.”
Coaldon commanded Sid to remain at the boathouse to protect the horse. Sid’s sad eyes followed Coaldon as he disappeared into the village.
~ ~
The Village