Chapter XXVII

“A new visitor to our abbey?” Felix said as the stranger approached. The stranger who walked into the abbey of the Mother and Father was completely covered in bandages. Only his eyes and his scarred lips were exposed. “What can I do for you, brother?”

“You have a redeemer here named Azalea?” the stranger asked.

“I do,” said Felix. “Do you need healing? Or perhaps you wish for comfort?”

“I want to spend some time alone with her,” said the stranger.

“I'll let her know. It will cost you five denarius, and you must understand that if she becomes pregnant with your child the child will stay with us. Any son she bears for you will become a justicar, any daughter a redeemer. Understood?”

“I just want some time alone with her,” said the stranger as he handed over the gold coins. “I don't care about the terms of that arrangement, just make it happen. I've waited too long for this already.”

As Felix took the money and left to find Azalea his stomach turned and his hair stood on end. What did this stranger mean, “I've been waiting too long for this already?” Had he been watching Azalea for a long time, just lusting after her and waiting for his opportunity?

He came to Azalea's room and opened the door. Neither redeemers nor justicars were granted the luxury of privacy, unless they were engaged in sacred relations. Azalea, as Felix entered, read from one of the Mother's holy books.

“Felix,” Azalea said, raising her eyes from the pages of the book. “What news? Have you heard from the justicars in the field? Have they discovered the meaning of Dario's vision?”

“They have not,” said Felix. “I am actually here because a pilgrim requested to see you, by name. He has paid the price for sacred relations. Is there any reason you cannot perform this task at this time?”

Azalea closed her book. “I can't think of any. Show him in.”

“There is one thing that worries me, sister,” said Felix, closing the door behind him and leaning in to whisper close to her. “The stranger not only asked for you by name but also said he's been waiting a 'long time' for this.”

Azalea pulled back. “Eerie.”

“I know. Are you sure you still want to go through with it, knowing that?” Technically, by the rules of their religion Felix could order her to take the stranger into her bed even if she objected and she would be expelled from the order if she refused. But Felix never liked to do that, especially when a pilgrim seemed potentially dangerous.

“No,” said Azalea. “Ugh! Send him away. Tell him I'm not here anymore.”

“As you wish,” said Felix.

Felix returned to the entrance of the abbey, where the stranger still stood. It looked like he had not moved an inch the entire time Felix was gone. Yet, as Felix approached he could see the bandaged-man scanning the abbey with his eyes, looking over every window and door. Taking in every abnormality in the brick.

“I'm sorry,” said Felix as he put the gold back in the stranger's hand. “She's no longer with us. I forgot that Azalea was one of those who left the service of this abbey. The life of a redeemer isn't for everyone.”

“You're lying,” said the stranger. “You really think I would not know? Many have lied to me, and I've learned all too well to recognize the tell-tale signs.”

“I assure you it is the truth,” said Felix, wringing his hands. “In any event, you are not welcome here. Be gone.”

The stranger bowed his head, turned, and walked away. Felix watched until the stranger was long out of sight before returning inside the abbey. He turned to the first justicar he saw and said, “Make sure twice as many justicars are on patrol tonight.”