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.
"Get up!" cried Thomas, " 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.
"Thomas, glad you could drop by." said Gideon laughing, " Please make yourself at home."
Gideon continued his look of cleverness; Thomas did not approve.
"The reason I dropped by was to wake you up. You're late Gideon, again!" Gideon walked by Thomas unconcerned about the present situation.
"Hey, I'm sure the council will understand. Now where did I put my sword?"
"How did the Holy One ever choose you to be a judge?" replied the fox sitting down, " 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. "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--"
"It‘s a dump!" he shouted, " 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.
"Are you ready?"
"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.
"Sorry, old friend, I wasn't paying attention."
"Think nothing of it." replied Barewolf happily, "I was looking for you anyhow.
Looks like you have important business."
"Yes we do," said Thomas annoyed by the bear‘s presence, "Now just mosey along so we can--"
"Gideon, can I have a word with you in private?" Barewolf said cutting the fox‘s words short.
"Sure. Thomas, this will only take a minute."
"You always say that." replied Thomas, "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.
"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."
"That is what I fear." said Gideon nervously, "We never needed a king before. The Holy One--"
"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."
"I value your opinion my friend," said Gideon " 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.
"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?"
"Kings are not placed temporarily they--" Thomas suddenly jumped in on the conversation.
"Didn't your mother ever teach you it's rude to break in like that," replied the grizzly bear. "She also taught me not to be late for anything." said Thomas with a tipping his nose in the air, " 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.
"Think about what I said!" Barewolf yelled, as the two scurried off.
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.
"We have been waiting for over an hour." said the first council member, " 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.
"I apologize for my tardiness. May we proceed with the meeting?" Gideon hopped back into his chair just before the first council member spoke.
"I here by call this meeting to order. We are here to vote on the kingship of Shavron--"
"I thought we might be talking about this, no one mentioned a vote," said Gideon.
"Gideon, you know the rules." whispered Thomas, " No jumping in."
Gideon rolled his eyes and the member continued.
"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."
"What is the name of this country?"
"Chetz," said the third council member. "What does the scroll say?" asked Gideon.
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.
"Those fools think they can scare us? I‘ll gather the forces to wipe them out if they attack." replied Gideon excitedly.
"Wait there is a much more prominent matter to discuss: The nations around us have all established monarchies in some way and the Chetzians have left them alone. We should--"
"If you're considering--"
"We have to understand that Chetz is a powerful military force, Gideon." said the second council member, " They‘ll stop at nothing until they destroy everything. We need a king!"
"No! We have never had to compromise before." Gideon said assertively, " Chetz doesn't understand what their up against. The Holy One hasn't forsaken us before and he won't now."
"We won't be able to beat them, Gideon!"
"Why are you so afraid?" Gideon asked as he scanned them, " 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."
"Yes," said the sixth council member slightly flustered, " 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."
"More like from cowards to me," was Gideon‘s harsh remark.
"HOW DARE YOU!" the sixth member yelled jumping out of his seat, "I have the mind to come over there and box those big ears of yours!"
"You're welcomed to try," Gideon said standing from his chair.
"Sit down, both of you." said the fourth member. " 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?"
"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."
"We are not asking you to relinquish your position for long, "said the third member.
"I said no."
The sixth member pointed directly at Gideon.
"We are no longer asking, we are telling to step down. We have the power to overrule your judgment."
"You are advisors. The Holy One had not given you the authority to overrule me." There was silence. Finally, one of the members spoke.
"Think about this, Gideon," said the fifth member.
"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.
"This was pointless." said the sixth, " We don't need his approval we have already made the decision. "
“ I know." said the first, " I was just hoping that it would go a little easier if we got him to agree."
Outside, Thomas caught up with Gideon. "Gideon, wait!"
"The politics are playing too much into this."
"What are you going to do?" replied Thomas.
"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.
"So how did it go?" the bear said with eager anticipation, "You and the council are all in agreement, right?" he said with a grin.
Gideon took a deep breath and said:
"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.
"Gideon, you must go back and change your mind."
"There's no reason to. I did what was right," Gideon said triumphantly.
"As your friend I'm asking you to go back. The citizen's voices must be heard. We desire a king!"
"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.
"Not going back is just the same as turning against the citizens."
"I would never do that, you know this." the hare said yanking his arm out of Barewolf‘s hand, " 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."
"So be it," the bear 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.
"Gideon, I have heard your prayer."
Gideon slowly opened his eyes and stood from his chair. "I knew you would. Things are not going well at all."
"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."
"But how does this help with stopping the kingship?" Gideon said perplexed by the request.
The Holy One did not respond. Gideon understood what it meant. "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.
"This is a first." the fox said nearly stumbling backward, " Where are you off to so quickly?"
"Sorry, no time to explain." Gideon said hastily, "I'm a rabbit on a mission!"
"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.
"Who are you?"
"Calm down, you rabbits are jumpy creatures aren‘t you?"
"Answer my question." said Gideon
"I just wanted to know who you were. Many creatures don‘t travel this way. I live around here."
Gideon apologized for his reaction and lowered his sword.
"My name is Gideon of Eldos."
"The judge of battle? Wow its an honor to meet you," the creature said shaking Gideon‘s hand excessively, "My name is Zeek."
"Easy there Zeek." the hare said pulling from the grip, "Well since we have introduced ourselves, I was wondering if I could use your accommodations tonight for sleep."
"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.
"Hello, I need a room for tonight."
"It‘ll be seventy five pieces of silver." said the innkeeper.
Remembering that he only brought his sword, Gideon spoke softly about his financial standing.
"I don‘t have any money."
"Then you don‘t have a room." One of the customers spoke up.
"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.
"The judge of battle!" said the innkeeper excitedly, " 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.
"I guess this w