Recognition

Leif turned his head and saw kneeling beside him Mayor Malichi Plaintalon, and for a second he froze uncertain of how to move forward.

'Should I acknowledge Mogrul's presence? Act like normal? Blast the Mayor, he wasnt supposed to come to the temple until tomorrow.' Leif thought to himself, frantically trying to think of a way to ensure his son's safety. While he was lost in his scheming, Malichi turned to face him and said, "And how is Cleric Dawnborn this fine day?" Shaken from his daze Leif quickly rattled off, " I am good sir. Just finished up my midday prayers and was about to head out for Farmer Norris' and do a blessing for him today." He felt a rustle on his cloak as Mogrul shifted from his prayer to lean over him and ask, "But father, we just started our prayers, how can we be finished yet?" followed by a "Oh, hello sir! Welcome to The Temple of The Dawnfather, may Pelor's blessings shine down upon you and.. and.. umm.. fill your halls! My name's Mogrul! What might yours be?"

Leif closed his eyes in an attempt to compose himself and internally screamed in frustration.

'Why does Mogrul have to be so friendly? We had a chance to make it out with him unnoticed, but not anymore. I suppose on the plus side he almost has the temple greeting down'

Opening his eyes his fears were confirmed, Malichi knew. How could he not? A half-orc in the city, roughly the same age, and with the same name of the baby he had abandoned. The face of the mayor was hard like flint and an icy aura emitted from his eyes, and in a flash, recomposed himself and gave a half hearted smile.

"Oh hello young one. My name is Malichi Plaintalon, and I'm the mayor of Wheatward. Thank you for your warm greeting, may I ask you a question?" Milichi said. Mogrul being his unobservant self happily said, "Of course! I am here to serve The Dawnfather and those who come to seek his guidance!"

"How long have you been here little one? I take pride in knowing all of my townsfolk, but I dont believe we've ever met!"

"I've lived here my entire life! Father found me in a field and brought me back here to serve Pelor and bring his light to the world! You're the mayor? That nice! I've never been out of the temple, but Father tells me all about it!" beamed Mogrul. Leif could tell he was excited by how fast he was talking and by how he had slowly started to bounce as he spoke a little bit. Leif calmly put a hand on Mogrul's shoulder to steady the boy, and turned to Malichi and said, "I'm sorry sir, but we really must be going. It's a long walk to the Norris Farm, and we'd like to get there before nightfall."

The mayor shift his gaze off of the young half-orc, and looked into the eyes of the old cleric.

"Leif." said Mailichi, dropping all formalities. "I believe we need to have a talk once you return from the Norris farm. I have some questions about the good works that the temple does, and could use your enlightenment on the subject. " His voice had a strained edge to it as the words passed through clinched teeth. All the while the false smile never dropping from his face.

"Of course Mayor Plaintalon. It would be my honor to advise you."

And with that Malichi abandoned his prayers, stalking back to his manor in the center of town.

Breathing a sigh of relief as the temple doors closed behind the mayor; Leif breathed a sigh of relief. Swing around to face his adopted son he said

"Mogrul, grab a pack. Load it with provisions, a water canteen, your holy symbol, and your educational book. You are going with me on a little trip."

A puzzled look crossed the young half-orc's face. "But, I dont understand. Am I getting to go outside?"

"Yes my boy. For the first time in ten years; you are going into the booming metropolis of Wheatward."