The small grey car stops just outside the tall iron gates. The male driver and female passenger study the gates and the stone wall around them for a time. Then the driver turns to his passenger.
“You need anything, you contact me. Okay, Princess?” The petite dark haired woman nods. She leans over for a kiss before getting out of the car. Then she goes around to the trunk for a full old backpack, which she slings over one shoulder. Going over to the gates, she tugs on a rope clearly marked Bell. A clang reverberates through the otherwise still morning air. A couple minutes later, a middle aged man appears. “I am Reverend Brewn, head of this Order of Faith colony. What do you seek, child?” “A place of quiet to rest and think.” The man opens the gates. “Then come in and welcome,” He waits until she is inside before closing the gates and speaking again, “What should we call you?” “I'm Serena Hawklan.” The reverend glances at the rings on her left hand, but only says, “Our guest quarters are this way. Once you are settled in, I will show you the chapel. You are welcome to remain as long as you need.” “Thank you.” As the pastor and the woman walk away from the gates, the car pulls away and disappears along the road into Ravenblue proper. It isn't far from the gate to a long low building housing several small apartments. Reverend Brewn ushers Serena into the first one and hands her a key. “It was not possible to provide our guests with their own kitchens,” He watches her look around the small living room of the suite, “You may either join those who use the communal dining hall or request your meals be brought here.” “I'd like them brought here for now, please.” Serena glances into the equally small bedroom before setting her bag just inside. “And, as I said, I will show you the chapel, which is always open to those seeking to meditate and pray. There are also services held morning and evening, which you are welcome to attend.” “Could we go now?” Serena quickly glances into the tiny washroom. “If that is your wish.” Reverend Brewn leads her back outside and allows her time to lock the guest suite door before leading her across the way to an older building. Inside the doors, they pass through a small entrance and into the chapel sanctuary. Serena glances over the rows of cushioned wooden pews facing a raised dais. The only thing on the dais is a pulpit, but mounted high on the wall behind is a carved representation of a man with his face and hands raised. The pastor watches the woman look around. “Are you familiar with the tenets of the Order of Faith?” “Not especially.” Serena seats herself in one of the very back pews. “How about our history?” “That I did look up,” The woman studies the carving above the pulpit, “When I was considering where to go.” Reverend Brewn nods to himself. “Would you like me to leave you for now?” “For now,” Serena nods, “I should be able to find my way back to my rooms.” “Someone will bring your meal at noon.” “Thank you.”
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AuthorAlexandra A. 'Lexa' Cheshire is the author of numerous novels and short stories published through Howling Wolf Books. Lexa is a wife, mother, cat owner, and music lover. Archives
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