III


Ally and Emma, still daunted by their task, but bound by duty, rode to the east and the Monastery of the Rising Sun. This was the place where the Four Pointed Cross was hidden, or so said the map.

The women reigned in their horses at the gate, where a kindly old friar led them off to be tied and watered. Ally and Emma walked through the courtyard and towards the old, stone building.

“They’re staring, Ally,” Emma whispered.

The older girl shook her head. “They’re cloistered monks and friars, Emma. Do you know how long it’s been since they’ve seem a woman? But they all have taken sacred vows of chastity.”

Emma still looked a little unsure as Ally wrapped on the door. A few minutes later it was opened and a monk was leading the women down a hallway and to a back office. The monk said they were expected as he knocked on the cell door.

“Come in,” a voice called.

The three entered the room to find the Monsignor sitting cross legged on a mat in the middle of the floor. His eyes were closed and he looked completely at peace. As the mages watched the old man levitated off the ground.

“How…” Emma gasped. “How is doing that?”

“Concentration, my dear girl,” the monk said. “Do you not know our practices? We study and learn the ways of transcending our mortal coils, leave the body behind and let the soul be free to do things most would thing were impossible.”

“Brother Cade is right,” the Monsignor replied as he floated back to the ground.

“But Mistress Isgar already knew that.”

“Ally?” Emma questioned.

“I did,” the other woman said. “But would you have believed me if you hadn’t seen it yourself?”

“I… I don’t know,” Emma said, lowing her head.

Ally continued. “The Monsignor’s traces are so strong he had a direct link to the divine and in times of need he gets visions that will help serve the greater good. Like knowing we would arrive.”

“If you would be so kind, ladies, we will take you to the Cross,” Brother Cade told them.

Emma shuttered as a creepy vibe shot through her. It wasn’t the place, as it was consecrated and holy, but the uneasiness was there, surround the mysterious powers of the men.

As the Monsignor led them down a dark hallway he smiled, sensing the younger girl’s in trepidation. “When men are free of temptations of the flesh their minds can be free. Temperance and fasting from ale and other foods and drink that are unhealthy for the body drops a weight from the soul, causing meditation to be a truly uplifting experience. Couple that with being segregated from the horrors of the world and true spirituality and nirvana can be achieved.”       

“And you have reached this state?” Emma asked, her intrigue growing by the minute.

“I have,” the Monsignor answered. “Myself and very few others.”

Reaching the end of the hall the old man pulled a key from his robe and unlocked a door. Stepping through he took a torch from the wall and handed it to Brother Cade. The Monsignor descended the stairs in total darkness and the monk followed, walking backwards so that the women could see the steps in the torch light.

Emma was in speechless awe and even Ally was impressed by the concentration of the two men. Once at the bottom the monsignor pulled another torch from the wall and led the way into an underground cavern.

“Brother Cade has not yet had his final test,” the Monsignor said, seemingly out of the blue. “His time of trial coincides with your quest, so you are destined to be here and you are worthy to take the Cross.”

“What test?” Emma asked.

“The boys that are sent here never go past the courtyard gates,” Brother Cade told her. “I have not seen the outside world and it’s temptations since I was five-years-old. My final test is to set foot past the gates and face the temptations and evil of the world. If I return and still have my gifts then I am truly worthy.”

“And if you fail?” Ally asked.

“Then I return and make amends. If the tarnish on my soul is redeemable then I will be able to reclaim my gifts through prayer.”

“And if it isn’t?” Emma all but whispered the question.

“Men who have sinned too greatly rarely see the need to return here,” the monsignor said sadly. “But Brother Cade is ready for the test. Will you aide him in this time of need?”

Ally reflected for a moment. “He may accompany us on this journey.”

“Thank you, dear lady,” Brother Cade replied. “I hope my skills can serve you well.”

“Come.” The monsignor’s statement was simple and compelling.

The four walked to a curtain in the back of the cavern. When it was pulled back an alcove was revealed. There was a ceremonial fire burning encircled by a trench filled with water. They was an air shaft in the cave wall and a gentle breeze filled the space. Then there was a stone alter dusted with leaves, flowers, and dirt.

The four elements in harmony. And upon the alter, on a glass stand, was the Four Pointed Cross.