Read No Good Deed for Free Online

on queue, Alister came stumbling in through the church door. He tried not to make any noise but the squeak of the door (another spell meant to draw attention to late comers) gave him away, everyone turned to look.
    “Damn, spell.” Alister whispered under his breath. He quickly took a seat in the back of the church.
    “It’s too late for that Alister,” Mordechi said with a laugh, “you’ve already embarrassed yourself. Might as well finish and come on up to your usually seat. We’ll wait.”
    Alister slinked out of his seat and began to make his way forward. People began to whisper or snicker at him. Seems Alister did not take a bath and the happenings of the previous night could easily be discerned from his odor. Alister, not to be one to be too embarrassed about anything began bowing and greeting the people as he went by. When he got to Mordechi, he stopped.
    “Maria, could you be a dear and help Alister to his seat, among other things?”
    The girl who brought the bible in stood up, made her way down the main steps and without a word, took Alister by the hand. She led him to his normal seat in the front row. Out of her pocket, she pulled a vial of holy water. With a quick prayer, she put a drop on his head then added another one just for good measure. As soon as the water hit his head, he was cleaned, clothes crisp, and clean—shaven. He was a bit amazed he had never had a holy bath before. She leaned over and whispered in his ear.
    “That’s only effective while you’re in the church. Once you leave you’ll be back to the way you were, sir.” She kissed him on the cheek and returned to her spot.
    “I have such an effect on women, but she’s too young for me.” Alister whispered.
    “No, that’s just how Maria seals her spells for guys.” Don whispered back.
    Mordechi began again as soon as Maria was in her seat. “Yes, The Vanguard came to church that day and you all sat in the front row, in the seats you are sitting in right now. At the end of the ceremony, as I always do, I asked if there were any announcements. Along with the usual announcements, you stood up and announced, well I could say it, but I think on this occasion I’ll give you the honor.”
    Obidaan took a deep breath, and with more vigor than last time said, “I would like to announce the founding of ‘The Vanguard’ with myself, my wife Relina Grailann, brother, Donder Straif, Brother—in—law Alister Cobbleson, and Sister—in—law Terrandry Waystar. And we believe we can do some good works in this world.” and just as before, his voice got low, almost pleading, “So I ask that you include Don, Alister, and Terry in your hearts and prayers tonight, tomorrow, and in the future.” Then he turned to Mordechi, who had returned to the podium and was in the same spot he was five years ago. “And Mordechi Vindishbar, Bishop and Lead Priest of The Seers, I ask you bless this group so we may always go forth and do good works and with the gift of prophesy save those from fates worse than death.”
    “Kneel, please,” the five knelt, just as they had done, Mordechi said a prayer of protection and guidance. “You have my blessing and the blessing of the church, go forth and do good works.”
    “And you have our blessing too. Rise Obidaan. Rise our Paladin.” Lord and Lady Seer appeared on the alter. Everyone in the cathedral was awestruck, none more so than Mordechi and Obidaan. Mordechi and the alter children knelt instantly, followed almost immediately by the rest of the congregation. A communal ‘whoomp’ was heard as knees hit the floor.
    No one can truly describe what a god or goddess looks like since they take on the form most comfortable to the viewer. So as hundreds of people looked upon them they appeared hundreds of different ways. Only Mordechi, Obidaan, and Relina could see their true form, pure energy.
    “Please, rise,” Lord Seer said, and began laughing, “there is no need for such formality on this day. It is