{"sf1_id":750703,"sf2_id":"beb863wn","title":"\"From Whom All Blessings Flow,\" Conclusion","author":"EOCostello","words":2313,"posted_at":"2014-08-29T23:31:00.000Z","tags":["Church","Deer","Elf","Skunk","king","prophecy"],"url":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/750703-from-whom-all-blessings-flow-conclusion","original_url":"https://sofurry.com/s/beb863wn","image_url":"https://cdn.sofurryfiles.com/submissions/thumbnails/23/a5/23a53156-3d17-4f43-97a8-d051e3e04623","description":"#10 of From Whom All Blessings Flow (WW5 #2)\n\nThis particular story concludes, in part, with a prophecy that is somewhat sinister...","content":"\\*\\*\\*\\*\\*\n\n(I/\\*\u0026nbsp; 7/22/2013)\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; I could, perhaps, be forgiven the error of supposing that I was in a state of torment in a particularly nasty area of the Netherhells.\u0026nbsp; After all, consider the evidence:\u0026nbsp; I not only smelled sulfur everywhere, but was belching up quantities of it every few seconds.\u0026nbsp; Furthermore, the area inside my skull was burning hot, and being poked at randomly with sharpened needles.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Opening my eyes a small fraction revealed that I was sitting down at a table.\u0026nbsp; The fact that I was seated in front of a window through which streamed the sunlight of a freshly minted day did convince me that I was not in the Netherhells.\u0026nbsp; Just quite yet.\u0026nbsp; Mark you, the breaking day did convince me that perhaps Death was not quite so bad, after all.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; I sank my head on my arms, and stated with feeling:\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Will somefur turn that \\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_\\_ sun off?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; To which I received the mild response:\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Quite beyond my powers, young fur.\u0026nbsp; And I'm sure many would complain, don't you think?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Somehow, through my sulfur-and-pain wracked brain, the suggestion that I should be standing at attention, and immediately at that, managed to struggle to the surface.\u0026nbsp; I got rather unsteadily to my hooves, straightened my back with a will, and managed to bring my head level, which sent shooting pains that threatened to make my eyes drop out of my head.\u0026nbsp; I opened my eyes just enough to confirm that the figure swimming before my vision was indeed my Sovereign Lord, the High King of Faerie, Adler of Albric Tor.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; One of these days, I will figure out how I managed to stay upright and salute.\u0026nbsp; So I can never, never, never do that again while in that condition.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; I wobbled on my hooves for I'm not sure how long, before the voice broke in again, in some concern.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Oh, there you are, Roland.\u0026nbsp; Good morning.\u0026nbsp; Am I right in assuming that this young fur's condition is directly tied to the uproar the Palace was in early this morning?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; I swallowed hard, stifled an eruption of sulfur, and opened my eyes.\u0026nbsp; My immediate lord, His Royal Highness the Marshal of the Imperial Army, strolled into the room majestically.\u0026nbsp; He was bearing a flower, an orchid to be precise.\u0026nbsp; I had a fleeting notion that it was intended for my coffin.\u0026nbsp; Instead, with great delicacy, he placed it in a vase on the table, admired his work, made an adjustment, and then walked out of my vision.\u0026nbsp; A light metallic ringing sound indicated that he was perusing the breakfast options on offer, a concept that was not terribly appealing to me at the moment.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"It is indeed, brother.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Well, what in Her sweet and holy visage were you doing?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Protecting the integrity and sanctity of your realm, brother.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"At that hour of the day?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"I do not keep merchant's hours in fulfilling my duties to you.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"I've never suggested you have, Roland.\u0026nbsp; But see here, why have you deposited your protégé here in the Morning Room?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"To report, of course.\u0026nbsp; Corporal?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; I managed to gasp out a weak response.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Would you please be kind enough to give His Majesty a précis of the events last night, from the time you started your Vigil in the Old Chapel.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; I nodded, and somehow managed to struggle through the whole story without falling flat on my muzzle.\u0026nbsp; At least I wasn't interrupted with questions.\u0026nbsp; His Majesty and the Marshal listened to my account very patiently.\u0026nbsp; I had my eyes closed most of the time, so I'm not sure how they took Brother Fenimore's account of the Coming of the Skunks.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; I got to the point at which I had started to smell and taste sulfur in the Crypt, when His Majesty's interest was piqued.\u0026nbsp; He backtracked a little.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Did you really threaten to strike the High Bishop repeatedly with your short-staff, Corporal?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Either nodding or replying would do, but unfortunately I somehow chose to do both, and divine justice of a nature began squeezing my brain like a sponge.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; The King evidently turned to the Marshal.\u0026nbsp; \"Well, good heavens, that never ends well.\u0026nbsp; They usually hold a frightful grudge, those high-church types.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Some vigorous spoon-work against a china bowl indicated that the Marshal had, at some point, helped himself to breakfast.\u0026nbsp; \"Well, Corporal Winterbough here did make him look a fool in front of the Cathedral Chapter.\u0026nbsp; Mark you, Dr. Tailor **is** a fool, so it didn't take much work.\u0026nbsp; Told me he hadn't been down in the Crypt in years, would you believe?\u0026nbsp; No wonder no fur knew about conditions down there.\u0026nbsp; That's going to change in a hurry, I tell you.\u0026nbsp; And I know the details are beneath him, but somefur in the Chapter should have known Brother Fenimore had managed to winkle his way consistently out of services. No, no, a bit of humility won't do him any harm, brother.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Had he...I mean, the High Bishop...had he known about that puzzle-floor that the Corporal described?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Not a bit of it.\u0026nbsp; No doubt the information got lost somewhere along the line.\u0026nbsp; Probably when Irenaeus went through the Cathedral like a mad-fur.\u0026nbsp; It was only when Brother Fenimore was helping with the inventory of the books and manuscripts that he discovered that little trove on the early history of the Cathedrals.\u0026nbsp; Found a number of 'em, tucked away in his cell, if you please.\u0026nbsp; Including not only an account that explained how the Old Chapel's floor worked, but how it connected up to the Crypt.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; An exasperated tut-tutting.\u0026nbsp; \"Have I not, Roland, said it over and over again: this mania of our family for the clever puzzle...\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"...is going to be the end of us, one of these days.\u0026nbsp; Yes, yes, I know, and last night proved you right again, brother.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Well, I suppose something better be done about it.\u0026nbsp; What, I don't know.\u0026nbsp; I doubt we can duplicate the Ward that guards the front of the Crypt.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"More's the pity, brother.\u0026nbsp; No, I'll speak with Captain X on the matter.\u0026nbsp; She'll have some ideas at least in how to seal it up in the short-term so those monks don't get it into their heads to go playing with it.\u0026nbsp; Might have a go, myself, y'know.\u0026nbsp; Get that randomizing function to loop on itself.\u0026nbsp; No fur'll be able to walk on the floor of the Old Chapel again, but better that, than messing about in the Crypt.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Which reminded me, as I stood (swayed?) there.\u0026nbsp; I croaked out a request for permission to speak, which was granted.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"What happened in the Crypt?\u0026nbsp; Why is everything brighter?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; There was a period of silence as both of the royal skunks considered the question with thoughtful interest.\u0026nbsp; I took advantage of the silence to close my stinging eyes.\u0026nbsp; It was the King who eventually spoke.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Well, I'm not expert in fumaroles, Corporal, but I imagine that one of the problems might have been that something was clogged up, somewhere along the line.\u0026nbsp; I doubt very much that the Casket and its contents had anything to do with it.\u0026nbsp; Most likely, it was that unfortunate wretch Brother Fenimore.\u0026nbsp; Falling from that great a height, he probably broke whatever was clogging the fumarole when he struck the ground, and there you are.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; The Marshal rumbled.\u0026nbsp; \"Of course, there's the less practical explanation of the fact that you could read his fate as a sacrifice.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Oh, yes, true, true, brother.\u0026nbsp; One would like to think that Fuma wanted the attention, and all.\u0026nbsp; Gets lonely down in that Crypt with no fur visiting you.\u0026nbsp; I suppose that's the High Bishop's fault, isn't it?\u0026nbsp; You're right, Roland, I suppose a little humility will do him a power of good.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; A grunt.\u0026nbsp; \"Could apply to a number of furs.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Yes.\u0026nbsp; Well.\u0026nbsp; Now listen, Roland, I don't interfere in the way you run the Army, discipline and all that, but really, hasn't this young fur suffered enough?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Whatever response that got was muffled by a spoonful of something.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Well, he's in **my** Morning Room, and while I'm eating breakfast, and I won't have it.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; There was a scrape of a chair, followed shortly afterward by a soft tread, and then by two paws placed against the side of my head.\u0026nbsp; The pain in my head flared, and then drained away, leaving me mostly tired and worn-out.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Thank you, Your Majesty.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"There you are.\u0026nbsp; Haven't lost the knack.\u0026nbsp; Dashed useful thing, the Royal Touch.\u0026nbsp; My father used to love visiting the infirmaries and laying paws on the furs there.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Not as much as laying them on the nursing sisters, and they weren't ill.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Really, brother, no need to bring up gossip.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"It's not gossip, it's...\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Yes, well.\u0026nbsp; Neither here nor there.\"\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; He went over to the sideboard, and helped himself to a succulent slice of melon, which he brought back to his seat.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Nasty things, those fumes.\u0026nbsp; Don't know how the Interpreters of old used to stand it.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; There was a snapping of fingers, followed by the flat of a paw on the table from the Marshal.\u0026nbsp; \"Almost forgot a vital thing, brother.\u0026nbsp; When the High Bishop went in and brought the Corporal here out of the Crypt, the Corporal was raving and speaking in tongues.\u0026nbsp; Wasn't in the report, of course -- how could it be?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"You don't say!\u0026nbsp; Really?\u0026nbsp; I rather wish I'd seen that.\u0026nbsp; Only read about that sort of thing.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; The Marshal frowned.\u0026nbsp; \"You might reconsider your desire, brother.\"\u0026nbsp; He reached into a pocket of his tunic and drew out a piece of paper.\u0026nbsp; Putting on his spectacles, he read out what was written there in a firm voice.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n_Beware the burning cloud of night_\n\n_Bearing within the rains of hate_\n\n_Brother against brother shall clash and fight_\n\n_Pride and ambition shall meet its fate_\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; There was a long, shocked silence from the King, who asked for the paper, and held it up close to his muzzle to read for himself.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"No mistake in the transcription, Roland?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; A spoon was pointed at me.\u0026nbsp; \"None.\u0026nbsp; The Corporal here raved that three times, clear as anything.\u0026nbsp; Heard it myself.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; The King handed the paper back to the Marshal, who tucked it away.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Have the monks...?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Every last one of 'em, brother.\u0026nbsp; Swore them myself, and woe on any of 'em that breaks the oath.\u0026nbsp; Brother Fenimore's fate is gentle compared to what would happen if those fools open their muzzles.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Having seen that fate, I was aghast, and not a little scared.\u0026nbsp; The Marshal turned to me, and shook his head.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Not your fault, Corporal.\u0026nbsp; You're just the instrument of Fuma in this regard.\u0026nbsp; It's not like when you threatened the High Bishop with your battle-staff; that was within your control.\u0026nbsp; By the way, I'd give the Cathedral a wide berth for a good long time, if I were you.\u0026nbsp; But back to the Crypt.\u0026nbsp; No, I expected this would happen when I sent you down. Nothing down there was chance, Corporal.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; The Marshal pushed aside his bowl, and looked at the table thoughtfully.\u0026nbsp; \"Quite uncanny, isn't it, brother?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Uncomfortably so, Roland.\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"What is, Your Highness?\u0026nbsp; Your Majesty?\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; The two royal skunks got up.\u0026nbsp; It was the Marshal who spoke.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \"Not allowed to say, Corporal.\u0026nbsp; You'll find out, eventually.\u0026nbsp; Right turn!\u0026nbsp; Dismiss!\"\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; A footfur handed me my garrison hat and my short-staff at the door, and I walked out into the sunshine of a summer day in Albric Tor.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; I looked over at the imposing bulk of the Cathedral.\u0026nbsp; When you see buildings like that, they're meant to make you feel insignificant.\u0026nbsp; And I, Corporal Westersloe Winterbough V, was an insignificant fur, Valour Medal to the contrary.\u0026nbsp; No title, no lands, no family, and just one line in the _Army List_, out of tens of thousands of entries.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; But as I turned to go home, I pondered.\u0026nbsp; If I'm so insignificant, and just an instrument of Fuma, why do furs like Colonel Briarrose take an interest me?\u0026nbsp; Why did a hired assassin draw a bead on me with a deadly poisoned arrow?\u0026nbsp; Why am I allowed to stand in the presence of the King and address him?\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; And why did he look so worried at my prophecy?\u0026nbsp; And I know prophecies are meant to be vague -- it's how Interpreters kept their jobs -- but what did the brother fighting brother mean?\u0026nbsp; And when?\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; And why didn't the King and the Marshal remark on the fact that both Brother Fenimore and I were from Elfhame?\u0026nbsp; Or comment on the story he told of how supposedly we were crushed by the Coming of the Skunks?\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; It's good that elves live a long time.\u0026nbsp; Because I wonder if there'll be enough years to allow me to figure out some answers.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; At least I know this much: there'll be no lack of opportunities, I'll wager.\u0026nbsp; And you know what?\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Bring them on.\u0026nbsp; I'm not afraid.\n\n\u0026nbsp;\n\n_New York, New York_\n\n_July 15, 2013 - July 22, 2013_\n\n  \n  \n\n","series":{"name":"From Whom All Blessings Flow (WW5 #2)","previous":"https://fse.anthro.fr/stories/750702-from-whom-all-blessings-flow-part-h.json"}}