Agents of Righteousness

“No Malachi, a simple purge is not what this world needs.”  Marshack argued now as the Xelot council sat in one of the monthly meetings between them and a diplomatic council of the Cleis del Angelus.

“As righteous men were are left with but a single charge, the eradication of evil.  Whether we go about this by spreading the word and converting those that have been lost or by destroying the agents of the devil, this must always be our primary goal, do you not agree Lord Almed?”  The head of the Cleis council, Malachi Arelius, now inquired.

“I do agree that the eradication of evil must always be our most primary of goals, but in all of my years as a member of this council I have learned one vital truth.  Evil is a concept, it is not something tangible and as such it cannot be destroyed in the same way that men made of flesh and blood can be.  When you destroy an evil person, you are destroying vessel of that evil, not the evil itself.  Agents of evil must be brought to justice and be made to repent of their sins, only then can they start to cure those that they have infected with their evil.”  Marshack reasoned firmly now.

“And what if they do not repent, or if those which have been infected do not wished to be saved, what then Lord Almed, is your righteousness then limited by the resolve of your opponents?”  Malachi replied feverously.

“Rightenousness is unlimited!”  Escresea Falken, High Paladin of the Xelot Council now exclaimed.  “Father Arelius, I believe that you are confusing the benevolence of this council with some form of misguided weakness.  Do not believe for a second that the destruction of evil individuals is beyond the lengths that we are willing to go to purge this world or evil, but what we are trying to point out is that this is only to be considered as an absolute last resort, because ultimately, these men of evil, like we men of righteousness are naught be vehicles for change and agents of universal principles.”  He explained further, but Malachi just frowned.

“I find your philosophies to be too dynamic, wavering too much on matters where our Lord’s teachings are absolute.”  Malachi replied with slight disappointment, drawing light laughter from Marshack.

“Our morality does not waver Malachi, we are just more accepting of the thought that people can change if given the right motivation.” He explained.

“Perhaps, but you may also be too dismissive of the fact that most of the time, even though they can change, they simply choose not to.”  Malachi finished.

“Perhaps that may also be the case, it would appear that we each have something that we need to work on... the path of righteousness is a long and narrow road.”  Marshack stated.  “It would seem that neither of us has reached its end.”  Marshack reasoned, causing Malachi to pause briefly and consider his words before their respective councils began to gather their things and leave the meeting room.  As the two respective parties filed out of the room, Marshack and Malachi tarried both of them leaving the room last.

“I can see why your council never seems to waver in their pursuit of morality and justice.”  Malachi stated casually as the two exited the large room.  “You seem to be a man who is very firm in his beliefs, Marshack.”  He continued.

“That I am, and I am glad that you can see that.”  Marshack replied as the two made their way down the hall and towards the teleportation room where the Cleis Council would depart for Alegens.  “I must say however that the views of your people are quite refreshing, they cause us to question our beliefs.”  Marshack continued.

“Yes, this makes you stronger in your faith.”  Malachi reasoned, causing Marshack to nod.

“Yes, that it does, it has been a pleasure, I trust that you will make it back to Eidea City safely.  Go with God my friend.”  Marshack replied, causing Malachi to nod.

“I always do.”  He smiled.  “Your council impresses me, as do your charges; you must come visit us soon Marshack, I will make the arrangements to ensure that you can move about our cities freely.”  Malachi continued now.  “I would also like for you to make a list of others who you would recommend should share these freedoms.”

“I will do that and deliver this list to you in person at my earliest convenience.”  Marshack replied pleasantly now.

“Good good; do not tarry my friend, there is one in particular that I wish for you to meet, one that would fill a crucial gap in your life as you continue to do our Lord’s work.”  Malachi reasoned casually, causing Marshack to puzzle slightly at the statement as the two neared the teleportation area to find the other members of the council ready.  “We will continue this discussion in Eidea city, Lord Almed, I eagerly await your arrival.”

“Indeed...”  Marshack replied, his voice betraying the level of curiosity which he now had with regard to the situation.   “I now anxiously await the day that I deliver this list.”