Page 9 of Raven's Rise
“They are not nearly as beautiful as you,” he said, his voice low and urgent. “Even though they are among the more remarkable stones I’ve seen, they are nothing next to you.”
Warily, Angelet raised her eyes to look at him. Which of his statements was she to believe? Or any? Was he teasing her, just like all the others?
“It’s truth,” he said, not looking away.
She swallowed. “You say so?”
“From what I’ve seen just in this room? Yes, I say so.”
Angelet wasn’t sure how to reply, and in any case, it didn’t matter, because Otto stood up and called for attention.
“Everyone, everyone! Still your tongues for one moment, for I have something to tell you all. The dinner you are enjoying is a celebration. I wish to acknowledge someone here: none other than our Angelet.” He swept a hand toward her, and after a moment of surprised silence, the crowd began to clap.
“Yes,” Otto said after a moment. “She is such a part of the manor, and so modest that many might not think of her. But tonight is her night.”
Angelet had no idea what he was leading up to, and leaned forward so as not to miss anything.
“How desolate the manor of Dryton will be, upon losing such a singular person,” Otto went on. “Yet it is time for Angelet to follow her destined path. I am pleased to share with you all some excellent news. The abbot of Basingwerke has agreed to accept Angelet as a postulant. She will be escorted there by these fine soldiers, who will keep her safe until she reaches Basingwerke Abbey. Then she will pass through those gates, to begin her life as a holy nun.”
Chapter 4
Angelet could not have heardproperly. The words Otto just spoke made no sense to her. “Postulant,” she murmured, in an uncomprehending echo. “Basingwerke.”
“You intend to take the veil?” the knight at her side inquired. “You didn’t sayyou’rethe person we are to escort.”
She shook her head slightly, as if that could open her ears. “I don’t…”
“Angelet!” Now Otto stood by her side, looming between her and Sir Rafe. “You are extremely fortunate, my girl. I know the news comes as a surprise, but a welcome one, I hope.”
“It is indeed a surprise, my lord,” she said, her mind swirling. “I have many questions!”
“Then I’ll answer them,” Otto said heartily. “This moment in fact, to put your mind at ease. Come with me.” He emphasized his command by putting a meaty hand upon her shoulder.
“Please excuse me, Sir Rafe,” she murmured.
“My lady.” He rose to his feet when she did, a courtesy her own family often ignored. His expression was polite, but when she caught his gaze for a moment, she saw some speculation there, a recognition that the upcoming trip might be in doubt.
But then Angelet was being driven along by Otto, like a lamb before a shepherd’s dog. He directed her to a little alcove in one corner of the great hall. It was shadowed by a curtain that fell halfway across the opening. There was a comfortable padded bench, but Angelet remained standing.
“My lord, we have never spoken of this!” she began. “I’ve no wish for a religious life, and no calling for it.”
“You have visions of heaven, Angelet,” Otto countered.
“I do not want them,” she insisted. “If I could be free of the occurrences, I would do it in a heartbeat…”
“That is what the abbot of Basingwerke offers.”
She blinked several times, as Otto’s words sunk in. “He knows of my visions?”
“He does. Father Mark has reported news of your visions to his superiors, along with some details of what you recorded. Other visitors have their own tales too. Some are quite moved by what you claim to have seen, and by the scenes you’ve created out of mere thread and cloth.”
“I do not seek fame for what I experience. Only an end.”
“An end is precisely what you will find at Basingwerke. The abbot there has seen similar instances before. If you are merely sick, you will be treated. If you truly experience divine visions…well, what better place for you to be than in a house of God?”
“But at the cost of remaining there? For the rest of mylife?”
“Everything comes with a cost, Angelet.”
