David Robbins - The Kalispell Run

Plato was leaning against the trunk of the tree, resting his head against the bark. His long gray hair and beard enhanced his aged appearance. He was talking to the trio encircling him, his features animated and his gentle blue eyes lively. His frail frame was attired in a brown shirt and pants.

Joshua, the youngest Family Empath, a devoutly spiritual man, wore a large Latin cross draped around his neck. His lengthy brown hair swayed in the cool breeze. He was leaning back on his elbows, heedless of the dirt smudging his faded green pants and blue shirt.

Jenny, Blade’s intended, casually ran her right hand across her forehead, sweeping her blonde bangs aside. She was one of the Family Healers, and this evening she was wearing a yellow blouse and patched jeans.

It was the fourth person who spotted the approaching brother and sister first. A smallish, wiry man with black hair and dark, penetrating eyes, he wore baggy black pants and a loose-fitting blue shirt. Clutched in his right hand was a long black scabbard.

“He’s seen us,” Tyson stated.

“I know,” Cindy confirmed.

Plato ceased talking as the duo joined his group. “Well, we have company,” he announced. “Hello, Cindy. And Tyson.”

Cindy couldn’t take her eyes off the Warrior with the sword.

“Hi, Plato,” Tyson said, returning his greeting. “Everybody.” He nodded at the others.

“If you don’t mind my saying so,” Plato astutely observed, “I can’t help but notice you both seem somewhat… troubled. Is anything wrong?”

“We came to talk to Rikki-Tikki-Tavi,” Cindy explained.

“Oh? Would you prefer it if we leave you alone?” Plato asked.

Tyson looked at Cindy, letting her take the lead.

“No,” Cindy responded. “That’s not necessary. What we have to say concerns all of you too.”

Jenny was smiling. “You make it sound so serious.”

“It is,” Cindy affirmed gravely. “We have…” she began, then stopped as Tyson jerked her blouse. “What is it?” she demanded, annoyed at the interruption.

Tyson, his face pale, was pointing to their right.

“What…” Cindy followed the direction his finger indicated, her eyes widening in alarm.

“It’s Napoleon!” Tyson whispered, frightened.

“Is something wrong?” Plato questioned them.

Napoleon was strolling toward them, his hand idly resting on the butt of his revolver.

“He knows!” Tyson, horrified, exclaimed. “He knows!”

“Look at me!”

Cindy and Tyson, openly stunned by Napoleon’s appearance, turned at the command of the low, forceful voice.

“Close your eyes,” Rikki-Tikki-Tavi calmly directed. “Now!”

They both hastily complied.

“Take deep breaths,” Rikki advised. “Slowly. Relax. He is still a ways off. Don’t open your eyes!” he ordered Tyson. “Slowly breathe in and out. Restore your balance. Good. Now open your eyes and smile.”

Cindy and Tyson obeyed.

“Now act like nothing is the matter,” Rikki said.

“What’s going on?” Jenny asked, confused, glancing over her shoulder.

“It’s only Napoleon.”

Plato, his brow furrowed, looked at Joshua. “Will you do something for me?”

Joshua eagerly nodded. “Anything. You know that.”

“Devise a pretext and take Napoleon away from here.”

“Why…” Joshua started to speak.

“There isn’t time for explanations,” Plato stated hastily. “Please do as I ask and I will reveal my motives later.”

They fell silent and a few moments later Napoleon reached them. “Mind if I join yon?” he inquired, standing next to Cindy. “I have some time to kill before my next shift. A Warrior’s work is never done,” he joked, grinning.

“Whose is?” Plato rejoined in a friendly tone. “Why don’t you have a seat. I’m attempting to elucidate the historical importance of philosophy in human culture.”

“Oh, really?”

Joshua rose to his feet, dusting his clothes with his hands. “I’ve already heard Plato’s views on the subject a dozen times. If you don’t mind,” he said, glancing at Napoleon, “I’d like to have some words with you.”

“What about?” Napoleon asked defensively.

Joshua walked to Napoleon and placed his left arm around the Gamma Triad leader’s shoulders. “As you well know, I make it my business to cultivate spiritual awareness in all of our brothers and sisters. I try to spend time with each of our brethren on a regular basis, answering questions and assisting them where necessary. More often than not, I learn more than I teach.” He beamed at Napoleon. “And guess who I haven’t talked with in quite a while?”

Napoleon, knowing the answer, shook his head. “There’s no need to…”

“Ah!” Joshua cut him off. “But there is. Inner spiritual harmony, knowing we are sons or daughters of a Cosmic Creator, is essential to mental peace and physical well-being. Would you begrudge me the time until your shift, Napoleon?”

Napoleon, clearly uncomfortable, balked. “Look, Joshua. Can’t we do this some other time?”

“Procrastination, my dear brother, is inimical to spiritual progress,” Joshua said. “Haven’t you heard? Never put off until tomorrow what you can accomplish today.”

“You better do it. Napoleon,” Jenny prompted. “You know how Joshua is. He’ll never give you a minute’s rest until you give in.”

Napoleon, resigned to the inevitable, sighed and nodded. “I know how Joshua is,” he agreed. “When it comes to spiritual matters, he’s as tenacious as they come.” He looked at Joshua. “If you were a Warrior instead of an Empath, you’d be the toughest Warrior in the Family.”

“That’s an honor I could do without,” Joshua stated. “My trips to Thief River Falls and the Twin Cities with Alpha Triad confirmed a conviction of mine. Violence is deplorable. It might be necessary on occasion, as I found out, but I wouldn’t want violence to become a habitual experience in my earthly life. I don’t see how you Warriors do it.”

“Do what?” Napoleon asked.

“Confront violence on a daily basis and still retain some semblance of sanity.” Joshua, reflecting on his slaying of a Brute in Thief River Falls, sadly shook his head. “Violence tears at the soul and destroys communion with our Maker and Shaper.” He grinned at Napoleon. “Which, by the way, is one of the things I want to take up with you. Let’s find someplace quiet.”

Plato watched Joshua lead a reluctant Napoleon off. Interesting.

Joshua had changed during his runs with Alpha Triad. He was still devoted to the Fatherhood of the Spirit and the Brotherhood of all men and women, but he was more… devious… since his return.

“Now will someone tell me what’s going on?” Jenny demanded, her green eyes boring into Plato’s.

“Bear with us,” Plato said. He motioned for Tyson and Cindy to sit beside him. “Please, have a seat.”

The brother and sister accepted his invitation, Cindy sitting on his right and Tyson on his left.

“Now,” Plato stated, smiling, “you can tell us what has you so frightened, although I believe I can speculate on the reason.”

“You wouldn’t believe it,” Tyson spoke first. “You’re in danger. One of the Family…”

“…wants to remove me from my position as Family Leader,” Plato said, finishing the sentence for Tyson. “I know.”

Cindy, startled, gaped at the elderly sage. “You mean you already know about Napoleon?”

“Napoleon?” Jenny repeated.

“I have known for some time,” Plato informed them. “Napoleon feels he can do a better job than I of directing the affairs of the Family.”

“What?” came from Jenny.

“But how do you know about it?” Cindy queried Plato.