Fool's Errand by David G. Johnson Read Free Book Online Page A

his finger to the trigger of his crossbow and cautiously considered which of the two warriors to shoot first, should it become necessary. The reaction he got was radically unexpected.
    “My goodness,” said Gideon. “My brothers, we have thought of the want in the world without first considering the want in our own company. May the One Lord forgive the oversight. Thatcher has spoken true. None of us would miss these coins save our youngest member. He has not yet made his way in the world and certainly has a need as well as a right to his portion. Thatcher, you shall claim one fifth of the coins we found as your own. I would ask you to remember, however, the genuine need of those from whom these bandits have stolen and to consider giving one tenth of your share at least to relieve the sufferings of the victims of the raids. You can thereby take your rightful part in the blessing which comes from blessing others. This of course is not to be done under compulsion or duress, but only if the One Lord brings a peace to your spirit about it.”
    A dopey smile on the face of the northerner, Goldain, said he would be equally content if they took all the gold and dumped it into the marshes of Darkmoor. Qarahni were not a materialistic people and had little interest in gold beyond the weapons or goods it could purchase. They would just as soon vanquish a foe for a piece of moldy bread as for a pile of gold coins.
    Duncan nodded approvingly at Gideon’s words, which meant these two were quite unlike any other religious types Thatcher had encountered before. There was not even a hint of anger in Gideon’s eyes at being opposed. He truly seemed filled with joy and peace at acquiescing to Thatcher’s rather rudely stated demands.
    As for Melizar, Thatcher thought he heard a condescending “harrumph” escape from beneath his darkened hood but otherwise he remained generally indifferent to the end decision. If he opposed, he chose not to voice it.
    Thatcher’s head swam. The group leader had decided on one course of action, and he, the youngest member, had blatantly defied Gideon’s direction. In the street gangs or Rogues Guild of Aton-Ri, that would have landed Thatcher in a fight for his life at the very least. Even winning that, he would have to be careful about finding loose knives in his back or poison in his meals for the foreseeable future. Yet these strange companions met his rebellion not with hatred or oppression but with kindness. Thatcher found his mouth opening and speaking while his brain was still engaged in processing the unfathomable reaction of his companions.
    “Uh...yes.” he said. “I think I should like to do that. There is more than enough for my first fortune even minus a tenth.”
    What? Had he just said that? It sounded like his voice, but words like that had never before escaped his lips. In Aton-Ri, you grabbed all you could and gave nothing back. It was the law of the streets. Somehow, here and now, with these companions, he felt no danger or fear of being taken advantage of. He always had a soft spot caring for others, but the mean streets of Aton-Ri had choked that instinct almost to death in him. Now for the first time in his memory, he felt that spark of compassion in him flare dramatically to life, and was shocked to discover that the words that had flowed prematurely from his mouth truly reflected the desire of his heart.
    Gideon’s smile and a clap on the shoulder by Duncan’s rough hand relayed respect from his companions.
    “Bully for you, kid,” Goldain leaned close and whispered. “Those shinys are not worth the trouble they carry with them. Stick close to me, and I’ll see to it you never have to tighten your belt regardless of the coin in your purse. Being a real hero has its rewards, kid, and you will be one once we return with news of this raid. One of those rewards is never going thirsty, hungry, or waking up alone in a cold bed.”
    Given this last statement, Thatcher understood