Sister Ermine must return to the castle and see Royal Advisor Kenna in order to get permission to trade places with Blessed Donston.
As she heads toward the castle, the night air carries the weeping and cries of the suffering prisoners at the stocks. Why have I not been aware of the sounds of their suffering before? She asks herself.
Ermine glances at the night sky, sure that the Watcher is gazing down at her – guiding her and never forsaking her.
Ermine spots Advisor Kenna right away. With heavy feet, she makes her way toward her.
“I am here to request that Blessed Donston be set free.”
“You know that we cannot just set him free. Someone will have to take his place or pay his fine.”
“Aye, I am aware. I will take his place.”
Advisor Kenna laughs, “Why would you do that? I guess tis not my business. After all tis your head, not mine. Her majesty told me that you might request this. The papers are on my scribe table, ready for you to sign.”
Advisor Kenna walks away. Ermine can understand why Kenna cannot believe that she is willing to take a stranger’s place at the stocks, but if Kenna had suffered as many sleepless nights as she had, she is sure she would do the same.
Queen Chalyela is standing near the scribe table when Ermine gets there. “Are you sure you want to do this?” She questions.
“It is necessary your majesty.”
The queen shrugs her shoulders as if to say, ‘tis your life’ and walks away.
Sister Ermine reads the release form carefully. There is nothing there to give her indication of how long she is to be locked up in the stocks.
She slowly signs her name.
Under the full night sky, Ermine approaches the stocks. Even from this distance they seem menacing and torturous.
“Your grace, might I have a word?” Ermine turns to see a young injured woman approaching her. She appears to be in need of prayer or charity.
She draws close and before Ermine can say a word, she pulls out a sword. Ermine is not armed and has never found need to possess a sword. She has no means of defending herself.
“What do you want?” Sister Ermine asks frightened.
The thief quickly brings the sword to the good sister’s throat. “I want every simole that you possess in exchange for your life!”
“OK…OK allow me to reach into mine pouch.”
The thief pulls the sword from the sister’s neck and holds it ready to slash Ermine with one effortless motion. “Hurry up!” She demands.
With shaky hands and her heart beating hard in her chest, Sister Ermine reaches into her pocket and pulls out a bag of 20 simoles, all that she has. The thief holds the bag up as if she is weighing it. She appears to be pleased.
“One word of this to anyone and I shall seek you out and slash your throat.”
“You have my word. I will make no mention of this, just please do not hurt me,” Sister Ermine pleads.
Ermine watches as the thief limps away toward the stone mining caves, holding her many injuries.
Feeling pity for this lost soul, as well as grateful that her life was spared, Sister Ermine prays to the watcher.
Only after spending this moment in prayer with the Watcher does Ermine calm down enough to continue with tonight’s mission.
