Part 2
Metamor Keep: Faithful Battles
By Charles Matthias
Instead of focusing on the readings of the day as
Father Hough was accustomed, Felsah chose instead
to teach Patric and Richard some of the history
of the Ecclesia. They were well versed in the
Canticles, and so the jerboa priest told the
traditions of Mother Yanlin and St. Kephas not
recorded in their blessed scriptures. Neither
were familiar with Mother Yanlin's little house
near Marilyth, nor with the families who kept St.
Kephas hidden in Yesulam during the latter years of his life.
The hour moved quickly, with Felsah inviting both
to ask questions. He did not know all of the
answers, but it pleased him to see how eager both
young Keepers were to learn more. The tales of
the heroes and saints of their faith invigorated
them as they should. The more they knew of the
saints and Mother Yanlin, the more they would strive to be saints too.
When they finished they returned to the Sanctuary
and Felsah offered the prayers for Terce. Rakka
attempted to interrupt them again, but this time
Richard took care of the enthusiastic dog. As
there were only a few who had come to pray, he
did not linger to see if there were any who had
come in need of a priest. Once the young mouse
returned and they settled the sandy-furred dog,
Felsah finished preparing his lists for the day's visits.
The Summer Solstice festival had come to an end a
few days ago so the streets of Metamor were no
longer full of stomping hooves, mashing feet and
paws, crunching wagon wheels, and the pulverizing
panoply of scents from thousands of different
kinds of beasts all pressed together. Now they
were full of the last merchant stragglers, their
money and wares counted, seeking to flee before
the Curses forced them to relocate. Residents of
Keeptowne preferred to keep off the streets while
they waited for the Inns to empty; already many
of the craftsmen had resumed their business even
if the merchants who would trade their wares had not.
Thus it was Father Felsah knew he would find the
Follower merchant families in their homes or
visiting one another for celebration after
another successful festival. While he was now
familiar to most of the Followers in Keeptowne
after helping Father Hough with nearly all of the
Liturgies, the Lothanasi and the Rebuilders would
view him with suspicion if not outright hatred.
He would not forget his welcome by the quartet of
Rebuilders and his rescue by the three-horned
reptile Zachary. Since he had no Yesbearn of his
own to protect him, Felsah decided to take both
seminarians with him on his venture into Keeptowne.
To their delight the streets nearest the Keep
were no busier than on any other day. They only
passed a few foreign merchants on their way.
Their first destination was the home of the
Urseil family. Cloth merchants, they had once
known Father Hough when he had still served in
Ellcaran to the south. They arrived after Three
Gates and had welcomed Hough after he had begun
to serve as priest in Metamor even providing many of his liturgical vestments.
And as he neared their home in the merchant
district, a respectable two-story home with oak
frame and white plaster walls, he could hear
their familiar voices through the open windows.
Patric and Richard flanked him before the
doorway. Falkirk Urseil, the master of the house,
had fastened two brass knockers, each in the
shape of a bolt of cloth, to the door, one at a
man's height, and the other at a child's height
or a jerboa's. Felsah used the second, giving it
three good raps before leaning back on his
haunches, doing his best to ignore the scent from
the gutter and street in need of their midday cleaning.
The door opened a few breaths later by a large
brown bear who still possessed a suggestion of
youth. He was dressed in a doublet of bright red
and black diamonds with frilly sleeves and baggy
pantaloons. Felsah was surprised to see him
Barrick he recalled wearing festival finery
still, but perhaps the Urseil family was having a
private frolic while the city tried to return to
normal. The bear lowered his snout after a moment
and his small, dark eyes widened in surprise.
Father Felsah! Patric, Richard... uh... won't you come in?
Felsah chittered as he hopped into their foyer.
Thank you, Barrick. How are you, young man? Did you enjoy the festivities?
Barrick nodded, stepping as far back as he could
to let them pass. The claws on the bear's toes
were larger than the jerboa's hands. He could not
help himself from hopping straight past and into
the main hall of the Urseil home. A long
staircase ran up the rear wall to the second
floor bedrooms above which hung a string of
quilts for each of the children. Before it rested
a cushioned chaise on which reclined a teenage
girl working a spinning wheel. Beside her was a
teenage boy studying a counting table and a small
parchment filled with numbers. On the right wall
was a hearth with a low-fire and a pot of
something sweet and fruity cooking. On the left
were upholstered oak chairs in which sat a young
man of very handsome comportment and a short
creature with narrow triangular head, long claws,
short legs and tail almost as long, and covered
in plate-like scales from head to tail tip locked
in a contest of checkers. Along the floor zipped
two young girls, the older pulling the younger in
a little wagon. All bore festive garb similar to the bear.
All heads and eyes turned toward them as Barrick
shut the door behind them. Father Felsah!
Patric! Richard! The teenage girl at the
spinning wheel exclaimed, stopping the wheel and
carefully setting the unwoven cloth aside as she
stood. Come, sit and I will fetch something to
refresh you. Barrick, provide them a basin to
wash the street from their paws. Kendrick,
Bridgett, come help me fetch our guests something.
Having been born and bred in a desert, Felsah
could not imagine refusing an offer of
hospitality from anyone and so immediately
offered the lady of the house a respectful nod of
the head. Thank you, Mistress Urseil. We
gratefully accept your offer of food and drink
and something to wash our paws. The many wagons
have churned the roads and even those which are
stone are still full of dust and dirt. I must
commend you Keepers for you do know how to
celebrate the changing of the seasons!
While the two at checkers rose to follow their
mother, the bear offered each of them a wide
round basin filled with water. He set it before
them and each dipped their feet in one by one and
then dried them with a small cloth. By the time
Richard finished his paws the water was dirty
enough they could no longer see the bottom of the basin.
The teenager at the counting board set his work
aside and shifted the spinning wheel a few paces
to make room for the three religious to sit
comfortably Patric took several steps closer to
the fire to warm himself for a minute before
sitting down next to the two mice. The young
girls watched them for a moment, with the older
offering a curtsy of respect, before they resumed
their play. Falkirk Urseil favored them with a
merchant's easy smile and studied them,
especially the Questioner, with an appraising
eye. What brings you to our humble home, Father Felsah?
Not until they have something to eat, Fal! Came
Mavis' voice from the room beyond the stairs.
Falkirk looked chagrined as he settled back into
his seat. Then let me say I am pleased to see
you settling into life here at Metmaor so well,
Father. Everyone who has come to know you speaks
well of you. Can I bring some sticks for you and
Richard to chew? Patric, would you care for a damp cloth to moisten your eyes?
Those would be quite agreeable, Felsah replied
even as he shifted his legs and tail to get more
comfortable. He pulled his legs up onto the
chaise and underneath himself while his tail
dangled behind. Patric was large enough he could
sit almost like a man apart from his long tail
which was wedged against the frame of the stairs.
Richard sat much like Felsah, though his eyes
were drawn to the interrupted game a few paces away.
Falkirk retrieved a pair of kindling sticks from
near the hearth, then retreated to the far room
for the damp cloth. Before he returned, Mavis and
two of her three sons emerged bearing trays.
Mavis stopped by the pot brewing over the fire
and ladled a spoonful into each of three cups.
Bridgett and Kendrick offered their trays to the
religious, each bearing different types of
pastries, some with fruit and some with meat.
Patric skipped over those for one with grasshoppers inside.
My favorite too, Kendrick offered with a quick
dart of his long tongue. We have a few more if you want another.
Patric turned it over in his long-fingered hands
for a moment before turning both eyes forward.
Thank you, Kendrick. I will let you know.
Felsah selected one of the fruit pastries but
found his nose flickering in interest for the
grasshoppers. He had eaten insects in the desert
and never quite understood the reluctance
forest-folk had for them. Still, he didn't seem
to catch the pangolin's eye so said nothing.
And here is something warm to drink, Mavis
offered them each a simmering mug. The scent was
of a blend of northern fruits; Felsah could smell
peaches among them but did not yet recognize the
others. This is what we served at our booth for
the festival; for you it is free.
I thought you were cloth merchants, Richard
observed after lapping up a taste. This is very good!
We are cloth merchants, Falkirk said as he
returned with a small white cloth. He laid it
across the bar near the fire and chucked. We
know a few other tricks, don't we Kendrick?
The pangolin bobbed his head, eyes wide for a
moment, as he set the trays aside. Oh, aye, aye,
we do. Is there anything else we can provide for you?
No thank you, this is quite enough, Felsah
said, offering a smile to the young man and heir.
The food and drink is gracious enough. Thank
you. You are excellent hosts. In the land I come
from, it is customary to provide refreshment to
guests, and to clean them from the road. You have
done both. Is it because you know of the customs
of my land, or is this your custom as well?
Falkirk shrugged and handed the now warm and
moist towel to the chameleon who took it
gratefully and rubbed it across his face. Patric
blinked his cone-shaped eyes and let out a
sibilant sigh of relief. In a way both, Father.
It is a custom we Followers of Ellcaran have
adopted from your land. There are so few of us so
far north it is how we try and show love to our Lothanasi neighbors.
And, the boy who was truly a man added with a
less pious tone, it makes good business sense.
If we have no one to trade with then we cannot
feed ourselves much less our guests. Making
friends with all is very important. You will find
most of the merchant families of Metamor are also
good hosts. Especially with cleaning the dust
from the road. So many like you and my sons find
shoes and boots uncomfortable; a basin of water
to clean paws and hooves of the grime and muck is
almost a staple in our homes.
Mavis collected the trays from where the pangolin
set them and busied herself with cleaning up the
leftovers. Kendrick and Bridgett resumed their
game of checkers which Richard watched with
anxious paws ever lifting to suggest a move when
they weren't holding the kindling to gnawing
teeth. Barrick finished cleaning their tracks
from the foyer, before setting himself down on
the floor nearby to watch the game and their
guests. The two girls climbed out of the wagon
and carried little wooden animals, two of which
looked like their older brothers, off into a
corner to play quietly. Falkirk watched all with
an air of pleasure as he sat back down in his chair.
Patric, how does your Deacon's cassock suit you?
We could have another with thicker wool fashioned
for you for the Winter months.
Patric ran a free hand down the front of the
black vest atop the white robe he bore. The robe
parted around his wide tail so he could sit
comfortably without it bunching around his waist.
This is very comfortable, thank you. And thank
you for your generosity. A cassock suited for
Winter would be wonderful! Even staying indoors
next to a roaring fire I still feel cold some days!
Oh, I know! Kendrick nodded, his voice almost
agonized in longing. I wish it would stay Summer
another three months here! Maybe Six!
Nine? Bridgett suggested as he pondered the checkerboard.
Well, I want Barrick to enjoy the weather some of the time.
The bear grumbled behind him and playfully raked
his long claws down the pangolin's natural armor.
And would my big brother like to go rolling down the hill to Euper again?
If there's lots of big anthills down at the bottom, sure!
Patric and Richard chuckled at the banter as they
ate. Felsah lapped the fruit cider and wondered
how long it would be before he understood the
peculiar humor of Metamorians. He gave no sign of
his thoughts other than flicking his tail from side to side.
Boys... Mavis reprimanded even if her voice
betrayed her amusement. Father, we can do
something similar for your ears. Those are desert
ears, and they'll grow very cold even before
Winter arrives. We could have a fleece-lined hat
made for you to protect them. We've done the same
for other family friends who've become desert creatures.
Felsah twitched his whiskers into a rodent's
smile. Thank you, Mistress Urseil. I have grown
quite fond of my ears and do not want them
freezing. I have never seen your Winters but I
suppose I will know them quite soon. There was
no offer to make a winter version of his
Questioner robe, but he would not press. He
doubted any in this land would be comfortable
fashioning the dreaded red cross, and he could
always wear other clothes beneath to preserve the
warmth his body would otherwise shed.
Falkirk offered a knowing smile. Aye, you will,
and you'll adapt to them. We all have had to adapt here in Metamor.
In sooth!
So, what brings you here to our home, Father
Felsah? I have heard Father Hough is away and has left you in charge.
He nodded and lifted his large ears; they sat so
close together he almost swatted Patric in the
eye with one. Father Hough is visiting Iron Mine
for two weeks. He is interested in helping Baron
Christopher find some way to help the many folk
of Bradanes who have settled there.
I've heard they are living between the walls.
There is so little space there. The plague is
over; they should continue north to Euper,
Keeptowne, or even Mycransburg, or Lake
Barnhardt. Even Glen Avery or Hareford would be better.
And they may very well suggest such a journey.
The weather is right for it, but... Felsah
spread his hands wide and drooped his whiskers.
We are not there. It is why Father Hough is
there now. So he can see for himself. But I did
not come to your house, Master Urseil, to discuss
matters in Iron Mine. I have come to present to
you an idea I have to help Follower children here
in Keeptowne. I have discussed it with Mother
Wilfrida and she and her sisters are more than
willing to help take on this task but we need
funds and children who will participate.
Falkirk cast a quick glance at his young
daughters. And what did you have in mind?
I want to start a school for young children. We
would teach them of the Follower faith more
deeply than what we provide on Holy days. They
would learn our history, our rites, our many
saints, and learn how to live faithfully in the
midst of all the contradictions thrust upon
Metamor. If we have enough interest, we might
even be able to teach more practical subjects
such as arithmetic, geometry, grammar, logic, and
perhaps even rhetoric, music, and astronomy. We
would leave the teaching of trades to the guilds
and families of course. Consider it preparation
for your more rigorous training. With children we
can only begin such subjects, we cannot complete
them. But of the virtues we would strive for the
best. But in order to begin we do need both funds
and families willing to entrust their children
into our care for some hours each day; when they
aren't needed for your work at least.
Falkirk's expression remained one of polite
interest. Mavis came to stand behind him, her
hands clasped over her waist, uncertain eyes
turning to her daughters. Barrick, Bridgett, and
Kendrick all paused their game to look to their
father, their expressions curious, but betraying
none of their own thoughts. The merchant's reply
was measured in even tones. A school for
Follower children taught by you and the Sisters?
An intriguing idea. I know they have such schools
in some cites of Galendor. We have never had one
in Ellcaran, and we Followers have only lived
here in Metamor for a generation now. Perhaps it
is a good idea to begin one here. How much do you
believe you will need to begin such a school?
He lowered his ears as he stood a little taller
on his haunches; this time he did bump Patric who
had leaned in closer to listen. The chameleon
brushed the damp cloth over his face one more time as he chortled.
I do not yet know. I am hoping we will be able
to make room near the Convent for them. The
Sisters still have many repairs to do before they
will be ready. There are still many houses torn
down near there. We would need money to buy the
land and build new homes there. And once it is
done we will need supplies for the children to
use in their lessons. And of course, we will also
need students. Felsah turned and looked at the
two girls for a moment, twitched his whiskers in
a smile, and even flicked his tail upwards until
the tuft dangled between his ears. He returned
his eyes to both parents. Their religious
instruction is your duty as their father and
mother, but we wish to help and this is how we are trying to do it.
Mavis gripped her dress, clearly unsure. Falkirk
kept his expression level. We have done our very
best and will pray about your request. As for
money for your school, I will consult my ledgers
and see what we can offer you. I will find a way
to provide some, and my sons can certainly spend
some of their time helping with the repairs.
Could we go tomorrow? Barrick interrupted. The
bear's rumble was eager, and he flexed one of his
arms. Bridgett rolled his eyes as he moved a
black piece. Kendrick grimaced at the move and
then waved his long claws, eyes never leaving the
board. Felsah spared the pangolin a curious
glance; everyone else had met his eyes, but not
this one. A guilty conscience perhaps?
So long as your duties to home are done, of
course you may. Falkirk turned back to the
jerboa priest. As I was saying, we will find a
way to help some, but I can make no promises
today. I will promise this. Next Sunday after
Liturgy I will be prepared to tell you what I can
promise for your little school. I...
A loud rapping at the door turned all their eyes.
Barrick pushed himself to his feet and within
four strides was at the door. He barely had it
open when a hen dressed in garish pink frills
burst in, her beak already moving with the
urgency of terrible news. Oh, Mavis, my dear!
Did the Festival treat you well? I had such a
ghastly time! My husband, Lord Halvemore, bought
me pastries from some foreigner and it left me
with vapors for days! I practically molted my
tail feathers off. So saying she bent forward
and fanned her tail, which was filled with bright
red and orange feathers curling up and over like
a spouting fountain with a single gap near the middle.
The hen held out one of her feet and Barrick
lifted the basin of water to meet it. She swirled
her toes, even as she continued to talk. And
don't get me started on the contests this year.
The jousting was horrible. I've never seen such
poor displays. My husband could have cleared the
lot of them in his prime. And my son, oh Dokorath
help him, what in the world is his wife feeding him. Goodness!
Barrick rolled his eyes, even while Kendrick
stuck his long tongue out and wrapped it over his
face where the hen couldn't see. Both girls
vanished into an adjoining room. Bridgett
appeared so focused on the game nothing else
existed, while Falkirk smiled as warmly as he
could as his grip ever tightened on his chair.
Mavis stepped toward the hen with a calm patience
none of her family seemed to share. Richard
shrank in his seat, chittering beneath his
breath. Patric sighed and moistened his face once
more before finishing off his juice, tail curling
and uncurling around one of the chaise legs.
Her first golden foot cleansed of the dirt, she
lifted her second for the bear to wash. I mean
really, and the feast Duke Thomas served! Hah!
You think we didn't have any produce or grains in
from the fields yet. My husband's lands would
have done better but for the blasted plague
keeping us cooped up here. Truly, I nearly wasted
away hiding in my home. I don't know how you all
managed to keep your business afloat.
Mavis gestured to the pot of cider simmering over
the low flames. Welcome, Lady Halvemore. Is
there anything I can interest you in. Will you be staying long?
Barrick, from behind the hen, shook his head and
mouthed with his supple lips, Please no!
The hen put a golden-scaled hand spreading into a
flightless wing across her chest. Oh, dear
Mavis, you are so good to me. I would waste away
if not for your generosity. Have you anything to
eat? I'm practically famished! I cannot stay
long, there's just so many people to see today.
It's finally safe to leave your home without
having horses and wagon wheels crush your toes. I
just wanted to pass you the news and... her eyes
seemed to see, for the first time, who else was
in the house with her. The hen's red feathers
along the back of her neck rose, her pair of
wattles hanging halfway down her neck shook, and
her small eyes fixed with astonishment upon the
jerboa who sat with hands cradling the empty cup
of cider. He bore no expression, neither smile
nor scowl, toward the gossip. But his eyes never left her.
Oh my, Mavis... Lady Halvemore appeared ready
to harangue her host for letting vermin lose in
her house, but something dissuaded her. Either
fear of the dread Questioner or greater pleasure
in her news, Felsah could not say. Perhaps she
was merely irritated there were no seats
available for her to swoon upon. He was merely
grateful her attention returned to the lady of the house.
Mavis, I came here to tell you, oh my thank
you. She accepted one of the leftover pastries,
plucked large chunks with her beak, and swallowed
without chewing. Delicious! Mavis, you are a
dear, aren't you. My, oh. Within a few more
pecks the pastry was gone and the hen shook the
crumbs from her wattles and feathers. Your cook is as ever excellent.
Falkirk's chin tightened and the wood of his
chair groaned. Felsah knew immediately the pastries were made by Mavis herself.
Lady Halvemore almost swooned in her direction,
clucking a pleased note as she swung her wings
wide and with them the pink frill of her gown.
Ah, yes, I came to tell you and everyone else
who knows them mind you, it is a burden I suppose
I will have to fill of Elsie. You know Elsie,
Lidaman's daughter? Kendrick lifted his head at
the news, though he did not turn to look at the hen.
Mavis was ever polite. Oh yes, we do know Master
Lidaman and his beautiful daughter. We were
honored to attend her wedding to Lidaman's clerk
Gadfrey earlier his year. What of her? Is she
well? Whenever did gossips come with such joie de vivre about good news?
Well as you know, Lady Halvemore replied as she
leaned her tail feathers back against the wall
near the hearth, folding her hands before her
with a self-satisfied turn of her head, Elsie is
pregnant with their first child; the young clerk
has not wasted any time! But and this is the news
I came to bring Oh, it is so terrible, but I must
say it. She's come down with a most malodorous
illness; coughing, sneezing, and the most foul
smelling vapors. She's been in bed now for the
last three days, Mavis. Three days! Master Coe
would have seen her already, but you know he is
always so busy tending wounds from the festival.
Especially with those atrocious fighters; I'm
surprised some of them didn't hit themselves with
their own swords! But, oh, poor Elsie, she's
still waiting. And what with her father the
richest merchant in Metamor! Can you imagine it?
And what about her child? Poor cow, oh my! We
just don't know yet! But I will be sure to let you know once I hear more.
Oh, Elsie! Mavis replied, her face bunched in
genuine concern. Does Master Lidaman not have healers of his own?
Oh he does, but the poor man serving them was
away down south visiting family during the
festival and has not been able to return yet.
Lady Halvemore began fanning herself with her
wing, eyes fluttering and looking to the sky.
And the Lothanasa has not had a chance to see
her, so preoccupied they've been with Samekkh
knows what. It's just so terrible a situation, I tell you!
Felsah hopped to his feet and clasped his hands
in front of him, ears fully erect. Thank you for
bringing us this news, Lady Halvemore. I will see
to it personally the Sisters are able to tend to
Elsie, daughter of Master Lidaman, in her time of
need. They will make sure she recovers and no harm comes to her child.
The hen's feathers lifted along her neck and back
in surprise and, Felsah judged, in irritation. The Sisters?
Patric and Richard climbed off the chaise behind
him. Bridgett looked ready to follow them.
Aye, the Holy Sisters of Mother Yanlin. They
have already tended the sick and dying during the
plague. This task is one they know well. I will
make straight for them now. You have no more need
of worry, for Elsie will recover under their
care. Felsah turned to Mavis and Falkirk. Thank
you Master and Mistress Urseil, for your kind
hospitality. Kendrick, Barrick, Bridgett, we look
forward to seeing you tomorrow at the Convent to
help with repairs. Good day, and Eli's blessings be with you.
The hen clucked several times but could find no
words as Falkirk, Mavis, and the children rose to
see them to the door. They reentered the busy
streets without another word; Felsah hopped with
steady gait but determined jumps toward the
Convent. Only when the Urseil home disappeared
behind them did Patric let out a gasp of breath.
Oh, Father, thank you. I know Lady Halvemore
from... well... she's... her husband is a landed
knight well past his years who lives here in
Keeptowne instead of their land. When she does
come she is almost impossible to get rid of. I
confess I felt an ill satisfaction at seeing her
expression when you told her about the Sisters.
Felsah stopped to let a carriage grind past and
turned to the chameleon and mouse at his sides.
Deacon, we all felt an ill satisfaction and
should offer prayers for her and for the Urseils.
But I meant what I said. We will visit the other
merchant families another day. Let us go to the
Convent and tell Mother Wilfrida.
Shouldn't we visit the Lidaman family first?
Richard asked. You know, to let them know and
make sure we have their permission?
Master Lidaman and his family are Lothanasi,
Felsah noted as he resumed hopping. The request
will be more readily accepted coming from Mother
Wilfrida and the Sisters than it will a Questioner.
The mouse could only squeak as he rushed to keep up.
----------
The Convent had once been several homes ransacked
and burned during the Winter Assault; they were
now mostly rebuilt so the nuns had walls and
warmth and a place to worship together. The
garden in the midst of their home had its first
growth a week past. The additional rooms they
wished to build for study, work of any trade, and
even a common place to eat were still rubble,
though a few foundations had been laid. The
entire company of sisters spent a few hours every
day cleaning out the refuse in and around the
lands they'd been given, and with the help of
many Follower Keepers, adding in new sections of
floor, wall, and roof. Each week saw a new room
ready for use, and the gifts they received of
food and clothing had blossomed into full
storehouses they were ready to open and offer to
any Keeper in need no matter whether they
worshiped Eli or the gods of the Lothanasi. Even
the Rebuilders of Metamor spoke well of them
while wagging their heads in private.
The main entrance to the Convent was near the
center of a long stone wall and featured a pair
of solid oak doors on which a stylized 'Y'
surmounted by the yew had been painted. Father
Felsah knew it was Mother Wilfrida's dream to
have it fashioned from bronze and inlaid within
the oak. She also dreamed of replacing the stone
wall, which had been assembled from whatever
stone was available and easy to cut, with larger
custom blocks to provide better warmth in the
Winter and minor ornamentation to help show their
place within the city. It would be years yet
before either were realized, but Felsah suspected it would only be a few.
He rapped as loudly as he could upon the oak door
and hopped down the large flat steps next to
Patric and Richard to wait. He did not have to
wait long, as one of the sisters, apparently a
girl of twelve with freckled face where her habit
did not cover it, opened the door wide for them.
Good morning, Father Felsah, Deacon Patric,
Richard. What can we do for you today?
We are looking for Mother Wilfrida, Felsah said
as he hopped through the doorway, tail lashing
back and forth as he stepped around to more fully
face the girl. Her name came to him a moment
later. Is she in, Sister Perpetua?
Aye, Father. But you will have to wait here.
Mother Wilfrida already has a visitor. I will go
and announce you. Perpetua bowed her head and
offered a faint smile to each of them before
disappearing down the hall along the main hall
and into another doorway. At the far end of the
hall they could see part of a wall still being
built and could hear the sounds of a few Keepers
talking as they moved stone and wood about. Two
other nuns were carrying baskets of rumpled
cloths at the other end of the corridor, but they saw no one else.
Patric eased the door shut behind him after
making sure both his and Richard's tails were
clear. Felsah could see smiles on both of their
beastly faces. If it were not just the three of
us here at Metamor, I'd suggest we spend some
time helping put a few more stones in their
walls. Felsah took a deep breath, his whiskers
fanning outward, before he lifted a foot to
scratch behind his ear. It brings me great joy
to see Keepers here every day helping.
Just having the Sisters here brings me joy,
Father, Patric admitted. He laced his long
fingers together and the end of his tail curled
into a whorl. I've lived my whole life here and
being a Follower has always made me feel as if I
were a foreigner in my own home. Seeing them here
now... and also you, means Metamor is finally
becoming a city of Followers too.
There's still lots more Lothanasi, Richard
pointed out as he gnawed at the stick Falkirk had
given him. Felsah also felt the urge and lifted
his stick to gnaw. Duke Thomas and most of the
nobility are Lothanasi too. Metamor is one of the
ancient jewels of the Lothanasi. It will take a
miracle to make it a Follower city.
Miracles happen all the time, A quacking,
motherly voice called out to them from a doorway.
Be they large and known by many, or small and
touching a single life or two, they are all
miracles. It is the small miracles, beautiful and
intimate, Eli chooses to use in most of our
lives. His fields are filled with a bounteous
array of wildflowers, bright and colorful.
Amongst them he places a few delicate rose
bushes. But roses grow only among thorns,
Richard. Every great miracle is crowned with thorns.
Waddling toward them in her black habit was a
dull-feathered mallard, wing-hands much like Lady
Halvemore's folded serenely before her in a
posture ready for prayer. Her long orange bill
and the creases in her face and feathers seemed
locked in a peaceful smile. At her side was a
small beast child dressed in badly cut and
stained linen and ill-fitting trousers. His
sandy-colored fur was marked by black rings
around the eyes, black paws, and a black tip at
the end of his long, thick tail jutting out
behind him and dragging across the stone. He had
short round ears, wide eyes, and many little
sharp teeth. There was a manic energy about him even when he stood still.
Mother Wilfrida, Felsah greeted, inclining his
head, allowing the warmth in his heart to spill
over into his words. Eli's blessings be with you.
And with your spirit, Father Felsah. Her
bright, beady eyes captured them as if they were
being hugged beneath her wing. Deacon Patric, it
is so very good to see you again as well. And
Richard, have faith and hope in Yahshua; He will
make this city His jewel in time as well. You
play no small part in it, my dear mouse.
Richard murmured an embarrassed thanks before
shoving his stick between his incisors again.
Now, if you'll pardon me, but I must see this
good young man to the door, Mother Wilfrida
stretched one wing atop the beast child, who
smiled brighter beneath it. The two mice stepped
and hopped out of the way while Patric opened the
door for her. Kuna, this is Father Felsah,
Deacon, Patric, and Richard. Richard is a
seminarian and will be a Deacon in another year
or two. They would certainly love to hear of your
friends and give what help they can.
The meerkat stood taller on short haunches, hands
dangling in front of him as his triangular snout
pointed at each of them in turn. Oh, um.... Hi!
Before any could greet him, the boy dropped to
all fours and darted out the door, tail bouncing
after him. He disappeared around a bend and was gone.
Wilfrida sighed and folded her wins before her.
Oh, Kuna! She lifted her bill and with one
sweep took in the three men. What brings you
here, Father Felsah? Father Hough informed me you
three would be the only ones from the Cathedral
here in Keeptowne for the next two weeks. I had
thought managing the parish would have kept you too busy to visit.
And it is for parish reasons we are here, as it
were. But first, who was the young lad? A meerkat
I believe; it has been years since I have seen any. His name is Kuna?
Aye, Father. He has been visiting since early
May. He is a child only because the Curses of
Metamor made him so; he is very much a child, but
many times I have seen the man hidden within him.
He lives with other children orphaned during the
last attack on the city. Some are cursed so who
find life on the streets easier, but most are
actual children whose families were slain. He
will not tell me where they are, but he wants us
to help find them homes. Kuna comes by every few
days for a short visit. Last week I finally
convinced him to start coming during the day and
to come inside so we could talk more comfortably.
He is a bright boy; I think he wants to help the
children because he's never helped anyone before.
I have mentioned the children to Father Hough.
He has not told me of them, Felsah noted.
I told him not to tell anyone else just yet.
Kuna is afraid of what might happen if the Watch
finds the orphans. They are stealing their food, Father.
How does he expect you to help them if you
cannot tell anyone about them? Richard asked, brows furrowed and ears lifted.
Eli will show us in time, Wilfrida replied with
serene confidence complimented with an
exclamatory quack. For now I am merely
suggesting things to Kuna to help him and the
orphans and to keep them out of trouble. I am
also teaching Kuna what little he lets me. He
said his first prayers today; one of those little
miracles Eli loves to grow in His fields.
Chagrined, Richard resumed gnawing.
I will let you know if we ever see him in the
Cathedral. Felsah took a half step closer to the
nun. We are here to ask for your help, Mother
Wilfrida. Elsie, the daughter of Master Lidaman
the moneylender, is ill and has been for three
days. They are friends of the Urseil family.
Master Coe has not been able to spare the time to
see her, and their own physician is delayed on
the roads. Could you send some of your sisters to tend to her?
The smile on Wilfrida's face stretched. Of
course, Father. Do they know we might be coming?
Perhaps, if any of the Urseils have told them.
They are of the Lothanasi so they may refuse your aid.
We will still offer it. Sister Perpetua?
The young nun appeared around the corner from
which she had moments before disappeared. Yes, Mother Superior?
Find Sisters Mina and Clare and go to Master
Lidaman's house and see what can be done for his daughter.
Of course, Mother Superior.
One thing more, Felsah added, Elsie is
pregnant. I do not know how far along the child is.
Sister Perpetua, make haste!
Richard lifted a hand. I can guide you to their house.
Excellent. Then it is settled. Wilfrida shook
her tail feathers in pleasure, and glanced
between jerboa and chameleon. Father, if you
have time, would you care to see the state of the
Convent and the other Sisters here?
It would be our pleasure. Thank you. He turned
to Richard and favored his fellow rodent with a
whisker-filled grin. We shall see you at the
Cathedral for Sext. He took a hopping step toward the duck. Lead on, Mother.
----------
May He bless you and keep you in His grace and love,
Charles Matthias
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