sparrow and lion

Interim 6: shadow puppets

It is of utmost importance, of course, that one keep a level head. The stranger knew this. The stranger had known this since awakening into the world. So, even while the conversation continued and the realizations were had, the stranger still pondered other things.

How strange it was that they should both aspire so strongly for goodness. How interesting that the epitome of what was good could vary so much between individuals. After all, was being honest not the right thing to do? Was righting wrongs truly the actions of someone corrupt? Wasn't it morally right and good to do whatever it took to save the person you loved most in the world?

Then again, if one was honest with one's self, the argument could be made to the contrary as well. The bandit's death had been righteous to one, but heartbreaking to another. Had the boy who had become the bandit left anyone behind who would miss him? Was there someone mourning for him? The stranger had not considered this. If they had, perhaps they would have chosen differently?

No, the stranger decided. If one worried too much about the opinions of others, nothing would ever be accomplished. In fact, killing the bandit had likely saved many lives. That and, of course, kept an old promise. The stranger could not think of any argument in which the bandit's death was unwarranted. Perhaps the stranger should have killed him sooner?

But, of course, that was not what was at stake here. What was currently being discussed was beyond that. There was a sense of betrayal on both sides. The stranger had expected that. What the stranger had not expected, however, was the feeling of uncertainty. The stranger had never questioned their own actions before. The choices had been hard, but they had never been doubted once made. It had been a hard decision to go into that brothel all those years ago, after all. But it had been the right choice and a valiant effort. When you need to save someone, you have to do things that aren't entirely pleasant. And, with the state of someone's soul at stake, the effort had needed to be made.

That it had failed was of no consequence. It had been attempted and, when it had not come to fruition, following steps had been taken to ensure the right ending would be reached.

And yet, years had passed. There was still no resolution. Things had gotten worse. And so, right or wrong, the stranger had been forced to take another path. And here the path had led them.

It was just a shame that the person they valued so much did not, could not, understand. It was all a game of shadow puppets, after all. What one sees is not the truth.