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The Book of Gromar
Chapter 7 - Doer of Words

Chapter 7 - Doer of Words

It must have been by divine interference that the two wayfarers were compelled to veer from their original path. Indeed, both had felt that same divine nudge whilst tracing the route from whence they originally came. More than a compulsion, it was an authoritative inner monologue directing them.

“Abandon the well-trodden path familiar to thee and persist ahead into uncharted territory” The voice decreed, bidding both wayfarers to alter their current course. Obediently, they listened to what was presumably the Inner Light guiding their footsteps, and like faithful servants trekked forth unquestioningly and resolutely.

Then, after a full day of wandering, the purpose of their redirection was made apparent, for positioned just beyond the horizon was a village. It was akin to the last destitute Human sanctuary they had stumbled across weeks prior, though there was one distinction between the two; this settlement appeared to have a functioning temple. Indeed, it was situated centrally amidst a small ocean of pitiful dwellings and appeared to be the only well-kept property; with the stone walls and sloped tiled roof appearing much more resilient against the natural elements in contrast to the surrounding weary and weather-worn homes. Even the small garden adjoining the temple appeared well-kept and stood out as distinct amidst the neighboring neglected fields. All things considered, the temple stood steadfastly as a beacon of serenity, tradition, and hope amidst a decaying village.

“Teacher, why have we been guided here? They have a magnificent and well-maintained temple… So why, then, would they need us?” inquired Gromar, confused as to the purpose of their presence. Even Avi seemed bewildered, and instead of immediately answering he instead opted to glance momentarily upon the village. Then, after darting his eyes from structure to structure, and after taking into consideration the individuals inhabiting the settlement, he finally realized why they had been called upon the settlement.

“Behold how the common folk toil, struggle and suffer, while the temple and its supposedly respected abbot dwell in the lap of luxury” replied Avi, with his outreached hand and pointed finger accompanying the words. Tracing the direction of his gesture, Gromar observed an aged abbot moving through the village. His garments, made from embroidered fabric, were adorned with intricate patterns; his hefty weight and uncalloused hands starkly contrasted with the calloused and impoverished figures toiling the fields; and his pace and demeaner exuded an aura of indifference and detachment from the circumstances of his village.

“What does this have to do with us?” said Gromar, who although observing the situation was nonetheless confused as to what their role in the scene was.

“Truly” Avi continued without delay, now acutely aware regarding why they had been guided to this particular settlement, “Those who profess wisdom but refrain from acting are practicers of hypocrisy. For what purpose does the possession of knowledge serve if not to be applied? Take this abbot, for example, who insincerely espouses words that he himself does not adhere to. Certainly, he is a hypocrite. Indeed, the truly wise is he that not only knows what is right but also righteously acts upon it… so surely, we have been led here to be like servants, so that I may teach thee how to be not only a hearer of words, but also a doer of words.”

“What do you mean by ‘be like servants’ and ‘doer of words’? and again, what precisely is our purpose here?”

“I have thus far guided thee in perceiving with thy heart” quipped Avi, stroking his beard as he proceeded, “but this on its own is insufficient. And so, I shall teach thee how to translate such insights into action. So come, and we will dedicate ourselves as servants to others. For what better way exists to conquer one’s ego than by offering oneself as a servant unto others? And likewise, what better form of humility Is there than valuing others above oneself?”

“B-but you can hardly stand! Perhaps we should rest for today, then persist onwards towards the forest. Surely, a small respite could do no harm” rebuked Gromar, his excuses and appeals certainly being influenced by the insidious spirit still lurking within.

Be like a servant… unto Humans? The spirit whispered, imploring its prey to ignore the monks’ wise words.

He would have you be a slave to them.

However, even if derived from a malicious origin, Gromar’s words did nonetheless bare some degree of truth, as Avi had indeed not yet recovered from his bodily injuries; with his recently afflicted scars and bruises still being present, and his capacity to trek long distances being severely limited. Hence, perhaps taking a momentary respite did ultimately present a better alternative. But Avi would not have this, and so after another moment of consideration, he offered a compromise:

“Very well, you shall offer yourself as a servant unto those that inhabit the village whilst I rest and keep watch.”

With these words, the discussion was concluded. Using his staff to hold himself upright and staggering forth with a limp, the determined monk then descended towards the village. Gromar hesitated for a moment but realized that any further statements of disapproval would be pointless. And so, although still in disagreement, he nonetheless closed his mouth, silenced his dissenting thoughts, and obediently followed his teacher.

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As they approached, an aura of apprehension and skepticism filled the air. The villagers, now pausing their activities, whispered amongst one another; their wary glances following the two wayfarers as they walked further into the settlement. Then, after reaching the heart of the rural outpost, the two halted beside a well.

“Friends, we come not a foe but as servants. So let our noble intentions cease any suspicion” Avi called aloud, his words echoing throughout the air. The words even reached the abbot, who by this point had retreated to the safety of his temple. After poking his head out from the doorway, he eventually decided against intervening for the simple reason that he could not be bothered.

After another moment of hesitation, a few villagers shook their heads, spat on the ground, and returned to their duties; preferring to toil alone rather than accept the aid of a Goblin. Surely, they had succumbed entirely to the spirit of evil, for their hatred of Goblins was so visceral that they would spurn even a hand offered in humble servitude. But this deep-seated animosity was not expressed by all, as a few laborers exchanged approving glances.

Nonetheless, for the next few hours Gromar offered himself as a servant throughout the village. Dutifully, he walked through the makeshift lanes with two buckets of water swinging from his sturdy frame; their contents having been collected from the centrally located water well. This action he did under the orders of Avi, who observed from a reclined position beside the water hole.

But alas, his endeavor was initially fruitless, as a vast majority of the populace remained adamant in their refusal to accept aid from a lowly goblin. In turn, this allowed the venomous entity lurking within to once more crawl to the forefront of his thoughts.

Why offer yourself to these humans, the voice hissed.

Retain your dignity and cease this foolishness!

But although the majority continued to reject his services, there remained some whose hearts were not entirely blackened. Better yet, there were some who bore no malice at all, and rather than only dispassionately accepting Gromar’s services, instead rejoiced at the aid offered by the small Goblin, which in turn provided great satisfaction. Indeed, their smiles and nods of approval silenced the sinister whispers within and affirmed Gromar’s purpose and resolve. Truly, in such instances, the spirit of evil was not only silenced but was also greatly embarrassed.

One such figure was an elderly farmer, who after laboring intensely and obediently for the last few hours found himself in desperate need of respite. Indeed, when offered a cup, he not only accepted the kind gesture but furthermore in return offered a blessing unto his helper.

“In my years toiling, I have not experienced such a gesture of kindness… not even from the Abbot, who’s empty and hallow sermons uplift nobody in this village” he said with a smile, before gulping down the water and continuing aloud, “Blessed are thee, small Goblin.”

But such blatant friendliness to the Goblin had not gone unnoticed by the Abbott, who had begun to observe the unfolding scene from the doorway of his temple. Although he was Initially content with the wayfarer’s presence, it was when the opinion started to shift in Favour of the small Goblin that he felt inclined to personally intervene. After adjusting his silk vestment, he next hobbled out from his dwelling and approached the monk seated beside the water well.

“Hey! You are there!” he cried aloud, gesturing to the monk with a raised hand, “you must cease this act now! you and your devilkin must depart from this holy village at once!”

Surely, Avi must have been anticipating that the Abbot would announce himself with such a brash statement, for the wise monk needed not even a moment to think of his reply. Rather, whilst employing his staff as a means of supporting himself, he arose to his feet and turned to face the opposing holy-man.

“Abbott” he begun, his voice being authoritative yet calm, “Shame on thee, a shepherd who ignores his mandate and abandons his flock!”

“How dare y-“

“Nay! how dare thee. You wear not rugged robes of service, but silk robes of self-aggrandizing authority and luxury!” He rebuked, providing the Abbott no opportunity to interrupt, “Do you not understand? Truly, your Inner Light is blotted, for ye should already know that sermons without action are hollow!”

Gromar was partially surprised by the fiery rebukes of Avi, who he had until this particular scenario never seen converse so fiercely. Indeed, it was as if he was not debating the Abott but was rather speaking directly to the spirit of evil coiling his opponent's heart.

“Sile-“

“I implore thee, as a fellow Brother in our shared faith, to hereafter refrain from hypocrisy. For what purpose does sermonizing serve without accompanying actions? Indeed, until thee forsakes luxury and engages in serving the physical needs of this village, thy faith is dead!”

Lamentingly, the words could not protrude through the coiled heart of the Abott. Certainly, the spirit of evil had covered his ears and disseminated into his mind more poisonous thoughts. This was made clear by his response, for he approached the wise monk and with a clenched fist knocked him to the ground with a single strike. But almost instantly he realized the folly of his deed. His eyes darted to the numerous villagers now watching speechlessly with their mouths agape.

“How dare thee call my faith dead…” the Abott murmured, before looking once more upon the fallen monk, “I shall not warn you again… take your devilkin and depart at once!”

With that, he retreated again to the safety of his ornate temple. Avi considered opening his mouth again, but finally relented more so for the safety of his Goblin companion. And so, after arising to his feet he turned to his companion and signaled with a suggestive gaze that their allocated time in the village had been terminated.

“Farewell friends!” he proclaimed, his voice accompanying a labored rasp as a result of his fall, “We must now depart. But let my words not be in vain! For truly, in absence of action thy faith is dead… so be not like the hypocrite, but rather be a servant unto those around you.”

Seeing as there was still sunlight in the sky, the two wayfarers resolved to continue onwards towards the forest. But Gromar was resolved to not forget what had unfolded in the village; for his deeds had not only quenched the physical thirst of the villagers but had more importantly nourished their spirits.