The Fox Run

Chapter Twenty-Two

He found them standing near the moat, south of the drawbridge. “Plato, Rikki,” he greeted them. “Why the gloomy faces?”

“We were discussing the Alpha Triad, Joshua,” Plato answered.

“The Spirit will preserve them,” Joshua declared.

“We hope so anyway,” Rikki amended.

“I still think I should be with them,” Joshua said to Plato.

“What would you do if you were with them?” Rikki asked.

“I’d want an opportunity to converse with the Trolls, to prevail upon them to release the women, to relate the essential spiritual relationship of all creatures.”

“You really think Trolls are capable of appreciating the higher realities of life?” Plato quizzed Joshua.

“All creatures respond to love,” Joshua stated positively.

“Only sincere, caring people can reciprocate genuine affection,” Plato said, disputing Joshua’s contention.

“So you believe all creatures respond to love?” Rikki queried Joshua.

“I do,” Joshua confirmed.

“Then,” Rikki winked at Plato, “the next time you come across a mutate, run up to it and give it a big hug. Let me know how it responds.”

“Trolls aren’t mutates,” Joshua argued. “They’re persons, like us.”

“Not like us.” Rikki shook his head. “I happen to think we smell a lot better than your average Troll. Did you get a whiff of the one we caught?”

“I’m shocked by your attitude,” Joshua said, frowning. “Are all Warriors so callous?”

“I can’t speak for the others,” Rikki replied, “only myself. I believe in the reality of the Spirit, Joshua. I believe in love. But I’m a Warrior, and I’m conditioned to confront the dangers of our everyday existence, to protect our Family and this Home. I can’t go into a fight worrying about possibly killing a brother or a sister, a fellow cosmic child of the Creator. It’s either them or me, and I can guarantee you, if I have anything to say about it, it won’t be me!”

“I’m thankful I’m not a Warrior,” Joshua said quietly. “I am repulsed by violence.”

“The Elders are wise,” Plato interjected. “We would not permit you to become a Warrior. It is diametrically opposed to your very nature. You are an excellent Empath. Be happy with that.”

“I think I will make myself useful,” Joshua stated, turning. “I will pray for the Alpha Triad, for their success and safe return.”

Plato sighed, watching the flowing water. “They’ll need his prayers. They’ll need all the help they can get.”