Chapter I: The New Idea

In the town of Eldos, past the marketplace and the lake, there is a house quite small in manner. It's pale color and slightly rotten door doesn't give the appearance of a judge's home, but for Gideon this couldn't be a better place to live. He had a location near the marketplace, just in case he decided to first in line, and he was just a mile away from Eldos Lake, a popular resting spot for the citizens. The white haired rabbit was sleeping in his room, dreaming of great adventures and victories, and snoring louder than the frogs at the lake. Suddenly, he heard someone knocking at his door

"Gideon, Gideon! Wake up you're late for our meeting with the council. Wake up you lazy rabbit!"

The pest, as Gideon believed him to be, was a short, stubby red fox named Thomas. He was Gideon's childhood friend; and since Thomas was Gideon’s close friend, he saw it his duty to keep the rabbit punctual whenever the occasion called for it. Gideon squirmed in bed, trying his best to drown out Thomas's incessant knocking.

Thomas: "Get up! Look if you're not up at the count of five, I'm knocking the door down.”

Thomas counted to five and made a mad dash for the door; but before he could force it open, the door had swung open. The fox toggled inside knocking some books of a table. Gideon was standing by the door with a smirk on his face.

Gideon: "Thomas, glad you could drop by. Please make yourself at home.”

Gideon continued his look of cleverness; Thomas did not approve.

Thomas: "The reason I dropped by was to wake you up. You're late Gideon, again!"

Gideon walked by Thomas unconcerned about the present situation.

Gideon: "Hey, I'm sure the council will understand. Now where did I put my sword?"

Thomas: "How did the Holy One ever choose you to be a judge? Your house is a complete mess (one of the pictures on the wall fell down) you always sleep in, and--"

Before Thomas could say another word, Gideon calmly went to his room to change.

Gideon: "You know Thomas, the Holy One doesn't judge by external appearances, but from the heart, you should know that. Besides, my house isn't messy its--umm-- its--"

Thomas: "It’s a dump! Will you hurry up and come out."

Gideon emerged in full Shavron fashion. He wore an off white shirt that had a big, bulgy turtle-neck collar, and over that he wore a sky blue vest. Around his neck hung the crest of battle; he turned it over to read the inscription that was on the back.

I will fight for what is true and rely on God Himself.

On the front of the vest was a scene depicting the event of Shavron's rebirth, which took place two hundreds years before. It was done in red silk stitching; it almost glittered when the sun's rays touched it. On his back he carried a sword and sheath. The sword that was inside had a sharp tip that looked like a rabbit. Shur of Moran, a mighty warrior who died a few years ago, gave it to him to remind him of his service to the chosen land. Thomas stood by tapping his foot.

Thomas: "Are you ready?"

Gideon: "Yes, let's go. Oh, I want to stop by the marketplace for some fruit. We can eat it on the way to the meeting.”

The marketplace was booming with business. There were fruits of all colors of the rainbow. Children were running about and the merchants were bargaining for the best prices. Gideon and Thomas arrived at a fruit stand. As they turned to leave, Gideon bumped into one of the more popular figures in town, and one of his best friends, Barewolf. The grizzly towered over Gideon, but he was one of the smaller grizzly bears in Shavron. They shook hands and greeted one another.

Gideon: "Sorry, old friend, I wasn't paying attention."

Barewolf: "Think nothing of it. I was looking for you anyhow. Looks like you have important business."

Thomas: "Yes we do,” he said annoyed by the bear’s presence, “Now just mosey along so we can--"

Barewolf: "Gideon, can I have a word with you in private?" he said cutting the fox’s words short.

Gideon: "Sure. Thomas, this will only take a minute."

Thomas: "You always say that. First its one minute, and then the next thing you know it's been ten."

Barewolf guided Gideon a few feet away so the fox couldn't hear what was being said.

Barewolf: "Gideon, I know you're headed to the council meeting. I also know that they will bring up the new idea: a king in Shavron."

Gideon: "That is what I fear. We never needed a king before. The Holy One--"

Barewolf: "If you would just listen to them. They were chosen by the Holy One himself to be advisers for you. Listen to their advice; it may be helpful during these turbulent times. The citizens will have high regard for you as well as the other judges. You know it’s a shame that the popularity of the judges has been declining. Agreeing to have a king will put you back on top."

Gideon: "I value your opinion my friend, but I must do what is right even at the expense of popularity. I've made tough decisions before. The citizens will understand in the long run."

Barewolf put his heavy hand on Gideon's shoulder.

Barewolf: "You and I grew up together and we have seen Shavron survive horrible times, but this time is different. An abominable enemy is on the prowl and its jaws are ready to clamp down on us. The citizens are fearful and a king would appease that fear. Don't worry, the Holy One understands these things. I'm sure the council will set up a king temporarily. Will you listen to them?"

Gideon: "Kings are not placed temporarily they--"

Thomas suddenly jumped in on the conversation.

Barewolf: "Didn't your mother ever teach you it's rude to break in like that."

Thomas: "She also taught me not to be late for anything. Times up we have to go. Good-bye, Barewolf, I'm sure you have other business to attend to; and if you don’t, find some.”

Thomas quickly pulled Gideon away.

Barewolf: "Think about what I said!" he yelled.

The two proceeded to the council located on the south side of Eldos. The walk took them about an hour, which made Thomas more agitated than he already was. When they arrived, it seemed like a whole new world. Most of the streets here were not made of dirt like northern Eldos, but the roads were made of flat, well carved stones placed evenly together. The council building, also known as the Eldos Guild, was made of a beautiful green marble. Thomas and Gideon made their way down the long corridor to the meeting room. Along the way, Gideon glanced at the motifs of the judges that had come before him; he wondered if his face would be on the wall some day. Thomas noticed that Gideon was lagging behind, and snapped his fingers to hurry him along. As the rabbit entered the room, he did not bother to look at some of the council members' discontented faces. He calmly sat down as if he had arrived on time.

Member 1: "We have been waiting for over an hour. It's quite rude to be late Gideon, especially if it’s the third time this week."

Gideon got up and took a small bow.

Gideon: "I apologize for my tardiness. May we proceed with the meeting?"

Gideon hopped back into his chair just before the first council member spoke.

Member 1: "I here by call this meeting to order. We are here to vote on the kingship of Shavron--"

Gideon: "I thought we might be talking about this, no one mentioned a vote."

Thomas: "Gideon, you know the rules. No jumping in." he whispered.

Gideon rolled his eyes and the member continued.

Member 1: "This has come up because of a nation that wants to conquer us. They are destroying everything in their path. They are the new conquerors, so to speak, pushing those dreadful lions further away beyond our borders. Now they intend on attacking us. I have a scroll from the commander of the army.”

Gideon: "What is the name of this country?"

Member 3: "Chetz."

Gideon: "What does the scroll say?"

The member cleared his throat and read the scroll.

Although you are a small nation, we will show you mercy. We, the nation of Chetz, know of you god. However, other nations have put their trust in their god or gods, and we have destroyed them all. You have three choices:  Give us a sum of forty thousand gold pieces a year for tribute, give up, or die.

Gideon: "Those fools think they can scare us? I’ll gather the forces to wipe them out if they attack.”

Member 1: "Wait there is a much more prominent matter to discuss."

Member 5: "The nations around us have all established monarchies in some way and the Chetzians have left them alone. We should--"

Gideon: "If you're considering--"

Member 2: "We have to understand that Chetz is a powerful military force, Gideon. They’ll stop at nothing until they destroy everything. We need a king!"

Gideon: "No! We have never had to compromise before. Chetz doesn't understand what their up against. The Holy One hasn't forsaken us before and he won't now."

Member 6: "We won't be able to beat them, Gideon!"

Gideon: "Why are you so afraid? We don't have to beat them the Holy One will fight our battle for us just like before with the other nations that came against us."

Member 6: "Yes, but Chetz defeated several nations that were in alliance with each other. Chetz is taking ever land they come upon. My words are from the citizens: they want a king.”

Gideon: "More like from cowards to me."

Member 6: "HOW DARE YOU!" he yelled jumping out of his seat, "I have the mind to come over there and box those big ears of yours!"

Gideon: "You're welcomed to try," he said standing from his chair.

Member 4: "Sit down, both of you. Gideon, the citizens are beginning to feel vulnerable with a war on the horizon. You and the other two judges are not helping by denying their will. They want something new. They want to be like the other nations. They want a king. If we follow the other nations, by having a king, Chetz will turn away from us. Can't you understand that?"

Gideon: "There is no assurance of this. How do we know that Chetz hasn't bribed those kings? Compromising our ways will lead us back to the old Shavron, and I know none of us wants to return to that. We are not like other nations. The Holy One's paths are straight; that’s why we have enjoyed peace for the past two hundred years. He has shown Himself to me and the citizens through his wonderful works. This is not the time to go off on our own."

Member 3: "We are not asking you to relinquish your position for long."

Gideon: "I said no."

Member 6: "We are no longer asking, we are telling to step down. We have the power to overrule your judgment."

Gideon: "You are advisors. The Holy One had not given you the authority to overrule me."

There was silence. Finally, one of the members spoke.

Member 5: "Think about this, Gideon."

Gideon: "There is nothing to think about. I will not turn my back on God. He was there when we needed him, why not now?"

Gideon stormed out of the room, Thomas followed, smiling at the members as he left. Once Thomas was gone, the members made their final point.

Member 6: "This was pointless. We don't need his approval we have already made the decision. "

Member 1: I know. I was just hoping that it would go a little easier if we got him to agree."

Outside, Thomas caught up with Gideon.

Thomas: "Gideon, wait!"

Gideon: "The politics are playing too much into this."

Thomas: "What are you going to do?"

Gideon: "What I always do at these times,” he said leaving Thomas in the corridor.

Gideon returned to northern Eldos. As he walked, he mumbled under his breath; and just before he reached the marketplace, Barewolf stopped him.

Barewolf: "So how did it go? You and the council are all in agreement, right?" he said with a grin.

Gideon:(Taking a deep breath) "No we are not in agreement. I spoke against the kingship. I made my point very clear."

The bear’s grin turned to a frown.

Barewolf: "Gideon, you must go back and change your mind."

Gideon: "There's no reason to. I did what was right."

Barewolf: "As your friend I'm asking you to go back. The citizen's voices must be heard. We desire a king!"

Gideon: "The only voice that needs to be heard in this matter is our Creator's."

Gideon began turn away, but then Barewolf grabbed Gideon's arm and jerked him completely around.

Barewolf: "Not going back is just the same as turning against the citizens."

Gideon: (Yanking his arm out of the bear's grip) "I would never do that, you know this. I am following my call as a judge. If that means turning a deaf ear to all the citizens to please the Lord, then that is what I will do."

Barewolf: "So be it,” he said angrily, “So be it.”

Back at his home, Gideon prayed. At times he was on bending knees and at other times he paced the room for end to end. Thoughts of anguish passed through his mind, and out of his window he heard some talking about the new kingship. Gideon closed the window and went back to praying. Hours went by; day became night as the rabbit reclined in a chair, nearly asleep. When his eyelids closed shut, the Holy One spoke to him as calmly as the summer wind.

Holy One: "Gideon, I have heard your prayer."

Gideon slowly opened his eyes and stood from his chair.

Gideon: "I knew you would. Things are not going well at all."

Holy One: "Shavron is turning its heart against me, but I will spare them for now. Travel south; do not take anything but your sword. Go to Moran to consult Deborah."

Gideon: "But how does this help with stopping the kingship?"

The Holy One did not respond. Gideon understood what it meant.

Gideon: "O.k. I got it. I have my orders."

The next morning brought a cool, pleasant breeze. Gideon rushed to start his task. He ate a quick breakfast and ran out the door nearly knocking over Thomas.

Thomas: "This is a first. Where are you off to so quickly?"

Gideon: "Sorry, no time to explain. I'm a rabbit on a mission!"

Thomas: "Slow down. What’s the rush?"

Before Thomas could follow up, Gideon was over the horizon racing towards the city Moran. Along the journey, he met a badger; and seeing that the rabbit was the judge of battle, the badger invited him to his home for a good meal. Gideon slept at the badger’s home that night and continued his journey the next day. Most of the area that he saw was new to him. The grass was as tall as his shoulders and the different flowers and shrubs he saw could never survive in Eldos. Gideon rarely traveled and when he did it was usually to the east or north. The path Gideon took was large and loop-like; sometimes he felt that he was going in circles. After a long walk, he took relief near a waterfall, taking a few drinks of water, but out of the corner of his eye he spotted a figure approaching him from behind. Gideon took hold of his sword, turned around sharply, and pointed the blade at the creature’s throat.

Gideon: “Who are you?”

Creature: “Calm down, you rabbits are jumpy creatures aren’t you?”

Gideon: “Answer my question.”

Creature: “I just wanted to know who you were. Many creatures don’t travel this way. I live around here.”

Gideon lowered his sword.

Gideon: “My name is Gideon of Eldos.”

Creature: “The judge of battle? Wow it an honor to meet you,” he said shaking Gideon’s hand excessively, “My name is Zeek.”

Gideon: “Easy there Zeek. Well since we have introduced ourselves, I was wondering if I could use your accommodations tonight for sleep.”

Zeek: “Sorry I don’t have room, but there is an inn up ahead. It’s very high class.”

Arriving at the Inn took another hour or so. When Gideon stepped inside, the atmosphere was ghastly. The air was stagnant and many of the costumers looked unpleasant as well. Gideon began to wonder if Zeek had and good taste at all. All eyes were on Gideon as he approached the innkeeper.

Gideon: “Hello, I need a room for tonight.”

Innkeeper: “It’ll be seventy five pieces of silver.”

Remembering that he only brought his sword, Gideon spoke softly about his financial standing.

Gideon: “I don’t have any money.”

Innkeeper: “Then you don’t have a room.”

One of the costumers spoke up.

Costumer: “Hey, don’t you know who that is? It’s one of the judges; see the crest around his neck?

Gideon quickly covered the crest with his hand. He was hoping to avoid being recognized. His refusal to allow a kingship may have spread to the area. He did not want any trouble, but his fears were put to rest.

Innkeeper: “The judge of battle! Well I must say I’ve heard of all your great campaigns. My son is a great admirer of you. Here, the room is free for the night. It’s on the third floor to the left.”

Gideon was glad that his presence didn’t cause any suspicion on the matter of the kingship. The rabbit headed to his room for some sleep. The room was small and the air had a bad odor, a smell of moldy wood. There were no pictures in the room and the spaces in the wall allowed the cold air to come through.

Gideon: “I guess this will do.”

During the week, the Moran Inn received many shady guests that would pass through from time to time. That night brought a coyote that dressed was dressed in a black cloak. He wore an eye patch, which added a greater disturbing presence to his character. The coyote looked around and caught sight of the innkeeper. He walked up to the counter and spoke with him.

Coyote: “Good evening, sir, how are you?”

Innkeeper: “I’m fine, and how about you?”

Coyote: “I’m doing just fine, but my night can go much better if you would answer me a question.”

The coyote gave the innkeeper an icy stare with his good eye; the innkeeper took a deep swallow.

Innkeeper: “What is it, sir?”

Coyote: “I’m looking for a rabbit. He has white fur and his left ear flops over in half.”

Innkeeper: “Many rabbits fit that description,” he said nervously.

Coyote: “Let’s not be difficult. His name is Gideon, Gideon of Eldos.”

Innkeeper: “What do you want with him?”

Coyote: “Just to talk,” he said with a smirk.

Innkeeper: “He might be sleeping.”

Coyote: “Don’t worry he’ll wake up for me. Where is he?”

Innkeeper: “Third floor; last door on the left. You’re not going to cause trouble are you?”

Coyote: “I’m just here to talk.”

The coyote went upstairs. From Gideon’s door came a constant knocking that grew steadily louder. Gideon got up and staggered to the door.

Gideon: “Who is it?”

There was no answer. As the rabbit opened the door, the coyote pushed him to the floor. Before Gideon could react, the coyote pulled out a knife and lunged towards him. The intruder pinned Gideon to the floor. With all of his strength, Gideon kept the coyote’s knife from penetrating his chest, but the coyote was stronger and slowly pushed the knife closer to the rabbit’s chest. In a last hope at life, Gideon punched the intruder square in the nose. The coyote stumbled backwards holding his nose.

Coyote: “Stupid rabbit you broke my nose!”

Gideon ran over and grabbed is sword. When he turned to strike, the coyote was gone. Gideon rushed out of the room, ran to an open window, and saw the intruder running away. Gideon did not sleep for the rest of the night. He kept watch over the door with is sword in hand, knowing that he had nearly been killed. In the morning, Gideon did not wait to make friendly conversation. He knew he had to reach the city of Moran or he might not reach it at all.

After a few miles the rabbit came to Moran. It was a small town, one of the smallest in Shavron, and it was here that the judge of instruction made her home. As he entered the city, he heard many voices, mostly shouting, coming from a building to his left. The place in chaos; everyone was talking and it was hard to make out what was being said. Suddenly, one voice was louder than all the others.

Townsman: “SILENCE! QUITE I SAY! Let us have order here. Let our judge speak.”

A tall cheetah sat wearily in a small throne in front of the crowd. She was daydreaming, rolling her eyes, and hoping that everyone would go away. She wore a long blue cloak and held a wooden staff in her hand. The cheetah sat up and took a deep breath.

Deborah: “Why must you pester me? You know that my mind will not change over this matter. I will not lend my support to the council in Eldos.”

One of the citizens spoke up.

Citizen 1: “Why? You know that Chetz can destroy us if we don’t change. Having a king could deter them from attacking us. Don’t you even care?”

Deborah: “Of course I do, but we change for the right reasons not out of fear.”

Citizen 1: “You’re the one that is afraid. If you were a real leader you would listen instead of sitting up there all high and mighty.”

Deborah: (Standing up) “Hold your tongue!”

The citizens shouted insults at the cheetah.

Citizen 1: “I’ll hold my tongue when you use yours to support the citizens’ cause.”

Gideon: “Hey, show some respect!”

All eyes were on Gideon; every glance was like a dagger. There were a few citizens that wanted to cuff him.

Citizen 12: “Well if it isn’t the judge of battle. Have to come to save Deborah?”

A great murmur spread throughout the building. Deborah tapped her staff on the floor.

Deborah: “This meeting is over,” she said quickly walking over to Gideon.

The sudden dismissal put the crowd in a bigger uproar than before. Gideon followed Deborah to her home. Inside, the cheetah started a fire and placed a kettle over it for some tea.

Deborah: (Placing a tea cup in front of him) “Much more peaceful than the other building, huh?”

Gideon: “Much more thank you.”

Deborah: “I needed to talk to you privately. It’s been awhile since I’ve seen you. The last time was a Tribless Hill for the ceremony. I’ve also heard of your battles and victories, knowing you consult the Holy One before every battle.”

Deborah gave him a small smile.

Gideon: “Always. A rabbit fighting, we are timid creatures, we run first and find anyway not to fight. I guess the Lord has a sense of humor.”

Deborah: “The Lord chooses who he chooses and it’s always for the best.”

Deborah took the kettle from the fire and poured some tea into their cups. Gideon didn’t know what to say. He rarely spoke to the other judges. He tried light conversation to help him along.

Gideon: “Uh—this is personal question, but I always wanted to know something. Our Creator bestows a strange gift to those who instruct. Is this true ?”

Deborah: “Strange gift?” she said with a smile, “What do you mean?”

Gideon: “It’s like well—I’ve seen it before—it’s like—“

Deborah snapped her fingers and the spoon that was resting beside Gideon’s cup flipped into the air and landed in the cup. Gideon nearly jumped out of his seat.

Deborah: “You mean like that?”

Gideon: “Yeah, exactly.”

Deborah: “A great gift from a great creator. It’s miraculous powers or to use the slang term, magic. Everyone has a gift. I just have one that carries great power and greater responsibility, but some have it that are not instructors of His ways at all. However, there is always a dark side to any gift. I’ve seen creatures corrupted. All they think about is becoming stronger and more powerful until they end up hurting others to obtain those means.”

Gideon: “How?”

Deborah: “By fighting. It’s called “dueling”. Sad when you think about it. That’s why we all must use our gifts, no matter how great or small, to bless rather than to hurt others.”

Gideon: “Are you tempted—I mean—you know, wanting to fight.”

Deborah: “At times.”

There was a short silence. Deborah took a sip from her cup and continued.

Deborah: “Well let us get back to the matter at hand. I’m sure you already know that Shavron wants a king?”

Gideon: “Of course.”

Deborah: “And that you, I, and Samson are looked down upon because we will not support this decision.”

Gideon: “The council was quite aggressive on this matter. I don’t understand. I think this king business is a cover up for disobeying our Lord. I’m sure you’ve heard of Chetz already?”

Deborah: “Yes. The Chetzians are leopards that are merciless and apathetic to any creature. Chetz has already terrorized the nations around us. The citizens are afraid. Sometimes our fears led us to make bad decisions. I guess we have no other choice but to wait on the Holy One.”

The cheetah’s wisdom has always been a source of inspiration to many, and Gideon was no different. He final found the avenue to mention his meeting with the Holy One.

Gideon: “I heard from the Holy One a few nights ago.”

Deborah looked slowly at Gideon, placing her cup on the table.

Deborah: “What is the message?”

Gideon: “I was sent here to see you. Now I don’t know what to do next.”

The two sat quietly for a moment. Both were thinking of a plan, and then Deborah spoke.

Deborah: “We should see Samson before we proceed any further. Last time I heard he was over in Judi. He’s probably discussing trade agreements.”

Gideon: “We should leave as soon as possible.”

Deborah slouched in her chair. She had a painful look on her face.

Deborah: “There in lies the problem.”

Gideon: “What problem?”

Deborah got out of her seat and looked out the window.

Deborah: “The citizens have been watching me very closely. They’ve been pressuring me to support the kingship. I tried to leave once last week; but before I could leave, I was stopped by some of the villagers.”

Gideon: “You could have pushed them out of the way with that special gift of yours.”

Deborah: “I will not use the gift the Lord has given me for that,” she said sternly.

Gideon: “Sorry,” he said, surprised by the cheetah’s reaction, “Well…we could leave tonight while everyone is asleep.”

Deborah: “Tried already. Some of the villagers are on guard during the night. It’s impossible.”

Gideon: “Hey, nothings impossible with the Holy One. We’ll be gone before any of them are aware.”

Deborah saw something in Gideon’s eyes that made her believe him.

Deborah: “You’re very bold for a rabbit, a little crazy too. All right let’s have another go at it.”

As the time came, Deborah grabbed a bag and her staff. Gideon opened the back window and went out first, Deborah followed. As they made their way through the streets, they hid between alleyways to stay out of view. Both of their hearts raced with apprehension, hoping to make it to the gates unseen. The gates were now in view, but the journey was in jeopardy. A few villagers were hanging out by their homes, and they had a good view of the road leading to the gate. All hope seemed lost, but one by one they went back inside. Gideon and Deborah made a quick dash for cover only a few paces from the gate.

Gideon: “There’s one house left. We’ll pass and make a run for it.”

The two crept slowly past the house. Suddenly a light came on at the top window. Both dove behind the nearest tree. One villager came out to pick a bundle of flowers near the tree. Gideon and Deborah’s hearts were racing. The villager picked the last flower and walked away.

Gideon: “That’s weird, who picks flowers at a time like this?”

Deborah: “Shush or she’ll hear you!”

The villager was almost inside. However, Deborah managed to step back on a sharp stick and gave out a small yelp, but that was not what got them caught. The fact that Gideon decided to jump up to cover her mouth turned Deborah to the side and caused her leg to stick out from the tree. The villager took her lantern to inspect this strange sight. Both judges could see the light getting closer, there was no avoiding the inevitable. The villager made the discovery. Gideon, fearing the worst, spoke in a nervous tone.

Gideon: “Madam please, I know this seems awkward—“

Villager: “She’s trying to leave and you’re helping her.”

Gideon: “That’s true , but—“

The villager stood with her arms crossed. She did exact what they didn’t want.

Villager: “HEY, SHE TRYING TO LEAVE, DEBORAH IS TRYING TO LEAVE!”

The judges made a mad dash for the gate. The gatekeeper locked the gate and now was advancing towards them. In a scuffle, Gideon knocked the gatekeeper in the bushes.

The village wall was low enough for Deborah to scale it. Gideon turned around and saw the entire village running towards him. Deborah leaned over and pulled Gideon up by his ears to safety.

Deborah: “Looks like we made it.”

Gideon: “Seems that way… and next time pull me up by the arm or something,” he said rubbing his ear.

As the judges began to leave, the gate slowly became ajar. The villagers appeared and there was a moment of silence.

Villager: Deborah, where are you going? We need you here.”

Deborah: “I have business to attend to in Judi.”

Villagers: “What business? Your place is here in Moran!”

Gideon: “Her business is to see Samson. We have to discuss—”

Villager: “Quiet rabbit! Deborah there is no reason to discuss anything with anybody. If you are trying to stop the kingship—”

Deborah: “There are no ifs about it. I am trying to stop this.”

After the cheetah finished her sentence, one of the villagers picked up a small stone and hurled it at her nearly hitting her. Then without warning, the group came against them. Gideon grabbed Deborah’s hand and took off running. The cheetah took the lead and it wasn’t long that Gideon had to tell her to slow down. Some of the villagers continued to throw sticks and stones. The two judges did their best to throw the mob off their tracks. They both hid in the shadows of a wooded area along the road. The mob continued in pursuit unaware that they had passed the cheetah and rabbit. Deborah told Gideon about a small port not too far from where they were. They would have to travel through the Moran Wood to get there, but they would avoid anymore trouble. Deborah’s knowledge proved useful; they at the tiny port within an hour. Fortunately a boat was docked. A scruffy, old tree shrew came out from his boat. He was wearing a bandana; had a gold tooth. He saw the two creatures coming to him.

Gideon: “Do you have any money?”

Deborah: “Here.”

The tree shrew and the judges talked over the matter of leaving on a dark night. The shrew refused to leave; but after some more persuasion of the financial kind, he relinquished his stand and told them to hop aboard.

Deborah: “That was all my money. I smell a thief.”

Gideon: “Thief or not he’s our ticket to Judi.”

The boat ride would take three days. Most of the time, Deborah found herself leaning over the side of the boat. The movement of the waves made her queasy.

Deborah: “I don’t think my stomach can take anymore of this.”

Gideon: “Hang in there. The captain has cooked you something special. Try some of this “Jumpin Jive Stew, its pretty good.”

Deborah: “What’s in it?”

Captain: “One part seaweed, ten tomatoes, some liver, and pinch of seawater to make it nice and tangy.”

The captain placed a bowl of stew up to Deborah’s face.

Deborah: “Get that away from me!” she said running to the other side of the boat.

Although the ride was dreadful for Deborah, it was pure bliss for Gideon.  The dense fog that surrounded the waters flowed over the ship as it passed through.  This placed a sense of adventure in his heart. It was almost a memory of an adventure he had when he was younger. The second day was better for the cheetah. She was able to tolerate the movements of the ship. Gideon pulled a stool out for her.

Deborah: “That was scary. I never thought things would get out of hand like that.”

Gideon: “Neither did I. By the way, how is Samson?”

Deborah: “All right. I visit him often in Old Sim. He handles his business very well.

Gideon: “How come you never visit me?”

Deborah: “I try but most of the time you’re were in meetings or off battling our adversaries. Plus, I’ve been prisoner in my own town, remember? How come you didn’t come to see us?”

Gideon: “Laziness I guess.”

Gideon glanced over the side of the boat. He looked heavily in the abyss below.

Looking down reminded him of the darkness of the old Shavron. He did not want to see it again.

Deborah: “We’ll get through this and so will Shavron.”

Just then the captain broke the conversation.

Captain: “There’s going to be a delay in reaching Judi. I sense bad weather up ahead. We’ll have to stop at the nearest port.”

Deborah: “Which port?”

Captain: “The nearest is Korsica,” he replied checking his map.

Gideon: “Great, the last thing we need is a delay.”

Deborah: “Don’t worry everything will be fine.”