Sister Ermine almost makes it through the night, but a few hours before dawn, she finds herself awake.
She is beginning to realize that a full night’s sleep may not be meant for her. Maybe she is too use these moments because her lack of sleep is meant to draw her closer to the Watcher. If that is her fate, she is ready to accept it.
Ermine pulls out her finished book and reads through it for the first time. Excitement fills her as she reads through the new guidelines of the Peteran Faith.
In the wee hours of the morning, Ermine decides to visit the village. She could use ingredients for her stew and the night air breeze compliments her uplifted spirits.
Under the new Peteran faith, every believer will show their reverence to the Watcher through the pouring of libations at the end of each Peteran Service. This is where the wine will come in.
Unlike the past, believers will be given a copy of Ermine’s book outlining the new Peteran Faith to be studied and used as a guide for their lives. This will be the first time believers will have text to read on their own to aid them in developing a personal relationship with the Watcher.
The sun rises as Ermine enters the village. She will give each of the four members of the congregation who assisted her in improving the Peteran Faith a new robe as a symbol of their positions as innovators in the rebuilding of the faith.
Ermine returns from the village with a few supplies and a clearer insight on what the New Peteran faith will encompass.
Ermine seeks out Bricklayer Cho and lays a package upon his hands.
“What is this your Grace?” He asks.
“What is this your Grace?” He asks.
“It is all that you will need to worship under the New Peteran faith.”
Cho is very grateful, “Thank you your Grace!” He says before slipping on his new believer’s robe. Ermine follows suit by changing into her own robe.
“Good morning Lady Eilonwy,” Ermine greets the Merchant Princess of Tredony.
Ermine also gives her a package. “Thank you your Grace!”
Eilonwy opens her package seeing a flask of wine, a book on the New Peteran faith and a new robe made of the finest silks. “I am grateful for your gift,” Eilonwy says.
“You are most welcome,” Ermine answers.
Eilonwy changes into her new robes.
Eilonwy changes into her new robes.
Ermine asks around for the location of Sir Ivan. “By the docks,” a villager at the town square informs her.
“Sir Ivan, might I have a word?”
“Of course your Grace.”
“Of course your Grace.”
“In this package you will find a flask of wine, a book on the New Peteran Faith and a robe as thanks for your help in rebuilding faith within the kingdom,” Ermine says giving Sir Ivan his package.
“I humbly thank thee,” Sir Ivan answers slipping on his new robe.
Last, Ermine finds Royal Advisor Kenna next to the training yard. She gives Kenna the last package.
“Thank you your Grace. At first I was not even sure I believed in the Watcher, but your sermon has allowed me to heed her call.”
“You are most welcome Sister Kenna. Allow me to pray the Watcher’s favor over you,” Ermine says before lifting her hands in prayer.
Word has gotten around to Queen Chalyela on how the citizens of the kingdom are excited about the New Peteran faith. She sits on her throne pleased at Sister Ermine’s work.
Chalyela listens to a few petitions to pass the time before going to listen to Ermine’s special sermon.
Ermine decides to rest her head for a few hours. She will need energy if she is to give her sermon on the New Peteran Faith.
Hours later, Chalyela arrives at the church and is pleased to see Sir Ivan in his fine robes.
“Please do not walk away from me again,” she begs.
“Never,” he answers in a whisper, “I just need to be sure.”
“Never,” he answers in a whisper, “I just need to be sure.”
“Yes, you are who I want,” she says answering his unspoken question.
As Sister Ermine enters the sanctuary, a large crowd has already gathered.
“Today is a new day!” She begins in a cheerful voice. Everyone begins to take a seat at the sound of her voice.
“The Watcher has spoken to me and she told me that the people need to know her like they have yet to know her!”
All who are present sit straight up in their pews giving Ermine their full attention.
“The Watcher wants you to study her word for yourself! She wants to be your comforter…your friend!”
“She wants you to learn to pray for yourself. She wants to have a direct relationship with you!”
“Revere her through your libations for she will never forsake you! This my brethren is the outline of the New Peteran faith.”
Sister Ermine is sure that she has served the watcher well.
Though she has completed her sermon, the congregation sits, hungry for more. Their eyes are open, their hearts are full of faith…
…and they are excited about getting to know the Watcher through this New Peteran faith.
