The Judges Chronicles: The Hapless Hero (Book 1)

By Terdell Lee Johnson

Betrayed. Rejected. Banished.

When the Holy One calls three new leaders to govern the sacred land of Shavron, Gideon the rabbit was not to be chosen. A great scandal quickly ensues as the Holy One chooses Gideon from the crowd to lead his beloved country into battle against an oncoming threat from afar. But there’s one problem:

Gideon can’t fight.

He has no experience and is hailed as a weak fool. His nation viciously turns against him. A close friend formulates a plan, betraying Gideon without a slither of remorse. Soon he’s ripped away from his homeland to rot in a festering prison, and is forgotten with no hope of fulfilling his divine calling.

In this gripping adventure of friendship and forgiveness, Gideon must find a way of escape, return to Shavron, and face his own bitterness. He must do battle with a witch and an army of murderous leopards along the journey. But can he survive all that is against him? Can Gideon forgive the treachery laid at his feet or will he be nothing more than hapless?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Terdell Lee Johnson
• Release date: Sep 23, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005906634

Terdell Lee Johnson

Terdell Lee Johnson uses his noodle (brain) to create colorful characters and worlds. He's a military veteran, was a part-time Sunday school teacher for twelve years, and loves a good story with good values. In 2019 he won honorable mention for his short story “The Rich Beggar” in the Writer’s Digest Competition. Aside from novels, he writes short fiction. Although writing is his primary focus, he spends time improving his skills as an author. If he’s not writing, he's reading, or drawing. The Judges Chronicles: The Hapless Hero is the first in the series.

Book preview

1

Chapter 1

A rabbit. Of all the creatures in the world the Holy One called his name. Not a bear, not a lion, or a wolf, but a rabbit. Gideon was surprised himself when he heard his name called from among the large crowd gathered together on the open plain. The sun was shining, the air was cool, and there were high hopes passing between each of them as bees passed pollen from flower to flower.

The Shavronites (for Gideon lived in the country of Shavron) had waited for weeks in anticipation of three new leaders to govern the land. Out of the three a warrior was needed the most; and when Gideon crept to the front, no one said a word. His long ears, cotton tail, and short stature was not an imposing personage to anyone especially an enemy force.

Gideon was not the only leader chosen that day. A cheetah and a wolf were called forward too, both of which Gideon knew very well; in fact, they were his friends. The cheetah was named Deborah and the wolf was named Samson. Gideon stood between his friends wishing he was back in the crowd. It was safer there: unseen, common placed, and easy. Now he was in front of everyone: risky, into the unknown, and challenging.

Three stones lay flat on a circular table: one blue, one green, and one orange. The massive crowd waited for the Holy One to speak, and so He did.

Give Deborah the cheetah the green stone. I have chosen her to remind this land of My commands for I have given her great wisdom to do so.

The crowd cheered as Deborah bowed, receiving the stone gladly around her neck. It was a distinction of wisdom, and the cheetah was known for it.

Now there was the blue and orange stones. It was obvious that the blue stone should go to Samson the wolf. It was a stone that signified strength and the soul of a warrior. He was the strongest creature in the land and admired by everyone. It was obvious. The blue stone was taken up without a second thought. The wolf lowered his stature to receive the gem around his neck, but then the Holy One spoke.

Give Samson the wolf the orange stone. He will manage trading and foreign goods that come to the land.

A strange quietness loomed over the scene. Eyes darted back and forth trying to understand what had just happened. Gideon thought that he was dreaming or maybe he had misheard the voice of the Holy One. Everyone was looking at him.

Give Gideon the rabbit the blue stone, said the Holy One. He will be My warrior.

The blue stone was placed over Gideon’s neck. Gideon sheepishly looked at Samson: the wolf’s face had a solid sneer. Samson left the scene. The Shavronites followed him and grumbled as they went.

This wasn’t my choice, Gideon said quietly. This is a mistake.

* * *

It was a mess. The house was pushed under a grassy knoll as if someone was trying to force a square peg in a round hole. The overgrowth of moss hung over the roof like the edge of a tattered dress. The front door was worn by the seasons of the year, and the vegetable garden grew wildly like a bad hairdo. Any ignorant creature would have come to the conclusion that this was the residence of a poor, miserable creature, but it was the home of Gideon the judge of battle; the new warrior of Shavron.

Inside, Gideon slept unaware that his rest was about to be disturbed. Three heavy knocks at the door forced one of his eyes to spring open. He grabbed a pillow and covered his face. The knocking continued with no hopes of stopping. Gideon wished for a quiet day, but some wishes never come true.

Who is it? Gideon said. It’s my day off, go away.

Open up, said the creature on the other side. I’m going to count to five and then I’m kicking the door in.

He knew the voice on the other side, and he knew his old worn door would be kicked in if he didn’t get up. The door was promptly opened and standing before Gideon was a fox with a cross look. He gave him a big smile, hoping for the same expression, but received only a grunt of disapproval.

You’re late.

Late? Thomas, what am I late for?

Gideon quickly stepped to the side as the fox forced his way in. He watched Thomas begin to tidy up his home. Articles of clothing were picked up, chairs and tables were set straight in order, and when Thomas found dust with the wipe of his finger, a look of horror appeared on the fox’s face. Gideon was glad for the maid service, and best of all, it was free.

You’re late for the council meeting, said Thomas dusting a chair with his bushy tail. They’ve been planning this for weeks. Now put some sensible clothes on, or do I have to dress you too?

From the looks of it, Thomas could barely dress himself, but he kept his mouth shut and calmly went to his room to change. After a few moments, Gideon emerged sporting a better outfit: a royal blue cloak hung over him heroically and the long sword that laid squarely on his back was ready for its master when in need. Around Gideon’s neck hung the blue stone; 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.

Gideon, no time for reading. It’s time to be moving!

Have I ever told you that you annoy me at times, Gideon said, looking up at the fox.

Frequently, but it keeps our friendship going so don’t complain.

Gideon laughed as he walked outside followed by his escort. The sight of a hare and fox traveling together in peace was a rare sight in the world. Thomas and Gideon spoke of their childhood friendship, and even though there were times of jesting, never was there a moment when either of them felt assaulted by the other.

Finally they came to the lively bazaar in the city of Eldos. Merchants from around the world brought the finest goods to be sold or bartered. The smells of fresh fruits and exotic scents passed through Gideon’s nostrils, and his stomach reminded him of his negligence. These alluring tempters pulled the hare away and he did not resist them.

The streets were a clogged artery, as creatures moved with some difficulty. Gideon used his short stature to his advantage. He ran under the legs of taller creatures, darted around others, and was hardly noticed for his efforts. The adventurous exploit was rewarded by the mango stand. Gideon quickly brought two, and just as he bit into the first one, Thomas’s hand took hold of his shoulder.

Remember, the meeting.

Remember, breakfast, Gideon said, tossing a mango at the fox. Most important meal of the day.

As he began to eat, Gideon spotted an unnerving sight that made him wish he had not stopped at all. A grizzly bear forced his way through the crowd. The pedestrians quickly moved out of the way, parting like the Red Sea to allow the giant’s passage. Gideon knew who he was: the town’s loud mouth. The busy bazaar became a silent arena as he became tense. His first instinct was to retreat into the crowd, but it would do little good to avoid the bear’s future claims of cowardice. Finishing his last bite of the mango, Gideon gave the bear a weak smile showing his disgust.

Now is that the way to greet one of the citizens you are defending? said the grizzly. But I can’t blame you since we don’t have a real warrior to protect our land.

Oh, do shut up, said Thomas. Gideon is a fine warrior.

Thomas was truly a friend in time of need. Gideon was happy to have his friend come to his defense, but was it enough to send the bear away? Was it enough to keep the town’s big mouth from spreading gossip like gangrene?

Nope, and so the grizzly continued.

Well, I believe it’s time to have the judge of battle to reassure us of his military skills.

He doesn’t have to do anything, said Thomas raising his voice. And furthermore—

Gideon approached the grizzly leaving Thomas surprised from the move. The smug look from the grizzly’s face sickened him, and if Gideon was tall enough, he would have removed the expression promptly.

All right, what do you want? said Gideon.

A little bout of sword play, said the bear with a clever smile, With war on the horizon, I just figured some morale was needed to help us keep confidence in the Holy One’s choice of Shavron’s finest warrior.

The word finest came out of the bear’s mouth like a bad note in a song. Gideon heard the mockery; it made him boil inside. No one had the right to question his honor in public—no one! The blank stares from the crowd demanded a response. He agreed to the bear’s challenge with the slight nod of his head. The grizzly took a side step as a ferret trotted forward with two wooden swords and shields. Gideon returned to Thomas.

You don’t have to prove anything, said Thomas. This is a set up and you know it.

I’ll handle this. I’m going to shut that bear’s mouth once and for all. The Holy One didn’t make a mistake in choosing me and I’m going to prove it right now.

Gideon took up his wooden sword and shield. The ferret took his stance waiting for the call to begin. The steady glare from his opponent hid something Gideon could not understand. It was as if he was nothing in the ferret’s eyes but a hapless hare with no skill, and deep down, Gideon agreed. The crowd moved in slightly as the bear started the countdown.

Three. Two. One. Go!

The ferret sprung forward, twirling its blade masterfully. Gideon held his shield in place, but the downward blow took him off balance. He stumbled backward into the arms of Thomas. The crowd chuckled in unison. Gideon looked at the crooked smiles and creatures holding their sides in hilarity. The embarrassment invited anger, and he tore from Thomas’s arms. The ferret stuck out its tongue. The taunting only increased Gideon’s rage. He would show all of them that the Holy One had chosen the right creature, that he was a true warrior not to be mocked.

In a melee of amateurish blows, Gideon hammered down on the ferret as if he was a nail. With clinched teeth, he continued to whack down on his opponent. It would be over soon: no more laughter, no more doubts, and a victory to prove his worth.

In a swift move, the ferret got under him and pushed up with its body, and then Gideon found himself hoisted up in the air like a rag doll. His sword and shield went in different directions. Gideon spun, hitting the ground face down. The roar of laughter forced him to look up at the ferret’s wooden sword pointing at him as if he was a condemned criminal.

He wanted to crawl into one of the cracks in the ground. It would have been better for him than to face this humiliation. The weight of defeat made it difficult to stand. He could barely straighten his back. It was a breaking moment, a moment he wanted to forget.

Gideon returned to Thomas, whose look of empathy was the only help he could find. The two did not utter another word until they were out of earshot of the bazaar.

2

Chapter 2

We have been waiting for over an hour, said the first council member. Where is he?

The door to the council hall opened. Gideon sheepishly walked in under the glares of disapproval. It was as if the whole nation was against him. The citizens mocked his inexperience and now the royal council seemed to detest his very presence. But of course, Gideon was an hour late. He and Thomas took a small bow.

Thank you, Thomas, your services are no longer needed. said one of the council members.

Good luck, Thomas said to Gideon. You’re going to need it.

When the door closed behind Gideon, he shook as the sound echoed throughout the circular room. The seven council members were seated on their judicial benches along the circumference. Gideon approached the center and stood waiting to be addressed. No one did.

I apologize for my tardiness, he said to break the silence. May we proceed with the meeting?

One council member cleared his throat and proceeded.

We have called you here because Chetz, the land of leopards, wants to conquer us. They are destroying everything in their path. They are the new conquerors taking land and lives in the process. They want to rule the world. Other countries have surrendered to them.

We won’t, said Gideon in a shaky tone. The Holy One fights our battles. We have nothing to fear.

I find no confidence in your statement, said another council member. I can hear the doubt in your voice.

With all due respect, I think you better get your hearing checked.

Gideon’s remark made it quite clear that he would not be bullied. The council member grunted and leaned back in his chair allowing the others to address the judge of battle.

My dear judge of battle, stated one of the council, with your inexperience in war, and the Shavronites’ growing demand for a monarchy, we are considering removing the judges from power temporarily. We believe the leopards will see the move and dispel the notion of attacking us. I’m sure you understand.

Gideon didn’t understand. He shook his head in disbelief. He knew very well that the Holy One had commanded Shavron to have no king save the Holy One himself—everyone knew that. The ease of ignoring the Holy One was stifling to him. Gideon wanted to bring them back to their senses, or at least get them to understand the dangers of disobeying the