Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Merciful (07/25/24)
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TITLE: Mercy Not Arrogance | Previous Challenge Entry
By Art Westefeld
08/01/24 -
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The first thing Lori noticed was that Eesirahp’s wife, Mber, greeted her instead of the usual guards. The second thing that aroused her suspicions was the warmth with which the older woman greeted her. “Lori daughter, I am so glad to see you in my time of need.”
Guardedly Lori responded, “What can I do to help, mother Mber?”
Gesturing with her finned hand, Mber invited Lori to sit down opposite Eesirahp's throne-like shell chair. Mber took a deep breath of water. “My husband is very ill. The physicians say the only cure exists in a colony of merpeople off the coast of what surface dwellers call Ireland. The guardian of the cure is a half breed, and I hoped you might be able to do what our diplomats cannot, and convince her to give it to us.”
Lori thought, `That's a racist assumption.’ Aloud she said, “Are you saying this guardian is refusing your request for merciful aid?”
Mber’s face relaxed and bubbled, “Exactly! There's been some ill will in the past, but she doesn’t seem to think a dying man deserves mercy.” In a voice that was hard for Lori to hear, she muttered, “Savage brute.”
Lori was self aware enough that she bit down on her sinful first thought, knowing that Christ died so even pagans could be shown mercy. With a watery sigh Lori said, “Give me the information and I’ll go at once.” She knew she’d have to be away from home for more than a week, and it was clear that Eecuddas would not be any help should he accompany her.
Mber said, “The woman’s name is Mairead. Her location is a temple more than fifty fathoms off Ireland’s southern coast. Thank you! I’ll see to it that your family is given quarters better than the one you now inhabit in the palace.”
She nearly told Mber that her integrity was not for sale, but decided against it. Instead, she simply exited the palace.
A week later, Lori swam close to her destination. The temple was barely more than a cave covered in seaweed. Not unlike the usual arrangements at home, there was a palace guard. The taller one inquired, “Who are you and what business do you have with the High Priestess?”
Lori floated in front of them, arms spread wide with her hands empty in a gesture of peace. “I come seeking an audience with Mairead.”
The shorter guard’s voice was filled with enough anger that if it could, it would filet her. “Outsider, you do not speak so familiarly of the High Priestess!”
Lori bobbed her head and apologized. “Sorry, I didn’t know she was your High Priestess.”
The shorter guard spoke to his fellow. “Guessing she's from Curi. Only they could be so ignorant.”
Lori knew she was there to be diplomatic, but her face flushed at the insult. Biting back her sarcasm she asked, “May I see your High Priestess, please?”
The taller guard blew a note on a conch shell and a new pair of guards appeared. After the new guards were instructed to take up the original posts, Lori was ushered into the temple.
After a short swim, they entered a smaller room with a single occupant, a young woman who looked no more than nineteen, with pale skin and short blond hair. She looked at Lori and dismissed the guards with a wave. Turning to Lori she bubbled, “Well, outsider, I guess you want fairie gold to heal your High Priest?”
Dumbfounded by the other woman’s directness, Lori sputtered, “Yes. I am humbly asking you to be merciful to my father-in-law. `Fairie gold’?”
Mairead looked at Lori. “Your people sent you without telling you what to ask for? Typical arrogance.”
Lori responded, “Yes, and they’re not really my people.”
Mairead chuckled, “I understand, as I am half leprechaun. I get that you aren’t part of Curi society. I will be merciful towards your mission, since you didn’t come in demanding my treasure.” Ushering the guards back in, Mairead told them to pack up a weight of fairie gold, which Lori accepted gratefully.
On her week's journey to get home, she prayed that her mercy would show Eesirahp God's love.
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Well done
Blessings