SISTERS OF THE MOON BY ALEXANDREA WEIS EXCERPT
A figure emerged, creating a shadow in the doorway that blocked part of the light. Shrouded in a gray, thick woolen fabric, the individual moved onto the porch.
A woman’s face, round and appealing, came to rest beneath
the rays of Lars’s lantern. She looked out beneath a white wimple, covered by a veil, her vibrant blue eyes radiated warmth and caring. Her pink lips matched the blush in her cheeks. A pointy chin jutted just over the edge of her high collar and added to the pleasing symmetry of her features.
Durra spotted the rosary beads hanging from her black woven belt, and all the comfort the woman’s countenance had inspired melted. The silver cross around her neck caught the lamplight.
“A convent?” Emily said a little too loudly. “You brought us to a bunch of nuns?”
Lars raised his hand to strike, but the elegant woman stepped between Emily and Lars without showing any fear.
“Do not hurt her.”
Her voice was firm, but the command surprised Durra. Other slaves she had met along her travels always warned her that nuns were cruel. They claimed the nuns’ beatings were supposed to bring the fallen closer to God, although the tactic seldom worked.
Lars lowered his hand. “I brought three. I figured you might need more helpers.”
She walked closer, taking in the girls with a tilt of the head. “I told you never to come this late. It will be dark soon, Herr
Brelhoff.”
Lars removed his wet cap and gave a penitent bow.
“I know, and I’m sorry, Sister, but I couldn’t wait until morning.”
Emily, emboldened, stepped away from the girls. “Where are we?”
The nun came up to them and eyed the rope binding their wrists. “You are now on Die Wächter Island, and this is the Convent of St. Gertrude. I am Reverend Mother Amelia, the Mother Superior here. You may call me Mother Amelia or
Reverend Mother while you are staying inside our walls.”
“Die Wächter means the keepers,” Leida said, her voice cracking with fatigue. “Keepers of what?”
Mother Amelia’s kind smile crinkled the corners of her eyes.
“Faith, of course.”
Copyright © 2020 by Alexandrea Weis
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